Time to Travel: Sri Lanka Travel Tips
Introduction
Perhaps you’ve long dreamed of this “teardrop in the Indian Ocean,” yet never truly lifted the veil of her mystery or kissed away those tearful traces; perhaps you still stubbornly call it Ceylon, because you know the beauty embedded in that name is as indescribable as the country itself; perhaps your footsteps have wandered many lands but you’re still searching for something different. Would you be willing to let your journey here become something to look forward to once again?
With its captivating beaches, tranquil highlands, ancient cultural triangle, resource-rich national parks—all hidden within this small island nation. After political stability in 2009, Sri Lanka’s tourism industry developed rapidly. Convenient and affordable transportation, diverse accommodation options, abundant natural and cultural landscapes, and its most alluring beaches, have drawn countless travelers. Its strategic location has also made it a popular stopover for backpackers traveling between South and Southeast Asia. Sri Lanka is a melting pot: on one hand, it inherits a wealth of Indian culture, and on the other, Buddhism—as the state religion—makes its people exceptionally friendly and kind. No matter what you seek here, what you’ll ultimately take away will be the most beautiful legends of the Indian Ocean.
Regional Distribution
The regions of Sri Lanka are very clearly defined. Starting from the capital Colombo, you can reach all the popular tourist destinations across the country. Along the coastal highways, you can access the beaches of the west and south, and if you have time, you can explore them one by one. The mountainous central region, though winding, offers fascinating forest scenery and can be reached by train from the capital. This area produces the most authentic Ceylon tea and also features many great spots for hiking. The cultural triangle in the north is where major historical sites are densely located, and spending about a week here allows you to explore all of Sri Lanka’s history. National parks are relatively less accessible but most are concentrated in and around the central mountains. Joining a day tour or hiring a private car from the mountains or the coast makes it easy to visit them. Though small in size, Sri Lanka offers a wealth of places to explore, but due to terrain and transportation limitations, you’ll spend quite some time on the road. Therefore, plan to stay longer when visiting Sri Lanka.
Maps of Sri Lanka are scarce. Here are several annotated maps of the Cultural Triangle attractions:
Dambulla:
Anuradhapura:
Polonnaruwa:
Sigiriya (Lion Rock):
Time Difference
Sri Lanka is 2.5 hours behind China. For example, when it is 10:00 AM in Beijing, it is 7:30 AM in Sri Lanka.
Language
The local population mainly speaks Sinhala. In tourist cities, hotel and restaurant staff can usually speak English fluently. However, bus ticket sellers and drivers generally do not speak English, so be sure to confirm the name of your stop when taking the bus. Most tuk-tuk drivers speak decent English and are quite talkative.
Power Outlets
Voltage: 230V, Frequency: 50Hz
Socket: Three-pin round plugs. Two-round-pin European plugs can be used, but note that sockets have safety covers. You may need to use a pen to press the top hole to open the cover before inserting a two-pin plug.
History & Culture
History
In the 6th century BC, Prince Vijaya from North India established the first kingdom—Tambapanni—after arriving on the west coast of Sri Lanka. In the 4th century BC, the kingdom moved to Anuradhapura, which remained the political center of Sri Lanka for the next 1,400 years.
In 250 BC, Emperor Ashoka of the Indian Maurya Dynasty sent his son to Sri Lanka to spread Buddhism. The religion was well received by the ruler and soon embraced by all the Sinhalese. Later, Ashoka’s daughter brought a sapling of the sacred Bodhi tree and planted it in Anuradhapura.
Around the 2nd century BC, Tamil people from South India began migrating to Sri Lanka, leading to ongoing conflicts with the Sinhalese.
In the 11th century, due to continuous warfare, the capital was moved to Polonnaruwa. But between 1253 and 1400, the kingdom shifted capitals five times, none of which reached the prosperity of Anuradhapura or Polonnaruwa.
Starting in the 16th century, Sri Lanka was successively ruled by the Portuguese and the Dutch, becoming an important trading hub in South Asia.
In the late 18th century, the Netherlands was occupied by France, prompting the Dutch to seek help from Britain. Seizing the opportunity, Britain established a colony in Sri Lanka to counter French expansion.
On February 4, 1948, following India’s independence, Ceylon gained independence and became a dominion of the British Commonwealth.
