Sri Lanka Travel Tips: 47 Things You Need to Know Before You Go

Sri Lanka is a delight to travel in. Beautiful, friendly, safe and packed with so many places to visit in Sri Lanka, it’s a great destination for any type of traveller. 

We spent over 7 weeks travelling in Sri Lanka, from top to bottom (actually bottom to top), west to east and with lots of time in between. We’ve visited top tourist attractions and went far, far off the beaten track in Sri Lanka. We fell in love with this little island nation and its warm and friendly people.

And while it’s a very easy country to travel in, we’ve learnt so much and picked up a lot of little tricks that make travelling here just a little bit easier. 

If you’re planning on visiting this wonderful country, read on for our complete list of Sri Lanka Travel Tips.

Sri Lanka Travel Tips: Weather

1. There are two monsoon seasons

One of the biggest Sri Lanka travel tips? Sri Lanka’s weather is complicated. 

The main southwest (“Yala”) monsoon brings rain to the west and southwest coasts and the hill country from April or May to September and is wettest from April to June.

The less severe northeast (“Maha”) monsoon hits the east coast from November to March and is wettest from November to December.

And if that wasn’t enough, there’s also an inter-monsoonal period of unsettled weather preceding the Maha monsoon in October and November. During this time heavy rainfall and thunderstorms can occur anywhere across the island.

But, on the bright side, it’s usually sunny somewhere. 

Sri Lanka Travel Tips: The Vibe, Culture and People

Read next: The Essential Sri Lanka Travel Guide

2. It feels like a blend between Thailand and India

It’s hectic, but not overwhelmingly so. There’s tourist infrastructure in some places, but also limited infrastructure in many others (i.e., bumpy roads, potholes, random cows and goats on the road).

It’s a delightful mix to experience. 

3. People are incredibly friendly and love to smile and wave

Sri Lanka truly has some of the friendliest people on the planet. It’s not uncommon for children to run after you waving and saying hello. Locals also love chatting with foreigners and want you to have a good experience in their country.

Go see for yourself: the people in Sri Lanka are very warm and genuine. You’ll love it!

4. You still need to watch out for scams

We once met a local who said to us, ‘Sri Lankans are very friendly, but some are very cunning’ and we have found this to ring very true. 

As in many places around the world, some people will see you as a means of income. There are many different scams in place and you will most likely overpay at some stage.

Our Sri Lanka travel tip about scams? Use your judgment and be discerning (but never be paranoid).

Never travel without travel insurance! We love SafetyWing

5. There’s not a huge party scene

This is an important one of our Sri Lanka travel tips!

Except for a few notable and popular backpacker destinations (such as Mirissa and Ella), Sri Lanka is not a place to party. Public drunkenness is pretty frowned upon, so think more about chilling on the beach or trekking than partying all night long. 

Read: 14 Awesome Things to do in Sri Lanka in 2024

6. English is widely spoken

Communication in Sri Lanka is pretty easy. English is very widely spoken across the island, and because Sri Lankans are so friendly and kind, if someone doesn’t speak English, then they’ll often try to find (or call) someone who does and get them to translate. 

This makes it so easy to get to all the places to visit in Sri Lanka.

7. Learn a few basic expressions in Sinhala and Tamil

One of the best Sri Lanka travel tips? Learn some language.

Learning a few words in Sinhala or Tamil will enhance your experience, it’s respectful and locals will love you for it. Plus, they’re both fun languages to try and pronounce (it ain’t easy). 

Here are a few common expressions to help you get by: 

• Ayubowan = A formal way of greeting someone, akin to hello. 
• Istuti = thank you
• Kohomadha = how are you?
• Hari = okay, got it, fine (you often say this twice – “hari hari”)
• Lassanai = beautiful
• Hondayi = very good
• Kiyeda? = how much?

8. For such a small country, it’s pretty diverse, people-wise

You can find Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Christians. There’s a pretty big mix of people going on in Sri Lanka and it’s beautiful. 

9. It’s also insanely diverse, scenery-wise

Stunning white and golden sand beaches, tropical rainforest and jungle, iridescent green tea fields and the hot, swampy plains of the north: Sri Lanka has it all. There really are so many different and beautiful places to visit in Sri Lanka.

Venture just a few km down the road and don’t be surprised to see the landscape change so dramatically. 

