This article contains affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. Read our Disclosure for more. Thanks for your support!
Last updated on March 20th, 2025 at 12:06 pm
If you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka soon, our comprehensive guide has all the information you need in one place.
From tips on the best time to visit Sri Lanka, how many days to spend there and what to pack for your trip to information on how to go to Sri Lanka, how to get around while there and what to shop and eat in Sri Lanka, this article about how to plan a trip to Sri Lanka has it all.
Complete with a Frequently Asked Questions section that includes everything from currency and language tips to advice on UNESCO sites, ancient ruins, best beaches and national parks, our guide leaves no question about planning a trip to Sri Lanka unanswered.
Keep reading to find out how to plan the perfect trip to Sri Lanka.
Where Is Sri Lanka?
Located in South Asia, Sri Lanka is an island country in the Indian Ocean, off the southwestern coast of India.
The so-called Pearl of The Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka’s unique shape and proximity to India earned it yet another nickname: Teardrop of India.
Sri Lanka is strategically located between Africa and Southeast Asia. The Arabian Sea lies west of the island, while the Bay of Bengal surrounds it from the east.
Compared to neighbouring India, Sri Lanka seems tiny. In reality, though, it’s half the size of England.
Best Places To Visit in Sri Lanka
When planning a trip to Sri Lanka, it makes sense to have an idea of some fantastic places that should definitely be added to your itinerary.
For some of these places, we’ve published thorough guides with everything you need to know, including recommendations for your accommodation.
Here’s a concise list of some of our favourite places in Sri Lanka, some of which link to comprehensive destination-specific guides:
- Colombo: The vibrant capital of Sri Lanka is an essential stop on your itinerary. Plan to spend at least two days in Colombo.
- Hill Country: This lush piece of land in central Sri Lanka is a canvas of hills, mountains, quaint towns and endless stretches of tea plantations. Either Nuwara Eliya or Ella is a good base to explore the magic of the Hill Country. Here’s our guide on what to do in Ella.
- Galle Fort: A fortified city known for its beautiful colonial architecture and laid-back vibes, Galle is definitely worth a visit.
- Cultural Triangle: Anuradhapura, Dambulla, Kandy, Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya are Sri Lanka’s UNESCO-listed ancient or sacred cities, the ideal places to get a taste of the country’s rich history and culture.
- National Parks of Minneriya and Yala: These gorgeous natural settings offer opportunities to see elephants and other wildlife in their natural habitats.
- Ratnapura: The perfect place to dive into Sri Lanka’s gemstone mining history and culture.
- Trincomalee: You can easily spend two days in Trincomalee enjoying its many cultural treasures, natural wonders, scenic sandy beaches and epic sunrises.
- Negombo: Its long sandy beach is a great place to unwind at the beginning or end of your trip, as Negombo is where Sri Lanka’s main airport is located.
- Sinharaja Rainforest: A true paradise for nature lovers and bird-watching enthusiasts.
Is Sri Lanka Worth Visiting?
With stunning golden beaches lining its coastline and lush scenery in the inland regions, Sri Lanka offers a spectacular landscape that has something for everyone.
We’ve been to Sri Lanka twice. Each time, we spent ten days there, exploring different parts of the island.
From unwinding on the long sandy beaches of Trincomalee to climbing up the mind-blowing UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sigiriya to joining a safari at Yala National Park to hunting gems in Ratnapura, we’ve had no shortage of unique experiences in Sri Lanka.
After all, the island’s diversity is one of the best reasons to visit Sri Lanka in its own right.
Moreover, Sri Lanka enjoys a consistent temperature throughout the year, making it an excellent escape from winter’s chill, which is yet another reason to consider visiting Sri Lanka for your next winter break.
With beautiful beaches for sunbathers and cool mountains for outdoor enthusiasts, it is a great destination year-round.
However, it’s important to check which areas experience the monsoon season before planning a trip to Sri Lanka.
But worry not. If you keep reading this guide, you’ll learn everything about Sri Lanka’s rainy and dry seasons.
Another upside of visiting Sri Lanka is that it’s not as busy as other popular destinations in Southeast Asia.
