Travel to Sri Lanka – practical advice

Sri Lanka is a great destination exotic journey. The island offers the opportunity to discover oriental culture, admire tropical nature, and relax on charming beaches. It is no wonder that many people dream of spending their vacation there. You also want to go trip to Sri Lanka? Find out how to prepare for it well!

Sri Lanka is a country that enjoys the reputation of being one of the tourist paradises of Asia. When planning a vacation there, do not forget that it is an exotic country with a different culture, bacterial flora and dangers. Therefore, before traveling to Sri Lanka, it is good to learn more about it. You will find all the most useful information in this article.

Sigiriya in Sri Lanka – called the Lion Rock

Galle – a post-colonial town in southern Sri Lanka

WHEN TO GO TO SRI LANKA?

Before you plan your trip, start by choosing the right date. It can be said that this is a destination where good weather conditions prevail all year round. However, the answer to the question: "when to go to Sri Lanka" depends on which part of the country you plan to visit. On the southwestern coast of Ceylon, the best weather is from December to March. From May to September, the island is influenced by the summer monsoon, which brings abundant rainfall. The remaining months are a transitional period - the weather is rather good, although there may be some rainfall. The northeastern coast of Ceylon, on the other hand, is in the zone of the winter monsoon. In the period from October to January, it brings cool winds and rainfall. The best conditions for a trip here are from February to August. Similar to the south, the remaining months are a transitional period.

DO I NEED A VISA FOR SRI LANKA?

If you are going to travel to Sri Lanka, you will need a visa. You can easily get one at the airport. It will cost you USD 35. You will need a passport that is still valid for at least 6 months. The official may also ask you to show a return ticket. If you want to save money, you can fill out the application online and pay USD 30 by credit card. After a few hours, you will receive a visa form by email, which you will need to print out and take with you to the airport. This will also save you time spent at the airport. Regardless of the method of obtaining the visa, it will allow you to stay in Sri Lanka for 30 days and enter the country twice.

SRI LANKA – WHICH VACCINATIONS SHOULD BE PERFORMED?

Traveling to Sri Lanka does not require any mandatory vaccinations. However, it is worth considering protecting yourself against certain diseases, such as tetanus, diphtheria, hepatitis A and B, and typhoid fever. Some of them are mandatory in Poland - it is worth checking whether they are still up to date in your case. Many people forget that they should repeat the tetanus or diphtheria vaccinations in adulthood.

Travelers most often get vaccinated against hepatitis A and typhoid fever. These two diseases are mainly transmitted through contaminated food. So if you plan to eat only in four- or five-star hotels, they are not necessary. However, if you plan to try street food and the specialties of small, local eateries, it is better to decide on these vaccinations. However, Sri Lanka is an Asian country, and despite everything, you should always be careful about where and what you eat, and also avoid drinking tap water. It is also good to use bottled water for brushing your teeth.

Some travelers also protect themselves against Japanese encephalitis and rabies. However, these are not essential vaccinations – Sri Lanka is at risk of these diseases, but there are other ways to protect yourself. Japanese encephalitis is spread by mosquitoes, which you should protect yourself against anyway (more on that in the next paragraph). However, to protect yourself against rabies, you should refrain from petting unknown animals, especially dogs and monkeys.

Anuradhapura - the ruins of the former capital of Ceylon

UNESCO World Heritage Site - The Rock-Hewn Temples of Dambulla

MALARIA AND DENGUE IN SRI LANKA

Malaria and dengue are two extremely dangerous mosquito-borne diseases that occur in Asia. No effective vaccines have been developed against them so far. Malaria has been present in the country, but the last case of the disease was recorded in 2012. Currently, the World Health Organization certifies that Sri Lanka is a country free from the disease. Therefore, there is no need to take antimalarial prophylaxis before or during the trip. However, dengue is still a problem on the island. This dangerous virus can cause high fever, headaches and muscle pain, weakness, and sometimes rash, vomiting, diarrhea or even hemorrhagic fever. In most cases, the patient has it without symptoms and is often not even aware of the infection. It depends on which of the four types of the virus you are infected with. Fortunately, the most dangerous of them is also the rarest. To protect yourself from dengue, you need to protect yourself from mosquitoes. First of all, before leaving, get a repellent with a high DEET content. Mosquito activity is at its peak around sunrise and sunset, so try to wear long pants and sleeves then. In your hotel room, turn on the air conditioning and close the windows after dark, or if you're staying in a hotel without air conditioning, make sure you have mosquito nets.

