Chapters
Chapters
SRI LANKA Adventure
Beaches, highlands, tea fields & culture – Sri Lanka is tropical diversity packed into one island.
Sri Lanka glimpses
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Overview
- Country: Sri Lanka – the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean" south of India.
- Capital(s): Administrative Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, commercial & cultural hub Colombo.
- Languages: Sinhala & Tamil (official). English widely used in services & education.
- Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). Rough guide: 1 EUR ≈ 320 LKR (2024/25).
- Religion: ~70% Buddhist; also Hindu, Muslim & Christian communities.
Budget
Shoestring
€25–35
Dorms, local food, buses
Mid-range
€50–70
Guesthouses, mix dining, tuk-tuks
Comfort
€100+
Hotels, drivers, tours
Saving tips
- Eat local: Rice & curry at small eateries.
- Public transport: Bus & train ultra cheap.
- Shoulder seasons: Less pressure, better prices.
- Markets / supermarkets: Cheap snacks & water.
Best time to travel
Two monsoon systems = there is always a region in season.
South & West + Highlands
Best Dec–Apr: drier, sunny, hiking & beach friendly.
East & North
Best May–Sep while south has rains; surf & empty shores.
Entry & Visa
ETA online: Apply at eta.gov.lk before arrival (cheaper & faster).
Validity: Usually 30 days, double entry. Extension up to 90 days possible in Colombo (apply early).
Passport: 6+ months validity required.
Vaccinations & Health
No mandatory shots from most European entries (Yellow fever only if coming from risk country).
Recommended: Routine + Hep A (maybe Hep B, Typhoid, Rabies, Japanese Encephalitis for long stays).
Dengue: Use repellent, long light clothing; no vaccine solution for travelers (general public use limited).
Pack a small medical kit & get travel insurance.
Safety
- Petty theft: Watch valuables in crowded buses & stations.
- Scams: Overpriced tuk-tuks / gem shops / spice gardens – agree fare first.
- At night: Use main streets, avoid protests, check current advisories.
Culture & Etiquette
Temple etiquette
Cover shoulders & knees, remove shoes & hats. Carry a light scarf.
Photos & respect
Ask before photographing people. Never pose with your back to a Buddha statue.
Tipping
Service charge may appear (10%). Otherwise 5–10% fine. Guides & drivers appreciate modest tips.
Money & Costs
Currency & payment
LKR; cards in hotels & large restaurants, cash for daily life.
- ATMs: Everywhere; choose low fee banks if possible.
- Exchange: Airport or licensed bureaus—compare rates.
Sample prices
- Rice & curry: €1.5–4
- 1.5L water: ~€0.5
- Beer: €2–3
- Tuk-tuk (10 min): €1–2
- Tea / coffee: €0.5–1.5
Getting Around
Train
Scenic & slow. Iconic Kandy–Ella route. Reserve 1st class early; 2nd/3rd buy at station.
Bus
Fast, cheap, chaotic—go anywhere. For comfort choose train when scenic.
Tuk-tuk
Negotiate price before ride or use PickMe app (Colombo/Kandy).
Driver hire
Comfort option: €50–70/day incl. fuel. Scooter rental possible—needs intl. license & confidence.
Accommodation
Guesthouses
Family-run, breakfast often included, €15–30 double.
Hostels
In hotspots (Ella, Mirissa, Colombo). Dorm €8–15.
Hotels
From simple city pads to boutique tea villas & beach resorts.
Booking tips
High season (Dec–Apr south/west, May–Sep east) → reserve key towns a few days ahead.
Food & Drinks
Spices, coconut, rice – expressive & varied.
Rice & Curry
National staple: rice + 3–5 veg/meat curries & sambol.
Kottu Roti
Chopped flatbread stir-fried with veg, egg, spice rhythm.
Hoppers
Crisp bowl-shaped pancakes; egg hopper = breakfast favorite.
String Hoppers
Steamed rice noodle nests with dhal or coconut.
Water & drinks
Never drink tap water—sealed bottles or filter. King coconut juice everywhere. Local beer: Lion.
Highlights
Essential places to build your route.
Cultural Triangle
Sigiriya rock, Dambulla caves, Polonnaruwa ruins.
Hill Country
Temple of the Tooth (Kandy), Nine Arch Bridge (Ella), tea fields Nuwara Eliya.
South Coast
Galle Fort UNESCO streets, boutique cafés, lighthouse.
National Parks
Yala for leopards, Udawalawe for elephants – safari chances high.
Pro tip
Climb Pidurangala opposite Sigiriya for sunrise views & fewer people.
Activities
- Surf: Weligama for beginners, Arugam Bay (May–Sep) & Hikkaduwa (Dec–Apr) for progression.
- Hiking: Ella Rock, Little Adam's Peak, night climb Adam's Peak (pilgrimage season).
- Whale watching: Mirissa Nov–Apr blue whales.
- Cooking classes: Learn spice layering & coconut techniques.
Tech
SIM & Internet
Buy tourist SIM (Dialog / Mobitel) at airport. 4G coverage broad.
Power
Sockets D & G. Use universal adapter.