Everything you Must Know before Traveling to Sri Lanka

Have you ever dreamed of exploring a tropical destination that combines wild nature, paradisiacal beaches and on top of that is affordable? Sri Lanka is known as the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean". and it's that magical place you have stuck in your head. Now I am going to tell you everything you need to know to travel to Sri Lanka.

Vaccinations to Travel Sri Lanka

For vaccination and counseling, you will need to make an appointment at an International Vaccination Center. There they will tell you the guidelines and recommendations to prevent diseases according to the destinations you are going to visit. Then you will have to make an appointment at your health center to have them prescribed. The whole process takes time, so I recommend you to be ready with some time in advance.

This is a list of recommended vaccinations for travel to Sri Lanka.

• Typhoid Fever
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Tetanus
• Triple Virus
• Yellow Fever * Only if you are traveling from a country with yellow fever risk. In this case you will need to be vaccinated and show the international vaccination card upon arrival (if you are coming from Spain you will not need it).
• Japanese Fever * Optional depending on the area you travel to.
• Rabies * Optional depending on the area you are traveling to.

There are optional vaccines such as the Japanese Fever and Rabies doctor will advise you in case of traveling to remote areas. For instance, if you are going to travel Sri Lanka on your own near rice fields, countryside or jungle.

In my case, the international vaccination center did not recommend either of them. Getting sick from Japanese fever is not common, the vaccine is given in two doses and costs 200 euros (in Spain).

Visa for Traveling to Sri Lanka

To obtain a visa to travel to Sri Lanka, it can be done through an online process or upon arrival. Find below the steps to obtain an electronic visa (ETA), which is the most common method:

1. Apply Online:
   • Visit the official website of the Department of Immigration and Emigration of Sri Lanka to apply for ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization).
   • Complete the online application form with your personal information, passport details and travel details.
2. Payment of the Fee:
   • Make the visa fee payment using a credit or debit card. Currently costs about 50$.
3. Confirmation:
   • Once the application is submitted and payment is made, you will receive a confirmation email.
   • Generally, decisions about ETA requests are taken quickly, oftenly within 24 hours.
4. Upon Arrival:
   • Even if you have obtained the ETA, take a printed copy with you when traveling to Sri Lanka.
   • Upon arrival, you will have to show your ETA visa and passport at the immigration control.
5. Visa on Arrival:
   • You can obtain a visa upon arrival, although this will involve long waiting times and additional fees.
   • I recommend that you obtain the ETA before traveling to avoid possible complications.
6. Verify Specific Requirements:
   • It is important to check the specific requirements for your country of origin, as they may vary. What I have told you so far are requirements you need to travel to Sri Lanka from Spain.
   • Also check the validity of your passport; must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in Sri Lanka.

When is the best time to travel to Sri Lanka?

Decide when to travel to Sri Lanka can be complicated, it will also depend on your priorities for the trip. To make a decision, knowing how the weather works in Sri Lanka is crucial.

The weather in Sri Lanka is tropical and is characterized by two main monsoons that affect different parts of the country at different times of the year. This makes the weather somewhat complex, but here is a general idea.

Monsoon season in Sri Lanka

Due to its location near the equator, Sri Lanka generally experiences warm temperatures throughout the year, with averages ranging from between 28°C and 32°C in coastal regions and between 15°C and 18°C in the mountainous areas.

• Southwest Monsoon (Yala)Occurs approximately from May to August and mainly affects the southwest coast and central mountainous regions. During this period, these areas receive most of their rainfall.
• Northeast Monsoon (Maha): Extends from October to January, mainly affecting the northern and eastern regions of the country. These areas receive most of their rainfall during this monsoon.

Dry season in Sri Lanka

Between monsoons, there are drier periods. The northeast coast generally has its dry season from May to September, while in the southwest, the dry season is usually from December to March.

Humidity in Sri Lanka is high throughout the year, which can make the heat feel more intense.

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Essential Items you should bring to Sri Lanka

Preparing your luggage well is key to enjoy a trip to Sri Lanka. Here is a list of what you might consider bringing:

1. Documentation:
   • Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity).
   • Visa or ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) printed.
   • Travel insurance (including medical coverage).
   • Copies of important documents (passport, visa, travel insurance, etc.).
2. What to bring to Sri Lanka:
   • Lightweight and breathable clothing (warm temperatures and high humidity).
   • Conservative clothing for visiting temples and sacred places (cover shoulders and legs).
   • Comfortable walking shoes, and sandals or easy-to-remove shoes (for temples).
   • Rain gear or umbrella, especially if traveling during monsoon season.
   • Some warm clothing if you plan to visit the mountainous regions.
3. Health and Hygiene Articles:
   • Basic first aid kit.
   • Mosquito repellent and sun protection.
   • Personal medications and basic hygiene items.
   • Water purification tablets or filter bottleif you prefer not to buy bottled water. Tap water is not drinkable.
4. Electronics:
   • Adapter plug (Sri Lanka mainly uses types D and G).
   • Chargers for your electronic devices.
   • Camera and accessories, if you like photography.
5. Other Essential Items:
   • Flashlight or headlamp (useful during power outages or for dawn hikes).
   • Small backpack or bag for daily excursions.
   • Hat or cap and sunglasses for sun protection.
   • Printed or digital travel guide to Sri Lanka.
   • Snacks or energy bars for long trips or hikes.
6. Special Considerations:
   • If you plan to hike or visit national parks, consider wearing appropriate clothing and sunglasses.
   • For longer stays or if you plan to visit rural areas, it may be useful to bring a mosquito net.

