Travel Tips
Visa
For Travelers with genuine intent, who wants to visit Sri Lanka for sightseeing, excursions or for a simple Getaway, Tourist Visa is Issued at the airport itself However to be in safer side Obtain the Tourist Visa by logging on to http://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa
Health & Safety
NO compulsory inoculations are required to enter Sri Lanka. Nevertheless, the following vaccinations are Recommended: Typhoid | Polio |Tetanus | Hepatitis A | Hepatitis B | Rabies and Children should be additionally protected against Diphtheria| Whooping Cough | Mumps | Measles | Rubella Please be careful enough to plan the tour well ahead with vaccinations as some Require more than one dose or some should not be given together. All of these illnesses are not very common in Sri Lanka, but to ensure your own safety it is recommended.
Currency
Sri Lankan Rupee is used in Sri Lanka, and the money can be exchanged from the airport itself or various banks that could be found all around the island. Genuine Sri Lankan notes could be recognized by the watermark of an endemic bird. Travelers Cheques are accepted in most of the banks and money exchanges.
A small commission and 1% of stamp duty is payable Credit cards are widely recognized in main cities, but it is recommended to pay any local shops by cash. ATMs are also commonly seen in cities and towns.
Languages
Sinhala and Tamil is most commonly used in Sri Lanka. However, English or any other language speaking guide could be appointed to accompany you. If requested from your travel agent.
When to Visit
- Sri Lanka is a round the year destination to any who seek the sun and sea. The usual peak season is from Mid-December until Mid-January.
- For adventurers who would love to climb the Adam’s Peak, the season would be from December till May.
- July and August there’s a mini peak season as festivals and pageants are held throughout the country.
Climate
Tropical, Humid and very warm places that must be visited.
- Sigirya - The lion’s Rock
- Yala National Park
- Temple of Tooth Relic, Kandy
- Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
- Koneswaram Kovil, Trincomalee
- Ancient Ruins of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa
- Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya
- Embekke Dewale
- Sinharaja rain forest
- Huggala gardens
- Golf course
- Horten Plains
- Gregory’s lake in Nuwara eliya
- Nilaweli beach / Marble beach
Etiquette tips
Cotton Clothes are recommended for any time of the year. Sandals, trainers with cotton socks or any comfortable shoes are recommended. When visiting both Buddhist and Hindu religious places, it is advised to wear white clothing modestly. In most religious places footwear is not worn inside. Also accessories such as hats and aviators are instructed to be removed.
Tipping
Commonly a 10% service charge is added to all restaurant and hotel bills. Other than that house keeper’s or bartenders should be given a small tip not more than 10%.