Only a few places, like Yala Park or Sigiriya Rock Fortress, felt busy during our visits, but they never got uncomfortably crowded.
So, to cut a long story short, with always something to explore, yes, Sri Lanka is absolutely worth visiting.
Planning a Trip To Sri Lanka: Travel Resources
Best Time To Visit Sri Lanka
With constant temperatures all year round and two separate monsoon seasons, Sri Lanka is the perfect destination to visit any time of year, as long as you make sure that only areas that aren’t affected by each monsoon are added to your itinerary.
To avoid heavy rainfalls, here’s a quick breakdown. From May to September, visit the northeastern part of Sri Lanka, while from December to February, the western regions and south coast are at their best.
Sri Lanka also has two inter-monsoon periods: October to November and March to April. During these months, the weather is quite unpredictable throughout the island, so it’s best to avoid them.
Sri Lanka Weather
With the exception of central Sri Lanka’s hill towns, the weather is very hot and incredibly humid everywhere else in the country. Surprisingly, it doesn’t get much better in the evening.
Therefore, make sure you avoid direct sunlight, take it easy and have a bottle of water with you at all times.
Coastal areas have average temperatures that range from 25°C to 30°C, while the Hill Country experiences average temperatures between 15°C and 18°C, with nighttime temperatures dropping as low as 5°C.
How Many Days in Sri Lanka
As mentioned above, our two separate trips to Sri Lanka lasted for 10 days each.
Although 10 days may sound a lot, that’s actually the minimum amount of time you should spend there if you want to understand and savour Sri Lanka’s diversity.
When planning your trip to Sri Lanka, allocate two full days in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s bustling capital, ideally at the beginning of your trip.
This will allow you to recharge after your long flight before heading out to the gorgeous countryside.
Plan the rest of your days in Sri Lanka based on your interests. If you’re a beach person, consider spending some days in the south.
History enthusiasts should make the Cultural Triangle a priority, while hiking enthusiasts and tea lovers will want to explore the Hill Country.
For more inspiration, read our suggested 10-day itinerary to Sri Lanka, adjusted to the two different monsoon seasons.
How To Get To Sri Lanka
Situated on the route from Europe to Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka is well-connected to most countries with transit international flights through Qatar (Doha) and UAE (Dubai).
The flight duration from Doha or Dubai to Colombo is around four hours.
With several flights during the day, Qatar Airways and Emirates are two of the best options for flying to Sri Lanka. There are also direct flights from London, operated by Sri Lankan Airlines.
If you need help when booking a long-haul flight, read our beginner’s guide on how to book a flight.
How To Get To Colombo From The Airport
The main international airport in Sri Lanka is in Negombo, a 45-minute drive from Colombo.
The best way to get directly to your hotel in Colombo from Bandaranaike International Airport is by booking a private transfer with a local driver.
How To Get Around Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is compact, yet distances between different parts of the country are quite long.
This is mainly due to the way the national road network is developed. Highways run primarily along the coastline, but inland areas are mostly served by narrow one-lane roads.
Therefore, if you plan to traverse the island from west to east or explore the Hill Country, you may be spending more time on the road than you initially expected.
Getting Around Sri Lanka By Public Transport
Public transport, such as buses and trains, can get you literally everywhere you want on the island. However, vehicles are quite old and slow and, sometimes, rather uncomfortable.
While we haven’t travelled by bus in Sri Lanka, we do have experience with train travel. We were lucky enough to enjoy part of the famed Colombo – Badulla train journey, one of the world’s most scenic rides.
A train ride across the Hill Country is a great way to take in its breathtaking beauty over tea plantations and rolling hills, while crossing the iconic Nine Arch Bridge is one of the best things to do in Ella.
If you’re planning to visit Galle after Colombo, you can do so by train. A scenic train runs along the coast, offering beautiful views of the Indian Ocean during this, admittedly, long journey.
Getting Around Sri Lanka By Tuk Tuk
One of the best things to do in Sri Lanka is to enjoy a ride on a tuk tuk. A trip on these emblematic three-wheelers captures the essence of travel in Asia.
Although tuk tuks offer a unique experience, they are slow and more suitable for short distances.
