Sun, sea, adventure, greenery, wildlife and more – a variety of landscapes wrapped in a small paradise island. Having been born and brought up in Sri Lanka, travelled to many parts of the island nation, our team of expert consultants at Travel Treasures has put together a list of things you must keep in mind before you plan travel packages to Sri Lanka.
What are the two most common questions when it comes to Sri Lanka as a tourist destination?
- Is Sri Lanka safe to visit? YES, ABSOLUTELY!
- Is it always very hot? Yes, but there’s much more to it!
1. All year round- holiday friendly travel packages to Sri Lanka.
Many travellers are under the impression that only December to April is a good time to visit. One must also understand that the island’s weather patterns vary significantly by region. These months are indeed perfect for enjoying the south coast beaches. Enjoy calm seas and clear skies in Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna and Tangalle.
Sri Lanka experiences two monsoon. Thus, from May to October, when the south coast is affected by monsoon rains, the east coast comes alive with sunshine. Destinations like Arugam Bay and Nilaveli offer some of the country’s best beaches and surf spots during this time. Even during the rainy season, showers are mostly short-lived, often intense but lasting less than an hour. Traveling in the off-season also has its advantages: lower prices and fewer crowds at popular attractions.
Don’t limit your experience to just the beaches. While the coastline is stunning, Sri Lanka has so much more to offer inland—lush rice paddies, traditional clay pot cooking in rural villages, cool mountain towns, and age-old artisan crafts passed down through generations. Being a tropical country, the weather in these areas are generally holiday friendly all year round. The rains however are unpredictable in these areas but rest assured, it most likely won’t spoil your entire travel package in Sri Lanka.
2. Be prepared for heat and humidity during your Sri Lanka tour.
Sri Lanka can get intensely hot, particularly in places like Colombo and coastal cities such as Galle. Temperatures can go as high as 37°C with humidity levels over 90% all year-round. The combination of high heat and heavy humidity requires light, breathable clothing.
Instead of tight denims, opt for flowy maxi skirts, linen shorts, sundresses, loose trousers, wide hats, flip-flops, and sandals. If you’re looking to blend in with the local vibes, pick bright colors and floral prints. Throw in a sweater and a raincoat if you have hill country destinations such as Nuwara Eliya in your Sri Lanka travel package.
Most importantly: don’t forget to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and include electrolytes to help your body cope with the heat. Fresh coconut water is available everywhere and makes for a refreshing, natural way to cool down.
3. One to Four weeks is sufficient – the more the better.
While the island nation looks small on the map, Sri Lanka is packed with experiences. From exploring ancient cave temples in Dambulla and catching a ferry to the remote islands off Jaffna, to trekking through the Knuckles Mountain Range. Sure, there are must-dos like climbing the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress, but Sri Lanka is best enjoyed at a slower pace, soaking in the rhythm of island life.
If you’re short on time, 09 days will quickly take you through the best of Sri Lanka while a 07 day travel package Sri Lanka will give you a gist of the hill country and south coast destinations. Two weeks in Sri Lanka offers a good taste of all the landscapes. Spend one week relaxing on the south coast with time for a wildlife safari, and another week discovering the cultural heart of Kandy and the lush central highlands. Just keep in mind that travel times can be lengthy, and the lesser the number of days, the more time you’d be spending on the road.
4. Locals love it when you try to speak Sinhala or Tamil.
While many locals across the country speak basic English which makes it convenient for visitors to get by. But try throwing in a few words such as “ayubowan” (may you live long) or “vanakkam” (hello), and watch how locals will gleam in appreciation. Generally, most people in the south of the country speak Sinhala and as you head north and east, Tamil becomes more widespread. Tamil is also spoken among the tea estate communities in the central highlands.
5. Respectful attire, especially at religious sites is a must.
When visiting religious sites such as Buddhist temples, Hindu temples, and mosques, it’s important to dress modestly. This means covering your shoulders and knees, and removing your shoes before entering. In some Hindu temples, men may also be required to remove their shirts—so always check for signage or follow the lead of locals.
Moreover, modest clothing is advised in the following situations. When using public transport or exploring smaller towns and rural villages. This is particularly for solo female travellers, as it helps avoid unwanted attention. However, travellers must note that, swimwear—including bikinis—is completely acceptable at beaches. It is probably a good idea to cover up when heading away from the shore.
6. Vaccinations and healthcare.
There are no mandatory vaccinations for travelling to Sri Lanka. However, it is advisable to check in with your healthcare provider at least eight weeks before your trip. Tetanus is a commonly recommended vaccine for all adults. Moreover, depending on your health history and travel plans, you might also need vaccinations for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid. For stays of over a month, or those that will encounter close contact with animals, consider a rabies vaccination. Dogs, cats and monkeys carry the infection and if left untreated, rabies can be fatal.
7. Tipping is a kind gesture.
Tipping isn’t compulsory in Sri Lanka, but is always appreciated. Particularly by drivers and service staff, as the country continues to recover from an economic crisis. If you are happy with the service you receive, offering a 10% tip is a thoughtful way to show your appreciation. That being said, if a restaurant includes a service charge on the bill (which is common), most locals don’t leave an additional tip. This is because the service charge is generally shared among the staff.
8. Maintain reasonable distance from wildlife
Sri Lanka boasts rich wildlife—from peacocks and elephants to monitor lizards that roam around public roads. Many rural roads, particularly in areas like Sigiriya and Habarana cut through elephant corridors. These are natural paths used by wild elephants as they move between habitats in search of food and water. If you encounter an elephant on the road, enjoy the moment from a safe distance, but do not attempt to approach or feed them.
Monkeys are also a common sight across the island, but feeding them is not advised. When tourists approach monkeys with food, it often disrupts their natural behaviour and leads to human-wildlife conflict. In general, it is best to avoid feeding or touching any wild animals and always observe them from a safe distance.
9. Book your hill country train tickets well in advance.
Add to your bucket list – the iconic train journey in Sri Lanka – classified as one of the most scenic in the world. The Kandy to Ella train ride is approximately 6 hours long, but a shorter version (3 hrs) can be enjoyed from Nanu Oya (Nuwara Eliya) to Ella. This stretch covers the most scenic views and is often appreciated as opposed to the 6-hour journey.
If you’re planning a travel package in Sri Lanka between December and April, the high season, be sure to book your seats a few weeks in advance. The best way to secure your spot is through the official Sri Lanka Railways website. Online bookings open just a month in advance, and are often sold out within minutes of opening. In the event you are unable to secure a ticket, you can always use the non-reserved carriages. Here, all you have to do is simply show up and buy a ticket. However, these coaches are usually packed with daily commuters and local vendors, making it difficult to find a seat.
Train options for this route are many. For a more comfortable and memorable experience, consider booking a tourist train like the Ella Odyssey or Dunhinda Odyssey. While slightly more expensive, they make brief stops at scenic spots along the route. These include waterfalls, Hindu temples, and quiet railway stations surrounded by flower gardens. Thus you have plenty of time to enjoy the views and take photos.
10. No alcohol is sold on full moon days
In Sri Lanka, every full moon marks a poya day—a sacred day for Buddhists when many visit temples and take part in religious observances. As part of the tradition, these days are also considered dry days, meaning alcohol sales are prohibited in supermarkets, bars, and restaurants.