Vacation in Sri Lanka. Complete Guide for Tourists.

Sri Lanka, a picturesque island located off the southern coast of India, is a harmonious blend of nature and history. Its stunning beaches, lush green hills, mesmerizing waterfalls, and rich biodiversity make it a favorite destination for travelers from around the world.

In this comprehensive overview of Sri Lanka, you will learn: where Sri Lanka is located, the island's weather and the peak tourist season, what currency is needed in Sri Lanka and how much to bring for your vacation, how easy it is to get a visa for Sri Lanka, public transport and transfer options, where to rent a car, which cities and beaches to choose for a vacation with or without children, where and how to book a villa or hotel, must-see attractions, and some useful tips to save your money during your trip.

Where is Sri Lanka

Finding Sri Lanka on the world map is very simple. The island is located near the mighty Indian subcontinent, with its most famous neighbor being India. The two countries are separated by a narrow strait only 35 km wide. Historically, Sri Lanka is believed to have been connected to mainland India, and remnants of this connection can still be seen in a series of coral islands and shoals known as Adam's Bridge.

Despite its modest size, covering just 65,000 km², Sri Lanka is a country of great contrasts and incredible beauty. This island, 432 km long and 225 km wide, represents a geographic kaleidoscope that is as diverse as it is enchanting.

Seasons and Weather in Sri Lanka

Proximity to the equator gives Sri Lanka a monsoon climate, ensuring warm temperatures year-round, ideal for beachgoers and sun lovers. An interesting fact is that the difference between the maximum and minimum temperature on the island throughout the year does not exceed 5°C. The island experiences both wet and dry seasons. However, it's worth noting that you can visit Sri Lanka and enjoy great weather all year round.

The coolest region on the island is its highlands, specifically in Nuwara Eliya, where the average temperature is around 15.8°C. Conversely, the hottest region is in the northeast, in Trincomalee, with an average temperature of 29°C. On the beaches of the west and south coasts, temperatures range from 28°C to 30°C.

From April to September, the east coast offers ideal conditions for vacationing. From December to April, the western and southern beaches of Sri Lanka are the main tourist destinations. Essentially, no matter the time of year, Sri Lanka offers unforgettable beach holidays if you know the right places to go.

Prices in Sri Lanka

Below are the prices for some services you might need during your vacation:

Car Rental (link to a detailed article)

The average cost of renting a Toyota Prius or Honda Fit is about $30 per day. However, the longer you rent the vehicle, the more cost-effective the price becomes. You can find out about car rental prices in Sri Lanka on the Telegram channel Car Rental 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka.

Taxi and Transfer in Sri Lanka

Several companies offer transportation services in Sri Lanka, along with many private drivers.

You can order a taxi at the airport, but expect higher rates. Alternatively, you can write to the Telegram group Taxi and Transfer Sri Lanka and inform them of your upcoming trip. There, you will be offered various transfer options with different prices and cars. You can also find travel companions and arrange a shared ride with other tourists, which will be significantly cheaper.

You can choose any type of transport, from small sedans to spacious buses. All vehicles are air-conditioned and in excellent condition, with child seats available upon request.

Below are the prices for sedan-class cars on popular routes to help you estimate transportation costs in Sri Lanka:

Note that prices include toll road fees with no hidden charges. When booking through other services or private drivers, clarify all conditions to avoid misunderstandings.

Accommodation Prices in Sri Lanka

Recently, Sri Lanka has experienced a significant increase in tourist interest, leading to rising accommodation prices. However, despite the overall price increase, the island still offers accommodation for every taste and budget, especially considering seasonal price fluctuations.

Seasonal Price Fluctuations The highest accommodation prices in Sri Lanka are observed from December to March. During this time, the tourist flow is at its peak, naturally affecting the cost of living. Outside of this season, prices become more affordable, making travel more cost-effective.

Examples of Accommodation Costs For those seeking comfortable accommodations with amenities, the "Wavelengt" hotel in Mirissa offers rooms just 200 meters from the central beach. Guests can enjoy a pool, restaurant, breakfasts, and air-conditioned rooms. The price per night is $42 or 14,000 LKR. More details can be found at this link.

For a more budget-friendly option, consider a room in a guesthouse located 500 meters from the beach in Mirissa. The room is air-conditioned and provides access to a shared kitchen. The price per night is $22 or 7,250 LKR. More about this offer can be read here.