Discover Gartmore Falls, one of Sri Lanka’s hidden gems

10. It’s a pretty conservative place, so dress accordingly

Many Sri Lankans are socially conservative and deeply religious and it pays to be mindful about what you wear. If you want to be a respectful traveller, this is an important Sri Lanka travel tip.

Shorts and t-shirts are fine (except for temples), but no bathing suits off the beach. Never sunbathe topless. 

For temples, the standard applies: cover your shoulders, upper arms and legs. A lightweight top is great for keeping in your backpack and throwing on when you need to. Long, loose skirts are also a very helpful item for women. 

11. Every full moon is a public holiday

Referred to as ‘Poya Day’, every full moon is a public holiday. Yep, every month!

12. Doesn’t disrespect the Buddha

Buddhists in Sri Lanka take their faith very seriously and the same goes for images of the Buddha. Disrespecting the Buddha or an image of the Buddha in any way is a big no-no in Sri Lanka. This means no posing for selfies with Buddha statues or turning your back towards a Buddha image. 

People have been deported from Sri Lanka for displaying ‘disrespectful’ Buddha images so if you have any Buddha tattoos, best keep those covered. Of all the Sri Lanka travel tips, this is one to take very seriously.

Sri Lanka Travel Tips: Transportation

13. There’s a cheap and frequent airport bus that takes you straight into Colombo

From the airport, skip the taxi. For just 100 LKR (about 30 cents in USD), you can get a direct bus that takes you straight into the heart of Colombo. 

You can find the bus directly across from the main terminal when exiting. It takes you into Colombo’s main bus station, from where it’s quick and easy to grab another city bus or tuk-tuk to your accommodation. 

Beware the taxi drivers loitering outside the airport who’ll tell you the bus is not running. It always is. 

Read: A Quick Guide to Visiting Pigeon Island

14. Travel is SLOOOOW (and chaotic)

The island may be tiny, but that doesn’t mean you can get around to all the places to visit in Sri Lanka quickly. You’ll be surprised by how long it takes to get from A to B.

We made the mistake of planning way more than was actually possible – we looked at the map, and thought, it’s a small island, it can’t be that hard to get around, right? Wrong! Transport in SL is slow and time-consuming. 

For example, Jaffna to Colombo is approx 340 km, yet takes 9 hours on the train and over 10 hours by bus. The famous Kandy – Ella train is only 136 km in distance but takes 7 hours. 

Main point: when planning travel time, always budget more than you think you’ll need (at least a third). 

And while we’re talking about public transport, get ready to be uncomfortable. Expect at least 35% more people in a bus or train than can comfortably fit and be prepared to contort your body into all sorts of positions you didn’t think possible. 

And boarding said bus or train? Well, get ready to enter the Hunger Games. Think pushing, pulling and being shoved in all directions as every person scrambles to get on board first to get that coveted seat. After a few times, you’ll be surprised at how quickly your standards for polite behaviour can fly out the window. 

But hey, it’s all part and parcel of travel, so our advice? Lean into it. 

If you don’t want to deal with the time of public transport, many visitors to Sri Lanka hire private drivers to take them between destinations.  We recommend Sri Lanka Car and Driver Hire. Otherwise, you can arrange a private driver here.

15. You’ll want to book your train seat in advance (if you can)

If you’re able to book a seat in advance, then that means you’re guaranteed a seat, which will make your trip immensely more comfortable and enjoyable. 

You can book tickets in air-conditioned first-class or some fan-cooled second-class carriages in advance, either in person at the station or via 12 Go Asia. You can also buy train tickets on your phone – see below. 

You can check the schedule here. Tickets are released 10 days prior and sell out quickly.

16. You can buy train tickets on your phone

If you have a Dialog or Mobitel sim card, you can use your phone to reserve train tickets for pretty much all the major connections in Sri Lanka. For example, Colombo to Kandy, Colombo to Jaffna, etc., on express, intercity and A/C trains. 

Note: this applies to reserved seats only, not to the unreserved sections. 

First, dial the reservation short code 444 (Mobitel/ Etisalat reservation code is 365). For Dialog users, the call costs 8 LKR per minute + tax.

You will get connected to an answering machine where you’ll have to select: language -> ticket service -> train ticket reservation -> Sri Lanka National Rail.

You will then get connected to the reservations operator with whom you can reserve the tickets for your required journey, date and time by simply providing all the information and they will check whether anything is available. You can make these types of reservations 30 days ahead of your journey.

