Joanna James
Organising a trip to Sri Lanka, a picturesque island in the Indian Ocean can come with many questions. Fortunately, there's nothing you wouldn't be able to handle with a bit of expert advice. However, sudden mishaps are unavoidable and you should always be prepared for such circumstances.
To arrive in Sri Lanka, one needs to have a passport that doesn't expire for a minimum period of six months from the date you land in the country. Apart from a valid visa, you must also make certain that you have an ETA, or Electronic Travel Authorisation, which is issued by the "Sri Lanka Overseas Missions and the Visa Section" of the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. Nonetheless, if you're someone from the Maldives, Seychelles, or Singapore, you aren't bound by this requirement. Initially, the ETA is granted for a period of one month, which can be increased up to six months if the need arises. Also, do make sure that you have copies of your travel documents safely stashed somewhere in your suitcase, in case something is to happen to the originals.
Your itinerary to this gem of a country should comply with the weather and the climate at the time. Sri Lanka mainly experiences two monsoon periods: the southwestern monsoon and the north-eastern monsoon. The former of the two occurs between May and September and affects only the southwest region of the country, which makes this period ideal time for a beach vacation in the Northeast of this magnificent country. The latter takes place from December to February, which brings windy rains not only to the north and eastern coastal areas, but covers the whole country in a downpour.
Before you travel to Sri Lanka, it is best if you decide where and how you want to spend your time. Consult with the prescribed weather conditions at a given time before you opt for a region to ensure the best of experience in the country. There is so much to be experienced, but try not to include everything in your itinerary, and make sure that you leave time for travelling and relaxation. While Sri Lanka is a small country, the traffic can be hectic in some areas. Go through websites the likes of Vacation Gateway to find out the most popular holiday destinations in Sri Lanka.
If you know what you're doing, travelling to and around the country is pretty straightforward. A direct flight to Sri Lanka can be booked with some airline companies of the country, and it would only take around eleven hours to come to Sri Lanka, or else, you can stopover in the UAE. When it comes to travelling in the country, public transportation is not particularly reliable due to traffic jam but comes at quite low prices. If you're planning to travel long distances, train rides are recommended as they would provide you with a chance to witness absolutely beautiful scenery.
Sri Lanka has a myriad of splendid properties that can be found in enchanting locations that would make your stay in Sri Lanka all the more special and enjoyable. From renovated bungalows and luxury resorts to guesthouses and homestays, there is an array of options from which you can select to accommodate your travel plans and budget.
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A travel writer who has a pas...
