Sri Lanka
6° 56′ 51” N, 79° 51′ 41” E
Capital
Colombo
Language
Sinhalese & Tamil
Currency
Sri Lankan rupee
Flight time
+/- 12 hours
The country of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, a country where breathtaking nature, ancient culture and warm hospitality come together. This island has so much to offer that you will discover something new every day. From green tea plantations and wild elephants in the national park to ancient temples and vibrant markets in bustling cities. Sri Lanka will surprise you with tropical beaches, impressive mountains and delicious local cuisine! Explore colourful villages, hike through misty highlands or relax on the coast with a fresh coconut in your hand.
In short: an unforgettable destination. Discover our tips and make the most of your adventure in Sri Lanka!
Travel advice for Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka currently has a yellow travel advisory: you can travel there, but watch out for special security risks. During our travels through Sri Lanka, we haven't had any unpleasant experiences, so definitely don't let this advice stop you.
The country is generally safe for tourists, but it is important to prepare well and be alert to possible risks. As the security situation can always change, we recommend checking the current travel advice check.
Best travel time for Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is located southeast of India. As a result, the country has a combination of tropical climates and has two monsoon seasons:
- Southwest monsoon: May to September
- Northeast monsoon: October to April
Now it seems like there is never a good time to visit the country but that is definitely not true. However, it is possible that on a round trip, you will occasionally end up in a rainstorm. This lasts for 1 or 2 hours at most and after this the sun breaks through again.
Best travel time: Do you want to minimise the chance of rain? Then we recommend the months December to March choose. We did our tour in February and had only one brief rain shower.
Visa for Sri Lanka
If you are travelling to Sri Lanka with a Dutch or Belgian passport, you will need a visa. There are two ways to arrange this:
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Apply online (eTA): You can apply for a visa online via the official Sri Lankan government website. This is an electronic travel authorisation that you arrange in advance. Do not expect a physical visa; email confirmation is sufficient for entry to Sri Lanka.
- Apply online (eTA) via Visa365: Would you rather have everything arranged with a Dutch party and also receive support with questions? Then Visa365 a good option. They do charge a service fee, but in return you get extra security: personal guidance on your application and help when errors occur or questions arise. Apply for your Sri Lanka visa through Visa365 here.
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Visa on arrival: You can also obtain a visa on arrival at the airport. Note: this is possible, but we mostly read stories of people queuing for a very long time.
For the most up-to-date information and to apply for your visa, visit Official website of the Sri Lankan government or look at NetherlandsWorldwide.
Vaccinations for Sri Lanka
When planning your trip to Sri Lanka, you should consider the following vaccinations:
- DTP (diphtheria, tetanus and polio)
- Hepatitis A (infectious jaundice)
- Typhoid fever
These vaccinations are recommended when travelling for less than a month. If you are travelling from a country where yellow fever is prevalent, you should also be vaccinated for this. Always check the current travel advice - vaccinations so you are up to date with the latest developments.
Daily budget for Sri Lanka
Prices in Sri Lanka are a lot lower than in the Netherlands. This makes it the ideal destination for budget travellers. Of course, you can go as crazy as you like, but we think this country is suitable for any wallet.
We spent an average of €30 per person per day during our round trip (excluding flights and including boat, taxi and bus transfers). The amounts below are therefore realistic to stick to as a daily budget.
| Budget Traveller | €25 - €40 p.p. |
| Traveller | €40 - €80 p.p. |
| Traveller + | €80+ p.p. |
Sri Lanka blogs
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and formerly Ceylon, is a country in South Asia. It truly lives up to its name as ‘the pearl of the Indian Ocean’, It has many cultures, religions, landscapes, climates and food. It is incredibly diverse, allowing travellers to experience an incredible diversity of landscapes in a short time. Travel through dusty plains, tropical mountainous regions, beautiful coastline and bustling cities.
