Despite its tumultuous times, Sri Lanka, located in tropical waters near the southern tip of India, is known for its amiable individuals, mild Buddhist culture, and easygoing way of living. When it pertains to enjoying a smooth vacation on this island in the Indian Ocean, a little preparation goes a long way.
Sri Lanka is exceptionally varied, considering it’s a little country. With the extra benefit that nothing is that far from the shore, sand-flecked coastlines climb to wooded national parks, temple-dotted plains, and jungle-covered hills.
Most tourists begin their journeys on the shores before heading inside to see tea plantations, medieval towns, and national parks. Still, it may be challenging for newcomers to navigate Sri Lanka’s chaotic transportation network and distinctive cultures. Below are 9 things you should be aware of before visiting Sri Lanka.
1. Sri Lanka Possesses Two Monsoon Seasons
What time of year is ideal for traveling to Sri Lanka? The hardest question you might ask is this one. It may be difficult to tell them apart if you are unfamiliar with Sri Lanka’s two separate monsoon periods.
Conceptually speaking, the southwest region’s monsoon persists for 5 months, between June to October, and the north-eastern rainy season lasts from December to March. To cut an extended story, rain is a constant in Sri Lanka, so the country is lush with greenery. The positive aspect is that rain typically subsides by midday.
Regardless of when you decide to visit, you can count on stunning, pleasant weather with abundant sunshine – and ideal beach conditions. Planning your monsoon trip to Sri Lanka doesn’t have to be unpleasant! You can search for or compare the prices for all holiday rentals, Airbnb, and different lodging accommodations in cozycozy before confirming your stay in a hotel.
2. Keep Your Cash Handy Every Time
Sri Lankan rupees are used as currency. The monetary units of Sri Lankan rupee notes include 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000, and 5000. The primary tourist attractions and the airport have easy access to currency exchange offices and ATMs. But anticipate finding an ATM in only some tiny communities you travel to.
Sri Lanka is an island nation that values cash, from eateries to shops to tuk-tuk drivers for sightseeing guides. Have a sufficient number of coins and tiny dollars on hand every time. Small establishments in rural locations only take cash payments, despite the fact that you may use a credit card to make purchases at dining establishments, hotels, and supermarkets.
3. Pack Appropriate Clothing for Sri Lanka’s Mountains and Sacred Locations
The mountainous regions of Sri Lanka have a cooler climate than the coastline due to the peaks’ altitudes, which exceed 6560 ft. Bring a lightweight sweater for chilly evenings and early mornings (especially between December and March). When planning your adventure to Sri Lanka, make sure you’re well-prepared with all the necessary items to ensure a comfortable and safe journey.
Carry a sarong as well; you can wear it as an outdoor blanket or towel, a stole or garment to wrap around your upper body or legs when exploring temples, as an extra layer of warmth when riding in air-conditioned buses, or for early morning safari jeep rides. Sarongs are also helpful in covering your arms and legs when you explore the countryside.
4. Do Not Anticipate a Wild Party Atmosphere
There will be few venues suitable for an extravagant night out, and there won’t be numerous expensive nightclubs and pubs in Sri Lanka, particularly in regions other than Colombo.
Arguably, the most excellent thing to do in Sri Lanka is to relax on a deserted beachfront; it’s certainly more of a beer & sundown spot than a “full moon celebration” cocktails and fist-pumping scenario. However, there are a few places you can check out for a guaranteed amazing evening, such as ping pong games, open mic nights, performing places, and bars with incredible cocktails.
5. Take Care when Snapping Pictures
Always get consent before taking a photo of someone. Because authentic stilt fisherman is now a dying species, you can be requested for money if you take pictures of the famed fishermen at Koggala.
Flash shooting is prohibited inside temples (or close to military installations), and a few Hindu monuments may prohibit filming. Be cautious never to sit with your back to a Buddha statue while taking pictures if you are shooting monasteries.
6. Visit Temples with Appropriate Attire
Any Buddhist, Hindu, or Muslim mosques or temples require you to take off your footwear and cover your head, even if the location is an old ruin. You may wear socks, which you will likely require on sweltering warm days. You need to drape your legs and arms as a sign of reverence.
Jaffna in the north of the island, where an individual Sri Lankan Tamil Hindu culture is dominant, attracts fewer tourists than other parts of the country. Asking for consent before approaching a Hindu temple is considered good manners because some temples refuse to allow non-Hindus inside. Men must sometimes drop their shirts and visit temples with bare chests.
7. There Are a Lot of Freshly Harvested Veggies and Seafood Available
Although Indian cuisine has numerous variations, indigenous Sri Lankan cuisine is frequently compared to a softer form of Indian food. Colorful curry dishes, rice and roti, string hoppers (steamed rice noodles), kottu (a heavy on-the-carbs chopped flatbread meal, frequently accompanied with veggies, eggs, or chicken), an enormous quantity of seafood that comes directly from the Indian Ocean, and a variety of beautiful tropical fruit make up the distinctive Sri Lankan cuisine.
8. Although It’s a Tiny Country, Exploring It Takes Some Time
All cities and the most remote regions have excellent accessibility in Sri Lanka thanks to the country’s efficient public transportation system. Although traveling by train is substantially more scenic, trains and buses are entertaining, convenient, very affordable, and more dependable.
9. Avail of Travel Insurance
You are aware of Murphy’s law, which states that everything that can go wrong will go wrong anyway. Something unforeseen might occur when you travel. It is preferable to be ready if you require it.
Government-run medical facilities exist in Sri Lanka, but you would prefer to avoid ending up in a dire situation. Although more costly, private hospitals provide individuals with individualized medical attention and therapy. Therefore, don’t forget to purchase travel insurance before you leave for Sri Lanka.
Have you ever traveled to Sri Lanka? What about your trip stood out as the most special, and what words of wisdom would you impart to those considering a trip to Sri Lanka? Take the time to leave a comment with your thoughts.