Everything you need to know
When to come, where to go, how to move around, what it costs, and the little things that make a trip run smoothly. Here is everything we wish someone had told us before our first visit, gathered in one place.
A tiny island with an outsized amount to see. Start with these basics and the rest of the trip falls into place.
Colombo
The buzzing commercial hub. Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte is the official seat.
Sri Lankan rupee
Written LKR or Rs. Carry small notes for markets and tuk tuks.
Sinhala & Tamil
English is widely spoken across hotels, tours, and towns.
GMT +5:30
The same all year. No clocks to change while you are here.
230V, plug D and G
Bring a universal adapter and you are covered everywhere.
Quick online ETA
Apply before you fly, print the confirmation, and breeze through.
Drive on the left
Roads are slow and scenic, so most people hire a driver and relax.
All year round
Two monsoons take turns, so one coast is always in fine weather.
Sri Lanka is small enough to combine several of these in one trip, yet each region has its own landscape, food, and rhythm. Here is how the island breaks down.
Great all yearAncient capitals and rock temples
The heartland of old Sri Lanka, where giant white stupas, cave shrines, and a fifth century rock fortress sit within an easy drive of each other.
January to AprilTea, cool air, and misty peaks
Climb into the clouds for emerald tea estates, waterfalls, and the little blue train. The nights are cool enough for a jumper, a rare treat on the island.
December to AprilGolden bays, surf, and whales
The classic beach run below Colombo, strung with palm coves, laid back surf towns, a beautiful old fort at Galle, and blue whales offshore.
May to SeptemberQuiet beaches and warm reefs
When the south is wet, the east is glorious. Think wide empty sands, gentle snorkelling reefs, and a legendary point break at Arugam Bay.
Great all yearThe island's lively front door
Most trips begin here. Colombo mixes colonial arcades, rooftop bars, and street food, while nearby Negombo and Bentota ease you into beach mode.
February to SeptemberTamil heartland, off the beaten track
The island's quietest corner rewards the curious with dazzling Hindu temples, a proud Tamil culture, palmyra palms, and sleepy offshore islands.
Not sure how to string it all together? Start with one of these and bend it to your own pace. Every route we run is tailored to you in the end.
The greatest hits, at a gentle pace, if a week is all you have.
Negombo
1 nightLand, shake off the flight, and ease in by the beach.
Sigiriya & Dambulla
2 nightsClimb the Lion Rock and wander the golden cave temples.
Kandy
1 nightThe Temple of the Tooth and a lakeside stroll.
Ella
2 nightsRide the hill country train and hike to the viewpoints.
Colombo
1 nightA last taste of the city before you fly.
Culture, tea country, a safari, and the south coast in one smooth circle.
Negombo
1 nightA soft landing near the airport.
Cultural Triangle
2 nightsSigiriya, Dambulla, and ancient Polonnaruwa.
Kandy
2 nightsThe sacred city and the botanical gardens.
Nuwara Eliya & Ella
3 nightsTea estates, waterfalls, and that famous train.
Yala
1 nightA dawn safari in search of leopards.
Galle & the south
3 nightsThe old fort, whale watching, and beach time.
The unhurried grand tour, adding the quiet east and more time to linger.
Colombo & Negombo
2 nightsSettle in and explore the capital.
Anuradhapura & Sigiriya
3 nightsThe oldest cities and the rock fortress.
Trincomalee
2 nightsEast coast beaches and warm snorkelling reefs.
Kandy & the hills
4 nightsTemples, tea country, and cool mountain air.
Yala or Udawalawe
2 nightsElephants, leopards, and birdlife.
The south coast
3 nightsGalle, Mirissa, and a slow goodbye by the sea.
Short on time or dreaming big? Tell us your dates and we will draw a route around exactly what you want to see.
Distances look small on the map, but winding roads make them slow. That is part of the charm. Here are your options, from the comfy to the adventurous.
Every ride is a little adventure
The easy way, and how most of our travellers roll. One friendly driver, door to door, for the whole trip, with local know how thrown in.
Slow, cheap, and unforgettable. The Kandy to Ella hill line is a highlight in its own right, so ride at least one leg by rail.
Perfect for short hops around town. Agree the fare first or ask for the meter, and keep a little cash handy.
PickMe and Uber work smoothly in Colombo and larger towns. Handy for a fixed price without any haggling.
They reach every corner of the island for pocket change. Cheerful and chaotic, and best for the adventurous.
Short internal flights and seaplanes can save a long drive when you want to trade road time for beach time.
Sri Lanka stretches to suit almost any wallet. Here is roughly what a day costs per person at three different styles of travel, before flights.
Guesthouses, local food, and public transport.
Boutique stays, a driver, and a few splurges.
Design hotels, private everything, fine dining.
Prefer not to count rupees on holiday? Our packages fold hotels, transport, and guides into one clear price, so you never juggle a daily budget.
Sri Lankans are warm and forgiving with visitors, but a little respect goes a long way. These simple habits will earn you smiles everywhere you go.
Each full moon is a Buddhist holiday. Sacred sites get busy, shops may shut early, and alcohol sales often pause for the day. It is a lovely time to see the island at its most devout.
Tips are welcome rather than expected. A little something for your driver, guide, or a kind waiter goes a long way and is always appreciated.
You will get by just fine in English, but a few words of Sinhala earns instant smiles. Give these a try.
Hello, and long life
Ayubowan
aa·yu·bo·wan
Thank you
Istuti
iss·too·thi
Yes
Ow
ow
No
Naha
naa·ha
How much is it?
Keeyada?
kee·ya·da
Delicious
Rasai
ra·sigh
It is beautiful
Lassanai
las·sa·nigh
No problem
Prashnayak naha
prash·na·yak naa·ha
Tamil is spoken in the north and east, where a friendly Vanakkam works just as well.
The things travellers wonder about most, cleared up in a sentence or two.
You know when to come and where to go. From here we take over, weaving your must sees into one seamless journey with hotels, a private guide, and transparent pricing all sorted.
