Last Updated on 19/02/2025

Sri Lanka for Beginners: What to Know Before You Go

Sri Lanka is an incredible country, there is so much to do there for such a small island! From cool mountains in the tea plantations, surfing on beaches, ancient history, wildlife safaris, dolphin and whale spotting – I have now been to Sri Lanka on 3 separate trips and there is always something new to discover.   The people are warm, friendly, and always happy to help, making travel here a true joy.

That said, Sri Lanka is a developing country, so things may not always work as expected. Patience is key, and embracing the local way of life will make your trip much smoother. Here’s everything you need to know before you go to Sri Lanka for the first time.

1. Getting Around Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has a variety of transport options, making travel convenient, fun or adventurous – depending on your travel style.

• Sri Lanka Trains: A must-do! Train rides in Sri Lanka are scenic, affordable, and a great way to meet fellow travelers. The famous Kandy to Ella train journey is one of the most beautiful in the world.
• Tuktuks in Sri Lanka: Cheap, private, and easy to hire for short journeys or longer ones. You can even rent and drive your own tuk-tuk if you’re feeling adventurous!
• Hiring a driver in Sri Lanka: A popular option, especially for longer distances. Many drivers also act as guides and can suggest places to visit along the way, making the journey part of exploring as well.
• Sri Lanka buses: The cheapest way to get around, can be difficult to work out the timetable so ask in your Sri Lanka accommodation

2. Food & Drink in Sri Lanka

• Delicious & Vegetarian-Friendly: Sri Lankan food is rich, flavorful, and filling. It’s also great for vegetarians, with plenty of dhal, curries, and rice-based dishes and by favourite – kottu roti.
• Be Ready to Eat: In Sri Lankan culture, refusing food can sometimes be considered rude, so prepare for generous portions!
• Fresh Coconuts Everywhere: Perfect for staying hydrated and healthy on your Sri Lanka trip
• Sri Lanka Street Food: Don’t be surprised if your roti comes wrapped in someone’s old homework—recycling at its finest!

3. Sri Lanka – Tips & Tricks for Money

• Cash is King – especially for paying tuktuks, drivers, buses, trains – it is much easier to have cash ready.
• Sri Lankan Rupees or USD dollars? I’ve found it useful to have a mix of both Sri Lanka rupees and USD dollars while travelling Sri Lanka. I was unable to find Sri Lankan rupees before arriving in Sri Lanka so I recommend taking USD dollars and exchanging them there. I exchanged at Colombo airport on arrival and the rate was reasonable there.
• Card is accepted in some establishments – most hotels I stayed at accepted card payments for accommodation and food but for additional trips cash was required.

4. Packing Tips

• Light & Modest Clothing: Loose, breathable fabrics work best in the tropical climate. Sri Lanka still feels like a conservative country for me so I advise covering up most of the time, particularly if travelling as a solo female.  For temples, mosques, churches and religious places make sure you cover your shoulders and knees.
• Cooler Evenings: Some areas can get chilly at night, such as in the tea plantations like Kandy, Ella so pack a light jacket or sweater. This is also useful for early morning safaris when the air is much cooler and you are moving quickly in a jeep!
• Mosquito Protection: Mosquitoes are especially bad between 5-7pm in rural areas and national parks. Bring non toxic repellent and tiger balm for bites.
• Electrical Plugs – I found mixed information on this on the internet. The 3 plug British electrical plug is the one that I found everywhere on my most recent trip to Sri Lanka (February 2025).

5. Safety & Travel Tips

• Expect a Slower Pace: Things may not be as immediate as you’re used to, so embrace the laid-back attitude.
• Friendly & Helpful Locals: If you need help, people are usually willing to assist or call a friend or relative who can come and help you out!
• Limited Uber & Food Delivery: Outside Colombo, services like Uber taxis and food delivery are scarce.

6. Ethical Wildlife Experiences

Sri Lanka is famous for its wildlife safaris, but not all experiences are ethical. I read reviews of non national park areas where there is a huge number of jeeps crowding wild elephants. Choose to go to national parks that are recommended, try to share jeeps where possible (this can be a struggle because the jeep drivers want to make more money). You can ask your hotel for other guests who may want to share. I’ve shared jeeps in Yala National Park.

• Safaris in National Parks: Amazing chances to see elephants, leopards, and more in the wild.
• Jeeps Can Be Rough: Safaris involve bumpy, dirt roads with potholes. If you have back issues or recent surgeries, consider if this is suitable for you.
• Whale watching and dolphin watching trips – I have found the trips that I have done to be ethical; limited time with the marine life and with the blue whales it was only a certain amount of whale flukes and then the boats turned back. Be vocal with your boat operator if you feel they are not being respectful.

7. Adventure & Activities

Sri Lanka is an adventure lover’s paradise! Some top activities include:

• Surfing – Aragam Bay is a great spot for surfing, from beginners up!
• Whale Watching & Dolphin Spotting – Options in Mirissa or Trincomalee depending on the time of year you are visiting.
• Kite Surfing – Kalpitiya is the best place for kite surfing, we saw loads of kite surfers of various levels here.
• Hiking & Nature – Sigiriya Rock, Adam’s Peak, and Knuckles Mountain Range offer stunning trails.

8. Visa & Entry Requirements

• Check Your Government Website: Visa rules vary by country, so check the official requirements before you go.
• For British Citizens: You need to apply for an online e-visa before arriving. At the time of writing, this cost $50 USD and was approved almost immediately for me. My friend’s took about 24 hours, so allow extra time just in case.
• Double-Check Details: Ensure your visa and passport number are correct before submitting (saying this from experience…!!)

Visit Sri Lanka for the first time

Sri Lanka is such a wonderful country to visit for so many reasons! Hopefully this Asia travel blog can help you prepare for your Sri Lanka trip so that you can get the most out of visiting this incredible country!