Joanna James
Sri Lanka is a beautiful island nation located in the Indian Ocean, known for its stunning beaches and diverse wildlife, and here are a few things that you should know to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
All foreign visitors to Sri Lanka need to obtain an Electronic Travel authorisation (ETA) before arrival. The ETA is valid for up to 30 days and can be easily obtained online. However, it's important to check the visa requirements for your country of origin and plan accordingly.
The official currency of Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee. It's widely accepted in most places, but it's always a good idea to have some U.S. dollars or local currency on hand in case of emergency. Tipping is not a common practice in Sri Lanka, but it is appreciated in certain situations such as restaurants, hotels, and tours.
Sri Lanka has a tropical climate, with warm and humid weather all year round. The best time to visit is from December to March when the weather is drier and cooler on the coast, and from April to September in the hill country. During the monsoon season, which runs from October to January in the north and east and from May to September in the south and west, heavy downpours can disrupt travel plans.
The dress code is an important aspect to keep in mind when visiting Sri Lanka. As a conservative country, visitors should dress modestly when visiting temples, palaces, and other religious sites. This means avoiding revealing clothing and covering shoulders and knees. When visiting temples, it's important to wear clothing that covers the shoulders and knees. This means wearing long pants or skirts and a shirt or blouse that covers the shoulders. Avoid wearing tank tops, shorts, and revealing clothing. When entering temples, it's also important to remove shoes before entering and to avoid wearing hats or sunglasses.
Sri Lanka has an extensive public transportation system, including buses and trains. Taxis and tuk-tuks are also widely available, but it's important to agree on a price before getting in. When using taxis, it's always a good idea to use a metered taxi or agree on a fare before getting in. If you plan on renting a car or a scooter, keep in mind that the traffic can be chaotic and road conditions may be challenging.
Sri Lankan cuisine is delicious and diverse, but it's important to be mindful of what you eat and drink. Stick to bottled water and avoid drinking tap water or drinks with ice. It's also important to be careful with street food and to choose reputable restaurants to avoid getting sick.
Sri Lanka is a country with a rich cultural heritage, and it's important to be respectful of local customs and traditions. It's also important to be respectful when visiting temples and religious sites, remove your shoes before entering and make sure that you are dressed modestly.
The official languages of Sri Lanka are Sinhala and Tamil, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas and establishments including Gal Oya Sri Lanka hotels the likes of Wild Glamping Gal Oya. It's always a good idea to learn a few key phrases in the local language to help navigate your way around and to show respect for the local culture.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
