Luxury Tours in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s sun-drenched tropical climate means it’s among the few places that can boast being a year-round destination. Split between two monsoons, the north and eastern regions enjoy the dry season around May to September, with the south-west dry season generally being between December to March.

Sri Lanka is known globally for being one of the world’s largest tea producers, with five percent of Sri Lanka’s population working in the thriving Sri Lankan tea industry.

At an approximate 40km from the mainland of India, it’s easy to see why many people might not appreciate or recognise the differences between the two countries. Culturally and historically speaking, the two countries could not be any more contrasting.  

Religion – Hinduism is the largest religion in India while Buddhism is larger in Sri Lanka – both by large margins. The caste system is still very prominent in India, yet is almost non-existent in Sri Lanka.

Wildlife – both countries are well known for their wildlife. Sri Lanka has a very large wildlife population relative to its size which makes spotting animals more likely – particularly whales and leopards.

History – while both were once British colonies, Sri Lanka was also partly colonised by the Dutch and the Portuguese, which is apparent in cities like Galle.

Sri Lankan cuisine is known for its use of coconut milk, rice, dry spices and fish, usually in a combination of multiple small dishes. Rice is  used as a basis for most meals in Sri Lanka, and ‘short eats’ are a daily staple, available from street vendors and bakeries in most cities and towns. Generally speaking, these consist of deep-fried pastries with meat and vegetable fillings. 

Visitors to the cultural triangle and ancient cities can expect to see a variety of historical sites, including temples, palaces, stupas, rock temples, and other religious and cultural landmarks. Some of the most famous sites include the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy and the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. 

When travelling in Sri Lanka (whether it’s solo, small group tour or big group tour), it is advisable to dress modestly, especially when visiting temples and other religious sites. Light, comfortable clothing made of natural fibres such as cotton and linen is recommended due to the warm climate. It’s also good to pack a light sweater or jacket for the cooler evenings, and comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing and trekking. 

It is recommended to purchase travel insurance before visiting Sri Lanka to cover any unexpected medical expenses or trip cancellations. It’s always a good idea to check the coverage of your insurance policy before you travel. 

ATM machines are widely available in Sri Lanka, especially in cities and tourist areas. However, it’s always a good idea to bring some cash with you, as not all places accept credit cards. 

Credit cards are widely accepted in Sri Lanka, especially in larger towns and cities and in tourist areas. However, it’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand, as not all places accept credit cards. 

It is not recommended to drink tap water in Sri Lanka, it’s better to stick to bottled water. 

Toilet facilities vary in Sri Lanka, but most tourist accommodations and restaurants provide Western-style toilets. Public toilets are less common and may not always be in good condition. It’s a good idea to carry your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer. 

Most major international mobile phone networks have coverage in Sri Lanka, but it’s always a good idea to check with your service provider about their specific coverage and any additional costs for international roaming. Additionally, you can also buy a local sim card in Sri Lanka with a prepaid plan, that will give you access to the local network. 

Internet access is widely available in Sri Lanka, especially in cities and tourist areas, but the speed and reliability can vary. Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and some cafes and restaurants. 

It is best to check the latest information and recommendations from the Sri Lanka government and your home country’s travel advisory about COVID-19 and vaccination requirements before travelling. 

Sri Lanka offers a variety of safari options, but some of the most popular include Yala, Udawalawe, and Minneriya National Parks for wildlife viewing and Minneriya, Kaudulla, and Wasgamuwa National Parks for elephant watching. 

Sri Lanka is generally considered safe for travel, but it’s always a good idea to check the latest travel advice from your government’s foreign affairs department before booking a trip. Be aware of your surroundings and take the same precautions you would in any other foreign country.