In cities like Colombo, Galle, Kandy or Ella, a tuk-tuk ride is a convenient and fun way to visit any main attraction that may not be easily accessible on foot.
Getting Around Sri Lanka By Car
By Rental Car
We’ve never rented a car in Sri Lanka – yet. Therefore, we don’t have much to say on this. However, from the passenger’s seat, we found driving in Sri Lanka overwhelming, especially if you’re not an experienced driver.
Locals tend to drive fast, while there’s a lot of overtaking on the road.
Moreover, driving is on the left-hand side of the road and the steering wheel is on the vehicle’s right-hand side, which could be discouraging for drivers used to driving on the right.
You need an International Driving Permit to drive in Sri Lanka.
On top of that, you must send a copy of your International Driving Permit to your car rental provider before arriving to Sri Lanka so that a temporary driver’s licence for Sri Lanka ca be issued for a reasonable fee.
By Private Car With a Professional Driver
In our opinion, the most convenient and efficient way to get around Sri Lanka, especially during your first trip to the country, is to hire a private car with a professional driver.
There are two ways to do so. The first is to book separate transfers for each of the trips you want to take through platforms like 12go. You can choose either a minivan or a taxi to move from one place to another.
The only downside with this option is that you don’t have a local driver to guide you through your entire trip to Sri Lanka.
The second option is to hire a driver who will also be your guide at the various sites you will be visiting, letting you in on Sri Lanka’s secrets in an unparalleled way.
During our two trips, we saw Sri Lanka with Jetwing Travels, one of the best tour operators, and we have nothing but praise for their services.
Looking back, we know for a fact that both trips to Sri Lanka would never be the same without the deep historical and cultural knowledge as well as the utter kindness of our local drivers.
Is Sri Lanka Safe?
Civil Unrest & Terrorism
Sri Lanka’s recent past has been quite troubled. The country suffered from a civil war that lasted too long: from 1983 to 2009.
Then, in April 2019, terrorist attacks claimed hundreds of lives and planted the seed of fear in an otherwise peaceful and easy-going destination.
In 2022, the country was hit by a political and economic crisis that led to massive anti-government protests and demonstrations that made the headlines worldwide.
If you consider all of the above, it makes sense to worry about safety in Sri Lanka. However, although these events are all very recent, they belong to the past.
The political situation in Sri Lanka is now stable after a change in government and economic support from the IMF.
Tourism is one of the pillars of the country’s economy and this is why the hospitality infrastructure is in constant development.
Travel advisory warnings may still urge travellers to exercise increased caution due to civil unrest, but this is no different than several countries in the heart of Europe, like France, Germany or the UK.
As travellers, we never felt unsafe or uncomfortable in Sri Lanka. Not even on our first trip there, a few months after the 2019 terrorist attacks. On the contrary, locals had nothing but love to show us.
General Precautions
Of course, as with any other destination, use your common sense while travelling. Avoid dark, remote or sketchy areas at night and, if you’re a woman, dress modestly, as this is still a conservative society.
In the same spirit, always remember to be respectful of local laws and traditions.
Pickpocketing
Pickpocketing may occur, especially in busy places, like markets or on board public transport.
Stray Dogs & Other Animal Issues
In some places, there are quite a few stray dogs. Although they generally seem friendly, they may potentially be a threat so we’d advise against touching them or trying to feed them.
The same goes for elephants. Some temples in Sri Lanka keep elephants and you might stumble upon one or two when you visit said temples.
When this happens, do not go anywhere near them, as they might get frustrated and unwillingly harm you.
Tap Water
Tap water isn’t safe to drink in Sri Lanka. Sadly, you’ll need to buy bottled water and check that it comes with an undamaged cap seal.
Stay Hydrated
Speaking of water, make sure you stay hydrated at all times to combat Sri Lanka’s heat and humidity.
Apart from bottled water, you can stay hydrated by drinking King Coconut water, one of our favourite things to do in Sri Lanka.
Buy Travel Insurance
Last but certainly not least, purchase a travel insurance plan before your trip to Sri Lanka to ensure you’re covered in case you get sick or encounter other unpleasant issues during your trip.