If there are seats available and you want to go ahead with the reservation you need to provide your passport number (only of the person who will be picking up the tickets at the train station)

They will then go ahead and make the booking and will let you know as soon as it is confirmed and in the system. Note that payment is done via your Sim Card Balance so make sure you top up and have enough balance before calling.

And if that fails you, you can always book ahead on 12Go Asia.

For a complete guide to train travel in Sri Lanka, see The Man In Seat 61’s guide. 

Need a guidebook for Sri Lanka? Our go-to is Bradt

17. Download PickMe for getting around the big cities

PickMe, Sri Lanka’s version of Uber, is a hassle-free way of getting around the big cities (Colombo, Kandy and Negombo). When you use the app, you can order a tuk-tuk, a small car, a big car, you name it. You can choose to pay via cash or via a credit card (most drivers will want you to pay via cash). 

It’s straightforward and beats having to barter for a tuk-tuk. 

Sri Lanka Travel Tips: Money

18. If you do get a regular tuk-tuk, barter

The price is always negotiable and always agree on it in advance. Seriously, this is a big Sri Lanka travel tip.

19. Actually, barter for everything

Bargaining is a way of life in Sri Lanka and everything is negotiable. Generally, if someone quotes you with a price, counter with at least half. If you end up around 60 – 75% of the initial price, you’re probably good. 

20. Tipping culture is a way of life in Sri Lanka

Tip for almost everything. Seriously.

People work really hard in Sri Lanka and for anyone in the service industry, most of their income comes from tips. Following this Sri Lanka travel tip means you’ll be making a difference to people who work really hard.

In proper restaurants and for drivers, give 10%. Tip your tour guides, bag carriers, and porters and round your tuk-tuk fare up. 

21. It’s affordable, but can be expensive depending on how you travel

Food and local transportation are very cheap. You can get great rice and curry for no more than 1000 LKR ($2.75 USD). A local intercity bus will set you back 500 LKR ($1.50). By eating locally and taking public transport, you can save a lot of money. 

Accommodation, while still affordable and good value, isn’t as cheap as in South East Asia. A double ensuite room in a local guesthouse costs on average $25 – $30 USD a night, usually with breakfast included. 

What can really eat away at your budget are tours and big-ticket attractions. The famous sites like Sigiriya, Anuradhapura and all of the national parks are very expensive. Entrance to Sigiriya alone is $30 USD per person and a safari to one of the better-known national parks, such as Yala, will easily set you back more than $75 USD per person. 

You can limit your expenses by selectively choosing your activities and sightseeing, as well as visiting lesser-known destinations. Choose your battles and be strategic, so you don’t feel like you’ve missed out on anything you really wanted to see. 

Going to Anuradhapura? Read 21 Amazing Places to Visit in Anuradhapura in 2024

22. Foreigner pricing is a BIG thing

The dual foreigner / local charge system is alive and thriving in Sri Lanka. Expect to pay around a hundred times what a local would. 

For example, to enter Sigiriya a local is charged 100 LKR (approximately 30 USD cents). A foreigner is charged $30 USD. 

23. ATMs are widespread and almost everywhere 

There are heaps of ATMs everywhere, so getting cash out isn’t a problem (you’ll need it). 

24. Accommodation prices are based on US dollars

While you pay for your accommodation in LKR, the price is always set in USD, so it doesn’t matter what the exchange rate is, you’re paying the same price. 

25. Bank of Ceylon doesn’t charge any fees to use their ATMs 

Yep, no ATM fees with Bank of Ceylon, and their exchange rate is pretty competitive too. You can save a lot of money by seeking them out. If you pair this with a Wise card, you’ll save heaps!

Read: A Mini Guide to Mini World’s End

26. It’s extremely cash-based

Cash is king in Sri Lanka and it’s difficult to find many places that take cards. Always stock up on cash as unless you’re staying and eating at midrange and top-end hotels, you’ll be expected to pay with it all the time. 

Sri Lanka Travel Tips: Accommodation

27. Homestays are the best

Sri Lanka has nailed the homestay game, and staying in one is a great way to travel around the country. 

In family-run guesthouses and homestays, you get to stay with a local family. Sometimes it’s directly in their house, other times you’ll be separated a bit. Either way, chances are you’ll end up chatting with them a bit and get to experience more of the local culture and make genuine connections. 

