15 Essential Travel Tips for Your Sri Lanka Adventure

I will update this later on, but as for now, here are some simple tips that will help you enjoy your stay in Ecuador to the maximum:

1. Get Your Visa in Advance:

Before arriving in Sri Lanka, ensure you have your visa sorted. You can apply online up to three days before your trip, which is cheaper and saves you from standing in long queues at the airport. If you forget, visas are available on arrival, but getting one beforehand is much more convenient!

1. Plan Around the Monsoon Seasons

Sri Lanka has two monsoon seasons, meaning different parts of the country experience rain at different times:

December to April → Ideal for the south and west coasts (Galle, Unawatuna) and hill country (Ella, Nuwara Eliya).

May to October → Best for the east coast (Arugam Bay, Trincomalee, Nilaveli).

Even during the wet season, rain showers are usually short, and traveling during this time means fewer crowds and lower prices.

1. Travel by Train – The Best Way to See Sri Lanka

While trains are slower than buses, they offer the most scenic and immersive travel experience. Popular routes include:

Kandy to Ella – One of the world’s most beautiful train rides!

Colombo to Galle – A short but scenic coastal journey.

Jaffna to Anuradhapura – A great way to explore the lesser-visited north.

Just be prepared for delays, and book reserved seats in advance, especially for popular routes.

1. Book Popular Train Routes in Advance

If you plan to take the famous Kandy to Ella train, book your ticket ahead of time via the Sri Lanka Railways website (up to 30 days in advance). During peak season, seats sell out quickly! If you don’t have a reserved ticket, you can still buy an unreserved second- or third-class ticket on the day, but expect to be packed in with the crowds.

5. Avoid Drinking Tap Water

Tap water in Sri Lanka isn’t safe to drink, so stick to bottled or filtered water. To be more eco-friendly, carry a reusable water bottle with a filter (brands like LifeStraw work well) to reduce plastic waste while staying hydrated.

6. Enjoy Sri Lankan Food – It’s Cheap and Delicious!

Sri Lankan food is flavorful, varied, and incredibly affordable. Must-try dishes include:

Kottu Roti – A stir-fried roti dish with vegetables and spices.

Dhal Curry – A staple lentil curry served with rice.

Hoppers – Bowl-shaped pancakes, often with eggs.

Street food is the best way to experience the cuisine, and meals at local restaurants cost 320–950 LKR, while sit-down meals range from 1,500–2,000 LKR.

7. Dress Respectfully at Religious Sites

When visiting temples, cover your shoulders and knees, and remember to remove your shoes before entering. Bringing flip-flops can help keep your socks clean on temple grounds.

8. Be Cautious with Tuk-Tuks

Tuk-tuks are a convenient way to get around, but in Colombo, some drivers may try to overcharge tourists. To avoid scams:

Use metered tuk-tuks whenever possible.

Agree on a price beforehand if there’s no meter.

Use apps like PickMe or Uber for fair pricing.

Hiring a tuk-tuk for the day is also an option—expect to pay around 10,000 LKR for a full-day ride.

9. Wake Up Early for Sigiriya Rock

If you’re visiting Sigiriya Rock, arrive at 6:30 AM when it opens. By 10 AM, the site gets crowded, making the climb slow and less enjoyable. It takes about an hour to reach the top, and the best views are in the morning before the heat sets in.

10. Don’t Expect a Party Scene

Sri Lanka isn’t a nightlife hotspot. Outside of major tourist areas like Colombo and coastal towns, alcohol can be hard to find, and bars are limited. Plus, on Poya days (full moon days), alcohol sales are banned across the country.

11. Be Mindful of Local Customs

Sri Lankans traditionally eat with their right hand, as the left hand is considered unclean. When handling money, accepting gifts, or greeting someone, use your right hand as a sign of respect.

12. Take the Airport Bus to Colombo

Instead of paying 2,700 LKR for a taxi, take the Colombo Express Bus from the airport for just 110 LKR. It runs every 30 minutes (from 5:30 AM to 8:30 PM) and takes about an hour to reach the city.

13. Give Yourself Enough Time to Explore

Sri Lanka may seem small, but getting around takes time. Long bus and train journeys, plus winding mountain roads, mean you’ll need at least two weeks to explore properly. If you’re in a hurry, you’ll miss the best experiences, so plan accordingly!

14. A Day Trip to Galle is Enough

Galle is a beautiful historic city, but you don’t need more than a day to explore it. After walking around Galle Fort and visiting the colonial buildings, you might find there’s not much else to do. Instead, use it as a short stop before heading to nearby beaches.

15. Learn Some Basic Sinhala or Tamil

While many Sri Lankans speak English, knowing a few local phrases can go a long way:

“Ayubowan” (Sinhala) / “Vanakkam” (Tamil) – Hello

“Istuti” (Sinhala) / “Nandri” (Tamil) – Thank you

“Kohomada?” (Sinhala) / “Enna kathai?” (Tamil) – How are you?

This small effort will make interactions more enjoyable and appreciated by locals!