The exotic island of Sri Lanka is perfect for that extra special getaway. From stunning tropical beaches and bright green tea fields, to mesmerising ruins and lively towns, Sri Lanka means plunging into a vibrant culture and mixing it up between adventure and chill out time. Explore incredible national parks, wander through pretty colonial streets, discover beautiful temples and perhaps best of all, dine on amazing local cuisine. After something different for your next trip? Let Sri Lanka win you over…

Sri Lanka Fast Facts

Languages spoken
Most Sri Lankans speak Sinhalese, with another large proportion speaking Tamil. Many locals can effectively communicate in English, whist those working in tourism are often fluent.

Currency
Sri Lankan rupee (LKR).100 LKR is approximately 50p.

Time Zone
Sri Lanka is on the same time zone as India: GMT+05:30, meaning the island is five and a half hours ahead of the UK.

When to Go

Like in other countries in the region, the Monsoon makes an appearance in Sri Lanka every year. Despite the small size of the island, the weather patterns vary depending on your location. The south and west coast and hills (so we’re talking Marissa, Arugam Bay, Udawalawe, Adam’s Peak, Kandy and Ella) experience rains from May to August. The north and east however (Sigiriya, the Cultural Triangle and Trincomalee), are dry and hot during this time. There can be exceptions to these rules, and nowhere is off limits at any time of year. Average temperatures in Sri Lanka are in the high twenties on the coast and high teens in the hills. It’s worth nothing that Sri Lankan new year falls in April, and so accommodation and transport get very booked up this time.

Getting Around

Compared to neighbouring India, Sri Lanka is a much more traveller-friendly size, meaning you can see and do it all in a relatively short space of time. Local transport comes in the form of rickshaws (much like tuktuks) for shorter journeys, and a dependable network of colourful busses for the longer ones. Not to be missed, is the jaw dropping train journey through the hills and tea plantations between Colombo, Kandy and Ella. Be sure to book yourself a window seat!

Highlights

Colombo
The main port of entry and exit for any traveller who visits Sri Lanka, the island’s capital city is bursting with culture, awesome food and a burgeoning bar scene. Sip tea and watch the city fly past, explore incredible Hindu temples, and watch the sun set over the Laccadive Sea at Galle Face Green with a plate of delicous street food.

Kandy and the Hill Country
Tea lovers, rejoice! Catch a train east from Colombo to the cultural hub of Kandy, high in the forested hills of central Sri Lanka and you’ll find your zen. From here, you can hike the 7000+ steps to the top of Adam’s Peak and journey through sky-high tea plantations and colourful villages to find your happy place in Ella.

Sigiriya and the Cultural Triangle
Head north from Kandy and you’ll find yourself amidst the ginormous temple complexes of Anuradhapura, exploring impressive Buddhist caves in Dambulla, and gawping at the awe-inspiring Sigiriya rock. Yes, Sri Lanka has its own cultural triangle, and it’s pretty damn easy to get around too.

Beaches
Head to Arugam Bay or Hikkaduwa for chilled out surf vibes and backpacker banter, to Marissa or Uppiveli to spot blue wales in the wild, and just about any one of the hundred others for awesome locals, tasty seafood and all-round tropical bliss. We kid you not, Sri Lanka has some seriously unspoiled beaches.

Budget

Food and Drink
Don’t expect to pay more than 500 rupees (£2.60) for a slap-up street dinner of curry, dhal or string hoppers. Snacks, such as kottu are even cheaper. A sit down meal in a nicer restaurant will cost around 1000 rupees (£5.50). There are plenty of local bottle shops and bars in Sri Lanka. A local beer will cost you around 300 rupees (£1.50). Imported brands, and spirits will set you back a bit more.

Transport
A three hour bus journey in Sri Lanka will cost you up tp 400 rupees (around £2). A train ticket from Colombo to Kandy is 100 rupees for 2nd or 3rd class, or 500 rupees (just £2.50) for 1st class air-conditioned. A taxi in the capital of Colombo will cost you around 50 rupees per kilometre – that’s less than 30p! For a 10 km taxi or rickshaw ride, don’t pay more than £5.

Hotels
Sri Lanka has some absolute bargains when it comes to hotels. You’ll be able to find a spacious, clean en-suite room in a 3* hotel for an average of £20 per night. Larger beach resorts can cost upwards of £100.

Hostels
A bed in a hostel or cheap, family run guesthouse will set you back £5-12 per night.

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