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Everything you need to know before discovering Sri Lanka.
Explore practical travel advice, local customs,
destinations,
seasons, getting around, food, culture, wildlife and the
little details that help you experience
the island with
confidence.
Sri Lanka is a small island with an extraordinary amount of variety. Ancient cities, mist-covered mountains, wildlife-rich forests, tropical beaches and vibrant cities can all be part of the same journey.
This guide brings together the practical details that help you travel with confidence, while leaving room for the discoveries that cannot be found in a guidebook.
The most memorable journeys are built around respect. A few simple gestures can make every interaction feel more natural and meaningful.
Cover your shoulders and knees when visiting Buddhist and Hindu temples. Remove shoes and hats before entering sacred areas and follow photography signs or ask before taking photographs.
Ayubowan is a traditional greeting meaning "may you have a long life". Avoid touching someone's head, do not point your feet towards people or religious images, and use your right hand when giving or receiving something.
Tipping is appreciated rather than strictly required. Restaurants often include a service charge. For guides, drivers, porters and safari staff, a gratuity can be offered when the service has been exceptional.
From tropical coastlines to cool mountain evenings, Sri Lanka rewards travellers who pack for variety.
Sri Lanka's landscapes change quickly. Choosing the right way to travel can transform the experience from simply getting somewhere into part of the adventure.
Ideal for first-time visitors and travellers looking for flexibility. A private vehicle allows you to travel at your own pace while your local guide handles navigation, logistics and local insight.
Few travel experiences are as evocative as watching tea plantations and mountain landscapes unfold from a Sri Lankan train window.
Three-wheelers are perfect for short journeys around towns and cities and are part of everyday life on the island.
Sri Lanka looks compact on a map, but mountain roads, traffic and scenic routes can make journeys longer than expected. Allow time between destinations rather than trying to fit too much into one day.
Food is one of the most rewarding ways to understand the island. Expect fragrant spices, coconut, rice, sambols and recipes shaped by centuries of cultural exchange.
A colourful spread of rice accompanied by several curries, sambols, vegetables and regional specialities.
Chopped roti stir-fried with vegetables, egg, meat and aromatic spices.
Bowl-shaped fermented rice pancakes. Try an egg hopper with a spoonful of sambol.
Delicate steamed rice noodles traditionally served with curries and coconut sambol.
Fresh coconut, chilli, lime and seasoning combine to make one of Sri Lanka's essential accompaniments.
Follow the story of tea into the highlands and taste freshly made Ceylon tea where it is grown.
Choose busy restaurants with good turnover, favour food served freshly cooked and hot, and use bottled or appropriately treated water when travelling.
Vegetarian and vegan food is widely available. Rice-based dishes are naturally common, and it is worth explaining allergies and dietary restrictions clearly when ordering.
Sri Lanka offers excellent value across a wide range of travel styles, from local guesthouses and family-run restaurants to some of Asia's most beautiful luxury stays.
The local currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). Exchange rates fluctuate, so check the current rate shortly before and during your trip.
Visa and Mastercard are commonly accepted at hotels, larger restaurants and established businesses. Keep cash available for smaller shops, markets, tuk-tuks and rural areas.
Having smaller denominations makes everyday purchases, tips, local transport and market visits considerably easier.
A little preparation goes a long way. Check current government and medical advice before departure and make sure your travel insurance provides appropriate cover.
Discuss your itinerary with a doctor or travel-health professional several weeks before departure. They can advise on routine vaccinations and any destination-specific precautions relevant to you.
Use an effective insect repellent, consider long sleeves and trousers when appropriate, and choose accommodation with screens or air conditioning where useful.
Keep valuables secure, use hotel safes where available, take care in crowded areas and avoid isolated places after dark.
Police emergency services
Police emergency service
Keep your policy details accessible.
True luxury cannot be pre-packaged or rushed. Whether you seek a secluded retreat across tea country and coast, or wish to design an exclusive sanctuary for your family, our founders and curators are here to listen.
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