Sodha Travel Group 2026 - The Sapphire Trail

Lying between the more explored parts of India and Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka's history, culture, and natural beauty make it an undeniably alluring destination. A historians playground, Sri Lanka has a history that dates back 3000 years and is one of a few places offering as many as eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the world-renowned Dambulla Royal Cave Temple and Golden Temple. Like its massive neighbour India, Sri Lanka is a diverse country, home to many religions, ethnicities and languages. Its size, however, means that visitors can spend time meditating in a 2000-year-old temple in the morning, touring the sacred home of the world's oldest living human-planted tree in the afternoon and savouring mouth-watering local rice and curry dishes for dinner. It is also still blessed with various wildlife that has survived on this small island for centuries alongside this human civilisation, including the mighty Sri Lankan Elephant. A true gem, Sri Lanka has something for everyone - from the modern city of Colombo with its skyscrapers to national parks teeming with elephants and miles of pristine beaches that offer epic surf.

Currency

The local currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee, divided into 100 cents. Currency notes are Rs.5,000, Rs2,000, Rs1,000, Rs500, Rs100, Rs50 and Rs20

Foreign currency can be changed at authorised exchanges, banks and hotels.

Banking

Banks are open from 0900 hrs to 1500 hours Monday to Friday. It’s easy to withdraw money across the island at ATMs using international credit cards or debit cards

Domestic air services around Sri Lanka are limited, and most tourists travel by either road or train. If you do choose to fly, then the major domestic airport is Ratmalana at Colombo. There are reasonably regular flights to Jaffna, Palaly and Trincomalee by FitsAir (www.fitsair.com). Charter flights can be arranged by them, or by helicopter with Millennium Airlines (http://simplifly.com).

With the opening of Mattala Rajapaska International Airport, domestic services are expected to begin operating between the east and south coasts in the near future.

Sri Lanka has a widespread road network, which accounts for nearly 95% of land transport across the country. Driving tends to be erratic, and most travellers either employ a locally knowledgeable driver or use public transport.

The quality of the country’s road varies considerably. The main coastal arteries are modern and well-maintained, while many of the mountain roads are poor-quality and pockmarked with holes. Road works are everywhere, demonstrating the island’s increasing prosperity and its commitment to infrastructure development.

E class roads are high-speed expressways, while A class roads represent the national highway network. B class and C class roads tend to be smaller and of varying quality.

Taxis in Sri Lanka have yellow tops and red and white plates. In Colombo, taxis are metered but it is advisable to agree a rate before setting off. Drivers expect a 10% tip. A cheaper and more authentic option is to flag down a tuk-tuk - these open rickshaws are available for hire in abundance across the country.

Cycling in the cities is inadvisable, but in rural areas bikes are becoming increasingly common. There are four National Cycle Trails. Most bike hire agencies are concentrated in Colombo and Negombo.

The Central Transport Board provides intensive urban bus operations in Colombo, where there are also private buses and minibuses. Fares are generally collected by conductors. Services are often crowded.

Trains connect Colombo with all tourist towns, but first-class carriages, air conditioning and dining cars are available on only a few. Passengers can buy tickets online from Sri Lanka Railways (www.railway.gov.lk). New fast services operate on the principal routes, including an intercity express service between Colombo and Kandy, otherwise journeys are fairly leisurely.First-class carriages almost always book up in advance, so it’s best to secure your ticket early.

There is no official river transport network, but several tourism operators offer river cruises on the Bentota and Polwatta rivers.

In general the threats to personal security for travellers in Sri Lanka are remarkably small. It is more pleasant to travel with a companion. The island including the North and East is safe to visit. If you have anything stolen, report it immediately to the tourist Police, a special tourist police set up to look after the needs of the tourists. Contact number : + 94 11 2382209

Food in Sri Lanka can be hot or very mild or can be combination being very much a question of individual preference. Sri Lankan food is unique for their Culture. Many Sinhala food items are derived from Chena cultivation. Sri Lankan cuisine plays a vital role in the islanders’ life from the most auspicious Sinhala/Hindu New Year to normal day-to-day practices. Spices such as Cloves, Cinnamon, Nutmeg and Pepper are liberally used together with Chili to give the Sri Lankan food a unique flavor. The staple of Sri Lankan food still remains rice, eaten with vegetables, fish and meat.

Water

Tap water is not safe to drink, and boiling and filtering is sometimes done too hastily in some hotels and restaurants, so the best solution is to drink bottled water.

Sri Lanka is a round-the-year destination for the visitors who seek for sun and sea the best time to visit the island is from November to April. The Southwestern coastal area, where the most of the beach resorts are located.

The central highlands are pleasantly cool and relatively dry from January to April. The peak season is mid December to mid January and March-April during Easter with a mini peak season in July and August when festivals and pageants are held through the country

Weather

Low Season (May–Aug)

The Yala monsoon season (May to August) brings rain to the south and west coasts plus the Hill Country. The weather in the North and East is best.

Shoulder (Apr & Sep–Nov)

April and September offer the best odds for good weather countrywide.

High Season (Dec–Mar)

The best weather in the country can be experienced during these months.

Sri Lanka climate can be at its most enjoyable in the drier seasons; the best time to travel to the west, south and upland areas of the island is during December to March, while the recommended travel season for the east coast region is April to September.

