Sri Lanka Travel Guide


The latest travel Information on Sri Lanka, includes ideas on Things to See and Do, Local Events, Consulate & Embassy Contact Addresses and much more, all from a first-time visitors point of view.

Sri Lanka Information

Overview

A teardrop-shaped island cast adrift in the Indian Ocean, Sri lanka is filled with cultural and natural treasures. Indians, Portuguese, Dutch and British have all left their marks here, making for a delightful mix of ancient cities, monuments and atmospheric colonial architecture. 

At the same time, palm-fringed beaches are never far away and lush mountainous greenery beckons inland. It’s clear to see why Marco Polo proclaimed Sri Lanka to be one of the best islands in the world.

However, its teardrop shape is not inappropriate and Sri Lanka has known its fair share of political turmoil and natural disasters in recent decades. Once the country became a Republic in 1972, serious conflict arose from the Tamil minority (occupying the north and east), who demanded a separate state. Terrorist activity by the Tamil Tigers has been prevalent ever since - apart from a shaky ceasefire in 2002, which sadly did not last much more than two years.

The country was also devastated by the 2004 tsunami, which killed more than 30,000 Sri Lankans and wiped out many coastal communities. While many tourists have been discouraged by the troubles, tourism is a healing force in this hard-hit country, and visitors will be guaranteed a warm welcome.


Top Things To See

Be amazed by Sri Lanka’s best-known attraction, UNESCO-listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress. This stunning fifth-century palace-fortress perches atop a towering rock outcrop above the plains in the country’s centre. Steps lead up from water gardens below and past murals of heavenly nymphs.

Ramble around coastal ramparts, colonial villas and atmospheric streets in the striking Dutch fort of Galle, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Galle is also a centre for crafts that include lace-making, ebony-carving and gem-polishing.

Visit Kandy, a picturesque town that was the last stronghold of the Kandyan Kings. It is now a cultural sanctuary where age-old customs, arts, crafts, rituals and ways of life are well preserved. Its fabulous UNESCO-listed Temple of the Tooth (Dalada Maligawa) (website: www.sridaladamaligawa.lk) shelters the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha.

Go underground. The Dambulla Cave Temples in the island’s centre are an intriguing collection of temples tucked away beneath a massive rock outcrop. They shelter an extensive collection of religious murals and exquisite statues.

Wonder at the extraordinary civilization that ruled from the ancient capital of Anuradhapura thousands of years ago. Its majestic remains testify to an advanced city carefully planned and filled with beautiful palaces, temples and giant stupas.

In Colombo, root out bargains in the Pettah market, marvel at the blossoms in the Vihara Maha Devi Park between March and early May, and sample the offerings of some of the country’s best restaurants. 

See the huge reclining Buddha at Polonnaruwa, an ancient capital and another UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its remains of royal palaces, temples and stupas. It also has a superb museum, one of the country’s best.

Explore Sri Lanka’s most popular wildlife-viewing destination, Yala National Park, on the southeast coast. It is home to the world’s highest density of leopards, as well as a wealth of other species - from elephants to birds.

See Sri Lanka’s oldest and best-known fishing village, Negombo, also a popular resort near Katunayake International Airport. It stands on a strand separating the sea from a lagoon. The seafood here, particularly the shellfish, is superb.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.


Top Things To Do

Spy on Sri Lanka’s abundant wildlife (much of which is found nowhere else on earth) in the country’s various sanctuaries and national parks. Birdwatching is superb, and as well as the famous elephants there are also leopards, deer, bears, wild boar, porcupines and monkeys to see.

Ride an elephant; it’ll make you feel like Asian royalty rolling from side to side and looking down on the passing scenery.  Wild elephants can be seen in sizeable numbers in several national parks, and there is a well-known elephant orphanage at Pinnawela.

Enjoy sunbathing and swimming along Sri Lanka’s 1,600km (1,000 miles) of beautiful palm-shaded beaches. Good resorts include Beruwela, Bentota, Mount Lavinia Negombo and Hikkaduwa. Meanwhile Unawatuna in Galle claims to be among the top 15 beaches in the world.

