Essential Travel Tips

• Time Zone: GMT +5.5 hours.
• Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is essential and should be booked independently.
• Before you travel: E-mail yourself a copy of all the important information – flight details, contact numbers, passport details, and driving license numbers. If your documents and/or wallet is lost or stolen, you can still access all your details.
• Sun Protection: UV levels are high. Avoid sunbathing between 11 am – 3 pm.
• Mosquito-borne Illness: Malaria is no longer a concern, but Dengue and Chikungunya are present. Use repellent and cover exposed skin at dawn / dusk.
• Vaccinations: We recommend consulting your doctor for Hepatitis A / B, Typhoid, Tetanus, and Polio. Rabies and Japanese Encephalitis may be advised based on your itinerary.
• Electricity & Power: Sri Lanka uses Type D and Type G plug points, with a standard voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz. We recommend bringing a universal travel adapter, although these may also be available at hotels. Power supply is generally stable, though occasional outages may occur in some areas. Most hotels and villas are equipped with backup generators to minimise disruption to your stay.
• Airport Tax: Included in your airfare; no need to pay on departure.
• Timing & Patience: Sri Lanka runs at a relaxed pace. Allow extra time for meals, service and travel.
• Photography: Always ask before photographing people, especially religious figures, or minority groups. Avoid posing with or turning your back towards statues of the Buddha.
• Cultural sensitivity: Sri Lanka’s genuine hospitality to tourists is renowned. Take care to avoid religious and cultural offence. In particular, respect the Buddhist faith: do not touch a monk, do not pose for photographs on religious statues, and remove shoes and socks when entering temples.
• Smoking: Smoking is restricted in public areas in Sri Lanka. Many restaurants, pubs, and cafes have designated smoking areas. Practice good hand hygiene: Wash hands with liquid soap and water or carry a hand sanitiser wherever you go.

Sri Lanka’s roads can feel chaotic to anyone who is not an experienced traveller in Asia. Although new highways have improved travel times, journeys often involve long drives, sometimes on rough roads. Travellers should be prepared for possible delays caused by roadworks and traffic congestion. The journey times we provide are estimates only and may vary depending on traffic and road conditions. During peak seasons and public holidays, popular sites, hotels, and roads are often busier than usual, which can extend travel times.

Bathroom facilities at stops may be basic, so please inform your chauffeur / guide in advance if you need to stop. Sightseeing frequently involves walking on uneven paths and climbing steep stairs, especially at historic sites. Please assess any challenging sections with your guide beforehand.

• Journey Vehicle (Car / Van / Coach): We provide all journeys in air-conditioned vehicles with professional chauffeurs.
• Public Bus: Cheap and plentiful during the day, but often crowded and unreliable.
• Public Trains: Scenic routes, such as Kandy to Ella, are beautiful, though comfort levels vary. We handle all bookings, including first-class or observation carriages where available. Train tickets in Sri Lanka are issued through a traditional system, so availability can be limited and tickets are not always guaranteed in advance. To maximise your chances of securing seats, we work with a trusted local supplier who purchases tickets at the station as soon as they are released to the public.
• Air Transfers: Helicopter and sea plane scheduled flights, charter flights, and scenic flights are available and are a time-efficient alternative to road transfers. Speak to your curator to arrange. Each airline reserves the right, without notice, to cancel any flight, to substitute any aircraft, or to transfer you to any other aircraft or flight.
• Tuk Tuks: Fun and convenient way to travel short distances. If the tuk tuk does not have a meter, be sure to negotiate the fare with the driver before setting off. For added convenience and transparency, we recommend using ride-hailing apps such as PickMe and Uber, which are available in many major towns and cities.
• Rentals: Tuk tuk, motorbike, and scooter rentals are available for hire in most destinations. We strongly recommend renting only if you have prior experience riding in Asia and fully understand the risks, including traffic conditions, local driving norms, and safety concerns.

