Have you ever determined to go to Sri Lanka? Take a look at our 2 weeks Sri Lanka itinerary, good for first-timers, and maintain studying to search out out vital issues to know earlier than visiting Sri Lanka!
Sri Lanka is definitely considered one of my favorite nations on the planet. I’ve been there twice, and I truly look ahead to visiting Sri Lanka once more. Full of tradition, a wealthy historical past, unbelievable wildlife, lush nature, beautiful seashores, and extremely pleasant locals, this nation with a troublesome, violent previous is considered one of Asia’s gems.
Chances are you’ll assume its proximity to India could make it fairly comparable – I believed the identical earlier than my first journey to Sri Lanka – but, as quickly as you get there, you’ll perceive that it’s not fairly prefer it.
That is, fairly merely, a novel nation – one which try to be visiting as quickly as potential.
If you’re visiting Sri Lanka quickly, and are on the lookout for helpful data and issues to know earlier than you go, you’re in the correct place. Right here, I’ll share some helpful ideas that may aid you plan your journey to Sri Lanka and profit from the nation as soon as there.
What You Should Know Earlier than Visiting Sri Lanka
1) Sri Lanka has 2 monsoon seasons
Chances are you’ll be questioning what the greatest time for visiting Sri Lanka is. Let me let you know: that is the trickiest query ever! Certainly, Sri Lanka has two totally different monsoon seasons, and in case you are not accustomed to them it’s actually laborious to type them out.
In idea, the northeast monsoon goes from December to March; and the southwest monsoon from June to October. To make a protracted story quick, you’ll be able to count on rain in Sri Lanka all year long – which is what makes it so lush and inexperienced.
The excellent news is that rain doesn’t normally final all day (besides that one time I used to be in Galle, however this can be a totally different story), and regardless of whenever you go, you’ll be able to count on lovely, sunny and heat days and plenty and many solar – and excellent seaside climate.
That is to say that any time is an effective time to go to Sri Lanka! To argue this case a bit extra, let me let you know about my expertise.
For my first journey to Sri Lanka, I traveled between the top of August and mid-September, which is when the southwest monsoon is meant to happen. Days had been principally sunny and heat, there have been a few showers throughout the night time, and simply a couple of times it rained throughout the day.
The second time I visited Sri Lanka was between October and November, and simply as effectively there have been principally sunny days, with showers principally taking place within the late afternoon.
Peak season within the southern province is from November to January, which the biggest crowds entering into December for Christmas and New Yr’s. Peak season on the east coast is from June to August.
One other helpful factor to know earlier than you go to Sri Lanka is that there truly are just a few totally different climates. Although a lot of the nation is kind of heat all year long, the Hill Nation, the place Ella, Nuwara Eliya, and Kandy are positioned, is colder, so your itinerary is taking you there ensure that to carry a hotter jacket and lengthy pants- You’ll be able to count on night time temperatures to go right down to 17° C (62° F) and at the same time as chilly as 13° C (55° F).
2) There is just one worldwide airport
Properly truly, technically there are two. One is Bandaranaike Worldwide Airport, positioned at about 30 km north of Colombo, the primary metropolis in Sri Lanka (not the capital, btw!) and truly nearer to Negombo. The opposite is Mattala Rajapaksa Worldwide Airport, and is near Hambantota, within the south of the nation.
The overwhelming majority of individuals visiting Sri Lanka truly fly into Bandaranaike Worldwide Airport, for the reason that selection of flights is way wider. One thing price making an allowance for when planning your journey!
3) It’s a small nation, nevertheless it takes some time to discover
Public transportation in Sri Lanka works fairly effectively and all cities and even essentially the most distant villages are effectively related. Buses and trains could also be previous, sluggish, and crowded however they’re enjoyable to make use of (although prepare journey is considerably extra scenic); they’re actually filth low-cost and they’re extra dependable than you’d think about.
The most effective and most snug method to transfer round Sri Lanka is definitely by personal automobile – you’ll be able to lease a automobile with a driver to cowl the longest distances, however don’t count on it to be low-cost: a 3-4 hour drive can simply value you $150 USD.
Overseas vacationers want a particular driving license to lease a automobile when visiting Sri Lanka: aside from a sound driving license, an Worldwide Driving Allow is required. Contemplating that driving in Sri Lanka is kind of hectic, you’re higher off simply renting a automobile with a driver.
One factor to remember is that touring round Sri Lanka will be actually sluggish. Roads are slender and the mountain chain at its middle means a lot of windy turns that may make your abdomen churn. Add the odd cow or canine on the highway, monkeys leaping right here and there, and even elephant crossing (I’ve seen these too) and also you get the thought – even quick distances will take you some time.
My suggestion is to not pack your itinerary, as a result of chances are you’ll find yourself spending your time simply transferring from place to position.
Inside cities, and of their speedy environment, you’ll be able to transfer round by tuk-tuk. Make certain to at all times haggle the costs a bit. Apparently, there’s a meter system for tuk tuks that locals know, however in case of doubt simply agree on a value earlier than you hop on.