SRI LANKA CURRENCY

The currency in use is the Sri Lankan rupee. It is divided into 100 cents, although in practice they are not used. When travelling to Sri Lanka, it is best to take dollars with you – they are the most commonly exchanged, although you can also easily exchange euros and pounds in banks and large hotels. It is better to avoid exchanging money on the streets. Before the transaction, check the current Sri Lankan rupee exchange rate and calculate how much money you should receive. When you receive it, convert it carefully. Also, keep the receipt – it can be useful in case you have some rupees left and you need to exchange them for another currency at the airport. In larger cities, you can easily find ATMs and pay for restaurants or hotels with a card. However, it is good to have a supply of cash with you. You will not be able to pay with a card in markets, small shops, local pubs, or for taxis or rickshaws.

Beaches and Treasures of Ceylon

SRI LANKA - Waikkal, Sigirya, Habarana, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Yala, Tangalla
Pristine beaches, green palms, the best aromatic curry in the world and the downright disarming smiles of the locals, who will often lend you a helping hand. This is the delightful Sri Lanka!

TRANSPORT, OR HOW TO DRIVE IN SRI LANKA

The most popular means of transport in Sri Lanka are definitely buses. Their great advantage is that they reach almost every place on the island. You can choose from two types: air-conditioned buses and cheaper, usually overcrowded public buses. Tickets are usually sold by a cashier accompanying the driver.

In Sri Lanka, you can also travel by train. If you plan to visit the central part of the island, this is a must. During this journey, you will have the opportunity to enjoy beautiful views. The trains and tracks are not the most modern, so the speed of travel is rather low - which is an advantage if you want to admire mountain panoramas.

In cities and for short distances, it is best to travel by tuk-tuks, three-wheeled motorcycles adapted to carry passengers. Remember to agree on the price of the ride at the very beginning – before you get in the vehicle. Otherwise, the driver may demand a significantly inflated amount. Be sure to haggle too – drivers often try to rip off tourists.

During your holiday in Sri Lanka, you can rent a motorbike or scooter. However, keep in mind that traffic drives on the left side of the road. In addition, you may be surprised by various animals on the road - cows, dogs, monkeys, and even elephants! Remember also that Asian road culture is completely different from that known in Europe.

Train ride in Sri Lanka. Route to Ella

Adam's Peak - the fifth peak in Sri Lanka. The views from the top are breathtaking!

SAFETY IN SRI LANKA - CAN YOU TRAVEL HERE WITH CHILDREN?  

Sri Lanka is a relatively safe country. In 2009, the conflict between government forces and the Tamil Tigers ended, and since then there have been no terrorist attacks. However, when traveling to Sri Lanka, watch out for pickpockets, petty thieves, and fraudsters. It is best to leave the bulk of your cash and passport in the hotel safe, and carry only a copy of it with you. You should also be especially careful when swimming - the bottom can be uneven and there are large drops. Therefore, it is better to swim in designated areas or where locals swim.

If you are planning to spend your holiday in Asia with your child, Sri Lanka is one of the best choices. The country is relatively clean and well-organized, and besides, Sri Lankans love children and treat them with extraordinary sympathy. In addition, there are many attractions for the youngest in this country. Your child will be delighted to admire wild elephants or visit ruins hidden in the jungle straight from the adventures of Indiana Jones.

WHAT TO PACK FOR A HOLIDAY IN CEYLON?

