Sri Lanka: What You Need to Know Before Your Trip

A small island, washed by the waters of the Indian Ocean, has gathered everything — from endless beaches to noisy festivals. Leaving here, travelers long for tea plantations and fresh air, and returning home, the first thing they do is look for tickets back. To Sri Lanka.

You definitely can't do without a guide there. That's why Kupi.com is here — your personal guide to the island of jungles and vivid impressions!

About the Country

There are many nuances. So, to avoid confusion, we've gathered all the most important information about Sri Lanka.

Time zone: UTC +5:30. If you compare it to Moscow time, it's +2.5 hours.

Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). As of 2023, 1 ruble is equal to 3.33 Sri Lankan rupees.

Language: The residents of Sri Lanka speak two languages — Sinhala and Tamil. However, don't worry. Even if you don't know either of them, you will always be understood in English.

Capital: There are actually two here. The de facto capital is in Colombo. And the official one is in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (or simply Kotte).

When is the best time to visit Sri Lanka?

You can bask in the warm sun in winter or summer. Especially when we're talking about Sri Lanka. The weather here is simple: it's season all year round, and you can plan your vacation for any dates — you won't go wrong. Rains occur mainly in summer: from late May to early October. However, most often at night. So they are unlikely to spoil your long-awaited trip.

If you want to experience a real summer without any downpours and humidity, we recommend going to the south coast (to the Galle area or the vicinity of Colombo). From December to March, it's dry and sunny there. But if bad weather is not an obstacle for you, then we recommend taking a raincoat or an umbrella for walks.

By the way, the average temperature there is as high as +30 degrees Celsius, which makes this place attractive to tourists. So, while tickets are not sold out and sun loungers are free, don't miss your chance. Who knows, maybe your spot on the beach is still available.

Visa and Entry

Fortunately, with the entry rules for Sri Lanka for Russians, everything is quite simple. In short, a visa is not required. However, everyone wishing to visit the country must fill out an electronic application and pay a visa fee of 50 dollars. This document is valid for 30 days from the date of travel. And those who don't have enough time to enjoy the local flavor can extend their entry permit for another 30 days.

How to Get There

Spoiler: by plane. Yes, it's the only option, and with layovers. However, don't be intimidated by a 17-hour flight. You can always pass the time with an interesting book or a captivating movie, but the opportunity to spend a vacation on the island of Ceylon, unfortunately, doesn't come every day. Moreover, tickets for Moscow — Sri Lanka sell out in seconds. Travelers are drawn by the price for a whole sea of impressions. So our advice is: if you see discounts or tickets for your desired dates, it's better to buy them immediately. Otherwise, you'll have to admire exotic landscapes only in pictures. And that's not the same, you'll agree.

Resorts

There are many resorts in Sri Lanka. And none of them are inferior to each other. Without further ado, let's figure out where it's best to spend your vacation.

Hikkaduwa

Probably one of the most popular options for where to relax in Sri Lanka. Just 100 kilometers from Colombo is the white sandy beach of Hikkaduwa. Fish of all colors and sizes swim in the clear waters of the Indian Ocean, making snorkeling and diving the main attractions.

Bentota

Bentota is a top option for family vacations with children. There are no strong waves, no noisy parties, and the seabed is shallow. Activities include diving or snorkeling. Sometimes tourists are offered to get acquainted with local marine life by taking a ride on a glass-bottom boat.

Negombo

Negombo's popularity comes from its location: just 30 kilometers from the airport. It's a fishing spot, so it's perfect for those who want to sit with a fishing rod at sunset. However, there's not much to do there for more than a couple of days. There's almost no infrastructure, and the water isn't as clear.

Wadduwa

Wadduwa can be called a "beach all-inclusive." It's beautiful, clean, in short, a paradise for perfect photos. Travelers often come here to escape the city bustle.

Unawatuna

Cafes, restaurants, and even nightclubs stretch along the entire coast of Unawatuna. Thanks to the coral reefs, the waves here are relatively calm. Not far away, by the way, is the Handunugoda Tea Estate. Guides invite tourists there, and on-site, they offer to buy and taste tea for just 5 dollars.

