Planning Your Trip
A. Best Time to Visit: Explore Sri Lanka's diverse climate, with the dry season from December to March being ideal for most regions, while the northeast monsoon from October to January brings rain to the east coast.
B. Visa Requirements: Understand the visa process, which typically involves obtaining an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online or upon arrival for many nationalities.
C. Transport: Explore transportation options, including buses, trains, private drivers, and domestic flights, to navigate between cities and attractions.
D. Airport Information: Familiarize yourself with Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, the main gateway to Sri Lanka, offering various facilities and transport links.
E. Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance to protect against unexpected events such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage.
Flights and Currency:
A. Flights: Research and book flights to Sri Lanka, with major airlines offering direct and connecting flights to Colombo from various international destinations.
B. Currency: Learn about the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR), the local currency, and exchange money at airports, banks, or authorized currency exchange counters upon arrival.
Banking and Communication:
A. Credit Cards and ATMs: Discover the acceptance of credit cards and locate ATMs in urban areas for convenient access to cash.
B. Mobile Phones and SIM Cards: Purchase local SIM cards from telecom providers to stay connected and access affordable data and call plans during your stay.
Climate and Packing Essentials:
A. Climate and Weather: Check the climate of your intended destinations and pack accordingly, with lightweight clothing for coastal areas and warmer attire for cooler hill stations.
B. What to Wear: Respect local customs by dressing modestly, especially when visiting religious sites, and consider carrying a scarf or shawl to cover shoulders or legs if needed.
C. What to Bring: Prepare a travel kit with essentials such as sunscreen, insect repellent, a reusable water bottle, comfortable walking shoes, and any necessary medications.
Health and Safety:
A. Mosquito Precautions: Protect yourself against mosquito-borne diseases by using repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and staying in accommodations with screens or mosquito nets.
B. Power and Electric Sockets: Note the voltage (230V) and socket type (Type D/G/M) in Sri Lanka, and bring appropriate adapters for charging devices.
Cultural Etiquette:
A. Entering Religious or Places of Worship: Observe proper decorum when visiting temples, mosques, or churches by removing footwear, covering shoulders and knees, and avoiding flash photography.
B. Photography: Respect privacy and seek permission before taking photos of locals, religious ceremonies, or cultural performances.
