Sri Lanka
We are passionate about Sri Lanka and can offer unparalleled expertise regarding travel and tourism of the island. Our approach allows you to get an authentic experience whilst still enjoying the luxuries of travel to one of the world’s most prestigious destinations.
Prefer the luxury only? Not problem – we are connected to all of the top resorts on the island and include luxury, air conditioned transport as part of all of our travel packages.
Itineraries
Family
stay overnight in a nearby beach resort
markets and dining. Overnight in Colombo
Pinnewala elephant orphanage. Arrive in Kandy for overnight
Leave Kandy for hill country. Overnight in Ella
Climb Ella rock. Overnight in Ella
Overnight in south coast
surfing and whale watching
Leave for airport
Couple
stay overnight in a nearby beach resort
markets and dining. Overnight in Colombo
Tour of Unesco site. Leave for Minneriya national park. Overnight in Minneriya
Leave for Polonnaruwa. Afternoon exploring site. Leave for Sigiriya. Overnight around Sigiriya
Return to Sigiriya hotel
Afternoon in Kandy. Overnight in Kandy
Visit tea plantation on the way. Overnight in hill country
Return to hotel
Overnight in west coast
snorkelling and relaxing
Leave for airport
SRI LANKA TRAVEL TIPS
Time Zone
Sri Lanka is 5 ½ hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
Language
In Sri Lanka the widely spoken languages are Sinhalese, Tamil, and English.
Religion
Buddhism
Sri Lanka is a predominantly a Buddhist country and the culture, and lives of the people are much fashioned by the faith. The introduction of Buddhism to the island took place during 250 BC. The Buddha became the central theme in every form of art, especially in sculpture and painting. The colossal Buddha statues finely carved out of granite and the massive 'dagobas' that house the sacred relics of the Lord Buddha are much venerated in this country.
Christianity &Hinduism
Apart from the predominant Buddhists there are considerable number of the population that follows Christianity and Hinduism.
Temple Entry
All visitors to Buddhist &Hindu Temples are expected to be considerately dressed when visiting any place of worship. Shorts, bare shoulders, caps and hats are a sign of a lack of respect so please cover up accordingly. Shoes have to be removed when entering the Temple premises and shoe keeping at a very nominal fee is a service granted at most of the temples.
Currency
Sri Lanka Currency
Sri Lanka has a decimal currency system. One Sri Lankan Rupee is divided in to 100 cents. Currency notes are in the denominations Rs.20/-,Rs.50/-,Rs.100/-,Rs.500/-,Rs.1000/-,Rs.2000/-,Rs.5000/-.Exchange currency only at authorized outlets such as banks and hotels, and exchange only what you think you will spend in the country. Currency exchange rates can fluctuate daily, and we suggest you check the latest rates prior to your departure. Reputed hotels, selected restaurants and shops in Colombo and other main cities such as Kandy and Galle accept US Dollars. Supermarkets, smaller boutiques and grocery stores however only accept local currency, as well as all entrance fees for site visits. (Unless otherwise already included in your tour)
Banking Hours
All banks are open from 0900 to 1300 Monday to Friday. Some selected private banks are open for a limited number of hours during Saturdays. Banks are closed on Saturdays , Sundays and on all public holidays.
Touts
Like any other country in the world Sri Lanka too would have their share of the touts. Be cautious and do not accept their offers to give better deals for your foreign currency exchanges or let them lead you to shops which give special bargains.
Tipping
Tipping is a very personal matter and should only be considered when our staff have gone above and beyond for you. Should you feel, you would like to acknowledge their service, please tip which is at your discretion.
Restaurants
Some restaurants automatically add a 10% service charge to your bill. When service charge is not included in the bill it is customary to add about 10% to the bill in restaurants if the service has been satisfactory.
Porterage
Unless listed under the Inclusions in your itinerary, then porterage and tipping of porters is not included.
Weather
Sri Lanka has a hot, humid and tropical climate. The Island is divided into a dry zone (north and east) and wet zone (southwest and central), each with its own distinct weather patterns. Between May and September, monsoons bring rain to the south-west part of the Island, while the dry season occurs between December and March. In the northeast coastal regions, the monsoon season occurs between October and January and the dry season runs between May and September. In the tea country, elevations affect the temperature, and it is much cooler in this part of the central highlands. Overall, in Sri Lanka, the best weather can be found from December to mid-April.
Clothing
Cool, light weight clothing is the most comfortable attire for travelling in Sri Lanka. A wide brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunblock, insect repellent are all highly recommended. Comfortable, soft soled walking shoes with low or no heels are ideal for sightseeing. Shawls, long skirts and trousers and long-sleeved shirts are recommended for temple visits where shoulders and knees should be kept covered. We also suggest carrying 2-3 pairs of socks since shoes must be removed when entering religious premises. Warmer clothing is necessary in the hill country where the temperature can go down as low as 10c. If you are planning to dine in city restaurants or restaurants with dress codes, a lightweight jacket and/or smart casual attire is recommended.