In 1972, Ceylon was renamed the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
In 1978, a new constitution was promulgated, and the country was renamed the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
In July 1983, the Tamil Tigers attempted to seek independence and launched a civil war against government forces.
In 2009, the supreme leader of the Tamil Tigers was killed by government forces on May 18 in the northern region, marking the end of a nearly 30-year-long civil war.
Culture
Buddhists make up about 69% of Sri Lanka’s total population, Muslims around 8%, Hindus approximately 7%, and Christians around 6%. As a result, in addition to the numerous Buddha statues and temples, there are also many exquisitely beautiful mosques, Hindu temples, and churches. It is precisely because of this religious diversity and Sri Lanka’s long history that its culture is highly inclusive and integrated, and its people are very kind and sincere. Sri Lankan women’s attire is more fashionable and modern compared to countries such as India and Nepal in South Asia. Even in less developed areas, women often wear skirts that show their legs, but during weddings or other important events, the elegant sari remains the star of the show. However, as a traditional country, Sri Lanka’s indigenous art is still very well preserved. From music and dance to painting and other traditional handicrafts, these art forms continue to be passed down. Tourists can enjoy performances at various venues in tourist areas, and the souvenir shops on every street corner are also hard to resist.
Sri Lankan Customs and Taboos
Taboos
1. Sri Lanka is a Buddhist country, and monks are commonly seen on the streets. Always ask for permission before taking photos of them.
2. In Buddhist culture, the head is considered sacred, so never touch a child’s head casually.
3. Many Buddhist sites require visitors to remove their shoes before entering the entire area as a sign of respect. Dress modestly and avoid being overly revealing. When visiting temples, walk clockwise, and do not take photos inside.
4. There are many halal restaurants in Sri Lanka, but their signs may not be obvious. These restaurants do not serve alcoholic beverages, so please be mindful when ordering.
5. Do not use your left hand for eating or passing things, as it is considered unclean by locals.
6. If you stay in a homestay run by locals or enter individual shops, please check whether you need to remove your shoes. Try your best to respect and adapt to local customs.
7. Sri Lanka suffered many casualties during the civil war, so avoid discussing Sri Lankan politics in public.
8. Couples should avoid excessive public displays of affection out of respect for local traditions.
Travel Season
Western and southern beaches, central mountains: Best time is from December to March of the following year.
Northern and eastern regions (including the Cultural Triangle): Best time is from April to September.
Sri Lanka has diverse landscapes, and the most suitable travel times vary by region. From December to March each year, the southwestern beaches—including the capital Colombo—are hot but have a pleasant climate. Occasional heavy rain may occur by the sea, but it usually comes and goes quickly. The central mountains are relatively humid year-round, and although this period is the driest time of the year, it still rains about every two days. Meanwhile, the Cultural Triangle region experiences the rainy season with abundant rainfall, which can affect sightseeing. Yala National Park is hot and humid with many mosquitoes. Due to Christmas and New Year, European and American tourists fleeing the cold flock to Sri Lanka, making popular beaches hard to book—strongly recommend advance reservations. Prices for tour agencies and car rentals also rise during this period, so be aware. From April to September, most parts of the north and east enter the dry season, making it an ideal time to visit historical sites. However, the central mountain areas experience almost continuous rainfall during this time, which can be quite frustrating.
If you want to fully explore Sri Lanka, one trip definitely won’t be enough.
Festivals
Duruthu Perahera(Duruthu Perahera)
Date: Full moon day in January
Location: Colombo
This festival is held annually at the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara to commemorate the Buddha’s first and third visits to Sri Lanka. Its significance is second only to the Esala Perahera (Festival of the Tooth) in Kandy.
Thai Pongal (Tamil Harvest Festival)
Date: Mid-January
Location: Nationwide
This is a Hindu festival to give thanks to the Sun God Surya for a bountiful harvest and is very important to Tamils in Sri Lanka and southern India. On this day, Tamils wake up early to bathe and put on new clothes. They decorate their homes with banana and mango leaves and draw colorful rice flour patterns on the floor. Pongal, a sweet dish made with milk and rice, is the traditional food of the festival.
Galle Literary Festival
Date: Mid to late January
Location: Galle
This seemingly trendy literary festival has been held annually since 2005, inviting well-known writers and scholars from Asia and the West each year. The event features a variety of activities such as discussions, luncheons, and concerts for visitors to enjoy.