What To Pack For Sri Lanka
Flip-Flops
Flip-flops are life-saving in Sri Lanka. Apart from the heat, flip-flops are the ideal footwear for yet another reason.
With so many Buddhist and Hindu temples to visit across the country, you’ll be required to take your shoes off quite often.
On these occasions, flip-flops are ridiculously easy to put on and take off and they’re a lot easier to clean afterwards as well.
Other than hiking, which requires trainers or hiking boots, you’ll be better off wearing flip-flops pretty much everywhere else. That’s what locals do, after all.
Raincoat or Umbrella
Due to the tropical climate of Sri Lanka, sudden downpours and rainfalls are inevitable. Pack a raincoat or an umbrella to experience Sri Lanka as dry as possible.
Linen or Cotton Clothes
Linen or cotton clothes are ideal for sightseeing in high temperatures and humid conditions. On a side note, pack a couple of white clothes as they’re required in some Buddhist temples with a strict dress code.
Sweater or Light Jacket
If you plan to visit the Hill Country, don’t forget to pack a warm sweater or jacket, as temperatures are much lower there than in the lowlands.
Scarf
Pack a large scarf or shawl to cover your body before entering temples. Keep in mind that not only women but also men need to cover up.
Tissues & Hand Sanitiser
Sadly, it’s not a given that you’ll find toilet paper and/or soap in washrooms. Therefore, make sure you carry tissues and a hand sanitiser.
Swimsuit
Pack your swimsuit for refreshing moments at your hotel’s pool or the beach, especially if you’re visiting Sri Lanka’s south.
Sunscreen & Sunglasses
Sun can sometimes get annoying in Sri Lanka and is also dangerous for the skin. Always have sunglasses and sunscreen to protect yourself.
Shopping in Sri Lanka
When planning your trip to Sri Lanka, leave some free space in your luggage for the wide range of authentic and affordable gifts you can take back home with you.
Shopping in Sri Lanka is one of the best ways to support the local economy when travelling, as most things to buy there are handmade.
You can buy gifts from markets such as Pettah Market in Colombo or other local shops and workshops while exploring the island.
From wooden crafts and high-quality Ceylon tea to Ayurvedic products and shiny gems, there are a lot of souvenirs to buy from Sri Lanka.
Vegetarian & Vegan Food in Sri Lanka
If you’re vegetarian – like us – or vegan, you won’t have trouble finding delicious food to eat in Sri Lanka, as the local cuisine offers many vegetarian and vegan options.
One of our favourite breakfast options is the traditional Hopper, a pancake made of rice flour and coconut milk, typically topped with a fried egg. For vegans, a Hopper can be topped with veggies.
Another Sri Lankan staple is Roti, a flatbread that can be either paired with curry dishes or stuffed with veggies and eggs. A popular street food version is Kottu Roti, which is finely chopped Roti fried with vegetables.
You haven’t truly experienced Sri Lanka without trying the local curries. Cooked with local spices, cinnamon, curry leaves and coconut milk, our favourite vegetarian dish in Sri Lanka is Dahl Curry.
Another must-try is Polos Curry, a delicious variation made with jackfruit. Jackfruit is a common fruit in Sri Lanka that has lately become a key ingredient in vegan menus worldwide.
For dessert, nothing beats Curd & Treacle. The curd is made from water buffalo milk, topped with Kithul Treacle and served in clay pots.
Kithul Treacle is Sri Lanka’s natural sweetener, which is similar to honey but lighter in taste and texture. Try this delicious dessert and you’ll thank us later.
Alternatively, you can enjoy fresh local fruit, such as bananas, papayas, and pineapples, which are readily available everywhere at small roadside shops.
FAQs About How To Plan a Trip To Sri Lanka
What’s the currency in Sri Lanka?
The local currency of Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee.
Is it better to have cash or card in Sri Lanka?
A combination of cash and cards is ideal in Sri Lanka. At hotels and most restaurants, you can use your credit card, but it’s always a good idea to have some cash for shopping at local markets or hopping on a tuk-tuk ride.