Navigating Sri Lanka’s roads is best entrusted to professional chauffeur guides. Beyond logistics, they are storytellers and cultural ambassadors who elevate your experience. We work exclusively with a handpicked group of experienced, licensed chauffeurs, chauffeur guides and national guides, each trained by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority and deeply aligned with our standards of service, discretion, and insight.

Types of Guides

• A licensed chauffeur guide who drives and provides information at site visits
• An expert guide accompanied by a chauffeur who is solely responsible for driving
• Site- or region-specific guides

Note: Premium guides are in high demand, especially during peak seasons. Early booking ensures first preference.

Code of Conduct for Chauffeurs

Our chauffeurs follow a strict protocol to ensure your comfort and safety:

• Maintain speed limits and drive with care
• Perform daily vehicle checks
• Provide seat belts in all vehicles (except safari jeeps)
• Avoid prolonged driving hours and unnecessary honking
• Never consume alcohol while on duty
• Take appropriate rest stops
• Use phones only when safely parked
• Carry basic first-aid kits and possess first-aid training

Our drivers will also arrive at least 15 minutes before scheduled departure time, maintain good standards of appearance, and respond flexibly to occasional requests for route changes or additional excursions where these do not compromise safety and/or acceptable arrival times. They will suggest interesting excursions but always respect the fact that “no” means precisely that.

• Rice and curry are the Sri Lankan staple but a wide range of international dishes are available throughout the island.
• Drink only bottled or filtered water. Many premium properties offer eco-friendly purification systems. Bottled water can be bought more cheaply from local shops than top hotels but ensure the seal is unbroken.
• If you have any special dietary requirements or allergies, please let us know prior to arrival so we can accommodate your needs.

Bargaining is common in Sri Lanka, especially for tuk tuks and handicrafts, but not in modern shops where fixed pricing is the norm. Try to learn typical prices beforehand, and keep in mind that what seems small to you may be significant to the seller. Bargain politely – aggressive haggling can be offensive and counterproductive.

Be aware of potential import taxes, handling fees, and customs regulations when shipping items home. Sri Lanka now offers a Tourist VAT Refund System (TVRS) for eligible purchases made at certain stores.

Commission Transparency: We do not participate in any shop commission schemes and stand firmly against misleading retail practices. We recognise that chauffeurs may receive commissions independently but are expected to recommend only reputable outlets, disclose relationships with retailers if asked, and ensure you receive appropriate receipts and contact details.

We encourage our guests to tip service personnel-such as porters, hotel staff, chauffeurs, chauffeur guides, and national guides-as a token of appreciation for satisfactory service. Tipping is a well-accepted practice in Sri Lanka and can be especially meaningful for those who are often away from home for extended periods while accompanying guests.

However, under no circumstances should service personnel request tips or gifts for services provided during your stay or on a Teardrop Journey.

Suggested amounts (or more, if the service was exceptional):

• US$ 1 per porter
• US$ 3 per restaurant or bar staff member
• US$ 20 per room per night as a general tip at a property
• US$ 5 per hour for a host or guide at an experience center
• US$ 10 per day for chauffeurs / drivers
• US$ 15 per day for chauffeur-cum-guides
• US$ 20 per day for national guides

Tipping is entirely at the discretion of our guests. You can give the tip in total at the end of your experience, stay, or holiday, in any currency of your choice.

Sri Lanka’s currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR), which can only be exchanged locally. Airport bank counters are available and offer a fast service for foreign exchange. However, registered money exchangers in major cities typically offer the best rates. VISA, MasterCard, UnionPay, and AMEX credit and debit cards are widely accepted in ATMs, hotels, restaurants, and shops, but exercise caution to avoid card fraud. ATMs are common in major towns, though traveller’s cheques are not recommended, as they are rarely accepted.