Kala Pola Art Market
Date: Third Sunday of January
Location: Nelum Pokuna Mawatha, Colombo
From just 35 artists in 1993 to hundreds of stalls today, this art festival has become one of Colombo’s most anticipated open-air art markets. Thanks to its growing popularity, some artists now set up shop here weekly.
Independence Day
Date: February 4
Location: Nationwide
Sri Lanka gained independence on February 4, 1948. Since then, various celebrations including parades, fireworks, and sports events are held across the country every year on this national holiday.
Navam Perahera
Date: Full moon day in February
Location: Colombo
Though not very old—having started in 1979—this full moon celebration is one of Sri Lanka’s most spectacular processions. It features elephants, dancers, and bands marching from Gangaramaya Temple and proceeding around Viharamahadevi Park and Beira Lake.
Maha Shivarathri
Date: Late February or early March
Location: Nationwide
This festival commemorates the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is the most important day for Shaivite Hindus, who fast during the day and keep vigil at night.
Sinhala and Tamil New Year (Aurudu)
Date: April 14
Location: Nationwide
The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is not a religious festival per se, though it aligns with the traditional calendars of Sri Lanka’s Sinhala and Tamil communities. It has now evolved into a joyous national celebration, marked by vibrant festivities across the country.
Vesak Poya
Date: Full moon day in May
Location: Nationwide
This two-day festival commemorates the passing of the Buddha and is observed in all Buddhist countries, including Sri Lanka. Devotees light oil lamps and paper lanterns in homes, shops, and temples.
Poson Poya
Date: Full moon day in June
Location: Nationwide
This day commemorates the arrival of Arahat Mahinda, the son of Emperor Ashoka, who came to Sri Lanka to spread Buddhism. Celebrations are held at temples in Anuradhapura, while thousands of pilgrims dressed in white climb the 1,843 steps to the summit temple in Mihintale.
Kandy Esala Perahera
Date: Late July or early August
Location: Kandy
The Kandy Esala Perahera is Sri Lanka’s most grand and distinctive Buddhist festival, held in honor of the Sacred Tooth Relic housed in Kandy. Lasting ten days, this round-the-clock celebration features elaborately adorned elephant processions parading through the city alongside throngs of people. It is the most spectacular event to experience in Sri Lanka during July and August.
Deepavali (Festival of Lights)
Date: Late October or early November
Location: Nationwide
This is a highly significant Hindu festival, during which oil lamps are lit everywhere to celebrate the triumph of good over evil.
Mobile Phones / Telephones
Chinese domestic mobile phones can be used directly in Sri Lanka, but you need to activate international roaming service in advance. Incoming calls cost 2.99 RMB per minute.
Calling locally: Dial the local number directly, 2.99 RMB per minute.
Calling mainland China: Dial “00/+” followed by 86 (country code) and the local number (for mobiles: “00/+” - 86 - mobile number), 2.99 RMB per minute.
Sending SMS to local numbers: Send directly to the recipient’s number, 2.19 RMB per message.
Sending SMS to mainland China: Send to 86 + the recipient’s number, 1.29 RMB per message. Receiving SMS is free. (Prices referenced from China Mobile)
Sri Lanka has extensive 3G network coverage with good signal strength. SIM cards can be purchased at relevant counters in the arrivals hall of the airport. Dialog is recommended, offering calls to mainland China for as low as 2 Rs per minute. In addition to a prepaid SIM card priced at 130 Rs, the following packages are available for travelers staying longer:
780 Rs: Includes 300 Rs worth of call credit, 30 SMS messages that can be sent to China, 30 minutes of local calls, 30 local SMS messages, 512 MB of data, and 6 hours of Wi-Fi hotspot usage.
1300 Rs: Includes 700 Rs worth of call credit, 50 SMS messages that can be sent to China, 75 minutes of local calls, 200 local SMS messages, 1 GB of data, and 12 hours of Wi-Fi hotspot usage.
Other telecom providers include Hutch and Mobitel.
Internet
Wi-Fi is increasingly common throughout Sri Lanka, though connection quality is not always guaranteed. Most hotels and restaurants in popular tourist cities offer Wi-Fi, but it is less prevalent in small family-run guesthouses. For those with high internet needs, purchasing a pure data package from a telecom provider is recommended. Hutch offers 1 GB of data for 198 Rs.
Post Offices and Postcards
Post Offices
Post offices in Sri Lanka are generally located in city centers and are easy to find. The postage for sending a postcard to China is 25 Rs, with delivery taking approximately 20 days.
