Sri Lanka Travel Guide – Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
Thinking of visiting Sri Lanka? This island nation in the Indian Ocean is one of Asia’s most captivating destinations, where golden beaches, ancient temples, lush tea plantations, and extraordinary wildlife all come together in a single journey. It’s no surprise that Sri Lanka was recently named The Most Beautiful Island in the World by global travel platform Big 7 Travel, surpassing iconic destinations like the Galapagos and the Seychelles.
We explored Sri Lanka in July as the first stop on our year of family travel, spending a month discovering many of the country’s highlights. From the cultural treasures of the ancient cities to the calm shores of the East Coast and the lively beaches of the South, our experience showed us just how diverse and rewarding travel here can be. (More on when and where to go later — including how to navigate Sri Lanka’s two monsoon seasons.)
This comprehensive Sri Lanka travel guide brings together everything you need to know before you go — from practical travel tips to must see destinations and family friendly recommendations. Whether you’re planning a cultural tour, an eco friendly adventure, or a relaxing beach holiday, Sri Lanka offers something unforgettable for every kind of traveller.
Why Visit Sri Lanka?
Often called the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’, Sri Lanka is a destination that offers an unforgettable mix of experiences:
Pristine Beaches: Perfect for sun seekers, surfers, and snorkelers.
Cultural Heritage: Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Dambulla Cave Temple and Galle Fort
Wildlife Safaris: Spot elephants in Minneriya, leopards in Yala National Park, and blue whales off the coast of Mirissa in the South or Trincomalee on the East.
Scenic Train Journeys: The famous Kandy to Ella route takes you through tea country with breathtaking views. Purchasing train tickets can be confusing, read on for our tips
Festivals & Traditions: Festivals are common place in Sri Lanka and there often seems to be a celebration of some kind happening. Sri Lankas festivals reflect its rich cultural and religious diversity, from the Buddhist Vesak with lanterns and processions, to the Sinhala and Tamil New Year filled with rituals and games. Hindu celebrations like Thai Pongal and Deepavali add colour and tradition, while grand processions such as the Kandy Esala Perahera showcase the islands vibrant heritage.
Essential Travel Information
Capital City: Sri Lanka actually officially has two Capital’s Colombo and Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte. The latter is the administrative capital and most people think of Colombo as the capital, this is where the airport is located too.
Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
Languages: Sinhala and Tamil (English widely spoken)
Time Zone: GMT +5:30
Flight Time from UK: Around 10–11 hours.
Visa for UK Travellers: You need to apply for a tourist visa for 30 days if travelling from the UK. This may change soon though. You’ll need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arriving in Sri Lanka too. Full info here…https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/sri-lanka/entry-requirements
When is the Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka has a tropical climate influenced by two monsoon seasons, so the best time to visit depends on where you’re going:
- West & South Coasts (Colombo, Galle, Bentota): December – April
- East Coast (Trincomalee, Arugam Bay): May – September
This means Sri Lanka is a year-round destination if you pick the right region. As already mentioned, we visited for a month in July and had lovely weather in the South too. The sea was choppier though so snorkelling wasn’t possible in the South.
Getting to Sri Lanka and Around
Flights from the UK: Direct flights to Colombo (CMB) are available from London with Sri Lankan Airlines. You can also find one stop options via hubs like Dubai or Doha.
Transport in Sri Lanka:
- Trains: Famous for scenic routes (especially Kandy to Ella).
- Tuk-Tuks: Great for short distances and a local experience.
- Private Cars & Drivers: Popular for exploring multiple regions.
- Domestic Flights: Available but less common than road and rail.
Culture & Etiquette
Religion: Mostly Buddhist, with Hindu, Muslim, and Christian communities.
Temple Etiquette: Dress modestly and remove shoes before entering buildings.
Festivals: There are lots of festivals and celebrations. Major celebrations include Sinhala & Tamil New Year (April) and Vesak (May).
Family Travel in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a fantastic family destination. The people are welcoming, travel is relatively easy, and there are endless opportunities for learning. From joining naturalist guides in the jungle to exploring ancient temples and kayaking across historic reservoirs, every day feels like a mix of adventure and education — a worldschooling dream.
Parents will also appreciate how child-friendly Sri Lanka can be, with resorts, guesthouses, and tour providers going out of their way to make kids feel welcome.
Practical Travel Tips
Health: Stick to bottled water; check recommended vaccinations before you travel. We always check this website https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations/asia-east/sri-lanka for recommendations. Also speak to your local travel clinic. We used Exeter Travel Clinic and they were fantastic.
Top tip: Make an appointment with them well ahead of time as some vaccinations require multiple appointments. You can get some travel vaccinations free with the nhs, so also speak to your local GP surgery.
Internet: Local SIM cards are inexpensive and available at the airport.
Money: ATMs are widely available and cash is still very much king. Some places accept cards but it is best to carry cash.
Plugs: Type D, G, and M sockets – UK plugs often fit, but bring an adaptor.