For a two-week itinerary based on bed and breakfast, most hotels and many good restaurants will accept cards, but smaller cafés and incidental spend are often cash-based, so it’s worth having local currency on hand. As a guide, meals outside your hotels typically range from about $20–50 per person; with that in mind, bringing or withdrawing roughly $600-$1000 per couple in total (in LKR) should comfortably cover meals. Not included: shopping and tips.

Our sustainable travel tips will help you leave a lighter footprint while creating a more meaningful connection with the island. Choose eco-conscious accommodations, support local artisans and family-run businesses, and respect wildlife and natural habitats when visiting national parks or beaches. Carry reusable items such as water bottles and bags to reduce plastic waste. Learn a few phrases in Sinhala or Tamil to show respect for local customs and communities.

Many hotels provide filtered drinking water and refill stations, so carrying a reusable water bottle is recommended. Small choices can make a meaningful difference to the island’s environment.

Sri Lanka is rich in wildlife, and many experiences bring you close to animals in their natural habitats. Always maintain a safe distance, follow your guide’s instructions, and avoid feeding or approaching wildlife.

Sinhala (spoken by more than 80% of the public) and Tamil are the national languages. English is widely spoken and understood in all but the most remote areas. Buddhism is the predominant religion, followed by Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity.

• Sim Cards: Consider buying a Sri Lankan SIM card for your mobile phone – Sri Lankan mobile phone call rates are relatively cheap for local and international calls. Dialog Axiata and SLT-Mobitel, two reputed local telecom providers, have shops outside airport arrivals where you can purchase a SIM.
• Internet: Most hotels offer free Wi-Fi, as do some cafes, particularly in areas like Colombo and Galle Fort. Prepaid data SIM cards or reload cards, which provide good value and are easy to use, can be purchased from local shops for immediate internet access.

Sri Lanka enjoys warm, sunny tropical weather year-round. Coastal temperatures average 27-30°C, while the hill country is noticeably cooler. The south coast is at its best from November to April, and the east coast from March to September.

Rainfall is influenced by two monsoons: the southwest monsoon (May-June) affects the south and west, while the northeast monsoon (December-February) impacts the north and east. October and early November bring inter-monsoon rains.

Although weather patterns are becoming less predictable, sunshine is common throughout the year. Most rain falls in short, heavy bursts, often at night. Humidity in Colombo typically ranges from 70-90% and is lower inland.

• Day-to-day: Pack for heat and humidity. Long-sleeves might be advisable after dusk to protect against mosquitoes. In the hill country, where it is cooler, a light sweater is frequently required at night.
• At the beach or river: Swimsuits and bikinis are acceptable at the beach; topless sunbathing is illegal. When swimming in rivers or lakes, ask for local advice, as covering up may be necessary.
• Sightseeing: Away from the beach / pool, be aware that dress standards are comparatively conservative and it is respectful to wear loose, long, and lightweight clothing. Be especially careful about modest dress when visiting religious sites, where knees and shoulders are often required to be covered.

• Insect repellent
• Sting and bite relief cream
• Hat, long-sleeve clothing
• Sunglasses
• Rehydration salts
• Personal medication
• Health & Wellbeing