Currency and Exchange
Currency Exchange Rates
The official currency of Sri Lanka is the Rupee (Rs). Currently, 1 RMB is approximately equal to 20 Rs.
Currency Exchange
Sri Lankan Rupees cannot be exchanged at banks in mainland China. You can exchange your money for Sri Lankan Rupees at exchange counters in the arrivals hall of Sri Lanka’s airports using US dollars or other major foreign currencies. Within Sri Lankan cities, currency can typically be exchanged at any bank. Simply inform the staff that you wish to exchange currency, and you will usually be directed to a dedicated staff member without needing to queue.
Tips: Most flights from India to Sri Lanka have a layover in Chennai. You can exchange your Indian rupees directly at the currency exchange counters upon arrival, minimizing exchange losses.
Credit Cards
Visa and MasterCard can be used to withdraw cash from ATMs and are accepted at upscale malls and restaurants. However, most hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets do not accept card payments, so make sure to carry enough cash.
UnionPay
In major cities such as Colombo and Kandy, you can withdraw cash directly using UnionPay cards at certain ATMs of Citibank, Standard Chartered, HSBC, and Bank of Ceylon.
Tipping
Tipping is not mandatory in Sri Lanka, but beware of people who approach you unprompted for directions—they might ask for tips. If you’re satisfied with a private car service, a small tip is appreciated. Most tourist-oriented restaurants automatically add a 10% service charge and tax, but these are often combined. During busy times, some restaurants may show a cold attitude toward Chinese tourists. If you receive subpar service, you can file a complaint and refuse to pay the service charge.
Clothing Tips
Travel Essentials
Sri Lanka is a tropical island nation with hot weather year-round. It’s recommended to bring sunglasses, sun hats, and sunscreen. Mosquitoes are common in most areas, so pack mosquito repellent and electric mosquito coils. If you’re heading to the central highlands, bring rain gear—rains and nights can be chilly, so don’t forget a windproof jacket. There are many national parks in Sri Lanka; if you plan to visit them, wear practical, dirt-resistant clothing. A mask or scarf can help shield you from dust during jeep safaris.
Special Notes
Safety Situation
The people of Sri Lanka are kind, and the overall safety situation is quite good. However, solo female travelers should take extra precautions in crowded places and avoid going out alone at night. Hotels usually do not offer safe deposit box services, so keep your valuables secure.
Other Precautions
1. Medical Care
If you need medical attention in Sri Lanka, try to go to private hospitals that cater to foreigners, such as Nawaloka Hospital in Colombo (23 Sri Saugathodaya Mawatha, Colombo 2). In smaller towns, there are fewer well-equipped hospitals, but for basic medications, you can visit a pharmacy (Pharmacy), where pharmacists can usually offer some advice.
Mawatha, Colombo 2); in smaller towns, there are fewer well-equipped hospitals, but for basic medications, you can visit a pharmacy (Pharmacy), where pharmacists can usually offer some recommendations.
2. Maps
You may receive a complimentary tourist map when purchasing a SIM card at the airport, but it’s only a general guide for the whole country. Detailed city maps are generally unavailable, so it’s best to download one in advance or use your phone for navigation.
3. Tourist Information Centers
There’s a tourism booking counter in the arrivals hall of Colombo Airport where you can get information. Fort Railway Station in Colombo has an information center, but the service quality is average. Smaller towns typically lack dedicated tourist information facilities.
Tips:
Some practical information to note before traveling to Sri Lanka
1. Alcohol has strict regulations in Sri Lanka. Some places are only allowed to sell alcohol, and only certain restaurants can serve it indoors. Please confirm beforehand. If you buy alcohol from a licensed shop, do not drink it on the street, as you may be fined if caught by law enforcement.
2. Bargaining is acceptable everywhere except in restaurants and pharmacies—especially with TukTuks and hotels, so bargain hard.
3. Similar to India, foreign tourists often pay 10 to 30 times more than locals for entrance fees to attractions. Some sites also require a separate photography permit.
4. Most tourist cities in Sri Lanka have large supermarkets. In city centers, Food City is a major chain offering a wide selection at reasonable prices, including many imported foods. Outside the city center, there are larger stores with cheaper prices, ideal for bulk shopping.
5. As in India, some products in Sri Lanka display standard prices—for example, bottled water will have the official price printed on the bottle. Just pay the listed amount.
