Vacation inSri Lanka
- Colombo
- capital
- Sinhala, Tamil
- official language
- 1 EUR - 351.36 LKR
- exchange rate
Vacation in Sri Lanka, special vacation offers from Join UP!
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- •Sri Lanka
What is the best season to visit Sri Lanka?
West & south coasts and Cultural Triangle are driest Dec-Mar; east coast shines May-Sep. Shoulder months offer lower hotel rates.
How is the weather by season (monsoons)?
Two monsoons: southwest (May-Sep) and northeast (Oct-Jan). Hill Country stays cool (15-20 °C); coast averages 27-32 °C.
What cultural etiquette should I follow?
Cover shoulders/knees at temples, remove shoes, never turn your back to Buddha statues. Use right hand for giving/eating.
What about health & vaccinations?
Hep A and tetanus recommended; yellow-fever proof if arriving from risk area. Carry DEET and basic antibiotics; tap water is not potable.
Is Sri Lanka safe?
Generally yes; hotline 1912 for tourists. Watch bags on crowded trains and agree tuk-tuk fares beforehand.
How does tipping work?
10 % often on bill; otherwise add 100-200 LKR in cafés and Rs 500/day for drivers.
Does Sri Lanka require a big budget?
Backpackers manage on €35/day; mid-range couple €80-100/day. UNESCO site tickets US $20-35 each.
How good is mobile data?
Dialog/Mobitel tourist SIM 30 GB ≈ €8 at airport. 4G nationwide except deep jungle; frequent power cuts, so pack a powerbank.
Is Sri Lanka family-friendly?
South-coast resorts (Hikkaduwa, Bentota) have calm beaches, kids’ pools and babysitters. Bring or pre-book car seats.
Are there family-oriented hotels or resorts?
Jetwing Lighthouse, Club Bentota and Centara Ceysands offer family rooms and kids’ programmes.
What food must I try?
Hoppers, kottu roti, dhal curry, crab curry and Ceylon tea. Spice can be toned down on request.
Can I join cooking classes?
Yes—half-day market + cooking sessions in Galle, Ella and Kandy cost Rs 4 000–6 000.
Is travel affordable (train, bus)?
Third-class trains cost cents/km; long-distance buses Rs 3/km. Book 1st-class Kandy–Ella seats online early.
How to move around multiple cities & beaches?
Hire car+driver (€55/day) or mix trains with buses. Cinnamon Air flights save time on long routes.
Can I rent a car or scooter?
Scooter ≈ Rs 2 000/day but needs local endorsement; self-drive car not advised—traffic is chaotic.
What are the top resorts and beaches?
Mirissa, Unawatuna, Hiriketiya for surf vibe; Passikudah and Nilaveli on east coast for toddlers’ shallow bays.
Which major attractions should I see?
Sigiriya Rock, Dambulla caves, Temple of the Tooth, Nuwara Eliya tea estates, colonial Galle Fort.
Where can I join safaris or nature tours?
Yala (leopards), Udawalawe (elephants) and Minneriya “Gathering” Jul-Oct. Jeep hire ≈ €40 + park fee.
Do Estonian citizens need a visa?
Yes—apply online for ETA before arrival; US $50, 30-day stay extendable to 90 days. oaicite:3
Are there COVID-19 entry requirements?
All pandemic rules were scrapped in 2024; no tests or certificates are required as of April 2025.