Travel Tips
Sri Lanka
Ancient cities, tea-covered hills, safaris and palm beaches all sit close together on this island.
- Capital
- Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (Colombo is the commercial capital)
- Currency
- Sri Lankan rupee (LKR)
- Language
- Sinhala, Tamil, English
- Best overall
- December to March for the south and west, May to September for the east
- Emergency
- Police 119, ambulance 1990
- Electricity
- 230V, plug types D, G and M
Top Destinations
Most visitors need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) in advance. Apply only through the official government site. Passport validity rules vary, so check the requirements before you book.
Read about visa on arrival, e-visas and online registration →
Still have specific visa questions?
Two monsoons affect different coasts. The south and west are best from December to March, and the east from May to September.
Not sure which month suits your trip?
Sigiriya
An ancient fortress on top of a huge rock.
Kandy
A lakeside city with the Temple of the Tooth.
Ella
Green tea hills and viewpoints.
Yala National Park
Safari country, known for leopards.
Galle
A Dutch-built fort on the south coast.
Need help choosing where to go?
- Days 1 to 3 Sigiriya
- Days 4 to 5 Kandy
- Days 6 to 7 Ella, by the scenic train
- Day 8 Yala National Park
- Days 9 to 11 Galle
Want a route planned around your dates?
- The Kandy to Ella train is famous, so book early.
- Hiring a driver is a popular and affordable way to get around.
Not sure how to get between places?
- Carry cash in rupees for small places, as cards are mostly for hotels and larger shops.
- Buy an eSIM before you fly or a local SIM on arrival, so maps work from day one.
Questions about costs, cash or SIM cards?
- Rice and curry.
- Hoppers: bowl-shaped crispy pancakes.
- Kottu roti: chopped flatbread stir-fry.
Want tips on what and where to eat?
- Cover your shoulders and knees at temples, and remove shoes and hats.
- Never pose with your back to a Buddha image, which can cause serious offense.
Planning a trip to Sri Lanka?
Book a one-on-one call and bring your questions about your route, costs and visa.
Information on this page may change, so please confirm the latest visa and entry requirements and your government travel advice on official websites before you travel.