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If you wish to explore Sri Lanka in its true charm and make your visit memorable then don’t forget to include highlights of cave temples in Dambulla, ferry to far flung islands in Jaffna, and hike in the Knuckles Mountain Range as well as visits to famous wildlife parks. There are things to check off your list, of course, (such as climbing the UNESCO-listed Lion’s Rock in Sigiriya), but it’s more of a place to slow down and embrace island life.
Remember to not spend all your time at the beach. Yes, the beaches are great, but Sri Lanka has more than miles of palm-lined shores. Head inland to see the country’s rice fields, clay pot cooking in small villages, mountain towns with pleasant weather, and generational artists tending to their crafts.
Sri Lanka doesn’t require any compulsory vaccines, but consult your healthcare provider at least eight weeks before your visit to see what jabs you should get. Vaccinations for tetanus are usually recommended for all travelers and some may also need vaccinations for hepatitis A, hepatitis B and typhoid.
Pack natural fabrics. Long maxi skirts, linen shorts, dresses, loose-fitting trousers, hats, flip-flops and sandals work great. Add some bright colors and pretty floral prints to blend in with the locals. A sweater and a raincoat come in handy if you’re visiting high country towns like Nuwara Eliya where temperatures can drop below 10°C (50°F) in the evenings and where it’s mostly wet and rainy.
All full moon days are considered poya days by Sri Lankan Buddhists, where devotees visit temples and attend religious activities. These auspicious, holy days are also dry days, which means that alcohol is not sold in supermarkets, bars or restaurants.
It is recommended to cover your shoulders and knees and remove footwear before entering religious sites like Buddhist temples, Hindu temples, and mosques. In some Hindu temples, men have to remove their shirts – always pay attention to signs outside. You’ll also avoid unwanted attention if you dress modestly on public transport and in small towns and rural villages, especially if you are a woman traveling alone. Swimwear, including bikinis, is perfectly fine at the beach.
Sri Lanka has three main official languages: Sinhala, Tamil and English. Many locals speak at least basic English, and you won’t have a hard time getting by as a visitor. But if you throw in a few words like “ayubowan” (meaning “may you live long” in Sinhala) and “vanakkam” (meaning “hello” in Tamil), locals will really appreciate it.
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