Sri Lanka travel resources
Ancient Sigiriya, the hill country's tea estates, colonial Galle and leopards in Yala.
Quick facts
- Currency
- Sri Lankan rupee (LKR)
- Language
- Sinhala, Tamil
- Best time to visit
- Dec–Mar for the south and west; Apr–Sep for the east Compare countries by month
- Emergency
- 119 police · 110 fire and ambulance
- Plug types
- D, G, M
- Drives on
- Left
- Government travel advice
- UK Canada How to read it
General guidance; seasons vary by region. Plug types from Wikipedia's mains electricity by country table; currency, driving side and emergency numbers cross-checked with Wikidata in . Check the latest advice for entry rules and safety before you book.
Top Destinations in Sri Lanka
Travel Resources
Travel Tips
- Most visitors need an Electronic Travel Authorization; apply on the official portal, not a third-party site.
- The Kandy to Ella train is famously scenic. Reserved seats sell out, so book ahead.
- Two monsoons hit different coasts at different times; pick your beaches by season.
- Remove shoes and hats at temples, and never pose with your back to a Buddha statue.
- Use metered tuk-tuks or ride-hailing apps, or agree the fare before you set off.
Booking a hotel or tour in Sri Lanka? See which review sites to trust and five checks before you pay.