Why choose Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka is a great destination for budget travellers, backpackers and luxury travellers. It has many cultures, religions, landscapes, climates and delicious food. It is incredibly diverse which means that as a traveller, you will be constantly surprised. The country certainly lives up to its nickname ‘The Pearl of the Indian Ocean’. Travel through impressive cities, tropical regions and along its beautiful coastline.
It is a land full of adventure and everything here is about the journey, not just the destination. Drive by train or tuktuk through beautiful tea plantations, go on safari, hike to the top of Lion's Rock at sunrise or learn to surf. The country's world-famous sights and the endless friendliness of its people make it a destination worth visiting. Wake up to the sounds of wildlife in Yala National Park, admire the ancient structures and forts in Dambulla or enjoy the beautiful coastline. There are countless cool things to do!
Want to take a trip to this beautiful country? Then take a look at all our blogs. You will find information about Mirissa, Sigiriya, Colombo and the Ella. If you are missing any information, please let us know: [email protected]
Is Sri Lanka currently safe?
In general, Sri Lanka is a safe destination for travellers although there are sometimes demonstrations in the larger cities. We have had no problems with this during all our travels and say to everyone; GO!
The tourist areas are easily accessible and it is a great country to travel through. Nevertheless, it is always wise to read the current travel advice. For the latest information, please refer to Netherlandsworldwide.co.uk. There you will find updates on safety, health risks and other important issues.
Do you need travel insurance for Sri Lanka?
Yes, we recommend a good travel insurance always on when travelling to Sri Lanka. Medical care is generally affordable there, but in case of accidents or hospitalisations, costs can be quite high, especially in private clinics. Insurance is also useful for luggage, cancellation and breakdowns on the road (such as with the tuktuk). Read more here why travel insurance is important!
How long is the flight to Sri Lanka?
A direct flight from the Netherlands (Schiphol Airport) to Sri Lanka (Bandaranaike International Airport) takes between 10 and 11 hours on average. With stopovers, travel time can reach 13 to 15 hours, depending on the route and waiting times. This may sound like a lot of travel time (it is), but trust us, once you feel that tropical air, you will already forget about the flight.
Is Sri Lanka a nice holiday country?
Yes, Definitely, Absolutely! Sri Lanka is a traveller's paradise. From golden beaches and green tea plantations to impressive temples and wildlife. We have visited this country several times for a reason! Whether you like to relax, soak up culture or get active: Sri Lanka has it all.
Do you need vaccinations for Sri Lanka?
Yes, certain vaccinations are recommended for travel to Sri Lanka. As indicated above, you should consider the following vaccinations:
- DTP (diphtheria, tetanus and polio)
- Hepatitis A (infectious jaundice)
- Typhoid fever
These vaccinations are recommended when travelling for less than a month. If you are travelling from a country where yellow fever is prevalent, you should also be vaccinated for this. Always check the current travel advice - vaccinations. This way, you will be well prepared for your trip.
What do you find in Sri Lankan cuisine?
Sri Lankan cuisine is known for its rich flavours with influences from Indian, Portuguese and Dutch cuisine. Enjoy spicy curries, kottu roti or the tropical fruits. There is more than enough to discover for foodies and adventurous eaters.
Surely our favourite is kottu roti. This dish is made of sliced flatbread, vegetables, eggs and often meat, prepared on a big hot plate. Curious what you think of this!
Is tap water safe in Sri Lanka?
It is not recommended to drink tap water in Sri Lanka. Instead, use bottled water, including for brushing your teeth. Many hotels and restaurants offer bottled water, and it is readily available in shops. In addition, we always advise people to take a good steel float carry with you. Thus, in many places, such as hotels, you can refill your float for free!
What is the whaling season in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka is one of the best places in the world to spot whales. On the south coast, around Mirissa, whale season runs from November to April. During this period, blue whales and sperm whales migrate along the coast. On the east coast, near Trincomalee, the season is from May to September. So pay close attention when planning your trip if you go during the ‘right’ period!