Go diving (website: www.divesrilanka.com) or snorkelling to glimpse the country’s thriving coral reefs and their myriad multi-hued inhabitants. Colourful diving spots include Bentota and Hikkaduwa, which also have underwater caves and shipwrecks to explore.

Catch some waves surfing: recommended locations include Hikkaduwa, Midigama and particularly Arugam Bay (near Potuvil), which also offers waterskiing and yachting. Alternatively, try your hand at windsurfing; facilities are located in Bentota, Beruwela, Kalutara and Negombo.

Go hiking through diverse landscapes, especially the rainforest and cloudforest of the hilly interior. Popular trekking destinations include Adam’s Peak, Sri Lanka’s highest point at 2,243m (7,358ft), World’s End in the highlands, near Nuwara Eliya, and the Knuckles wilderness area near Kandy.

Join in a game of cricket; impromptu games are always striking up on the beach and in the street, and the cricket-mad locals are always happy for an extra pair of hands.

Immerse yourself in one of Sri Lanka’s many colourful festivals. Most involve huge processions of glittering elephants, dancers and drummers. The best-known is Esala Perahera in Kandy; Vel Festival in Colombo is also spectacular.

Trail your morning tea to its source in Sri Lanka’s highlands: inhale the delicious aromas of Victorian-era tea factories, drink their finest and roam the lush tea plantations. The Nuwara Eliya hill station is a popular destination.

Head to the village of Kitulgala, tucked away amid ravines in the hill country, to enjoy both beginners-standard and high-adrenaline white-water rafting.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.


Going Out

Food and Drink

Standard foods are spicy and it is advised to approach curries with caution. There are many vegetables, fruits, meats and seafoods. Chinese, Continental, Indian and Japanese menus are available in Colombo. A speciality is curry made with coconut milk, sliced onion, green chilli, aromatic spices such as cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and saffron and aromatic leaves.

Things to know: Alcohol cannot be sold on poya holidays (which occur each lunar month on the day of the full moon).

National specialities:
• Hoppers is a cross between a muffin and a crumpet, served with a soft-baked egg on top.
• Stringhoppers are steamed circlets of rice flour, thinner than noodles.
• Jaggery is fudge made from the crystallised sap of the kitul palm.
• The durian fruit is considered a great delicacy.

National drinks:
• Tea is the national drink and thought to be amongst the best in the world.
• Toddy (sap of the palm tree).
• Arrack (fermented Toddy which comes in varying degrees of strength).

Tipping: Most hotels include a 10% service charge. Extra tipping is optional.

Nightlife

Some Colombo hotels have supper clubs with music for dancing. There are theatres in Colombo, cinemas showing films from the USA, ballet, concerts and theatre productions.

Shopping

Sri Lanka has a number of modern shopping malls, and some 5-star hotels in Colombo also have shopping arcades. Special purchases include handicrafts and curios of silver, brass, bone, ceramics, wood and terracotta. Also cane baskets, straw hats, reed and coir mats, spices and the island’s excellent tea. Batik fabric, lace and lacquerware are also popular. Masks used in dance-dramas, processions and festivals can also be bought: they can depict kings, queens, demonic birds and snake spirits amongst other things. The ‘18-disease’ mask shows a demon in possession of a victim; he is surrounded by 18 faces – each of which cures a specific ailment. Versions produced for the tourist market are often of a high standard. Sri Lanka is also rich in gems. Fabrics include batiks, cottons, rayons, silks and fine lace.

Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1730, Sat 0900-1300.


Climate

Tropical climate. Upland areas are cooler and more temperate, and coastal areas are cooled by sea breezes. There are two monsoons, which occur May to July and December to January.

Required Clothing

Lightweights and rainwear.


Public Holidays

Below are listed the Public Holidays for the January 2008-December 2009 period.