The most popular season for tourism is between December and March, when the country attracts Europeans fleeing the Northern Hemisphere’s winter weather. Christmas and the New Year are particularly popular for a Sri Lankan holiday, while July and August represent festival season on the island – if travelling during either time it is recommended to book well in advance to guarantee accommodation.

The island is certainly a year-round destination as there is usually one region of the country experiencing good weather, while others are hit by poorer conditions. The diverse topography of Sri Lanka allows for balmy beach holidays on the east coast from April to November, while the west is ideal for hitting the beach from December to March. However,Sri Lanka weather can be unpredictable during any season.

What to Wear

Cotton clothes are useful at any time of the year but you will need light woolens for the hills and waterproof clothing or an umbrella. Modest dress for women is advisable especially off the beach and when visiting religious sites. Don't forget comfortable shoes, sandals or trainers and cotton socks. If you are planning to trek and climb go prepared with suitable gear. Water sports enthusiasts would do well to take their snorkels and diving equipment along.

For the most part, electrical sockets (outlets) in Sri Lanka are one of two types: the "Type D" Indian 5 amp BS-546 or the European CEE 7/16 Europlug. The Indian socket is actually an old British standard. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into.

Electrical sockets (outlets) in Sri Lanka usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need.

But travel plug adapters do not change the voltage, so the electricity coming through the adapter will still be the same 220-240 volts the socket is supplying. North American sockets supply electricity at between 110 and 120 volts, far lower than in most of the rest of the world. Consequently, North American appliances are generally built for 110-120 volts.

General Dos & Don’ts

When entering holy areas, it is customary to remove your shoes and walk barefoot within the designated area. (This may also be the case in people's homes.) Women should wear long skirts or loose trousers and a modest blouse, or a loose cotton dress. Men should wear long trousers. Even ancient temples are considered sacred, and should be treated as such.

Sri Lanka is a tropical country and cotton clothes are ideal and, of course, swimwear if you are visiting the beaches. Casual but not provocative dress is acceptable everywhere. You should bring your favorite brand of sun tan lotion as it might not be available in local shops. WiFi is available at all hotels so bring your essential gadgets to keep in touch. If you wear glasses, pack a spare pair in case of loss or damage. Bring enough of your prescription medicines too as the brand might not be stocked by local pharmacies.

Food should be handled with the right hand only, as the left is considered unclean. When handing objects to another person, either the right hand or both hands should be used.

Homosexual activity is officially illegal in Sri Lanka and there have been some convictions. Discreet gay travelers, however, are unlikely to encounter any harassment although public displays of affection are best avoided.

Encompassing over 1000 coral islands that form about 25 natural atolls, the Maldives is separated from the rest of the world by the seemingly endless Indian Ocean, offering visitors a secluded little pocket of paradise. These exquisite tropical islands are best known for their white powder sand beaches, glistening blue lagoons and extensive reefs which are home to a diverse range of colourful marine life. The nation’s bustling capital of Male features an array of charming shops and restaurants as well as a busy fish market and a must-see 17th-century mosque known as Hukuru Miskiy which was constructed out of intricately carved white coral. Visitors will find plenty of activities to keep them entertained including: scuba diving, snorkelling, water skiing, stand up paddleboarding, spa visits, and hopping from one idyllic little island to the next.

Currency 

Local currency: Maldivian Rufiyaa 
Symbol: MVR 
ISO code: MVR 
Subunit: Laari 
Banknotes: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000 Rufiyaa 
Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50 Laari, 1, 2 Rufiyaa 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Limited 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Limited acceptance 
Diner’s club: Limited acceptance 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM 
Weekends: Closed 
Public Holidays: Yes (limited hours) 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air:
Main airlines: Maldivian, Trans Maldivian Airways
International Airports: Velana International Airport (MLE)
Domestic Airports: Velana International Airport (MLE), Gan International Airport (GAN), Hanimaadhoo International Airport (HAQ) and many more.

Road:
Driving on the: Left
Tar roads: Limited
Gravel roads: Limited
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes
Car hire available: Limited
Taxis: Yes
E-hailing services: Yes

Bus
Inter-city bus services: Limited
Local city bus networks: Limited

Rail:
Railway system: No
Subway System: No

Water:
Ferries: Yes
Water taxis: Yes
Leisure cruises: Yes

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: Maldivian cuisine is influenced by Indian, Sri Lankan, and Arabic flavors, focusing on seafood and coconut. A staple dish is Mas Huni, a mixture of tuna, coconut, onion, and chili. 

Drinks: Notable local drinks include Kurumba (coconut milk), Sai (tea), and Raa (toddy tapped from palm trees). 

Tipping: Tipping is not expected but appreciated, usually around 10%. 

Annual rainfall: Varies 
Average temperature: 28°C 

Summer: 
Average highs: 31°C 
Average lows: 26°C 

Winter: 
Average highs: 30°C 
Average lows: 25°C 

Best time to visit: The best time to visit the Maldives is from November to April during the dry season when the weather is sunny with little rainfall. This period is ideal for water activities like diving and snorkeling. 

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 

General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Internet cafes: Limited 
Accommodation options: Yes 
Restaurants: Yes 
Cafes: Yes 
Shopping malls: Limited 
Public parks: Limited 
Libraries: Limited