Wide Range of Offers The Telegram channel Accommodation in Sri Lanka offers over 100 verified properties, allowing each tourist to find the perfect option for their stay, meeting all their requirements and financial capabilities.

Thus, Sri Lanka offers a variety of accommodation options, combining both budget and more luxurious offerings, enabling each traveler to choose the optimal balance of price and quality.

Cost of Excursions in Sri Lanka

Excursions in Sri Lanka are offered by several official companies that provide Russian-speaking guides and comfortable transport. Each company has its own approach to organizing tours. You can read reviews about these excursions at this link.

Below are examples of popular excursions with prices per adult. For children under 12 years old, a 50% discount is provided, and children under 6 can join for free.

Ella and Udawalawe Elephant Park

This unique tour includes visits to the picturesque places of Ella and encounters with wildlife in Udawalawe Elephant Park. The tour begins with a climb to Little Adam's Peak, offering a magnificent view of the surroundings. The group then visits Ravana Falls and passes through the Nine Arch Bridge, an engineering marvel. During the train ride, participants enjoy unique landscapes, visit a tea plantation and tea shop, where they can purchase fresh local tea. The tour ends at the Elephant Sanctuary. The cost of the excursion is $70.

Safari in Yala National Park

This thrilling adventure lasts 3-4 hours and costs $85. Yala National Park is known for its diverse wildlife, including leopards, elephants, deer, boars, birds, crocodiles, and many other animal species. This park is an ideal place for nature lovers, offering unique opportunities to observe animals in their natural habitat.

Whale Watching

This excursion offers a unique opportunity to see whales in their natural habitat. The tour lasts 3-4 hours and costs $90. This is one of the most exciting and unforgettable activities on the island, allowing you to get to know the marine life of Sri Lanka.

Heart of Sri Lanka

This exciting journey includes the most picturesque and culturally significant places on the island, starting at $140. The first day includes a visit to Ella, Ravana Falls, feeding monkeys, climbing Little Adam's Peak, viewing the 9-arch bridge, and a 30-minute train ride. After that, the group heads to Nuwara Eliya to see the old English post office building, visit a tea factory and plantation. Overnight is offered at a hotel with a view of the waterfall. On the second day, tourists visit Ambuluwawa Tower, a Hindu temple, see elephants, Golden Temple of Dambulla and another Hindu temple, learn about local spices in the spice garden, and end the day visiting Sigiriya Rock or Pidurangala.

Visa to Sri Lanka

A regular tourist visa to Sri Lanka is issued for 30 days. You can get it directly at the airport or apply in advance online. If you are interested in staying longer in Sri Lanka, we recommend reading the article Tourist Visa to Sri Lanka. New Rules 2024

We have written several articles about visas, below you can find more detailed information about Sri Lanka's visa program:

• “Tourist Visa to Sri Lanka - Application”
• “Extending Tourist Visa in Sri Lanka. Guide and Useful Tips.”
• “Resident Visa in Sri Lanka”

Communication and Internet (detailed article on this topic at this link)

Staying connected during travels is very important. In Sri Lanka, there are five mobile network operators: Mobitel, Dialog, Airtel, Hutch, Esisalat with generally reliable coverage, especially in urban and tourist areas, although it can vary in remote regions.

Buying a SIM card is very simple. Present your passport at numerous points of sale, including Colombo airport, where the cost will be higher but you will be connected immediately. The price for a weekly unlimited internet package at the airport is - dollars, while a similar tariff in the city will cost 3-5 dollars.

Many public places such as hotels, cafes, and shopping centers offer Wi-Fi, usually free. However, do not expect stable high-speed connections everywhere.

Travel Insurance for Visiting Sri Lanka

When planning a trip to Sri Lanka, it is important to obtain travel insurance that covers unforeseen medical expenses and other potential difficulties. It is essential to choose reliable insurance companies and carefully study the terms of insurance.

To discuss medical services and insurance in Sri Lanka, join the group "Medicine and Insurance in Sri Lanka": Medicine and Insurance in Sri Lanka.

Popular Cities in Sri Lanka

In early 2024, our Telegram chat “Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 Big Tourist Chat” conducted a survey on the topic: "Your favorite city in Sri Lanka". Expectedly, the most popular cities were: Mirissa, Unawatuna, Weligama, and Hikkaduwa.