ATMs are readily available in major cities and larger towns so make sure you withdraw some cash there before heading to villages and rural areas, where ATMs might not be that easy to find.
If you prefer to exchange your currency for local money instead of withdrawing from an ATM, you can do so at any large luxury hotel or at the airport upon your arrival.
If you travel in the company of a local driver or guide, ask them to join you on this quest for optimal rates.
As far as cards go, we always use our multicurrency Wise Card when travelling abroad. This way, we get the best exchange rates and enjoy the ease of transferring and exchanging money in just seconds.
Before travelling to Sri Lanka, pre-order your Wise Card and you’ll be good to go.
Do I need a visa to visit Sri Lanka?
Yes, you need a tourist visa to visit Sri Lanka. You can read more information and buy your visa online by visiting Sri Lanka’s official website.
What was Sri Lanka called in the past?
Sri Lanka was called Ceylon during the Colonnist occupation. Even though the British left the island in 1948, the name Ceylon remained until 1972.
What’s the official language in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka has two official languages: Sinhala and Tamil. Road signs and other informative signage are written in both languages. English is widely spoken by Sri Lankans, especially those related to the tourism industry.
However, in rural areas, people may not be fluent in English. That said, everyone in Sri Lanka is so kind-hearted and helpful that you’ll definitely find a way to understand and be understood.
What is Sri Lanka’s time zone?
Sri Lanka shares the same timezone as India, which is UTC (+5:30). Clocks don’t change in Sri Lanka. The last time they did was in 1945.
Sri Lanka has almost constant sunrise and sunset times throughout the year, at 6 AM and 6 PM respectively.
How many National Parks are there in Sri Lanka?
There are 26 National Parks in Sri Lanka. Among them, Yala and Minneriya are two of the best National Parks for witnessing wildlife and biodiversity on a safari.
Where to see elephants in Sri Lanka?
Although elephants can be seen almost everywhere in Sri Lanka, even on the road or next to a Buddhist temple, the best place to see these lovely creatures in their natural habitat is Minneriya National Park.
If you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka in August, book an elephant safari in Minneriya to witness the famous Gathering, during which elephants seek water in the area’s big ponds as August is the dry season in this part of Sri Lanka.
Which part of Sri Lanka has the best beaches?
Sri Lanka features a gorgeous coastline with stunning sandy beaches. If you’re visiting Sri Lanka from December to February, the best beaches are in the southern coast.
Some of the most popular southern beaches are Mirissa and Unawatuna.
If you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka from May to September, it’s best to visit Trincomalee on the east coast to spend some relaxing moments on the beach.
Where is the best place to visit tea plantations in Sri Lanka?
If tea is one of the reasons you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka, make sure you spend some days in the Hill Country.
Nuwara Eliya, Kandy and Ella are home to some of the best tea plantations in Sri Lanka, where you can book on-site tours and enjoy tea tastings.
How many UNESCO World Heritage Sites are there in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites that highlight the country’s rich historical and cultural significance.
These are the Ancient City of Sigiriya, the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa, the Sacred City of Kandy, the Golden Temple of Dambulla, the Sacred City of Anuradhapura, and Galle Old Town.
Additionally, the Sinharaja Forest Reserve and the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka are recognised as Natural World Heritage Sites, showcasing the island’s unique biodiversity and ecosystems.
Where to visit ancient ruins in Sri Lanka?
If you’re a history enthusiast, Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle should be part of your Sri Lanka itinerary. This area boasts some of the most significant ancient sites in the country.
These are Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, which were once capitals of Sri Lanka, Sigiriya, a remarkable ancient rock fortress, the Sacred City of Kandy and Dambulla Cave Temple.
We hope that this thorough guide will make planning a trip to Sri Lanka a tiny bit or a lot more easy for you.
If you have additional questions about how to plan a trip to Sri Lanka, pop them in the comments below and, hopefully, we’ll be able to help you plan your trip to this beautiful country even further.
WORDS: Maria & Katerina
IMAGES: Katerina
EDITING: Maria
Disclosure: We visited Sri Lanka on two separate press trips organised by Sri Lanka Tourism – in 2019 and 2024. However, all opinions are our own, as always.