• Disabled Travellers: In general, health advice is similar to that of other travellers. Please discuss any special requirements in advance with your doctor prior to travel.
• Medical Facilities: Sri Lanka has a well-established healthcare system, with private hospitals in Colombo, Kandy, Galle, and other major cities offering a high standard of care. If you feel unwell during your stay, please inform your guide or Journeys Curator / Manager, who will assist in arranging appropriate medical attention.
• Avoiding Traveller’s Diarrhoea and Dehydration: For maximum safety, eat freshly cooked, piping-hot food and wash your hands before meals. Avoid food that has been left uncovered or unrefrigerated. Drink only bottled or properly filtered water, and brush your teeth with boiled or treated water. If you are unsure of hygiene standards, avoid ice, salads, raw or undercooked shellfish.
• Dengue Fever & Chikungunya: Sri Lanka was officially declared malaria-free in 2016, so anti-malarial drugs are no longer required. Dengue fever and Chikungunya are present, particularly after heavy rains. You are most at risk of being bitten a couple of hours after sunrise and just before sunset. Apply repellent, wear long tops and pants. If you develop a fever that lasts more than three days, seek medical advice and do a blood test for dengue fever. Avoid ibuprofen and aspirin if you have dengue.
• Rabies: Try to stay away from street and wild animals as rabies is a possible risk. In the event of a bite, seek prompt medical advice. Rabies is carried by dogs, cats, monkeys, and bats.
• Other Bites and Stings: Other biting animals include snakes, sea creatures, spiders, and scorpions. If bitten or stung, try to remember the animal’s colour, size, shape, and markings. Snakes tend to keep away from humans, but if walking at night or in forested areas, take a torch and wear shoes. In the unlikely event of a snake bite, restrict movement of the limb, cover with a clean, dry bandage (do not apply a tourniquet), remain calm, and get to the nearest hospital immediately.
• Sea Swimming: Not all beaches are safe to swim. Beware of strong currents and take local advice. The seas along the West and South Coast are suitable for swimming only between November and April. Much of the East Coast is generally more placid for swimming from May to September. Always take note of red-flag warnings and local advice.

Sri Lanka observes several Public, Bank, and Mercantile holidays throughout the year. The most frequent is Poya Day, which falls on the full moon of each month. These days hold deep religious significance for Buddhists and are typically marked by quiet reflection, temple visits, and a respectful atmosphere.

April is especially festive, as both the Sinhala and Tamil communities celebrate the New Year known as Avurudu, on the 13th and 14th of the month. Expect cultural celebrations, festive games, family gatherings, traditional food, and a nationwide holiday period. Remember to factor in some extra time when heading out.

Most public holidays, especially Poya days, are considered ‘dry days,’ during which the sale of alcohol is prohibited at wine stores, supermarkets, shops, restaurants, and hotels. In addition, many businesses may close, the sale of fresh meat is often restricted, and public entertainment may be limited. While alcohol consumption in private is allowed, we recommend planning ahead and making any necessary purchases in advance.

Entertainment in Sri Lanka is largely centred around top hotels, which offer restaurants, bars, spas, sports facilities, and cultural shows. That said, do not overlook independent options – especially in Colombo, Galle, and the south coast. Casinos are legal for tourists.

Beyond the island’s world-class beaches, the country offers wildlife parks and sanctuaries, hiking trails, adventure sports, and rich cultural and historical sites. Shopping ranges from gems and spices to batiks, art, and handmade crafts.

All top hotels offer laundry services, though prices vary considerably. More affordable local laundries are available in most towns, though quality may vary.

Travel in Sri Lanka is generally very safe, but it’s important to stay alert, especially in unfamiliar areas or where wild animals may be present. Our chauffeurs, guides, and activity expedition leaders will give safety briefings before activities like trekking, safaris, or water sports. If you have concerns about any planned activity, don’t hesitate to speak with your journey curator.

Emergency Numbers

• Tourist Police: +94 11 242 1052
• Police: 118 / 119 / +94 11 243 3333
• Emergency Police Squad: +94 11 571 7171
• Ambulance: 1990 or +94 11 269 1111
• Fire & Rescue: 110 / 111
• Sri Lanka Tourism: +94 11 242 6800 / +94 11 242 6900

Our curated dining list is your gateway to the island’s most memorable meals. From elegant seaside restaurants serving fresh seafood to hidden village kitchens where age-old recipes come to life, this list highlights the best places to experience authentic Sri Lankan cuisine. Contact your journey curator for the full list.

To deepen your connection with Sri Lanka’s vibrant culture, complex history, and natural beauty, we have curated a thoughtful selection of books to accompany your journey. This list blends fiction, non-fiction, and captivating travel writing – each offering a unique window into the island’s soul.