When travelling to Sri Lanka, be sure to pack sunscreen and a hat to protect you from the strong equatorial sun. Don't forget about the previously mentioned repellents and clothes with long legs and sleeves to protect you from the evening mosquito attack. Remember that to enter the temples you must have your shoulders and legs covered up to the knees. Clothes made of light, airy materials will work well - you won't get hot in them. In Sri Lanka, you will also need an adapter for an electrical socket - most of them have British-type sockets. If you forget it, don't worry - you can easily buy it on the spot. Remember, however, about your camera, because you will definitely want to capture memories from your holiday. You will also need a handy first aid kit - it is worth stocking it with anti-diarrheal agents.

Sri Lanka and Maldives

SRI LANKA, MALDIVES - Sri Lanka and Maldives - Waikkal, Sigirya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Yala, Tangalla, Maldives
Pristine beaches, green palms, the best aromatic curry in the world, azure water in the Maldives and sand like milky white flour. It will turn out that the vacation of your dreams is becoming a fact!

FOOD – WHAT YOU MUST TRY WHILE IN SRI LANKA?

During exotic travels, in addition to blissful beach time, admiring nature and learning about foreign culture, it is also worth opening yourself up to new culinary experiences. A holiday in Sri Lanka will provide the perfect opportunity for this. Sri Lankan cuisine is similar to Indian cuisine in many ways – it is dominated by spicy flavours, vegetable curry and rice. No wonder – they were brought here by Tamils ​​arriving from the south of India. However, the flavours of both cuisines are slightly different, so even if you know Indian delicacies, you must definitely try local dishes.

The most popular Sri Lankan dish is undoubtedly rice with curry. The sauce can be vegetable or contain various types of meat or fish. Sometimes the rice is replaced with string hoppers, which are rice noodle pancakes. The curry will taste different every time - it will depend on the spice mix, which each chef prepares slightly differently. Fried rice is also a popular dish, which you will find in almost every restaurant.

In Sri Lanka, you'll have the opportunity to try a variety of vadai, or deep-fried snacks. They're a bit like doughnuts, although they're savoury and a bit smaller. They're made from chickpea flour dough combined with various vegetable toppings and spices. You'll find them in restaurants and street stalls alike, as they're a popular, quick snack.

During your holiday in Sri Lanka, you must also try hoppers. They are thin pancakes made of wheat and rice flour with added yeast. They are shaped like round bowls. You pour sauce into them or crack an egg into them. They are most often served for breakfast, although you can also get them during the day.

Another Sri Lankan delicacy is rotti. Although the name may remind you of Indian flatbreads, roti is slightly different. Served in Ceylon, rotti is a thick pancake stuffed with vegetables, eggs or coconut. It is often folded into a triangle or rolled into a roll. It can also be used to make kottu rotti – the pancakes are chopped and fried with various additions – meat, vegetables, curry or egg. It is a very popular street dish.

If you are going to travel to Sri Lanka, you must try the fish and seafood. You will find them freshly caught and perfectly prepared, and at very affordable prices. Jumbo Prawns, which are large shrimp with long legs and extremely tender meat, are particularly popular among tourists.

For dessert, try delicious, sun-ripened tropical fruits. You can also get them in the form of freshly squeezed juices. You can also try a traditional Sri Lankan dessert, which is buffalo milk yogurt with coconut flower syrup. In Ceylon, sweets based on sugar obtained from coconut flower syrup are also popular. They are characterized by a caramel flavor, slightly modified by various additives, such as sesame or coconut flakes. As for alcohol, be sure to try coconut arrack.

Sri Lanka, Galle area – traditional fishing

Tea plantation in the heart of Ceylon

INTERNET ACCESS IN SRI LANKA

Most hotels in Ceylon offer their guests access to free Wi-Fi. However, this does not always mean trouble-free access to fast Internet at any time of day or night. The connection speed often leaves much to be desired. It also happens that hotel owners turn off routers at night. The reason is the changeable weather and the poor condition of the electrical installation. If you need to be in constant contact with the world, consider a local SIM card with access to mobile Internet. For about PLN 3, you can buy a 700 MB package. You can decide on a larger package to be in constant contact with your loved ones, or a smaller one and treat it as a backup in case of an emergency.

