The jewel of the Indian Ocean! Filled with vibrant culture, ancient temples, breathtaking landscapes, amazing beaches and warm hospitality. This is a place where you can have some unforgettable travel experiences.

Temple in Anuradhapura
Best times to travel
The best time to visit Sri Lanka is generally from December to March, when the weather is dry and sunny, making it perfect for exploring the beaches, cultural sites, and natural wonders across the island.
This period coincides with the island’s peak tourist season, so be sure to plan and book accommodation in advance.
However, if you’re looking to avoid crowds and enjoy lower prices, consider traveling during the shoulder seasons of April to September or October to November, when the weather is still pleasant in most regions. Just keep in mind that the weather can vary depending on the region you’re visiting.
Visa You will most likely need one of these. However! check to align with the nationality of your passport. You can get the visa from here: https://eta.gov.lk/slvisa/
Arrival Information
Once you get through immigration and grab your bag, there will be simcard retailers in the arrivals hall, here you can grab a really good deal on a SIM. I got a 50GB SIM it cost me $11.35AUD when I arrived in Jan 2024. After grabbing your sim, download an app called Pickme (the Sri Lankan ride sharing app) head out of the airport to the pickup area and walk all the way to the left. The Pickme pickup zone is there. This is the cheapest way into Colombo or Negombo from the airport.

From left to right - Temple in Jaffna, Coconut Tree Hill, Elephants in Udawalawe National Park
Some rough prices
Accomm:
Hostels - $6-25AUD a night
Homestays - $15-40AUD a night
Mid range hotel - $70-100AUD a night
Luxury hotel - $150AUD + a night.
Meals:
Street food is around - $2-5AUD
Standard Restaurant - $10-15AUD a meal
Fancy Restaurants - $25AUD+ a meal
Beverages:
Bottle of water - $0.50-1.50AUD
Coca Cola - $0.70-1.50AUD
Beer - $3-5AUD
Getting around
So many options in Sri Lanka!
Local buses - start from $0.30AUD a ride (tickets bought once you get on your bus)
Local Trains - for about $3AUD that will take you from Colombo down to Matara on the south coast. (Tickets bought at the station)
Use Pickme to book your Tuktuks it’s a couple of bucks for a 10min ride.
Hire your own Tuktuk! When I first wen to Sri Lanka with a friend, we did this options to travel around. I can 100% recommend this! For 2 weeks we paid $450AUD this was as of (April 2023)
Things to note: Sri Lanka is one of the few counties in the world that won’t accept an International Drivers Permit. You need to go and get this at their department of transport. I got mine in Colombo at the Automobile Association of Ceylon and it cost me ($30AUD).

From left to right - 9 Arches Bridge, Sigiriya Rock, Tea Plantations
What to pack
When packing for your trip to Sri Lanka, here are some essentials to include:
1. Lightweight Clothing: Sri Lanka's tropical climate calls for lightweight, breathable clothing. Pack loose-fitting cotton shirts, shorts, skirts, and dresses to stay cool and comfortable. Also some modest clothing for temples.
2. Sun Protection: If you have red hair like me, you are gonna need alot of sunscreen! Throw in ya sunglasses, and even a nice hat to protect yourself from them rays.
3. Insect Repellent: Mosquitoes can be prevalent in certain areas, especially during the evenings, so pack insect repellent to avoid getting roasted by the mozzies.
4. Swimwear: Whether you're hitting the beach or taking a dip in the numerous waterfalls, swimwear is a must-pack item for any Sri Lanka adventure.
5. Comfortable Shoes: Bring sturdy walking shoes or sandals for exploring temples and hiking trails, as well as flip-flops or sandals for beach days.
6. Rain Gear: Although the dry season is prevalent in most regions, there can still be occasional rain showers, especially in the central highlands. Pack a lightweight rain jacket or poncho just in case.
7. Travel Adapters: Sri Lanka uses Type D and Type G electrical outlets, so make sure to pack the appropriate travel adapters to charge your stuff.
8. Reusable Water Bottle: Save that planet ya know? You can refill it with purified water at most hostels and hotels. This will help reduce plastic waste and save you some money on bottled water.
9. Medications and First Aid Kit: Pack any necessary medications, along with a basic first aid kit for minor injuries or ailments. I always have the basic bandaids, antiseptic cream, paracetamol and some gastro medication… You never know!
10. Travel Documents: Don't forget your passport - otherwise you won’t get far! travel insurance, international drivers permit and any necessary visas.
Hotel and Hostel Recommendations
Some of my favourites during my visits to Sri Lanka.
C1 Colombo Fort, Colombo
Granbell Hotel Colombo (boujee hotel stay in Colombo)
Hummus Hostel, Hikkaduwa
YoYo Surf Hostel, Ahangama
Spindrift hostels (whether that's Weligama or Madiha)
The Doctors House, Madiha (bungalows here are amazing)
Barefoot hostel, Hiriketiya
Verse Collective, Hiriketiya
Buddika Safari & Resort (for a safari in Udawalawe)
Hangover hostel Ella
Tony’s Garden House Backpackers Jaffna
Top 10 things to do or see whilst there according to Luke
1. Do a Safari! There’s elephants, leopards, sloth bears, deers, birds, crocodiles and MORE!
2. Learn to Surf! Welligama is the perfect place to learn or pretty much anywhere on the south coast of Sri Lanka.
3. Do the train ride Ella to Kandy its iconic - or just catch the local trains everywhere for amazing scenery.
.4. Go and see the temples in Anuradhapura
5. Go to the North! Less traveled to, you will see some amazing things, the locals are super welcoming and everything is half the price. You will also get some amazing meals up there.
6. Watch a sunset on Dickwella Beach
7. Sigiriya Rock
8. Hike Ella rock for sunrise
9. Watch a sunset at Coconut Tree Hill in Mirissa
10. Enjoy the local food! Curry, Rice, Seafood, Dhal, Breads - It’s all so good!
Other things to note!
The currency
Sri Lankan Rupee
Languages
In Sri Lanka, the primary languages spoken are Sinhala and Tamil. Sinhala is the official and most widely spoken language, while Tamil is also an official language and is predominantly spoken in the northern and eastern regions of the country. However almost all speak excellent English, so you won't have a problem if you know that.
This information is current as of January 2024
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