Sri Lanka essential info
Sri Lanka – the island of serendipity – rises from tropical sandy beaches into cool highland regions, rich with temples and tea plantations shrouded in mist
Travel in Sri Lanka: vital stats
Capital of Sri Lanka: Colombo
Population of Sri Lanka: 22 million
Languages in Sri Lanka: Sinhala, Tamil, English
Time in Sri Lanka: GMT+5.5
International dialing code for Sri Lanka: +94
Voltage in Sri Lanka: 230V 50Hz AC
Visas for Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka visas
Money in Sri Lanka: Sri Lankan rupee (RP). Credit cards and travellers cheques are widely accepted although credit card fraud is a problem. There are ATMs in major cities.
Travel advice for Sri Lanka: Foreign & Commonwealth Office
Sri Lanka tourist board: Sri Lanka Tourism
When to go to Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has two monsoons. The south, west and the hills are driest from December to March, while the dry season in the north and east runs from April to September. It’s generally warm all year, but far cooler in the hills. The dates of the Kandy Esala Perahera festival are based on lunar cycles, but the ten-day extravaganza is always in July or August. To see the elephants at Minneriya, visit from July to September.
International airport Colombo
Bandaranaike (CMB) is 29km from the city.
Getting around in Sri Lanka
Public transport in Sri Lanka is cheap but crowded. Rickshaws ply the main towns. Driving is chaotic – better hire a car and driver, at around £40 a day, instead. Trains and buses serve main destinations around the island. Cycling is a great way to explore.
Sri Lanka accommodation
Prices are seasonal in Sri Lanka so it’s always worth asking for a discount outside peak times. Dormitory-style hostels are rare in Sri Lanka. Budget travellers are more likely to find room in hotels or guesthouses. Large resort hotels cater to package tourists. Some camping is available in the national parks. In Sri Lanka’s hill country, check out the lovely tea estate bungalows.
Sri Lanka food & drink
Meals involve a mountain of rice surrounded by curries, spiced vegetables, salads and pickles. String hoppers – pancakes of noodles - are local specialities. Vegetarians will thrive. Try a thambili (king coconut) – the juice is a refreshing hangover cure if you’ve overindulged in arrack, the local coconut tipple.
Health & safety in Sri Lanka
Most areas of Sri Lanka are now safe for travellers but check with the Foreign Office for the latest security information before you pick a route into the north. Ask your GP or travel clinic about malaria prophylaxis and make sure you’re up to date on other vaccinations. Drink only bottled or sterilised water.