BEACHING IN SRI LANKA – THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACES

One of the most charming beaches in the south of the island is the one located near the town of Mirissa. The sand is light and fine, and the sea is blue. The access to the water is quite gentle, but the waves can be quite large here. However, in the area you can find small bays sheltered by rocks, where the water is much calmer. Lovers of seaside bars and restaurants will also be satisfied, as there are quite a few of them here. An alternative to it is the beach in Unawatuna, which boasts excellent tourist infrastructure - you can easily sign up for a surfing course here or use a scooter or water skis. You will also find lively bars, pubs and restaurants here. A big advantage is also the proximity of the beautiful, colonial town of Galle - you can get there by tuk-tuk or bus in just 10 minutes. There is also a nearby Tangalle – a sleepy town where you will find beaches covered in golden sand and ideal conditions for blissful relaxation. Another beach worth visiting in the south of the island is Rekawa Beach. It is a breeding ground for sea turtles, five of their species. It is also one of the quieter beaches on the island – an ideal place for blissful relaxation. The downside is the high waves, which do not allow inexperienced swimmers to swim. If you are a diving enthusiast, consider a trip to Hikkaduwa. The beach here is quite narrow, but the sea hides real treasures. The coral reef is located very close to the shore, so standing in waist-deep water you can observe its inhabitants. You will encounter sea turtles and various species of colorful fish here. You can snorkel here by the shore, or go on a boat trip and try diving in deeper water. However, you have to watch out for the high waves – Hikkaduwa is also a popular resort among surfers.

On the eastern coast, the Nilaveli beaches are the most popular. This is one of the most beautiful places to swim on the entire island. The sand here is fine and almost white, and a kilometer from the shore is the small Pigeon Island, around which you can admire one of the most beautifully preserved coral reefs in Sri Lanka. This is a place for those who value peace more than partying until dawn. Another picturesque beach in this part of Ceylon is Passikudah. ​​It is beautiful, long and exceptionally picturesque. The descent into the water is extremely gentle here, as are the waves - it is one of the safest bathing areas in this part of the island. So it is an ideal place if you are going on vacation with children. The tourist infrastructure is still not very developed here - it is also a great place if you are looking for blissful peace. In turn, surfing enthusiasts will have a great time in Arugam Bay. There are ideal conditions for this sport here - high waves, sandy bottom, and beautiful landscapes.

In the west, beautiful beaches are located in the Waikkal area. The town, from the center of the island, is surrounded by a mangrove forest. Thanks to this, you can also admire the beauty of nature here - numerous birds, colorful butterflies and palm groves. The beaches themselves are also among the most charming on the island. Other beautiful bathing areas in this part of Ceylon are located in the area of ​​Negombo, a small fishing village. In turn, Buruweli is one of the most famous resorts in Sri Lanka. In addition to beautiful beaches, you will also find luxury hotels, SPAs and restaurants here.

NATIONAL PARKS OF SRI LANKA

During your trip to Sri Lanka, make sure to take time to explore the beauty of the local nature. The best way to do this is by going on a safari in the national parks. These are usually explored by jeep. The most popular park for tourists is Yala, which is the most diverse in terms of flora and fauna. It boasts a large population of leopards. You can also see herds of wild elephants, buffaloes, bears, sloth bears, wild pigs, crocodiles, deer, lizards, cobras. Various species of birds also live here: hornbills, herons, kingfishers and cormorants. Udawalawe National Park is also worth visiting. Due to the less lush vegetation, it is much easier to spot animals here. Elephants are most common here, although you can also see buffaloes, crocodiles, sloth bears and various species of monkeys. In the north of the island is its largest park - Wilpattu. It is also home to a large number of Sri Lankan leopards. In the central part of Ceylon, the Minneriya National Park is worth recommending. The best time to visit it is from August to December, and it is especially worth going there in September and October. Elephants gather on the shores of the lake at that time and you can see dozens or even hundreds of them at once. If you want to see these extraordinary animals really close, go to Pinnawela. There is an elephant orphanage there, where 70 to 100 individuals live. These are crippled, old animals and orphaned young ones. You can touch, pet and feed them, and at a certain time you can also watch them bathe. You will also have the opportunity to buy unusual souvenirs - notebooks and cards made of paper made from elephant dung.

