Climate
Sri Lanka is a tropical country and the mean annual temperature in Sri Lanka is mostly homogeneous temperatures in the low lands and rapidly decreasing temperatures in the highlands. In the lowlands, the mean annual temperature is around 25°C -30°C and in high land 15°C – 20°C.
The island has two wet monsoon seasons. Normally it is between May and July in the south-west region and between December and January in the north-east. But these tropical showers don’t last long during the day which are not much disturbed to travel.
When to visit
Therefore, Sri Lanka is a year round destination with an abundance of sunshine all year round.
Tourists Seasons & Hotel Booking
The peak season is between December to March as many European travellers prefer the warm sunshine and the beaches of Sri Lanka during their winter period. Hotels in popular tourist destinations, such as down south beach hotels, Dambulla, Kandy , Nuwara Eliya & Ella must be booked in advance.
July and August could be also considered a medium peak period, especially in Kandy due to the famous Kandy Perahera which is a world famous attraction for visitors. This historical procession is to pay homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha housed at the Sri Dalada Maligawa (ancient palace ) in Kandy.
April to June and September to October is the off peak season in the country and during that period you can get good discounted rates in hotels and you can travel freely as there is less rush in tourist attractive sites. If you have the time that would be ideal time to travel concerning on your budgets.
Dress Code
Dress suitable for tropical climate is preferred such as lightweight clothing, cotton clothes are ideal . The use of bikinis is generally considered acceptable while on the beach. For the religious sites you need to cover your knees and shoulders.
Communication
Sri Lankan IDD code is +94. You can buy SIM card for mobile network with your passport. Wi-Fi Zones are readily available at most of the hotels.
What to Declare
Tourists upon arrival have to declare any mode of currency. Also other valuable items like gold, silver, gems, jewellery, must be declared too. Tobacco products are not part of a tourist’s duty free allowance.
Certain types of animal products, antiques and gold are not allowed to be taken out of the country. It is important to retain your purchased bills, especially for gems during departure.
VISA
All visitors (except Maldivian or Singaporean passports) require a visa to visit Sri Lanka. Getting a visa is a simple process as it can be done in advance through the official government website: (www.eta.gov.lk) by using a credit card for the required fee. Better not to use other websites as they will charge extra. If you haven’t been able to obtain a visit visa in advance, it can be obtained at a special desk in the immigration arrivals hall.
Tourist Police
Special Tourist Police Units are available to assist our visitors. (011 – 2421070 / 011-2437059)
Tourist Info Hotline
1912 (From any network)
Language
The Official languages are Sinhala, Tamil and English. However, English is widely used in hotels and urban areas.
Currency
Currency in Sri Lanka is Rupee (LKR) . Notes are in denominations of LKR 5000 / 2000 / 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Foreign currency and Traveller’s Cheques may be changed at any hotel ,commercial banks and money exchange centers. Also, the value of Sri Lankan rupee differs from the Indian rupee
Credit/ Debit Cards
Most of major cards are widely accepted almost every ware.
Working Days /Hours
Normal working Hours are from 8.30 AM to 5.00 PM Monday to Friday, 9 am to 1 pm on Saturday. Sundays and public holidays are not working days.
Time Difference
Sri Lanka is 5.30 Hours ahead of Greenwich Time. (GMT +05:30) Colombo.
Electricity
220 Volts/50 Hz Ac. Two and three pin round and square plugs can be used.
Transport
For transportation taxis, public transportation such as busses, trains , privately maintained coaches available. Mostly public transportation is non airconditioned and Air-conditioned coaches operate between major cites. For short distance you can use tuk tuk (three wheeler ) as it is cheaper. If the taxis and tuk tuk are not metered better to bargain for the fare. Traveling by train is the best way to see the country and the train routes are available to hill country, down south, northern dry zone and most other places of tourists attractions.
Medical Facilities
Medical service in Sri Lanka is one of best in South Asia with many public and private hospitals, nursing homes and other institutions providing medical services in all cities throughout the country. All the Government hospitals services are 100% free and it is recommended to go to the Government hospital for severe medical requirements especially accidents.
Accommodation
Tourists can get a wide variety of accommodations varying from international chain Hotels to informal Guest Houses and even home stays.
Tipping
It is customary to tip hotel relevant staff drivers, guides. This is not mandatory and solely at your discretion.
Food & Drinks
Sri Lanka offers you wide variety of foods for your preferences. Sri Lankan, western and Asian foods available in Your hotels and they provides safe and high quality food and we are not recommending restaurants outside the hotels unless they are maintained with health regulatorily standards. Drink plenty of water during the day is better due to tropical climate.