Is Sri Lanka expensive?
Despite the fact that prices have risen considerably in Sri Lanka over the past year, it is still an ideal destination for budget travellers. Let's put it this way; you can make it as expensive as you want. Below is an overview of average costs so you know what to expect.
Accommodation
- Budget (hostels, simple guesthouses): €10 - €35 per night
- Mid-range (comfortable hotels, B&Bs): €35 - €70 per night
- Luxury (resorts, boutique hotels): €70 - €150+ per night
Prices can be higher in tourist areas, especially during the high season.
Food & drink
- Local meal (rice & curry, kottu): €2,50 - €4,00
- Western meal: €7,50 - €12,00
- Bottle of water: €1,00
- Beer (Lion beer can): €2,00 - €3,00
Eating in local restaurants is not only cheap but also incredibly delicious.
Transport
- Bus (per hour): €0,25 - €0,50
- Train (e.g. Kandy to Ella, 7 hours): €5,00
- Tuktuk (short ride): €1,00 - €2,00
- Car with driver (per day): €40 - €60
Activities & Sightseeing
- Sigiriya (Lion Rock): €35,00
- Pidurangala Rock: €2,50
- Anuradhapura: €20,00
- National Park safari (incl. jeep & guide): €150
- Surf lesson (1.5 hours): €10 - €20
- Yoga class (1.5 hours): €7,50
Transport in Sri Lanka
In Sri Lanka, and are plenty of options to get from A to B. In both major cities and rural areas, there are several transport options to special places and sights.
Arrival in Sri Lanka
Arrange pick-up in advance: On arrival at the airport, you are not waiting for dozens of taxi drivers and price negotiations. So arrange a pick-up at your hotel or hostel in advance. You often pay a bit more for this but then there will be someone waiting for you with a nameplate, which is ideal! Do you want to take public transport? Then keep this in mind when booking your flight ticket. We arrived in the night so there was no public transport available.
Transport in Sri Lanka
We recommend using public transport as much as possible. Distances are not too great, public transport is very well organised and travel costs almost nothing here.
Train: Train tickets can be bought at all railway stations and advance booking is not necessary. If you expect a lot of crowds on a particular route like from Kandy to Ella, do opt for ‘reserved seat’ tickets. We didn't do this and had to stand for the first 4 hours. Let's just say this is not ideal! You can easily book tickets via 12Go.Asia. Read more about the train journey between Kandy and Ella here (online soon).
Bus: Travelling by bus through Sri Lanka is quite an experience you don't want to miss! You are never sure of a seat, there is no air conditioning and the bus is fuller than full, but it is the ideal way to get around. You don't need to arrange anything in advance - just get on and go!
Tip: There are two different types of buses. The red buses (government-owned) and white buses (private). Often the red buses are cheaper but the difference is minimal. We paid an average of about €1.50 per person for a 2.5-hour ride.
Scooter or TukTuk hire: Would you prefer to be a bit more independent? Then look for the possibility of renting a scooter or tuktuk. Keep in mind that an international driving licence from the ANWB is not enough. You need to apply for an IRB from the AA Ceylon in Colombo. This is a temporary local driving licence (Recognition Permit). For more information, visit the ANWB site or inquire at one of their branches.
Here's how to plan your ideal trip to Sri Lanka
Check out our blogs to plan your ultimate trip! This country is a hidden gem, with a mix of beautiful beaches, bustling cities, lush nature and a rich cultural heritage. Sri Lanka offers something for everyone. Whatever you are looking for, from adventure to relaxation, you will find it here.
Our aim is to make planning your trip easy and enjoyable. That's why we share all our best tips in our travel blogs. Discover the ideal travel time, put together your perfect itinerary and book fine accommodations.
With our tips, you'll be ready to plan your dream trip. Enjoy your adventure and don't hesitate to drop us a line if you have any questions!