Breakfast is almost always included and dinner is usually available. The food is delicious, not to mention, convenient. While dinners are usually a bit more expensive than a local joint, the quality and quantity almost always make up for it.  

Our favourites? Ceylonima Homestay in Anuradhapura and Chaminrich Homestay in Kandy. 

28. If you’re staying somewhere for a few days (3+), call ahead and ask for a discount

It works most of the time. 

29. If you’re travelling during Sinhalese or Tamil New Year, book ahead

Sinhalese and Tamil New Year is a hugely busy time in the country, so book your transport and accommodation well in advance. For accommodation, Booking.com is widely used in Sri Lanka and probably your best bet.

Families travel from one side of the country to the other as they go home to visit their families. Shop, restaurants, and attractions close, and hotels book up weeks before the celebrations begin. 

It’s a great time to be in the country, especially if you can participate in the festivities, but just be strategic and well-organised. 

Sri Lanka Travel Tips: Connectivity

30. Mobile Data is cheap and easy to obtain

It’s ridiculously easy and affordable to get a local SIM in Sri Lanka. There are multiple booths set up at the airport, that seem to operate 24/7. You can also visit any telecommunication provider in any major city (Colombo, Jaffa, Negombo or Kandy) and get a SIM there. 

Expect to pay around $10 USD for a 25 GB package. Coverage is also pretty decent, and much better than wifi in guesthouses. 

Both Dialog and Mobitel are good providers. 

To top up, simply visit any corner shop and purchase data in increments of 100 LKR. You’ll get a little scratch card to redeem and it’s super easy. 

Sri Lanka Travel Tips: Places

31. Don’t skip Colombo

99.9% of travellers to Sri Lanka skip Colombo, instead choosing to fly in, spend their first few nights in Negombo and then head out from there. Overlooking Sri Lanka’s historic capital is a big mistake.

Dig a little beneath the surface and you’ll find historic churches, colourful temples and photogenic streetlife on every corner. There’s also some incredible food and coffee to be found. And though there are a number of sights to see, it’s also a great place to simply settle in and get a sense of what local life is like.

Sure, Colombo isn’t on par with other Asian capitals, like Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur, but that doesn’t mean you should skip it entirely. Colombo is Sri Lanka’s beating heart and absolutely worthy of at least a day of your time. 

For a guided experience, check out Tuk It Easy Colombo, which runs fun and engaging tuk-tuk tours of the city, so you can experience it like a local.

Make sure you explore colourful Pettah and get lost in its busy and vibrant streets. While you’re there, don’t miss a visit to the Red Mosque. 

Taking in the sunset at Galle Face Green is a great way to end your day. It’s super busy with locals flying kites and eating snacks. Take a dusk stroll here and get amongst the local vibe. 

32. The waterfalls are amazing. And they’re everywhere

The most beautiful waterfalls in the entire world exist in Sri Lanka, and you’ll see them everywhere. Seriously, everywhere.

Check out our guide to Duwili Ella Waterfall for inspiration

33. It’s becoming super popular with Instagrammers

In all of our travels, we have never seen so many Instagram photoshoots happening as we have in Sri Lanka. It’s unfortunate, but we’ve also been witness to influencers engaging in irresponsible and unethical practices just to get ‘the shot’. It can be a bit overwhelming and disheartening. 

To get the most out of your stay, remember this is a country and people live here. It’s best to not treat it solely as an Instagram backup and always ask permission before you take portrait photos of people. 

Get away from the Instagrammers and find Sri Lanka’s top hidden gems

34. Most people only visit the lower half of the country, so for something different, go north

To get away from the bikini-clad influencers and smoothie bowls in the south, try heading north, where you’ll find incredible scenery, stunning Hindu temples and the best food in the country. 

The north of Sri Lanka is one of the most incredible parts of the country and sadly, often overlooked. Which is really all the better, because if you venture up there, chances are, you’ll have it all to yourself. 

Read our complete guide on the best places to visit in Jaffna to explore indepenently, or if tours are more your thing, check out this great private tour of north Sri Lanka.

Read: Sri Lanka – 10 Reasons You Shouldn’t Skip the North

35. Visit an Ayurvedic Spa

Ayurveda is Sri Lanka’s ancient art of herbal and holistic healing. The method involves using herbs, oils, metals and animal products to heal and rejuvenate. Ayurvedic centres are found across the entire island and a visit to one is an experience not to be missed. 

