The practical bits, answered
Visa, money, plugs and manners: what to sort before you fly, and what your guide handles on the ground.
Before you go
- Entry
- Most nationalities need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) before arrival, valid for 30 days with double entry. Apply only on the official site, eta.gov.lk, and beware of lookalike sites that charge extra. Passports must be valid for 6 months. check before travel
- Money
- The currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). Cards are widely accepted in hotels and larger restaurants; carry cash for villages, tuk-tuks and temple donations. ATMs are common in towns.
- Tipping
- A service charge of about 10% is often added. Chauffeur-guides are usually tipped USD 10–15 per day by the group.
- Getting around
- Driving is on the left. The usual way to travel is a private car with a chauffeur-guide. Trains are scenic and slow, and need reserved seats.
- Languages
- Sinhala and Tamil. English is widely spoken in tourism.
- Mobile & data
- Buy a tourist SIM at the airport (Dialog, Mobitel, Hutch). eSIMs are available.
- Water
- Drink bottled or filtered water.
- Health
- No mandatory vaccines from most countries; check if you arrive from a yellow-fever zone. Use mosquito repellent against dengue. check before travel
- Safety
- Generally safe and friendly for visitors, with the usual precautions. Sea currents are strong in monsoon months, so swim at flagged beaches only.
- Temple etiquette
- Cover shoulders and knees. Remove shoes and hats. Never turn your back to a Buddha image for a photo, and keep any Buddha tattoos covered.
- Alcohol
- Not sold on Poya (full moon) days.
Is Sri Lanka safe for tourists?
Yes. It's one of South Asia's most welcoming destinations. Your chauffeur-guide is with you throughout, and our Colombo team is on call 24/7.
When is the best time to visit?
Any month, if you pick the right coast. December to April suits the south, west and hills; May to September suits the east coast and the Cultural Triangle. See the month-by-month calendar.
How many days do I need?
10–14 days covers the highlights without rushing. A week works well for one or two regions, e.g. the Cultural Triangle and the hills.
Do I need a visa?
Most nationalities need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation), applied for online before you fly. Use only the official site, eta.gov.lk. Fees and exemptions change; we'll check yours.
What's included in the price?
Private car and English-speaking chauffeur-guide, hotels with breakfast, listed entrance fees and safaris, airport transfers and 24/7 support. International flights are not included.
Can we change the itinerary?
Always. Every journey here is a starting point; your travel designer adjusts the route, pace and hotels until it's right.
Do you offer elephant rides?
No. We only work with responsible wildlife experiences: jeep safaris in national parks and the Elephant Transit Home, which rehabilitates and releases orphaned elephants.