4) You want a visa for Sri Lanka
Visa on arrivals can be found in Sri Lanka, and price the equal of $40 USD. Getting one is definitely simple however time-consuming as there are solely a few counters on the airport, and chances are you’ll find yourself caught in line for some time. It’s significantly better and quicker to really apply to get a visa on-line. Vacationer and Enterprise ETA permit a most keep of 30 days and a double entry within the nation.
Make certain to test whether or not you truly must pay to your Sri Lanka visa, because the nation has waived the charge for a lot of nations. You continue to have to use to get by means of customs, however you gained’t should pay.
5) A guided journey to Sri Lanka could also be a good suggestion
An impartial journey to Sri Lanka is actually a variety of enjoyable, and since public transportation is reasonable and works effectively, chances are you’ll as effectively do it. If you’re not a fan of planning, or you may have restricted time within the nation, chances are you’ll need to depart the group to the specialists and simply fear about having enjoyable, and go to Sri Lanka on a guided tour.
Alternatively, you’ll be able to decide to rent guides for the day – that is particularly price doing in historic locations like Kandy or Sigiriya.
6) Sri Lanka will be costly
For those who assume your journey to Sri Lanka can be filth low-cost, you’ll be in for a shock. Sri Lanka is just not costly, nevertheless it actually isn’t as low-cost as different locations in Asia similar to India and Vietnam, particularly in relation to lodging: luxurious resorts and boutique accommodations will be fairly costly, and though there are funds lodging choices, try to be ready for costs which might be a bit dearer than these of different Asian nations.
The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) is the official foreign money of the nation and the one accepted in any respect vacationer points of interest in Sri Lanka. On the time of writing, the alternate price is as follows:
There are ATMs and foreign money alternate in all cities, and far much less within the smaller villages. Take into account that some playing cards don’t work, so having two totally different ones belonging to 2 totally different circuits could also be a good suggestion.
Solely the most effective accommodations within the nation – just like the famous Cinnamon Hotels chain – take funds with bank cards. In any other case, money is king.
7) It’s an ideal wildlife vacation spot
Sri Lanka is an incredible wildlife destination, so ensure that to think about sufficient time for a safari or two throughout your journey to Sri Lanka.
Nationwide parks similar to Kaudulla and Minneriya are recognized for the biggest elephant gatherings; Mirissa and Trincomalee, relying on the season, are nice locations to identify whales and dolphins. Yala Nationwide Park has the very best focus of leopards in Asia (although to be honest recognizing them is extremely laborious). Monkeys, crocodiles and colourful birds are simple to see anyplace within the nation.
8) And nonetheless comparatively undiscovered
Opposite to different nations in Asia, Sri Lanka is hardly crowded with vacationers. Chances are you’ll sometimes go to a spot the place you must get in line to get in – that was my expertise on the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy, the place nonetheless most individuals ready to go to had been truly locals!
For sure, some locations in Sri Lanka get extra vacationers than others. For instance, Ella is now an enormous backpacker hub; Galle is the most well-liked vacationer vacation spot; and Arugam Bay and Weligama are in style within the surfers neighborhood. Having stated that, you’ll hardly should battle for a spot on the seaside!
9) There’s tons to see and do in Sri Lanka
For as mall as it’s, Sri Lanka is full of attention-grabbing sights and issues to do, and one journey to Sri Lanka is actually not sufficient to go to all of it – I’ve been twice, and I’ve barely scratched the floor!
What’s greatest, is that when visiting Sri Lanka you actually have an unbelievable vary of issues to do. You’ll be able to spend your days browsing or being lazy on the seaside; working towards yoga in a retreat; exploring archeological websites similar to Sigiriya and Buddhist and Hindu temples – ensure that to not miss Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Dambulla; mountaineering the mountains round Ella; visiting waterfalls; occurring a safari or whale watching; tasting tea; visiting the villages and far way more.
10) It’s a protected nation
Sri Lanka is commonly perceived as a harmful nation. Sure, the nation gone by means of 20 years of civil struggle – however this stopped in 2009. A state of emergency was declared in March 2018 following clashes between Buddhist and Muslim communities in Kandy. Although the saddest information in recent times was a sequence of terrorist assaults in opposition to accommodations and church buildings in Colombo, Batticaloa and Negombo on Easter Sunday in 2019.
Authorities journey advisory are sometimes fairly alarmist, and whilst you ought to undoubtedly seek the advice of them, I consider that the choice whether or not or to not go to Sri Lanka is finally yours. Positive sufficient, when visiting Sri Lanka you’ll shortly notice its status of being an unsafe place is undeserved.
My expertise there throughout my first and second journey to Sri Lanka has been completely improbable, and I by no means felt unsafe – although I do know that verbal harassment in opposition to feminine vacationers can happen. Having stated so, I undoubtedly advocate to maintain a low profile (however you’ll hear me say this for just about anywhere on the planet); don’t flash costly jewellery and take with you simply sufficient money as chances are you’ll want for the day.
One other factor chances are you’ll need to be careful for is “Poya” – the total moon, which in Sri Lanka is at all times a public vacation. Though alcohol consumption in Sri Lanka is hardly a problem, and through Poya outlets can’t promote alcohol, you will notice many locals refill the day earlier than, and a few could drink excessively and turn into fairly loud.
