Sri Lanka travel guide
Flights, visas, money, weather and etiquette. Everything travellers from the UK, Europe, the USA, Australia and the Middle East need to know.
Flights and time difference
| From | Flights to Colombo (CMB) | Time difference |
|---|---|---|
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | Non-stop from London Heathrow with SriLankan Airlines in around 10½ hours. There are easy one-stop routes from UK regional airports. | 4½ hours ahead (BST), 5½ hours ahead (GMT) |
| 🇪🇺 Europe | Non-stop flights from Frankfurt and Paris, plus seasonal winter flights from Zurich. There are one-stop connections via the Gulf or Istanbul from most European cities. | 3½ hours ahead of Central Europe in summer, 4½ in winter |
| 🇺🇸 United States | Easy one-stop connections via the Gulf (Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi), Istanbul, Europe or East Asia from major US airports. Allow around 20–24 hours door to door. | 9½ hours ahead of New York, 12½ ahead of Los Angeles (in US summer time; add an hour in winter) |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | Non-stop from Melbourne (SriLankan Airlines and Jetstar) and Sydney (SriLankan Airlines) in around 11 hours. | 4½ hours behind Sydney and Melbourne (5½ in their summer), 2½ behind Perth |
| 🇦🇪 Middle East | Frequent direct flights from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Doha, Kuwait, Muscat, Riyadh and Dammam, most in about 4–5 hours. | 1½ hours ahead of the UAE, 2½ ahead of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait |
Routes and schedules change, so always check with the airlines. Your chauffeur guide will meet you at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), about 20 minutes from Negombo.
Before you go
Visa (ETA)
Most visitors, including UK, EU, US, Australian and Gulf passport holders, need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling. Apply only through the official government website, eta.gov.lk. Rules and fees change, so always check before you book. Your passport should be valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
Money
The currency is the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR). Cards are accepted in most hotels and larger restaurants, and ATMs are easy to find. Carry some cash for markets, entrance fees, tuk-tuks and tips. US dollars, pounds, euros and dirhams are easy to exchange at the airport.
Plugs & power
The supply is 230V. Sockets are a mix of UK-style three-pin (Type G) and round-pin (Type D), so European, American and Australian visitors will need an adaptor. We recommend a universal adaptor for everyone. Visitors from the USA should check that their devices work on 230V; most phone and laptop chargers do.
Getting around
Traffic drives on the left. With your own chauffeur guide, you'll never need to drive, navigate or haggle. Roads are winding, so journeys take longer than the distances suggest, and we always plan realistic driving times.
Food & dietary needs
Sri Lankan food is a highlight, and hotels also serve Western dishes. Halal food is widely available thanks to Sri Lanka's Muslim community, and vegetarian and vegan food is everywhere. Just tell us about any dietary needs, and we'll plan around them.
Health
See your doctor or a travel clinic six to eight weeks before you go for vaccination advice. Pack mosquito repellent and high-factor sun cream, and drink bottled water.
Temple etiquette
Cover your shoulders and knees, remove your shoes and hat, and never pose with your back to a Buddha statue. Cover any Buddha tattoos, as displaying them can cause serious offence.
Tipping
Tipping is entirely at your discretion and is never expected. If you'd like to thank your chauffeur guide, hotel staff or anyone else who has made your trip special, it's always warmly appreciated.
Travel insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is essential and is a condition of booking with us. Make sure it covers medical treatment, cancellation and any activities you plan to do.
Staying connected
Wi-Fi is available in most hotels. A local SIM card is cheap and quick to buy at the airport, and your guide can help you set it up.
Official links: Sri Lanka ETA (official) · UK travel advice · US State Department travel advice · Smartraveller (Australia) · Sri Lanka Tourism
When to go
| When | What to expect and where to go |
|---|---|
| December – March Peak season | The best weather on the west and south coasts, in the hill country and in the Cultural Triangle. Perfect winter sun for Europe and North America, and the summer holidays for Australia. Whale watching at Mirissa. |
| April Easter & New Year | Hot and mostly sunny, with the colourful Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations in mid-April. Afternoon showers start towards the end of the month. |
| May – September Summer & east coast | Rain moves to the south-west, so head east: Trincomalee, Pasikudah and Arugam Bay are glorious. The Cultural Triangle is dry, and the Minneriya elephant gathering peaks. It's a cool escape from Gulf summer heat, too. Kandy's Esala Perahera festival takes place in July or August. |
| October – November Green season | Inter-monsoon showers across the island, usually in the afternoon. The landscape is lush and green, and it's quieter and great value. |
Your questions, answered
Do you book flights or hotels?
We specialise in what matters most on the ground: your private vehicle, your chauffeur guide and your itinerary. You book your own flights and hotels, which gives you complete freedom. We'll happily recommend trusted hotels for every budget and plan everything around your flight times.
Why are your prices lower than big international agencies?
Because you book directly with the local team who'll run your trip. There's no overseas agent in the middle adding a margin, and entrance fees are paid at the official rates with no mark-up.
Is it safe to pay a company in another country?
We make it as low-risk as possible: you pay just a 20% deposit to secure your dates, and you can pay the balance when you arrive and meet your guide. We only ever ask for payment to the business account on your invoice. We're rated 5.0 on Tripadvisor, with 51+ independent reviews.
Can I change a sample itinerary?
Absolutely. Every tour is private, so you can add days, swap destinations or slow the pace. Our sample itineraries are just a starting point.
Is Sri Lanka safe?
Millions of visitors enjoy Sri Lanka every year, and it's known for its friendly welcome. As with any destination, check your government's latest travel advice before you book and before you travel. Your chauffeur guide and our team look after you throughout your stay.
Is Sri Lanka good for families and older travellers?
It's wonderful for both. The distances are short, the pace can be as gentle as you like, and Sri Lankans are famously warm towards children and older guests. Tell us about any mobility needs and we'll plan around them.
How far in advance should I book?
For December to April, especially Christmas, New Year and February, three to six months ahead is ideal, as the best hotels and guides get booked up. At other times, a few weeks is often enough.
What languages do your guides speak?
All our chauffeur guides speak English. If you'd prefer another language, just ask, and we'll do our best to arrange it, subject to availability.
Ready to start planning?
Tell us your dates and dreams. Within 24 hours, you'll have a personal itinerary and a clear, no-obligation quote. It's free.