Sri Lanka
Back
Key things to know before your trip
Last update October 16, 2023
On arrival or online visa in advance (e-visa)
Official website
Official website
Taxi
- Taxi apps PickMe, Uber (work well in Colombo, Galle, nearby cities, and Kandy)
- You can take a tuk-tuk on the spot (! Be sure to bargain on the price, sometimes the price is 2-3 times higher)
Navigation on-site
Make sure to install the Maps Me app in advance and download the offline map of Sri Lanka for the specific region you'll be visiting
- Dialog, Mobitel, Airtel
- Can be bought at the airport (tourist rate) or in the city (cheaper)
- E-sim (if your phone supports this feature)
- Install the WiFi Map app - the map with WiFi hotspots and passwords, and get a 10% discount on purchasing an e-sim (use promo code 7ECF3FK for SIM card purchase)
Currency exchange
- Currency - Sri Lankan rupee (LKR)
- Best exchange rate at the airport and jewelry stores (always compare with the official exchange rate)
From the airport to the city
- Taxis - It's best to book through an app. Alternatively, you can check the fare in advance and negotiate with the taxi service at the airport. But beware, they often try to inflate the price, falsely claiming that public transport isn't running or that app-based taxis won't arrive
- Trains - But first, you'll need to get to Colombo via a tuk-tuk, bus, or taxi
- Buses - First, hop on a tuk-tuk (which should cost around 300 LNK) to get to the bus stop. To find the right bus, your best bet is to approach the information booth or simply ask the drivers at the station
Where to stay
- Guest house - budget-friendly and provides the opportunity to communicate with the owners of the house and experience local life. The average price for a room with a private bathroom and breakfast is 10-15 US dollars per day, depending on the region
- Hotels
- Resorts
Food
Rice and curry (vegetables/meat), egg hopper, dhal, kottu, coconut sambal, tea, Ceylon cinnamon
Most popular destinations
Colombo, Galle, South West Coast, Ella, Nuwara Eliya, Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, Dambulla, Trincomalee, Jaffna
May need while traveling
- Adapter for socket (there are D-type sockets, with three pins)
- Lightweight clothing
- Sweater or jacket if you are traveling to Nuwara Eliya (but you can buy it there)
- Small kettle
Best time to visit coastal resorts
- December to March: South-west coast
- May to September: Trincomalee
Public transportation
Developed train and bus services
Ask the drivers at the station, fellow passengers, or check with the information booth if there's one available. Sometimes, there might not be a direct route to your desired destination. If that's the case, they'll let you know and guide you to the correct connecting bus
! Don't always trust the taxi drivers. They'll often assure you that there's no bus available, or that there's a long wait, or come up with some other excuse. It's best to explore the station first
- Train tickets can be purchased at the railway station, usually just before departure. On certain routes, advanced booking is available, but the ticket price might be twice as high
- Bus tickets can only be purchased on the bus itself
Ask the drivers at the station, fellow passengers, or check with the information booth if there's one available. Sometimes, there might not be a direct route to your desired destination. If that's the case, they'll let you know and guide you to the correct connecting bus
! Don't always trust the taxi drivers. They'll often assure you that there's no bus available, or that there's a long wait, or come up with some other excuse. It's best to explore the station first
How to support us
If you've found our content useful and enjoy what we offer, you can show your support by buying us a cup of coffee. It's a small gesture to keep us motivated to create more for you!
More About the Country
personal experiences and impressions
personal experiences and impressions
June, 2023
There's something uniquely endearing about the Sri Lankans
Spend a weekend here, and you'll notice families making the most of their time together, heading out for day trips and adventures. It's a sight that captures the heart immediately.
Unlike many Asian countries I've visited, Ceylon stands out for its locals who not only love the sea but also travel extensively within their homeland.
Come the weekend, and you'll find throngs of them enjoying parks, beaches, mountains, sacred sites, and just about any public space. I've seen crowds gathering by a dairy farm, just to savor a glass of fresh milk. Strawberry farms too have their share of visitors. And in the evenings at the fort, the sky comes alive with colorful kites. Trincomalee's countryside beach is another favorite spot for local families.
Amidst all these, there's always a song in the air, picnics spread out, and laughter echoing, all without the influence of alcohol.
Truly commendable, the way they cherish life's simple joys!
Unlike many Asian countries I've visited, Ceylon stands out for its locals who not only love the sea but also travel extensively within their homeland.
Come the weekend, and you'll find throngs of them enjoying parks, beaches, mountains, sacred sites, and just about any public space. I've seen crowds gathering by a dairy farm, just to savor a glass of fresh milk. Strawberry farms too have their share of visitors. And in the evenings at the fort, the sky comes alive with colorful kites. Trincomalee's countryside beach is another favorite spot for local families.
Amidst all these, there's always a song in the air, picnics spread out, and laughter echoing, all without the influence of alcohol.
Truly commendable, the way they cherish life's simple joys!