Visa Information
What Chinese Citizens Need to Know When Traveling to Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka offers visa on arrival, but if your passport does not have a valid foreign visa when departing from a domestic airport, immigration officers will not allow you to leave. Therefore, it is recommended to apply for an electronic visa (ETA) in advance and print a copy for inspection.
Types of Visas
Sri Lankan visas are categorized into tourist visas, business visas, and transit visas. Visa on arrival is available upon entry into Sri Lanka.
Short-term visas must be applied for via the Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system.http://www.eta.gov.lkApplications cannot be submitted directly at embassies. If you encounter issues during the online application process, you may apply through the consulate in your region, but it is advisable to call and inquire about the situation beforehand.
Tourist Visa
Currently, the standard tourist visa allows for two entries within six months, with each stay up to 30 days, and can be extended within the validity period.
Business Visa
Online applications are temporarily unavailable; please call the consulate for assistance.
Transit Visa
If you are transiting through Sri Lanka, the maximum stay is 48 hours.
Visa Application Process
Tourist Visa
1. After logging into the Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization system, select Chinese language and click “Apply.”
2. Select “I Agree,” then after the page redirects, click “Apply for an Individual” under Tourist ETA in the left-hand menu.
3. Fill in or select all items marked with a red asterisk in English. For accompanying children, enter their information under the same section. The arrival date can be planned but must be within 180 days from the application date. Select the purpose of visit as “Sightseeing or Holidaying.” You need to provide an address in Sri Lanka (any hotel address is acceptable). Below the address field, ensure you enter a valid personal email address.
4. After confirmation, the page will display the entered information. Please double-check that all details and the email address are correct.
5. Choose a credit card (Visa/MasterCard or American Express) for payment.
Transit Visa
1. After logging into the Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization system, select Chinese language and click “Apply.”
2. Select “I Agree,” then after the page redirects, click “Apply for an Individual” under Transit ETA in the left-hand menu.
3. Fill in or select all items marked with a red asterisk in English. For accompanying children, enter their information under the same section. The arrival date can be planned but must be within 180 days from the application date. The purpose of visit should be “Transiting through Sri Lanka,” along with the intended duration of stay and destination country. Provide an address in Sri Lanka (any hotel address is acceptable). Below the address field, ensure you enter a valid personal email address.
4. After confirmation, the page will display the entered information. Please double-check that all details and the email address are correct.
Tips: It is recommended not to use QQ email, as you may not receive the confirmation message.
Visa Result
After payment, you will receive an email containing a serial number, which you can use to log inhttps://eta.gov.lk/etaslvisa/pages/checkStatus.jspto check the application status. Typically, you will receive another email titled “ETA APPROVAL NOTICE” within 24 hours—this is your ETA. Print it and carry it for entry and exit.
Visa on Arrival
If you are entering Sri Lanka from another country, you can apply for a visa on arrival at the ETA service counter upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport.
Tips: Regardless of the type of visa you apply for, make sure your passport has at least six months of validity remaining from the date of entry.
Visa fees
Tourist visa: USD 30, USD 35 if applied on arrival; Transit visa: Free.
Extending your visa
Sri Lankan tourist visas can be extended up to two times. The first extension is for two months, and the second is for three months. However, the second extension may be subject to necessary scrutiny by the immigration authorities. Visa extensions must be applied for at the local immigration office in Sri Lanka.
Address: 41, Ananda Rajakaruna Mawatha, Colombo 10, Sri Lanka
Phone: 0094 71 9967888
Email:[email protected]
Consulate information
1. Sri Lankan Embassy in China
Address: No. 3 Jianhua Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Phone: +86-10-65321861
Fax: +86-10-65325426
Email:[email protected]
2. Sri Lankan Consulate in Shanghai
Address: 5E, Hongqiao Business Building, No. 2272 Hongqiao Road, Shanghai
Phone: +86-21-62376797
Fax: +86-21-62376670
Email:[email protected]
3. Sri Lankan Consulate in Chengdu
Address: 25-D, Guancheng Plaza, No. 308 Shuncheng Street, Qingyang District, Chengdu
Phone: +86-28-66168361
Fax: +86-28-66168353
Email:[email protected]
4. Sri Lankan Consulate in Guangzhou
Address: Room M02, Guangzhou Garden Hotel, No. 368 Huanshi East Road, Guangzhou
Phone: +86-20-83652857
Fax: +86-20-86266787
Email:[email protected]
Entering and exiting Sri Lanka generally involves the following four types of inspections: border control, customs inspection, security check, and health quarantine. However, the specific contents and procedures vary significantly by country.
