Sri Lanka is a land of awe-inspiring scenes, endearing historic sites, great-tasting curries, and warm, friendly smiles. Prior to booking your tickets and packing your bags, there are some fundamentals you need to pay attention to, such as those alluded to below.
- Plan to stay for between 2 weeks to a month
While you can cover a majority of Sri Lanka’s famed sites and regions within a span of 2 weeks. Ideally speaking, opt for not more than a month’s stay in the island nation, so that you are free to roam as you please and for as long as you like. Colombo’s cosmopolitan vibes, especially its traditional markets and nightlife are a must, while Kandy’s rich heritage would be hard to ignore. The beaches scattering the south and southwestern shorelines together with the cool climes of Nuwara Eliya & Ella warrant inclusion in your travel itinerary. Also, culture buffs would do well to journey towards the ancient capitals of Anuradhapura & Polonnaruwa, which showcase ruins of a bygone era. Wildlife lovers can pick and choose from a wide list of reserves, including Yala, Kaudulla, Udawalawe and Wilpattu where the island’s most cherished flora and fauna are found.
- Choose a favourable season
The height of the tourist season extends from December to April, which unsurprisingly coincides with the best weather, particularly along the country’s south coast. This makes for the perfect base to head down to beaches in the calibre of Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna, Habaraduwa, Mirissa and Weligama respectively. As a caveat, Sri Lanka is impacted by monsoonal rains with the south known to experience downpours, beginning from May till October. However, during this period, holidaymakers can beeline for the east coast where gems in the likes of Pasikudah and Arugam Bay await the laidback as well as the adventure-savvy at heart.
- Be wise with your packing list
Understand that Sri Lanka is a tropical country and therefore, temperatures in major cities can hover around the 30 degrees Celsius mark throughout the year. As a word of advice, pack breathable attire that is easy to slip on. For example, trousers that do not hug your body, linen shorts, t-shirts, long skirts, sandals, and flip-flops ought to be the way forward. In the event you see yourself spending a majority of your time within the central highlands, then be sure to carry a good amount of woollen clothing, a hat, and a raincoat.
- Know some basic Sinhala and Tamil phrases
While not a necessity, having a sound understanding of Sinhala and Tamil will certainly help you acclimatise to your surroundings and make new friends along the way. Common Sinhala phrases that you can practice prior to your arrival include “Good Morning” (Suba Udaasanak), “How are you?” (Oyata Kohomada?), and “How much is this?” (Meka Keeyada?). On the subject of Tamil words, be mindful that “Hello” means “Vanakkam” and “Thank You” translates to “Nandri” in English. However, if you happen to be a tad apprehensive about coming to terms with a new language, then sticking to basic English will be perfectly acceptable.
- Rely on a ride-hailing service for all travel requirements
Tuks-tuks (motorised rickshaws) are a convenient way to travel around Sri Lanka. However, do exercise some degree of caution when hailing one from the main road, as most vehicles do not run on a fixed meter. Also, haggling your way towards a favourable price isn’t a practice that all travellers would be comfortable with. Thus, get into the habit of downloading a ride-hailing application on your smartphone where you will only be paying for the exact distance covered. Facilitators such as PickMe, Uber and Cango are your best bets in this regard. This way, booking a tuk-tuk or even a car for that matter for long-distance travel will be a truly hassle-free experience. Whether you wish to reach the closest supermarket or visit the Galle Fort from KK Beach Galle, which is a well-equipped beach hotel in Sri Lanka, a ride-hailing service will be one of your best travel buddies.
