Question 1

What is the best season to visit Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

West &amp; south coasts and Cultural Triangle are driest Dec-Mar; east coast shines May-Sep. Shoulder months offer lower hotel rates.

Question 2

How is the weather by season (monsoons)?

Accepted Answer

Two monsoons: southwest (May-Sep) and northeast (Oct-Jan). Hill Country stays cool (15-20 °C); coast averages 27-32 °C.

Question 3

What cultural etiquette should I follow?

Accepted Answer

Cover shoulders/knees at temples, remove shoes, never turn your back to Buddha statues. Use right hand for giving/eating.

Question 4

What about health &amp; vaccinations?

Accepted Answer

Hep A and tetanus recommended; yellow-fever proof if arriving from risk area. Carry DEET and basic antibiotics; tap water is not potable.

Question 5

Is Sri Lanka safe?

Accepted Answer

Generally yes; hotline 1912 for tourists. Watch bags on crowded trains and agree tuk-tuk fares beforehand.

Question 6

How does tipping work?

Accepted Answer

10 % often on bill; otherwise add 100-200 LKR in cafés and Rs 500/day for drivers.

Question 7

Does Sri Lanka require a big budget?

Accepted Answer

Backpackers manage on €35/day; mid-range couple €80-100/day. UNESCO site tickets US $20-35 each.

Question 8

How good is mobile data?

Accepted Answer

Dialog/Mobitel tourist SIM 30 GB ≈ €8 at airport. 4G nationwide except deep jungle; frequent power cuts, so pack a powerbank.

Question 9

Is Sri Lanka family-friendly?

Accepted Answer

South-coast resorts (Hikkaduwa, Bentota) have calm beaches, kids’ pools and babysitters. Bring or pre-book car seats.

Question 10

Are there family-oriented hotels or resorts?

Accepted Answer

Jetwing Lighthouse, Club Bentota and Centara Ceysands offer family rooms and kids’ programmes.

Question 11

What food must I try?

Accepted Answer

Hoppers, kottu roti, dhal curry, crab curry and Ceylon tea. Spice can be toned down on request.

Question 12

Can I join cooking classes?

Accepted Answer

Yes—half-day market + cooking sessions in Galle, Ella and Kandy cost Rs 4 000–6 000.

Question 13

Is travel affordable (train, bus)?

Accepted Answer

Third-class trains cost cents/km; long-distance buses Rs 3/km. Book 1st-class Kandy–Ella seats online early.

Question 14

How to move around multiple cities &amp; beaches?

Accepted Answer

Hire car+driver (€55/day) or mix trains with buses. Cinnamon Air flights save time on long routes.

Question 15

Can I rent a car or scooter?

Accepted Answer

Scooter ≈ Rs 2 000/day but needs local endorsement; self-drive car not advised—traffic is chaotic.

Question 16

What are the top resorts and beaches?

Accepted Answer

Mirissa, Unawatuna, Hiriketiya for surf vibe; Passikudah and Nilaveli on east coast for toddlers’ shallow bays.

Question 17

Which major attractions should I see?

Accepted Answer

Sigiriya Rock, Dambulla caves, Temple of the Tooth, Nuwara Eliya tea estates, colonial Galle Fort.

Question 18

Where can I join safaris or nature tours?

Accepted Answer

Yala (leopards), Udawalawe (elephants) and Minneriya “Gathering” Jul-Oct. Jeep hire ≈ €40 + park fee.

Question 19

Do Estonian citizens need a visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes—apply online for ETA before arrival; US $50, 30-day stay extendable to 90 days. oaicite:3

Question 20

Are there COVID-19 entry requirements?

Accepted Answer

All pandemic rules were scrapped in 2024; no tests or certificates are required as of April 2025.

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