Travel Information

Sri Lankans are ever ready to bow their heads and greet guests with a hearty smile and an Ayubowan (May you live long).  This can be said anytime during the day.

Sri Lanka has two monsoon seasons which brings rain to the island.  Hence the best time to visit the west and south coasts and hill country is from December to March, while the best weather on the east coast is from April to September.

Sri Lanka’s position close to the Equator makes sure that the temperatures remain fairly constant all year through.  During January and February climate is chilly and cold.

Country has an intricate network of public transportation system centered on the capital, Colombo.  Within the limits of main cities traffic is unavoidable if in a vehicle.  Most convenient public transportation is via the rail network which covers almost all destinations around the island with very reasonable transportation charges.

The main international airport is located in Katunayake and for selected destinations internal flights are also available.  Taxis and tuk tuks are plenty but it is always good to select a metered taxi or a tuk tuk unless you are good at bargaining and agree on a rate for the hire.

Tap water is safe to drink but bottled drinking water is recommended for drinking while tap water is safe for rinsing, washing and bathing.  Bottled drinking water is freely available to purchase for a reasonable prices but as any other bottled product please check the safety seal prior to purchase.

Sri Lanka’s position is close to the Equator and benefits from a tropical climate, with an average year round temperature from 27.0˚C (81˚F) to the warmest average max/high temperature of 31.0˚C (88˚F) from February to May and the coolest average min/low temperature is 22°C (72°F) in January & February.

Monsoon seasons bring rains and the on and off tropical rains come throughout the year and keep the temperature level in control.

Sinhala and Tamil are two main local languages while English is a popular language in all main cities while most of the locals in other areas understands it.

As a whole country is safe and authorities are taking extra precautions to make sure guests are safe while they are in the island while all hotels are equipped to handle illness and injury.

Light cotton clothes with sandals and sunglasses are a must to pack.  Evenings can be chilly in many parts of the country and light sweaters are adequate in most cases.

While visiting places of worship all visitors are expected to dress more conservatively and in lighter shades of colours.  Beachwear are acceptable in the beaches yet the law prohibits topless or nude sunbathing or swimming in public.

Archeological / historical sites require prior permission for photography while photographing military sites are prohibited.

Child prostitution and exploitation are penal offences in Sri Lanka.

220-240 Volts, 50Hz

Sri Lankan Rupees.