In general terms, these are the essentials for traveling to Sri Lanka. If you want to know how I travel, here you will find a complete guide with everything you need to carry in your backpack.

Although Sri Lanka is an island, there are a lot of places to visit, and it is possible to organize itineraries from a week to entire months. Here I guide you through relevant places on the island that in any case you should not miss on your visit, especially if you travel to the south:

• Spend a day or two upon arrival in Colombo, the capital, is worth it, it is the largest city in Sri Lanka and very different from the rest of the island.
• Visit Kandy, one of the most important cities in Sri Lanka where the Temple of the Buddha Tooth is located among other things.
• Make an express visit to Sigiriya and surroundings, there you will find Lion's Rock.
• Do not miss Ella, the city of mountains and Sri Lanka's most impressive waterfalls. This city is undoubtedly my favorite, with epic routes such as Little Adams Peak and the second largest waterfall in Sri Lanka, Diyaluma Falls.

• Explore the Safari of Yala in Tissamaharama. It is the best Safari in Sri Lanka, where you can spot Leopards and Elephants. In my case I did the Safari on two different occasions and on both occasions I was able to spot leopards.
• Don't miss Sinharaja tropical forest, it has several routes with waterfalls and very cool animals.
• Of course, the beaches and surfing couldn't be missing. There are many beaches, but the ones you absolutely have to visit are the following: Hiriketiya beach, Weligama, Mirissa, Midigama, Ahangama and Unawatuna.

Other Relevant Aspects to Consider

In addition to the requirements for travel to Sri Lanka it is also important to know the aspects of the country such as security, economy and gastronomy.

Is Sri Lanka Safe?

Traveling to Sri Lanka, like any destination, involves considering various safety issues. The situation can vary and it is important to be aware of the circumstances before traveling. Here is a overview of several factors to consider:

1. Political and Social Situation: Sri Lanka has experienced periods of political instability and conflict in the past. Although the civil war ended in 2009, it is important to be informed about the current political situation.
2. Crime:As in many countries, there are petty crimes such as bag snatching or theft. I recommend you to take basic precautions. For example, do not carry valuables in sight and keep an eye on your belongings if you visit crowded areas.
3. Natural Disasters: Sri Lanka can be susceptible to natural disasters, especially during the rainy season. I advise you to be aware of weather forecasts and follow the advice of local authorities.
4. Health:There are certain health risks, such as dengue fever and other mosquito-borne diseases. I recommend you to always carry mosquito repellents. I personally use Reclec.
5. Transportation: Transportation and road conditions may vary, and traffic accidents are common. If you plan to drive in Sri Lanka, consider local traffic regulations. In addition, you will need to apply for the international driving license.
6. Ethnic and Religious Conflicts:Although tourists are generally not the target, ethnic and religious conflicts have occurred in Sri Lanka. For example, if you have a Buddha tattoo, you should not show it in public.
7. Respect Local Customs:Sri Lanka has a rich and diverse culture. Respecting local customs and traditions can help avoid uncomfortable situations.

Which is the currency of Sri Lanka?

The official currency of Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan rupee, which is abbreviated as LKR.

Exchanging currency before going to Sri Lanka is an option you may have considered, but it is generally not necessary. In Sri Lanka, especially in urban and tourist areas, you will find ATMs easily and also at the airport.

Gastronomy in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's cuisine is rich and varied, influenced by several factors such as its history, culture and geography. Some of the most popular and traditional dishes are:

1. Curry:This is the most basic and common dish. It usually consists of rice served with various curries that may include chicken, fish, beef, lamb or vegetables. Curries in Sri Lanka are known for their spicy flavor and abundant use of local spices.
2. Hoppers (Appa):A kind of crispy pancake made with a fermented dough of rice flour and coconut milk. They can be sweet or savory and are often served with an egg in the center.
3. String Hoppers (Indi Appa):Made of rice flour and water, they are a kind of very thin noodles. They are commonly served for breakfast or dinner along with curry and sambol.
4. Kottu Roti:A very popular dish, especially as street food. It is made by chopping roti (flat bread) and mixing it with vegetables, egg or meat, and a variety of spices.
5. Pol Sambol:A side dish made with grated coconut, red chilies, onions and lime. It is a common accompaniment to many meals in Sri Lanka.
6. Watalappan:A dessert, similar to a flan, made with coconut milk, jaggery (a type of palm sugar), and spices such as cardamom and nutmeg.
7. Lamprais:A Dutch-influenced dish consisting of rice cooked in broth with a special curry, eggplant, beans and sometimes meat, all wrapped in a banana leaf and baked.