Close your eyes and picture this: you’re perched high above emerald tea fields, a cup of the finest Ceylon tea cradled in your hands, the distant rumble of elephants echoing through the air. This is the enchanting reality of Sri Lanka. This island nation, nestled in the Indian Ocean, is a treasure trove of natural wonders, rich culture, and a storied history that beckons the curious traveller.
But, as with any journey, the key lies in preparation. How do you turn this dream into a well-organised, stress-free adventure? Join us as we unpack the essentials of organising a trip to Sri Lanka, sharing our tips to help you weave your travel dreams into a reality.
Choose your season
The season that you choose to visit this amazing country will largely dictate what activities you can do, unless you’re prepared to go out in all weathers. The tropical climate means that there are two monsoon seasons here, although fortunately they occur at different times and in different regions. So, it’s possible to pick an area that won’t be stormy, even if the rain is pouring consistently somewhere else.
Generally speaking, the best time to visit the north-east is between May and September, whilst the western, southern and mountainous regions favour December until April. If you’ve got a specific area of Sri Lanka you want to visit, then make sure to plan your holiday dates accordingly. Or, if the dates are set, be flexible on your location – there are so many beautiful sights to explore that you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Sort the practicalities
Most visitors travelling to Sri Lanka will need Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for visits up to 30 days – or an extended visa if you’re staying longer. The exceptions to this are Chinese, Indian, Indonesian, Russian, Thai, Malay and Japanese nationals.
Luckily, it’s not hard to organise the ETA. Simply apply before you go and pay online – you can do it when you arrive, but it’s more expensive, and you’ll have to queue. If you’re taking children under the age of 12 with you, their ETA is free.
Once you’ve got your ETA sorted, it’s time to pick somewhere to stay. Sri Lanka offers everything from five-star hotels to heritage bungalows, so you’re sure to find something that suits you. Sustainable travellers will be pleased to know that Sri Lanka is starting to invest in eco-tourism, with eco-lodges and hotels scattered across the country, so you don’t have to compromise on your values.
Consider taking the train
Want to travel around whilst you’re in Sri Lanka, but don’t want to drive on unknown roads? Why not consider taking the train? As well as being a practical method of transportation, Sri Lankan railways are an important cultural experience, and a great way to spend time with the locals.
This method of travelling is about as thrilling as it gets, with passengers tending to ignore health and safety and leaving the external doors open (so don’t let any younger travellers wander off). You should also be mindful of the fact that travelling by train means you’ll need to pack light – there’s no room for huge suitcases here.
Take a trip from the busy capital of Colombo to the ancient royal capital of Kandy, or go on from Kandy to Nany Oya, taking in the stunning scenery as you glide through the countryside. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, giving you access to views you wouldn’t be able to appreciate anywhere else.
Enjoy your trip
A bit of careful planning will truly enhance your trip to Sri Lanka. There is so much to see here that narrowing down your plan before you get on the plane will allow you to properly relax and enjoy your break. It’s impossible to see everything in one trip, so focus on a couple of key things you have to see – then book a date to return.