Each of these cities, located along the southwestern coast of the island, offers a unique combination of relaxation and entertainment. Let's explore what sets them apart and help you decide which one is perfect for your trip.

Mirissa

Here you will find everything needed for a blissful vacation: pristine beaches with palm trees, cozy cafes with ocean views, top-notch surfing waves, and the opportunity to see whales and dolphins. This is a place where relaxation takes precedence, allowing you to leave daily worries behind, enjoying the delightful local cuisine in various restaurants. Dive into the waters of Turtle Beach to swim with turtles and find great swimming spots with kids. Mirissa is the perfect retreat for those who appreciate nature and tranquility but also enjoy vibrant nightlife and entertainment.

Unawatuna

Known Sri Lankan resort, its feature is a crescent-shaped bay with its white sandy beach and warm waters. In addition to sunbathing, diving and snorkeling enthusiasts will enjoy the clear water and abundant marine life. Unawatuna boasts a well-developed infrastructure, from numerous hotels to plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops. Whether you want tranquil walks through tropical forest or lively beach parties, Unawatuna has it.

Weligama

A small town in southern Sri Lanka, Weligama is a surfer's dream. Numerous surf schools cater to both beginners and professionals, and constant waves provide thrilling experiences. The vast sandy beach of Weligama offers solitude. The town is also famous for its fishing boats, perfect for fishing or a simple ocean cruise. Fresh seafood dishes can be enjoyed in local cafes and restaurants, and the supermarket has all you need. If you're looking for a break from the tourist hustle and want to indulge in surfing, Weligama is for you. The best way to decide which of these cities resonates with you is to visit them all in person.

Attractions of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered. Besides breathtaking natural beauty, this country boasts a rich history spanning over 2,000 years, witnessing the rise and fall of ancient kingdoms, colonial traces, and cultural evolutions. As you delve into the heart of Sri Lanka, you'll find that each monument, beach, and forest has its own story to tell.

Adam's Peak

Sri Lanka boasts two significant peaks: Little Adam's Peak and Adam's Peak, both of which hold deep cultural and religious significance.

Little Adam's Peak may be the shorter of the two, but it is no less attractive. Climbing to its summit, you will see an ancient temple dedicated to the god Shiva. A challenging ascent of 633 steps, surrounded by lush flora and fauna, leads to this temple. During the journey, you can see monkeys, squirrels, and birds. The view from the summit spans hills, rivers, lakes, and the distant Adam's Peak.

Adam's Peak, or Sri Pada, is located 40 km from its smaller counterpart and is the fourth highest mountain in Sri Lanka. Revered by Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and Christians, its summit is marked by a footprint believed to belong to Buddha, Shiva, Adam, or St. Thomas, depending on the faith.

Both Little Adam's Peak and Adam's Peak are must-visit places in Sri Lanka, offering not only breathtaking views but also a deep dive into the island's rich history and culture.

Waterfalls

Sri Lanka, an island abundant with natural beauty and wonders, boasts waterfalls that can be found in almost every corner of the country. These are not just breathtaking landscapes but places steeped in legends, history, and spirituality. While some invite travelers to refresh, others are best admired from afar. In any case, visiting Sri Lanka's cascades promises unforgettable experiences for every explorer. Sri Lanka is considered the world leader in the number of waterfalls on its territory. There are officially recorded 430 such natural objects.

Tea Plantations

Sri Lanka is famous for producing the best Ceylon tea in the world, distinguished by its unique aroma and flavor. The island's tea journey began in the 19th century with the import of tea plant seedlings from China and India. Since then, tea has become a key economic driver for the country and its people.

Sri Lanka's tea plantations are scattered across the island, with the most famous and scenic located in the mountainous region of Nuwara Eliya. This area, often referred to as "Little England" due to its cool climate and colonial architecture, boasts endless fields of green tea cascading down hills and slopes. Tamil women with broad smiles hand-pick tea leaves, carrying large baskets on their backs. Despite the hard work, they always appear cheerful and are more than willing to pose for photos with visitors.

