Whether you’re looking for a beach getaway, a hike in the hill country, a cultural pilgrimage, or just a luxurious vacation – a Sri Lanka trip would cater to your preferences. Here’s a list of things that you must know before your next trip to Sri Lanka to make it that much more of a unique experience.
Safety First
Sri Lankan borders have been re-opened to most travelers across the globe. Travelers do, however, require a Visa to travel into the country. Currently, there are a few COVID-19 related restrictions in the country, implemented to promote safety and well-being of all. Sri Lanka does not require vaccinated tourists to quarantine upon arrival, nor does it enforce a minimal number of days for their stay. To view a comprehensive list of our COVID-19 travels protocols, click here.
Know the Best Times
Despite being a small island, the weather and climate vary by a considerable margin. The decisive factor would be the monsoon seasons. Travelers visiting the cultural triangle, the southern or western coast would experience the best season from December through April. To those venturing towards the eastern coast, the best time to travel would be between the months of May and October.
Plan the Tour Upfront
This could be the biggest and most decisive task of your journey, especially if it’s your first Sri Lanka trip. However, this can be a hassle-free experience if you were to hire a professional tour service. A well-planned tour could be the difference between getting to see the best Sri Lanka has to offer and just barely scratching the surface with a few tourist attractions thrown in. It’s best if you can get the help of an experienced tour service provider like us to cater to your requirements.
Buy a Local Sim
When it comes to having a great journey, minimizing your worries is key. Would you rather subject yourself to expensive phone bills and paid Wi-fi networks, or enjoy the low rates and unlimited packages on your data usage with a local sim? Gone are the days of scavenging for public and unsafe Wi-fi networks. Buy a local sim for cheap to enjoy the amazing perks of telecommunication in Sri Lanka.
Take the Unpopular Route
Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations, and you can’t experience something unique if you follow the masses. That’s why you shouldn’t be afraid of going off the beaten path. Professional tour operators like us could help guide you through the lesser-known attractions and local secrets worth your attention! Getting around is quite easy with taxis, tuk-tuks or three-wheelers, and buses. If you’re en-route to Ella on your Sri Lankan trip, then you can’t miss the spectacular train ride!
Dress Conservatively
Tourists are expected to dress conservatively in white and wear less revealing clothing in most cultural sites. Slip-on footwear would be a good option while visiting religious sites as footwear is removed upon entry to the premises. You’ll be fine on your trip to Sri Lanka if you dress for the occasion. You might want to get comfy in cotton clothing and hats, or carry an umbrella, as temperatures usually exceed 25 Celsius, except in the central highlands where you might need a light sweater. Always be prepared for light showers.
Avoid Scams
Sri Lanka is a safe travel destination for tourists; however, situational awareness can’t hurt. There are isolated cases of tuk-tuk scams, unofficial guides, and snatch thefts. The use of a professional tour service provider ensures less interaction with third parties and will keep you away from such scams. However, no matter where you go on your Sri Lanka trip, you’ll be safe if you’re aware and mindful.
Always Carry Cash
Having liquid cash in hand is always a good idea; whether for emergencies or because you want to pick up something from the roadside store. You could exchange your foreign currency once in town in a bank or even right at the airport.
Dollars, Euros, and Sterling are equally accepted, but not everywhere. Carry cards that are internationally accepted (Mastercard or Visa); however, credit card payments cannot be made in foreign currency, and not all goods and service providers accept card payments.
Try Local Food
You can’t have a unique experience on your Sri Lanka trip without tasting the local cuisine! Local food is quite affordable and delicious.
Enjoy a range of dishes and curries that are sweet, sour, or even spicy, and pair it with a plate of rice. In Sri Lanka, there’s a curry for almost everyone. Try out freshly grown local fruits, Faludi, local sweets, and street food for some change and make sure you always carry water for consumption.
Tag Alongside the Locals
Sri Lanka is known for its generous locals. The locals communicate in the Sinhala and Tamil languages, but most of them do speak adequate English. All of them share a common shy smile. Westerners may immediately notice that there’s a lot of head nodding involved in communication. Sri Lankans are also known for their warm hospitality. So don’t hesitate to connect with them to gain insight about life in these parts of the world.
And that’s the list of basics that you must know before your upcoming Sri Lanka Trips.
A Holiday To Sri Lanka is one that anyone would enjoy with just a little preparation. Now that you have all you need to know, why not consider us for planning your next trip to Sri Lanka?