Mirissa

A favorite spot for surfers. There are big waves, beautiful landscapes, and an interesting history. Mirissa was once a fishing village and was about to fall into oblivion if not for wave enthusiasts. By the way, this is where you can see whales from May to October! The price is 50 dollars.

Trincomalee

Trincomalee is located as far as 240 kilometers from the airport, which makes this place not the most popular among tourists. But here you can also watch whales from March to August or go explore the underwater world. In short, hurry before it becomes mainstream!

Koggala

There are diving centers and attractions nearby. However, the ocean in Koggala is restless, and there's even an underwater current. Therefore, we advise choosing another resort if you are traveling with children.

Arugam Bay

Arugam Bay is a favorite spot for youth and surfers. Although the infrastructure is moderately developed, cafes and restaurants are still present. There aren't many tourists, so you can definitely relax from the hustle and bustle in guesthouses.

Pasikudah

It's ideal if you go to Pasikudah with your family. There are practically no waves here (yes, thanks again to the coral reefs), and most hotels are VIP status. Lying under a palm tree near turquoise waters — isn't that happiness?

Attractions

Sri Lanka is famous for more than just its beaches! We've prepared a few tips. A must-visit, so to speak.

Sigiriya

This attraction can be called the calling card of Sri Lanka, and that would not be an exaggeration. Sigiriya is also known as the "Lion Rock." Indeed, a huge castle rises right in the center of the plateau. True, only ruins remain of it now. However, even from them, one can conclude how majestic the building once was.

Nine Arch Bridge

That very place from the photos above the tea plantations. Despite the fact that a train moves across the Nine Arch Bridge, travelers can often be seen there. Some admire the views, some walk parallel to the train, and some simply enjoy life, spending time with loved ones.

Nuwara Eliya

The famous tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya. Thanks to its mountainous location, it's fresh and very vibrant here. In the painted houses, you can buy tea (we highly recommend doing so — the tea is simply excellent!), and if you get bored, head to the Castlereagh Reservoir. Fortunately, it's not far.

Yala National Park

How can you visit Sri Lanka without seeing elephants! In Yala National Park, this can easily be remedied. True, as part of a safari with a local guide. On the other hand, it's not every day you see rare animals (for example, Sri Lankan leopards. Only 30 individuals remain).

Dambulla Golden Temple

Otherwise, Dambulla Temple can be called the "Cave Temple." It is located directly in the rock, and the number of colorful flowers and majestic statues makes you hold your breath for a second — it's very beautiful! Interestingly, it is here that water flows upwards, defying all laws of physics, and then pours into a golden bowl right at the foot of the mountain.

Money

Getting ahead, we answer the most important question: Russian cards cannot be used for payment. Only Union Pay works, and not everywhere. And in many stores, you'll have to use cash. So currency exchange points will be very useful, don't ignore them.

It's best to sort out money matters immediately upon arrival at the airport: the exchange rate there is roughly the same as on the island. In an extreme case, you can exchange dollars or euros for the coveted Sri Lankan rupees in southern cities (like Hikkaduwa). However, be attentive and don't forget to bargain. Who knows, you might save a couple of coins.

Accommodation

What kind of vacation in Sri Lanka would it be without hotels with sea views or pools with neon lighting? Everything you've seen on Pinterest and beyond can be booked on Ostrovok.ru. However, you should do this in advance. But if there's no time to think, here are a couple of options from us.

Five-star relaxation

• Marino Beach Colombo. Sounds luxurious already, wouldn't you agree? The presence of a rooftop pool and terrace adds +100 to a luxury vacation! Good news for sports enthusiasts: the hotel has a fitness room, and the beach is within walking distance. In short, it's nothing short of beautiful.
• Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort. A true resort amidst the tropics. Trying cocktails early in the morning or enjoying the local beach — the choice is yours. Interestingly, the hotel staff offers excursions that are no less impressive than those you can see in Phuket. And for those who want to try something new, there's a whole range of activities — from yoga to tennis.
• Jetwing Colombo Seven. Everything in the best traditions: panoramic windows with city views, a rooftop pool, and an interior inspired by local culture. All of this right in the center of Colombo!