Health
Sri Lanka has a tropical temperature and higher level of humidity. Any physical disability and health conditions you may have should be clearly indicated to your local travel consultants. We recommend carrying a basic first aid kit whilst travelling. If you require a particular medication or prescription, take an adequate supply to last through your entire trip as it may not be available locally. It is highly recommended that prescription medication be carried in its original container and that any over the counter medication be kept in its original packaging. There are no compulsory vaccinations however vaccinations for tetanus, typhoid and hepatitis are recommended. If a guest is travelling from a destination inflicted by yellow fever, you are required to present proof of vaccination on arrival in the country. Dengue is also present in Sri Lanka - your best defense for avoiding mosquito borne-diseases is through the use of a good insect repellent and keeping well covered during dawn and dusk. Sri Lanka is a Malaria free country. Tap water is safe for daily use while bottled mineral water or boiled water is recommended for drinking.
Electricity
The power voltage in Sri Lanka is at 240 V- and three-square pin plugs will come in handy.
Photography
Kindly remember that in Sri Lanka Buddhism is a living religion and most ancient monuments are still venerated. Photography or filming should not be done in a manner causing any disrespect to the shrines, images or monuments. Posing for photographs and videos directly in front of the statues and paintings is prohibited.
Arrival and Departure Formalities
The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system was introduced recently to grant prior approval for visa online for foreign nationals instead of the 'on arrival' visa system. You can log on to www.eta.gov.lk to obtain your visa. You may also obtain the visa on arrival in Sri Lanka; however, we strongly advise you apply for your visa in advance. Once approved, you will receive an ETA approval notice allowing you a stay of up to 30 days from the date of entry to Sri Lanka. Please carry a print-out of the ETA as immigration officials may ask to see it upon arrival.
Local Food
Thanks to Sri Lanka's tropical climate, fresh fruit, vegetables, and spices are in abundance and all are used in many ways. Freshness is key, with households regularly shopping more than once a day for produce. Many families have a curry leaf tree and grow some vegetables themselves –some of which are virtually unknown outside Sri Lanka.
Rice and Curry
The island nation's staple diet mainly consists of boiled or steamed rice served with curry. But rice and curry are so much more than just 'rice and curry’. It usually consists of a 'main curry' of fish or meat, as well as several other curries made with vegetables, pulses and even fruit (try a mango curry!).Sri Lanka curries are known for their fiery hot spicy flavors and coconut milk is very distinct feature of Sri Lankan cuisine. Be warned, 'hot' is definitely not an understatement and can be challenging to a first timer's palate, so ask for your dish to be made up to your liking. But don't worry; there are plenty of mild curries on offer too!
Hoppers
This is a breakfast and dinner favorite of the locals. Light, crisp and bowl shaped, it is made by swirling a mixture of rice flour and coconut milk in a wok shaped pan. The sides are wafer crisp and the centre soft. Hoppers can be eaten with spicy pickles, curries or even with butter and sugar and are delicious when eaten hot.
Kottu (or kottu roti)
Type of very thin roti (made out of flour) cut into pieces mixed with fried vegetables, sauce, meat or fish. The loud clanking sound when making this delicacy is a highlight as interesting as the food itself.
Tropical fruits
Make sure you stop and try the delightful tropical juicy fruits such as pineapple, guava, mangoes, wood apples, bananas, watermelons and seasonal fruits such as rambutan, durian and mangosteen.
Eating Etiquette
Always wash your hands before you eat (for the sake of courtesy as well as hygiene) and always use your right hand to give and to receive. It's acceptable to use or to ask for cutlery, but if you're eating with your hand, always use your right hand. (It's acceptable to drink holding a glass in your left hand.) Alcoholic drinks are freely available at public bars, restaurants, wine shops, stores and supermarkets. However, sale of liquor is prohibited on Poya Days (full moon day) which is of religious importance to Buddhists. Please notes all hotel restaurants and bars observe this rule too. If on AI meal plan, we recommend stocking your beverages in your mini bar. Irrespective of precautions, changes in water and food can result in mild abdominal hindrances and even nausea. It is preferable and safer to consume only bottled mineral water during your stay.
Dining Out
Popular cities such as Colombo, Galle, Kandy and Negombo have adequate restaurants for outside dinning (lunch or dinner). But in other smaller cities where restaurants are very limited, we recommend that you book a half-board tour or have a la carte meals at your overnight hotel. Once the specific itinerary has been finalised, we are able to provide a list of restaurants for eating o
Local Handicrafts
Items made of silver, brass, ceramics, wood, terracotta are amongst the best and most authentic souvenirs of Sri Lanka. Ritual masks, lacquer wear, batik and handloom textiles, lace and wood carvings are popular in the country. When shopping in Sri Lanka you may feel that the best way is to immerse with the locals and buy from flee–markets to experience the people and culture along with souvenir shopping. If you are looking for a specific item, as a courtesy your guide/driver-guide can refer you to a shop that carries merchandise that you want. Such a referral should not be taken as an endorsement of the shop or assumption of responsibility for the merchandise or shipping arrangements you may purchase there. Though we do not promote any shop or establishment, we have identified a few shops on the basis of merchandise quality and value for money. Should you require our assistance with this, please contact your Tour Consultant on the number given on your welcome pack.