Leaning heavily on the oil usage, be prepared to leave drenched in it. You’ll get a towel to wipe some of the oil off, but there’s only so much that can be removed. 

Our tip: try the Shirodhara treatment. In this treatment, warm oil is slowly poured onto your forehead (your ‘third eye’) in a rhythmic motion. It’s meant to purify and help various illnesses. We can’t speak for the purported health benefits, but it is quite the experience.

We recommmend Jasmin Villa in Negombo. Otherwise, ask at your hotel or guesthouse. They should be able to recommend a good centre, or you can book this top-rated ayurvedic experience in advance.

Sri Lanka Travel Tips: History

36. There was a long, bloody civil war for 26 years

Sri Lankan was entangled in a brutal civil war that lasted for more than a quarter century.  By and large, the majority of the fighting took place in the Tamil-dominated north and you can still see the remnants and scars from this bloody period. 

The war ended recently in 2009 and pretty apocalyptically at that: the UN conservatively estimates that around 40,000 – 50,000 civilians were killed in just the final few months of battle, as the Sri Lankan government resorted to some pretty shady tactics to end the war once and for all. 

For many in the north, the war is not truly over and those scars are far from healed.  

37. The military has taken over the north

Since the end of hostilities in 2009, the military has been taking over much of the north. You’ll see more army posts here than anywhere else, as well as a lot of military resorts and development

Sri Lanka Travel Tips: Food

38. Hotels are actually places to eat

Confusingly, “hotels” in Sri Lanka are actually restaurants. They’re usually simple and filled with locals. Expect a counter at the front or back, with a display of the dishes on offer. It’s usually rice and curry, but you can also find kottu and fried rice. 

Order by pointing out what you want, or just asking for a combination. 

39. The food in small hotels is usually served cold

You’ll get used to it. 

40. Rice and curry is nothing short of amazing

Rice and curry, Sri Lanka’s staple meal and national dish, is delicious and quite frankly, one of the best ways of eating. 

What is rice and curry? It’s a massive portion of rice, served alongside anywhere from 4 – 8 different curries. There’s always some vegetable curries included and you can choose to add meat or fish as well. After trying it and experiencing the amazing variety in one meal, you’ll never want to eat just one main dish again. 

Common curries you can find include jackfruit curry, beetroot curry, dahl, mango curry, green banana curry and potato curry. 

41. For the best meals, eat in small, local places

Seek out small, local ‘hotels’ and you’ll probably find some of the best food in Sri Lanka. Your stomach will be thanking us for this Sri Lanka travel tip.

Often, there’ll be no menu. Just speak to someone and they’ll explain your options, or you can point if there’s a display case. 

42. Sri Lankans eat with their right hand (and never the left)

Why not give it a go? It’s a lot of fun. There’s always a sink in every restaurant for washing up before and after. 

43. It’s a dream for vegetarians

With so many vegetarian options to choose from, this is a dream destination for vegetarians. In fact, there are few places in the world that cater so well for us veggies. 

Vegetable curries, kotthu and an abundance of fresh, tropical fruit will leave every veggie visitor satisfied. 

You can learn to cook all this delicious Sri Lankan food in a cooking class.

44. Get familiar with your short eats

Short eats are bite-sized appetisers that you’ll find everywhere: on the side of the road, in shops and always on trains.

The most popular short eats include crumbed and deep-fried fish and potato cutlets, egg pastries, vegetable or chicken patties and isso vade: deep-fried lentil cakes studded with small, whole prawns.

45. Drink as much juice as you can

Juice bars are a really big thing in Sri Lanka. And we’re not talking about the banana pancake-style juice bars set up solely for foreigners that you can often find in other Asian destinations. These are for locals. 

Given the abundance of incredible tropical fruit around, Sri Lankans have made juice a big thing in their country. You’ll find little juice bars everywhere and can usually easily identify them by the hanging fruit and the blender. The juices are so delicious and you can make as many combinations as your imagination will allow.

Just be sure to ask for low sugar – trust us on this Sri Lanka travel tip. 

Costing anywhere from 100 – 300 LKR each, they’re a bargain. 

46. You will develop a sugar addiction (or diabetes)

Sri Lankans love sugar in large quantities. Ask for low sugar whenever you can, or risk paying the price later. 

47. Sri Lankan milk tea is amazing but very sweet

See the aforementioned sugar addiction above. 

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