Short Guide to Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is truly a hidden gem with so much to explore – from gorgeous beaches to lush jungles and incredible food. But before you start packing and dreaming about your adventure, check out this short guide to Sri Lanka! I’ll share some quick tips on the best time to visit and a few things you’ll want to know to make your trip as smooth as possible. Trust me, a little prep goes a long way!
Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka
First things first, let’s talk about the weather. Sri Lanka has two monsoon seasons, which can definitely affect your travel plans depending on where you’re headed. The best time to visit overall is between December and mid-April when the weather is at its best. Coastal areas stay warm around 25-30°C, while the highlands are a bit cooler at 15-18°C.
If you’re planning to hit the southwest coast, like Colombo and Galle, it’s best to go between October and February to avoid the rain. But if you’re looking at the east coast or the north, your ideal window is between May and September. We visited in January/February, right after the monsoons ended in the north and east, and honestly, the weather was perfect all over the island. So, a little planning goes a long way, and you’ll be basking in sunshine in no time!
What to Pack to Sri Lanka
Now, let’s talk packing. If you’re traveling with kids like we did, you’ll want to be ready for anything. We packed all the usual stuff – medicine for colds, headaches, upset tummies, and the like. Honestly, we didn’t need much except for mosquito bite lotion and aloe vera for sunburns. And definitely don’t forget a waterproof case for your phone or camera – you’ll want to capture all those unforgettable moments without worrying about splashes or rain!
When it comes to clothes, keep it comfy and respectful. If you’re visiting temples or religious sites, make sure to cover your shoulders and knees. Light, breathable fabrics are key for the humid weather, and don’t forget sturdy shoes for those random hikes or spontaneous adventures!
Traveling with kids?
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Stroller: Honestly, a baby carrier is much better. We brought our folding stroller but only used it twice. Many places don’t have proper sidewalks, so you’ll end up walking in the street or on uneven paths, which makes the stroller more hassle than it’s worth.
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Car Seat: You don’t really need one. We rented one but rarely used it. By law, it’s not required, so it’s up to you.
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Diapers/Nappies: You can easily buy them at most supermarkets in Sri Lanka, so no need to pack too many.
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Bathing Diapers: Bring your own! We had trouble finding bathing diapers in Sri Lanka, so it’s a good idea to pack some just in case.
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Sun Lotion: Don’t skip this! I’ve heard stories of fake lotions out there, and some people ended up with burns. It’s better to bring your own, so you can avoid that headache.
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UV Clothes & Hats: A must, especially for kids or if you’re someone who burns easily. The sun can be pretty strong, so protect yourself and the little ones with some UV clothing and hats.
Visa
Now, let’s talk visas. Many visitors get a Visa On Arrival, but you can also apply online to skip the queues. We opted for the online option, although we never received a confirmation email. Thankfully, we checked the status online and found out our ETA was approved without any issues. If you need help applying for a visa, click here.
Money & Payments in Sri Lanka
- Currency: The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) is the official currency, but USD and sometimes euros are accepted in some places.
- Hotels: We mostly paid by credit card or USD, though some hotels charged a 3% fee for card transactions and preferred cash.
- Restaurants: Larger establishments accept credit cards, but cash is needed for most smaller places.
- ATMs: Easy to find, but many are inside buildings and closed on weekends, so plan ahead.
- Tipping: Customary, usually around 10%.
Getting Around in Sri Lanka
HIRE A DRIVER
If you’re looking for convenience, hiring a driver is your best bet. Sure, it’s a bit pricey, but having your own personal guide and transport is unbeatable. You can book one online or through your accommodation. Ready to explore at your own pace? Go for it!
TRAIN
There are three classes of train travel where the third class is the cheapest. There’s reserved and unreserved. Unreserved? Risky – you might end up standing for hours but the ticket can be bought at the train station on the day of travel. Reserved? You get a seat! Trust me, it’s worth it for those long journeys. Book ahead, we used 12Go.Asia and it was a breeze.
BUS
Buses are the cheapest way to travel across the country, and are heavily used by the locals. Watching them swiftly pass by on the streets can be intimidating, especially when accompanied by children, so we never chose that option. Tickets are purchased directly from the conductor once onboard.
TUK TUK
You can use them as taxis for short distances, or you can rent your own and drive it across the entire island! Renting a tuk-tuk gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace but you should consider the limitations of space – if you have large suitcases or plenty of luggage, it might not be the most suitable choice. Additionally, tuk-tuks tend to be slower, and you won’t have access to highways or toll roads, which could save you time during your travels.
RENT A CAR
After considering our options (and our 3 year old), we opted for a car rental and I believe it was the best option! We rented Toyota Hybrid from Malkey Rent a Car. Booking online was a breeze, and communication via email sorted out everything from car seats (we hardy used it) to driving permits (turned out our international license was enough). With airport pick-up and drop-off, our arrival and departure were hassle-free. Driving was a mix of excitement and manageability, with an average speed of 40-50 km/hour. We navigated tuk-tuks, pedestrians (no sidewalks there), dogs, and the occasional cow, embracing the local vibe but renting a car gave us the freedom to explore at our own pace, with the flexibility to switch to tuk-tuks as needed.
Discover the cost of renting a car and overall expenses in Sri Lanka. Read Sri Lanka Travel Cost here.
Vegan in Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan cuisine naturally includes many vegan-friendly dishes. Here are some traditional foods to try:
1. Rice and Curry: A staple meal consisting of rice served with several vegetable curries. Common vegan curries include:
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- Dhal Curry (Parippu): Lentils cooked with coconut milk and spices.
- Pumpkin Curry: Made with pumpkin, coconut milk, and spices.
- Jackfruit Curry: Young jackfruit cooked in a spicy coconut milk base.
- Beetroot Curry: Beetroot cooked with coconut milk and spices.
- Gotu Kola Sambol: A salad made from finely chopped gotu kola leaves, grated coconut, and lime juice.
2. Hoppers (Appa): Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk. They can be served plain (which is vegan) or with a variety of toppings.
3. String Hoppers (Idiyappam): Steamed rice noodle cakes often served with coconut sambol and dhal curry.
4. Coconut Sambol: A spicy condiment made from freshly grated coconut, chili peppers, lime juice, and sometimes tomatoes and onions.
5. Pol Roti: Flatbreads made from flour and grated coconut, typically eaten with coconut sambol or other vegan curries.
6. Kottu Roti: A stir-fry of chopped roti bread with vegetables and spices. Be sure to request a vegan version without eggs or meat.
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I love your post and the page’s UI! Might need a little bit of tweaking (e.g. light blue color being a little bit close to white, also the gray while typing this comment. Also, some hover styling (even the classic underline when clicking on a link) would really help in identifying links. Overall, a great blog!
Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to share your feedback! I really appreciate it. That’s a great point about the colors and hover styling—I’ll definitely look into tweaking them for better visibility. Glad you like the blog!