Border control
Upon entry, you need to fill out an entry card (available on the flight or upon arrival at the Sri Lankan airport), which has both a front and back page. The main information required includes your name, gender, place of birth, date of birth, nationality, passport number, occupation, departure city, destination city, detailed address in Sri Lanka, purpose of visit, and duration of stay. Submit the card along with your passport to the immigration officer.
You may be asked to show your return ticket upon entry, so it's advisable to print it out in advance.
Next to the entry stamp, there will also be a label with a QR code, printed with information including whether it's your first or second entry and the validity period of your stay.
Tips: If you're entering Sri Lanka on an international flight from India, Indian airports will also check your visa and return ticket. If you haven’t prepared them, you can inform the officers that you will apply for a visa on arrival, and that you’ll be flying to a destination outside of India (if your Indian visa is single-entry).
Customs Inspection
Sri Lankan customs has strict controls over the following items: jewelry, gold, gemstones, precious metals; alcohol and alcoholic beverages; medicines and medical equipment; communication devices; foreign currency exceeding USD 15,000 or its equivalent; animals, plants, and their products; weapons. Narcotics, psychotropic substances, certain religious books, and cigarettes are prohibited from being brought into the country.
Entry
If you are carrying more than USD 15,000 or its equivalent in foreign currency as an individual, you must declare it to customs.
Before reaching the baggage declaration counter at the Sri Lankan airport, there are duty-free shops. If you make purchases, please keep the packaging and receipts intact.
If you have nothing to declare, you may exit through the green channel, but staff may still request to inspect your luggage.
Departure
Each passenger is allowed to bring the following duty-free items: 1.5 liters of alcohol, 0.25 liters of perfume, and souvenirs not exceeding USD 250.
Each passenger may bring up to 10 kilograms of Sri Lankan tea duty-free.
No more than LKR 250 in currency may be taken out of the country. You should exchange any excess currency for another currency at the airport before departure.
Tips: If you purchased your ticket through the official website of a Sri Lankan airline, please make sure you carry the card used for the online payment. When checking in, you must present this card together with your passport to complete the check-in process. If someone else paid for your ticket without contacting the airline for verification, you may not be allowed to board even if the ticket is valid. For tickets purchased through providers like Ctrip or travel agencies, only your passport is needed for check-in.
Security Check
Entering Sri Lankan airports involves strict security checks. If you are an accompanying person, you’ll need to buy a ticket at the office outside the airport to gain entry. Passengers must show their flight ticket and passport, while foreign tourists generally only need to show their passport. If you need to leave the departure hall and go outside the airport, you may be questioned by many staff members. Before entering the check-in hall, there is an X-ray screening for luggage, and before check-in for departure, there is a security check where carry-on luggage is thoroughly screened by X-ray. Additionally, passengers themselves must pass through a metal detector gate, also known as a security gate. Before passing through, you need to take out any metal items you’re carrying—such as nail clippers, fruit knives, and keys—and hand them to the inspector to place on a tray. These will be returned to you after you pass through the gate. If the metal detector alarm sounds, you will be asked to carefully check yourself again and remove all metal objects until the alarm no longer sounds.
Health Quarantine
If you have visited a yellow fever endemic country within six days prior to arriving in Sri Lanka, you are required to provide an immunization certificate.
Sri Lanka is a tropical island nation with many mosquitoes. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that travelers to Sri Lanka consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, and malaria.
Quick Guide to Sri Lanka Attractions
Colombo: Like every capital city, Colombo is filled with newly built skyscrapers and busy traffic, making it hard to imagine it as part of fairy-tale-like Sri Lanka. However, the fort area here features a clock tower built in the mid-19th century, a lighthouse standing in the harbor, the historic Central Bank and Lloyd's Building, and nearby, the historic St. Peter's Church. In addition, the city has the Old Town Hall, the Dutch Colonial Museum, Wolfendhal Church, and the Gangaramaya Temple, among others.
Negombo: Negombo is small, with some buildings preserved from the Dutch colonial period, and the beautiful St. Mary’s Church. The beach most loved by visitors is located about 2 kilometers north of the town, and heading north along Lewis Pl Road, you’ll pass several charming churches and Hindu temples.