More budget-friendly, but no less comfortable

• Wunderbar Beach Club Hotel. A small hotel located among palm trees. Nearby are several Sri Lankan attractions: St. Clair's Falls, Dedduwa Lake, and Bentota River. The hotel has a swimming pool and a bar.
• Karawwa Luxury Villas. A modern-style hotel located right in the middle of the jungle. Here you can find a bit of tranquility amidst the active pace of life in Sri Lanka: there are few rooms, and no noisy roads nearby. But there's delicious food and maximum enjoyment.

Cuisine

At first glance, it might seem that Sri Lankan cuisine is very simple: locals use rice and curry as a base, combining them in completely different proportions. However, this is not the case at all. The variety of dishes and flavors will definitely surprise you. Moreover, complementing your trip with gastronomic adventures is always pleasant and very delicious.

• Kotthu. A quite popular dish on the island. It consists of chopped coconut flatbread with fried vegetables. Egg or meat, seasoned with hot chili peppers, are used as additions.
• Lamprais. Rice boiled in meat broth. It is wrapped in a banana leaf and baked with other ingredients (rice, curry, meat or meatballs, chili sauce).
• Hoppers. In Sri Lanka, you can also try a bowl-shaped pancake. It is made from rice flour, and a fried egg can be placed inside as a filling. It is served with a spicy salad or sweet snacks.
• Watalappam. A pleasant surprise for dessert lovers. In simple terms, Watalappam is a pudding made from egg, coconut milk, and vanilla. It is served cold and topped with palm honey.
• Vadi. Flatbreads fried in lentil oil with added garlic, pepper, and hot spices. Locals often eat (and even sell!) this snack right on buses.

Transport

Bus

You could say you've seen it all if you've ridden on Sri Lankan buses. They can get anywhere. We're not kidding when we say "anywhere." Neither mountainous terrain nor bad weather are obstacles for drivers. Rather, they are an addition to a long journey. Moreover, the speed of the transport is frantic, and smooth turns are an exception rather than the norm.

Train

You've probably seen those famous photos: tea plantations, a blue train, and... people leaning right out of the carriage doors. Yes, all these shots were taken in Sri Lanka. This is an attraction that has captured the hearts of tourists. Tickets, by the way, can be bought at any station on the island. And rest assured, you'll be very lucky if the train is delayed by 20–30 minutes, and not longer.

Tuk-tuk

If the most common mode of transport in Bali is a motorbike, then in Sri Lanka it's a tuk-tuk. The main difference is three wheels and a two-seater cabin. You won't be able to rent one. Moreover, it's very difficult to drive.

Taxi

Not the most economical option, but the fastest. It's especially suitable if you have a lot of luggage and a long journey ahead.

You can order a taxi through Uber, but be prepared that Russian cards cannot be used for payment.

Internet

Wi-Fi is available in many tourist spots, and you can even catch it on the beach (if you're very lucky). If you decide to work or watch a movie, wireless internet is definitely not your option. The most optimal solution is to buy a SIM card. We recommend buying it at the airport, although it will still be cheaper at communication centers (which are available throughout Sri Lanka).

Known mobile operators include Dialog and Mobitel, and unlimited internet is provided by Anytime Bundle (anytime) and Night time Bundle (at night). Just don't expect perfect results: after all, unlimited data on the island appeared quite recently, and its operation is not yet fully established.

Tips for Tourists

1. Arrange medical insurance for the duration of your trip. Even if you don't need it, it won't hurt.
2. Leave the lights on when leaving your hotel room. Although Sri Lanka is a friendly country, inconveniences like theft do occur from time to time. Therefore, keep all your most important belongings with you.
3. Don't hesitate to speak English — locals understand several languages.
4. Be careful when crossing roads. As we've mentioned: drivers here can be unpredictable.
5. Don't forget to treat yourself. Because, secretly, you can fly from Sri Lanka to conquer resorts and beaches in other countries, and cheaply too. We recommend continuing to explore Asia and going to relax in Goa. A ticket costs just over 15 thousand, but imagine how much new you'll learn by the end of your vacation!

Now you definitely know what to see in Sri Lanka. We advise not to stay in one place if you've fallen in love with the island. Change hotels, explore locations, because each time you will find something new in places you've already visited. So — go ahead, for vivid impressions!