The Wealth of Sri Lanka - the Island's Beaches and Treasures

SRI LANKA - Anuradhapura, Sigirya, Dambulla, Kandy, Peradeniya, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Yala, Koggala
The beautiful interior of Sri Lanka, where both places and hotels captivate with their beauty. The program includes everything that is best - places of worship, spice plantations, green tea hills and safari in the National Park. At the end, relaxation on the southern beaches.

SRI LANKA – WHAT IS WORTH SEEING? OUR SAMPLE PROGRAMS 

Sri Lanka is a country very rich in culture. Throughout the island you will find ruins of magnificent temples and palaces, which testify to the island's former glory. One of the most important historical centers of the island is Anuradhapura, the first capital of Sri Lanka. Here you can see gigantic stupas, temples, great Buddha statues and ruins of magnificent palaces. A scion of the Bodhi tree brought from Bodh Gaya in India was planted here, under which the meditating Siddhartha Gautama achieved enlightenment and became Buddha. The tree you can see today is its descendant. Near Anuradhapura is a small town called Mihintale. There is an interesting temple located on the top of a mountain. There are beautiful views of the surrounding area from there.

When traveling to Sri Lanka, you absolutely must visit Sigiriya. It is home to the so-called Lion Mountain, which is the country's calling card. On the top of the two-hundred-meter-high volcanic rock standing here are the ruins of a fortress. On the slope, you will see huge lion paws - the remains of a large sculpture that guarded the way to the mountain. In the past, to get to the fortress, you had to literally walk into the lion's mouth. Unfortunately, the animal's head did not survive the test of time. The road to the top is decorated with numerous, wonderfully preserved paintings depicting mainly beautiful women.

About 20 km from Sigiriya is Dambulla - a small town where you will see a complex of five caves carved in the rock. They are decorated with colorful paintings and Buddha statues. The entrance to the complex is located on a hill from which, in good weather, you can admire the Lion Mountain.

When visiting Dambulla and Sigiriya, it is also worth stopping by nearby Polonnaruwa. After leaving Anuradhapura, it became the capital of the island. Here you will see a huge sculpture of Buddha carved into the stone slope and many other statues, Buddhist stupas, ruins of majestic palaces and remains of great temples.

During your holiday in Sri Lanka, it is also worth visiting Kandy. It is the second largest city on the island, considered its cultural capital. There is a temple here that is the destination of many Buddhist pilgrimages. It houses an extraordinary relic - supposedly the real tooth of Buddha. Twice a day, visitors can see the ornate casket in which it is kept. Unfortunately, the tooth itself cannot be seen.

If you are a fan of trekking and mountain hiking, you must go to Adam's Peak. It is the fifth highest mountain in Sri Lanka. At its peak there is a depression considered to be the footprint of Buddha (by Buddhists), Shiva (by Hindus), the biblical Adam (by Muslims) or even St. Thomas (by Indian Christians). Adam's Peak is therefore a pilgrimage destination for followers of various religions. The climb takes about 3 hours. There are about 4,5 stairs leading to the top. Night trips are especially popular, topped off with admiring the sunrise from the top.

During your holiday in Sri Lanka, you can also visit tea plantations. The green plantations located on the hillsides look incredibly picturesque. You can see them, for example, in Nuwara Eliya, a small holiday town founded by the British. It is an ideal base for trekking among tea bushes. It is worth taking a train from here to the mountain town of Ella. The journey will be an opportunity to admire wonderful views. Ella itself is also located among tea plantations, but a little higher in the mountains. During the hikes, you will have the opportunity to see waterfalls and rainforests.

Our team has prepared several sample holiday programs in Sri Lanka:

Beaches and Treasures of Ceylon

Sri Lanka and Maldives

The wealth of Sri Lanka and the treasures of the island

Beach on the southern coast of Sri Lanka

Traveling to Sri Lanka is your dream? It's time to turn it into reality! Be sure to check out the programs Planet Escape has prepared for this country. Remember that you can modify each of them as you wish, or even create your own program - Planet Escape's specialty is tailor-made journeys!