Sri Lanka police will be reached at 1912 and the quantity for emergencies is 119.
Scams in opposition to vacationers in Sri Lanka aren’t widespread, however chances are you’ll sometimes come throughout very persistent tuk tuk drivers or vacationer guides in websites which need to take you round. A well mannered however agency “no thanks! is at all times one of the simplest ways to cope with them.
11) You’re higher off dressing modestly
From this viewpoint, Sri Lanka is extra just like India than to different Asian nations and folks are usually fairly conservative. A fast stroll down the road and you’ll instantly discover that regardless of the warmth each women and men are absolutely dressed, overlaying their shoulders, chest and legs – and you’re higher off doing the identical, particularly should you intend to go to Buddhist temples. Sporting quick and tank tops is okay in case you are at a seaside vacation spot, however by all means don’t stroll down the road in a bikini!
12) The Wi-Fi scenario in Sri Lanka
First rate web is obtainable at most accommodations and visitor homes, although the velocity is first rate at greatest and essentially the most remoted locations gained’t supply any. Actually, some locations are so remoted that there no telephone reception in any respect.
You should purchase native SIM playing cards with knowledge plans for very handy costs as quickly as you land – there’s a place on the airport the place you’ll be able to actually get it in beneath 5 minutes. It’s a great way to remain on-line and to make use of Google Maps to calculate distances and touring occasions (particularly when having to haggle with tuk tuk drivers).
13) Procuring in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka isn’t precisely purchasing paradise (apart for Galle!), but the native markets are enjoyable to discover they usually have number of issues to purchase. Spices and pure coconut oil will be discovered for very low-cost costs. Store house owners typically attempt to push the terrible elephant pants, whereas there are a lot nicer garments to purchase.
Haggling costs at markets is a should!
14) Individuals in Sri Lanka are pleasant
One of many greatest perks of visiting Sri Lanka is assembly the locals. Individuals are at all times pleasant, variety and usually useful, and though they might not converse English fluently (the primary languages are Sinhalese and Tamil), you’ll find that the majority do know not less than some, particularly in the most well-liked vacationer locations, they usually actually do their greatest to make themselves understood.
Having stated so, chances are you’ll need to familiarize with just a few sentences earlier than your journey to Sri Lanka:
-
- Ayubowan = actually means “could you reside lengthy” nevertheless it’s simply used to say hiya.
14) Accountable journey in Sri Lanka
The usage of animals in vacationer points of interest in Sri Lanka is sadly nonetheless fairly widespread, and tourism is impacting Sri Lanka wildlife. I noticed dancing monkeys in Anuradhapura; charmed snakes in Galle, and folks using chained elephants close to Sigiriya. Please keep away from collaborating in such actions: guides, house owners of visitor homes and tuk-tuk drivers could attempt to promote “elephant safaris” however a agency no it the one method to reply.
Go for an moral vacation as a substitute – this Guardian article is an attention-grabbing learn on the subject.
There are many stray animals in Sri Lanka – cats, however particularly canine. You’ll be able to help one of many native organizations that fend for the animals and assist in their sterilization. There’s just a few of them that take donations. Considered one of them, Embark, has a stunning store in Galle the place you should buy garments and souvenirs and all earnings go to the care of animals.
15) Meals in Sri Lanka is scrumptious
One of many unmissable issues to do when visiting Sri Lanka is making an attempt all of the scrumptious fruit. Actually, you would forego all meals and simply gorge on recent mango, bananas, papaya, pineapple, and so forth. Besides, meals is scrumptious and you’ll want to strive it. Curry is the commonest meal, and you’ll have it in simply 1,000,000 methods. Avenue meals is definitely discovered anyplace and is ideal for a fast meal or a snack.
The most typical meat is hen, and on the coast you could find a lot of fish and seafood too. Beef is just about unimaginable to return by, in addition to pork – I believe I’ve solely seen it at some luxurious resort. Alternatively, there are many wonderful vegetarian and even vegan choices out there.
The one factor you have to know earlier than visiting Sri Lanka is that there aren’t many eating places – not in the way in which we consider them in Europe or North America, not less than. There are just a few in massive cities like Colombo, Negombo, Kandy and in Galle and Ella, that are the most well-liked vacationer locations. Apart from that, chances are high you’ll have to eat at your lodge or on the visitor home – the place host households will dish out a meal of large proportions for a really affordable value.
16) However faucet water is just not protected to drink
Don’t ever dare to assume faucet water throughout your journey to Sri Lanka – it’s not protected to drink. If you wish to keep away from shopping for plastic bottles, ensure that to hold a Lifestraw Bottle with a filter.
17) It’s hardly a celebration vacation spot
Sri Lanka isn’t precisely a celebration vacation spot so don’t go there should you anticipate finding wild nightlife, events, and the like.
Take into account that some locals do drink (besides throughout Poya, that’s). The drink of selection is usually arrack (a spirit distilled from coconut flower sap). Beer is obtainable, however not so good to be trustworthy.