Read the article "Sri Lankan Tea: Where to Buy the Best Tea, Shop Addresses, and Ceylon Tea Brewing Methods". This article provides all the necessary information on where to buy quality Ceylon tea, as well as how to properly brew it to enjoy the authentic taste of this famous beverage. Learn more here: Sri Lankan Tea: Where to Buy the Best Tea, Shop Addresses, and Ceylon Tea Brewing Methods

Sigiriya - Lion Rock

One of the most famous tourist attractions in Sri Lanka, Sigiriya has captivated countless travelers with its breathtaking beauty and rich history. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site in 1982, its significance in world history and culture is undeniable. This ancient rock fortress, built in the 5th century AD, is a marvel of engineering, created atop a 200-meter-high rock using massive stone blocks and nearly 3 million bricks. This architectural masterpiece not only showcases the advanced capabilities of ancient civilizations but also offers a window into the past, revealing stories of royal power, ambitions, and artistry that continue to inspire awe in every visitor.

You can visit the Sigiriya rock fortress independently or as part of a group tour with the grand title Heart of Sri Lanka

Galle Fort:

Often referred to as "Little Europe". Initially, a fortress on this site was built by the Portuguese in 1588. However, with the arrival of the Dutch in the 17th century, the fortress was almost completely rebuilt, and therefore it is considered a Dutch fortress today, with its founding date being 1663 (the date of construction completion). For almost 200 years afterward, the fortress served as the main port of Sri Lanka, a stopping point for ships traveling from Europe to Asia.

Galle Fort is a whole complex of attractions, as in addition to the walls and old buildings, it houses several museums, antique shops, a lighthouse, a bell tower, jewelry workshops, a church, and a mosque.

The fort is always open as it is part of the city (location on Google Maps). You can reach it by public transport or as part of a group tour Galle Fort + River Safari.

Nine Arch Bridge

The Nine Arches Bridge is an iconic landmark in Sri Lanka, enchanting travelers with its scenic train rides across the island's picturesque landscapes. Built by British engineers in 1921, this stone and cement marvel, astonishingly constructed without any iron, stretches 91 meters and rises 24 meters above the valley. From the bridge, visitors enjoy breathtaking views of green hills, sprawling tea plantations, and cascading waterfalls. Exploring Sri Lanka by train offers an immersive experience into the country's rich culture, history, and natural beauty. Among various rail routes, the journey from Kandy to Ella, encompassing the Nine Arches Bridge, remains a favorite. As the train moves, travelers can relish panoramic views, engage with locals and fellow tourists, and capture memories through photos and videos. Embarking on this train adventure in Sri Lanka promises unforgettable moments.

Tourist Reviews of Sri Lanka

To truly feel Sri Lanka, it's essential to hear from those who have been there. Explore real thoughts and stories from those who have already visited the island in the Telegram group I'm leaving and leaving my review about the vacation in Sri Lanka.

Conclusion

Understanding the country you are going to is an important and responsible step in preparing for a trip. This article provides valuable information about vacationing in Sri Lanka, allowing you to get the most enjoyment from your journey.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sri Lanka

1. Do Russians need a visa to visit Sri Lanka? Yes, Russian citizens need a visa to enter Sri Lanka. It can be obtained online as an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) in advance or upon arrival at the airport.

2. What season is considered the best for visiting Sri Lanka? The best time to visit depends on the region: the southwestern coast is ideal from December to March, while the eastern coast is best visited from April to September.

3. What vaccinations are needed for a trip to Sri Lanka? It is recommended to get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, typhoid fever, and ensure your tetanus and diphtheria vaccinations are up to date. Recommendations may change, so consult with a doctor before your trip.

4. What is the best transport to use for getting around the island? For short distances, taxis or tuk-tuks are convenient. For longer trips across the island, it is recommended to rent a car with a driver or use railway transport.

5. What souvenirs should be brought from Sri Lanka? Popular souvenirs include Ceylon tea, spices, wooden and stone crafts, jewelry with local gemstones, batik, and traditional masks.

6. Is it safe to drink tap water? Drinking tap water in Sri Lanka is not recommended. It is better to buy bottled water or use water filters.

7. What safety measures should be observed in Sri Lanka? Follow general precautions: avoid unlit and remote places at night, keep an eye on personal belongings in public places, do not display valuables, and always carry a copy of your passport.

These answers will help you better prepare for your trip and make your stay in Sri Lanka as comfortable and safe as possible.