2008
1 Jan New Year’s Day. 
15 Jan Tamil Thai Pongal Day.
22 Jan Duruthu Full Moon Poya Day.
4 Feb National Day.
20 Feb Navam Full Moon Poya Day.
6 Mar Maha Sivarathri Day.
20 Mar Milad un-Nabi (Birth of the Prophet).
21 Mar Good Friday.
13-14 Apr Sinhala and Tamil New Year.
19 Apr Bak Full Moon Poya Day.
1 May May Day.
19-20 May Vesak (Buddha Day).
18 Jun Poson Full Moon Poya Day.
17 Jul Esala Full Moon Poya Day.
16 Aug Nikini Full Moon Poya Day.
14 Sep Binara Full Moon Poya Day.
2 Oct Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan).
14 Oct Vap Full Moon Poya Day.
28 Oct Deepavali.
12 Nov Il Full Moon Poya Day.
9 Dec Eid al-Adha (Hadji Festival Day).
12 Dec Unduvap Full Moon Poya Day.
25 Dec Christmas Day.

2009
1 Jan New Year’s Day. 
Jan* Tamil Thai Pongal Day
Jan* Duruthu Full Moon Poya Day.
4 Feb National Day.
Feb* Navam Full Moon Poya Day.
Mar* Maha Sivarathri Day.
9 Mar Milad un-Nabi (Birth of the Prophet).
10 Apr Good Friday.
Apr* Sinhala and Tamil New Year.
Apr* Bak Full Moon Poya Day.
1 May May Day.
1-2 May* Vesak (Buddha Day).
Jun* Poson Full Moon Poya Day.
Jul* Esala Full Moon Poya Day.
Aug* Nikini Full Moon Poya Day.
Sep* Binara Full Moon Poya Day.
21 Sep Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan).
Oct* Vap Full Moon Poya Day.
18 Oct Deepavali.
Nov* Il Full Moon Poya Day.
28 Nov Eid al-Adha (Hadji Festival Day).
Dec* Unduvap Full Moon Poya Day.
25 Dec Christmas Day.

* Date to be confirmed.
All full moon poya days to be confirmed for 2009.

Note

(a) Poya holidays are observed on the day of each full moon. In general, Hindu and Buddhist festivals are declared according to local astronomical observations and it is often only possible to forecast the approximate time of their occurrence. (b) Some public holidays are followed by an additional holiday for banks only. (c) Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted; however, since Sri Lanka is not a predominantly Muslim country restrictions (which travellers may experience elsewhere) are unlikely to cause problems.


Health

Diphtheria

Special Precaution: Sometimes

Hepatitis A

Special Precaution: Yes

Malaria

Special Precaution: Sometimes

Rabies

Special Precaution: Sometimes

Tetanus

Special Precaution: Yes

Typhoid

Special Precaution: Sometimes

Yellow Fever

Special Precaution: No*

Health Care

Treatment is free at government hospitals and dispensaries; 24-hour treatment is available at Colombo National Hospital. Some hotels also have doctors.

Note

* A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age arriving from an infected area.

Further Health Information

We advise you to check health requirements for the country you are traveling to with your GP, practice nurse or travel health clinic as health requirements and vaccinations can change at short notice.

Money

Currency

Sri Lanka Rupee (LKR; symbol Rs.) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of Rs.2,000, 1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of Rs.10, 5, 2 and 1, and 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. There are also large numbers of commemorative coins in circulation.

Currency Exchange

Foreign currency can be changed at authorised exchanges, banks and hotels.

Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs

MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted. American Express is also often accepted. Major cities have ATMs, although not all will accept international cards.The tourist board urges caution when paying by credit card due to the potential for fraud.

Traveller's Cheques

The rate of exchange for traveller’s cheques can be better than the rate of exchange for cash. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.

Currency Restrictions

Restrictions apply.

Banking Hours

Mon-Sat 0900-1300. Some city banks close at 1500, whilst some even have night bank facilities.


Passport/Visa

British

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No
Return Ticket Required: Yes

Australian

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No
Return Ticket Required: Yes

Canadian

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No
Return Ticket Required: Yes

USA

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No
Return Ticket Required: Yes

Other EU

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No/1
Return Ticket Required: Yes

Passports

Passport valid for at least six months from date of entry required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.

