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Sri Lanka is a teardrop-shaped island off the coast of India, where trains trundle through lofty tea plantations, ancient mountaintop forts thrust skyward from pancake-flat plains, and wild elephants and elusive leopards roam lush rainforests. And it’s more than possible to get a taste of it all in one trip. Once you’ve had your fill of national parks and Buddhist temples, head to the south coast to hop between laid-back, yogi-friendly hippy towns and sun-baked tropical beaches.
Frequently Asked Questions about our Sri Lanka tours
Visa requirements may change, so for the most up to date information we recommend using our Entry Requirements tool. Alternatively, check the Sri Lankan embassy website in your country of departure.
Recommended vaccinations for Sri Lanka include hepatitis a, hepatitis b, typhoid, diphtheria, tetanus, and rabies if you’re in rural areas. However, as advice can often change, you can check out our Entry Requirements tool for the most up-to-date details on vaccination requirements.
Sri Lanka has a tropical climate, characterised by warm temperatures all-year-round and distinct wet and dry seasons in different parts of the country. Average temperatures generally range from 25 to 32°C (77 to 90°F) throughout the year, with coastal areas being more humid than central regions.
You should be aware that there are different monsoon seasons here depending on where you are in the country. The southwestern monsoon runs from May to September, and brings heavy rainfall to places like Galle and Colombo. The northeast monsoon runs from December to February, and affects regions like Trincomalee and Jaffna. Dry seasons run from December to March on the western and southwestern coast, and from April to September on the eastern coast.
While there’s no bad time to visit Sri Lanka, the best time tends to be during the dry season — which changes depending where you are in the country. The Central Highlands and the western and southwestern coasts are best visited from December to March. However, if you’re wanting to visit Trincomalee and go surfing at Arugam Bay, then you’re best heading here from April to September.
It’s customary in Asia to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected — though not compulsory — and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour.
There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. You may do this individually, or your CEO will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from USD $1-2 per person, per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. Also, at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline USD $20-30 per person, per week can be used.
Internet access in Sri Lanka has improved significantly in recent years, and you’ll find that in major urban areas like Colombo, you’ll get regular access. In rural areas, this may not be the case, though the country is making progress here too. Some cafes, restaurants, and hotels offer free Wi-Fi too — particularly in tourist areas. However, the quality and reliability can vary.
Yes, there are plenty of ATMs in Sri Lanka, especially in urban areas and tourist destinations. Most ATMs accept international cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and Maestro. However, you should check with your bank before you travel in case they don’t and in case of withdrawal fees too. Be aware of withdrawal limits — which can vary by bank and ATM — and you should also make sure you’re carrying cash when you’re in rural areas in case you can’t access an ATM.
LGBTQ+ issues in Sri Lanka are relatively complex. Homosexuality is technically still illegal here, though this is almost never acted upon. However, same-sex couples have no legal rights here, and the society tends to be conservative. In other words, it’s best to be discreet.
As part of their commitment, all CEOs receive LGBTQ+ inclusion training so every traveller feels respected and welcomed on all of our tours. We commit to making our tours a safe and inclusive place for people to express their authentic selves without judgement, free from any discriminatory language or harassment.
While travelling with G Adventures, all travellers must treat each other with dignity and respect to create an environment that is positive, safe, and where everyone feels welcome. You can find out more via our LGBTQ+ travel page.
The two official languages spoken in Sri Lanka are Sinhala and Tamil — though Sinhala is far more widely spoken across the country. English is also widely spoken, particularly in tourist areas, and other languages spoken include Urdu, Malay, and other indigenous languages.
In a word, no — the tap water in Sri Lanka isn’t generally safe to drink. You’re best sticking to bottled water which is cheap and readily available.
Please note however that all drinks provided on our tours are safe to drink (including drinks with ice), as well as the water in most hotels and restaurants visited on tour. If in doubt, please ask your CEO for further info.
Sri Lanka is generally considered pretty safe — though like everywhere else in the world, there are a few things you need to be aware of. Petty crime does exist here, and the country is prone to natural disasters like monsoons and occasional earthquakes, so it's important to be aware of local weather conditions, especially during the rainy season. Dengue fever can also be a problem — make sure you use plenty of insect repellent — and the sea can be extremely rough and dangerous. Take heed of local advice.
G Adventures takes all reasonable measures to ensure your safety and enjoyment while travelling with us. All of the included activities are properly vetted and regularly checked by us, and we take great care in choosing the right transportation, stays throughout your trip, and guides to lead your tour. However, there are always inherent risks when travelling — you can find out more via our travel safety page.