Galle: Although Galle is situated along the coastline from the west to the south, it is not particularly famous for its beaches. This fort town preserves colonial-era structures such as a clock tower and old government buildings in their entirety.
Anuradhapura: Major attractions in the Anuradhapura area include the Sri Maha Bodhi, the Abhayagiri Dagoba, the fortress, and the Jetavanaramaya. Some attractions require separate tickets.
Polonnaruwa：The main attractions in the Polonnaruwa area include the Royal Palace, the Parakrama Samudra (Sea of Parakrama), the Quadrangle, and the Alahana Pirivena monastery complex.
Sigiriya Rock：The main attractions in the Sigiriya area include the Sigiriya Museum, which houses the Royal Gardens, frescoes, and the Mirror Wall.
Dambulla：The main attractions in the Dambulla area include the Golden Temple and the cave temples.
Beaches：The beaches in Sri Lanka may be among the last remaining tranquil spots in Asia. Even during the peak tourist season, you can still find your own piece of paradise along the long coastline.
In addition, one absolutely unmissable experience in Sri Lanka is visiting its national parks. Though the country is small, it boasts a considerable number of national parks. From diverse natural landscapes and vegetation to wildlife, even if you’re not particularly knowledgeable about flora and fauna, you’ll surely be amazed by the variety of tropical plants. Wildlife such as elephants, leopards, and monkeys are also major draws in the national parks.
A Quick Look at Sri Lankan Cuisine
The staple of Sri Lankan cuisine consists of rice and curry, made with meat, fish, vegetables, and a blend of spices to create dishes of various colors and flavors. Sri Lankan spices are world-renowned—ingredients like cardamom, chili, pepper, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and saffron are commonly used in daily cooking, adding not only aroma but also medicinal benefits. Coconut milk and coconut oil are also widely used, giving the dishes a distinctive taste.
Traditional Sri Lankan food is somewhat similar to Nepal’s dal or India’s thali, but with greater variety in ingredients and flavors. Typically, a meal consists of rice served with curry and accompanied by multiple side dishes. More authentic restaurants might serve rice with meat and curry, steamed in banana leaves with grated coconut, while simpler ones may offer just plain rice with curry. Sri Lankans generally prefer chicken, so chicken curries dominate most menus, though some places also offer beef, pork, and mutton curries. The number of side dishes varies by restaurant—basic meals may have three or four, while more luxurious ones can feature a dozen small plates covering your table, usually including curry vegetables, lentil soup, pickles, fried chips, and the signature “Coconut Sambol” (made with chili, lemon juice, dried fish, and grated coconut, offering a unique flavor), along with sweet or sour dipping sauces.
Many restaurants serve fixed daily portions, especially family-run ones, and reservations may be required. These dishes often involve labor-intensive preparation and may take nearly an hour to serve, so it’s wise to check the serving times in advance. Some hotel restaurants offer buffet-style meals, typically around $5, with unlimited access to various meat curries, vegetables, soups, and more.
A Quick Look at Shopping in Sri Lanka
The most popular items to buy in Sri Lanka are tea—the country is one of the world’s top producers of high-quality black tea. Fresh tea can be purchased at affordable prices in tea factories or supermarkets. Sri Lanka is also famous for its gemstones, particularly sapphires and cat’s eye stones, which are among the finest. When buying gems, it’s best to shop at locations licensed by the National Gem and Jewellery Authority of Sri Lanka, where you can also get free gem testing services from the authority’s lab.
A Quick Look at Things to Do in Sri Lanka
Entertainment in Sri Lanka is diverse. You can go on a jeep safari to track wild elephants, engage in meditation in the Buddhist heartland to reconnect with the faith, or catch a cricket match. Additionally, Sri Lankan music and dance embody the nation’s ethnicity, culture, religion, and customs, with percussion instruments playing a central role in performances. Colombo has six casinos, which are open only to foreign tourists—locals are not allowed. Feel free to try your luck; there are no strict dress codes. Lastly, the country also offers quality wellness experiences. Herbal therapy, invented by Indians over 3,000 years ago, has a similarly long history in Sri Lanka. This treatment makes full use of the therapeutic properties of the thousands of locally grown herbs. Practitioners usually come from medical families and must undergo six years of study to obtain a license. Locals place great trust in this form of therapy.