Visas

Required by all nationals referred to in the chart above,all nationals will be issued with visas free of charge for a period of 30 days on arrival at Colombo Airport (for touristic visits only), except:
1. nationals of Malta who require a visa in advance.

Visa Note

(a) Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).

Types of Visa and Cost

Tourist and Business: LKR10,000 (single-entry, up to three months); LKR30,000 (multiple-entry, three months); LKR40,000 (multiple-entry, 12 months).

Validity

As above. Visitors can request to extend their stay by applying to the Department of Immigration & Emigration, 23 Station Road, Colombo 3 (tel: (1) 259 7513). This is issued at the discretion of the authorities who must be satisfied that the applicant has at least US$30 per day for the stay and holds an onward or return ticket for travel.

Working Days Required

At least three.


Contact Addresses

High Commission of Sri Lanka in the UK

13 Hyde Park Gardens, London W2 2LU, UK
Tel: (020) 7262 1841.
Website: www.slhclondon.org
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1700; 0930-1300 (visa section).

Sri Lanka Tourist Board in the UK

1 Devonshire Square, London EC2M 4WD, UK
Tel: 0845 880 6333.
Website: www.srilankatourism.org.uk

Embassy of Sri Lanka in the USA

2148 Wyoming Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 483 4025-28.
Website: www.slembassyusa.org


Travel Advice

Warning

It is advised against all travel to the north or east of Sri Lanka. For the purpose of this travel advice, the north is considered to be all areas north of the A12 road (which runs from Puttalam in the west to Trincomalee in the east) including the Jaffna peninsula and the east to be the districts of Trincomalee and Batticaloa, as well as coastal areas of Ampara district north of Pottuvil and east of the A25 and A27 roads.

Travellers are advised against all travel to Yala National Park. In October and November 2007, there were a number of security incidents there.

There is a high threat from terrorism. Since the start of 2008, fatal attacks have been increasingly frequent. They can be indiscriminate and have occurred in Colombo and throughout Sri Lanka, including places frequented by expatriate and foreign travellers.

On 4 February 2008, a bomb killed 12 people at Welioya, 120 kilometres north-east of Anuradhapura in northern Sri Lanka. A further 17 people were injured in the blast. On 3 February 2008, a bomb at the Fort railway station killed ten and injured more than 100 people. There was also a small explosion at Dehiwella zoo in greater Colombo that injured at least four people. On 2 February 2008, a bomb on a Kandy to Anaradhapura bus killed more than 20 and injured many more while it was stopped at a bus stand in the town of Dumballa in central Sri Lanka. On 8 January 2008, two bombs exploded in the greater Colombo area, killing a Sri Lankan government minister and injuring at least 10 other people. Methods used in these attacks have included suicide bombers, roadside bombs and timed devices. There were other significant attacks in Colombo throughout 2006 and 2007.

There is heightened security, particularly in Colombo and southern Sri Lanka.  There have been detentions, particularly of people of Tamil ethnicity. Travellers should ensure that they carry some form of identification at all times. If you are a British national and are detained, you should ask the authorities to contact the British High Commission. It is strongly advised to comply with government and security force instructions.

There are reports of continuing fighting between the Sri Lanka government forces and the Liberation Tigers Eelam (LTTE) throughout the north and east. This has included the use of ground forces, artillery fire, mines, air and naval attacks. Further fighting could occur with little or no warning. On 22 October, the LTTE attacked a Sri Lankan military base on the outskirts of Anuradhupura, with ground and air forces. The police have announced a curfew in the city, requiring non-military personnel to stay indoors.

We do not advise against travel to the city of Anuradhupura, that straddles the A12 road, but you should exercise caution and seek the advice of your tour operator or the local authorities before travelling there.

It is strongly recommended that all overseas nationals who are resident and/or working in Sri Lanka, or visiting for over one month, register with their high commission or embassy in Colombo.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel




Disclaimer
We've tried to make the information on this page as accurate as possible, but it is provided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information. You should verify critical information with the relevant authorities before you travel.