Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has a recorded history that spans back 3000 years. Like its massive neighbour India, Sri Lanka is a diverse country, home to many religions, ethnicities and languages. It is also still blessed with a variety of wildlife that has survived alongside this human civilization, on this small island for centuries. Today it offers tourists a diverse experience - from the modern city of Colombo with its sky scrapers to national parks teeming with elephants and religious and cultural buildings of multiple origins.

Currency 

Local currency: Sri Lankan Rupee 
Symbol: රු 
ISO code: LKR 
Subunit: Cent 
Banknotes: රු20, රු50, රු100, රු500, රු1000, රු2000, රු5000 
Coins: Cent, රු1, රු2, රු5, රු10 

Banking 

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

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

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.

Car hire services are available from several international agencies. To hire a car, visitors must have a valid driving licence and be 18 or over. In order to avoid bureaucratic formalities in Sri Lanka, an International Driving Permit should be obtained before departure. If not, a temporary licence to drive is obtainable on presentation of a valid national driving licence. Air-conditioned minibuses are also available. Motorised rickshaws are also readily available for hire in towns and villages. Chauffeur-driven cars are not too expensive and are recommended.

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 cheapest and most enjoyable way to get around Sri Lanka is by bus. Most vehicles are ancient, atmospheric and packed with chattering locals, and major routes include Colombo to Kandy, Colombo to Matara and Colombo to Jaffna. Timetables can be found on the website of the National Transport Commission (www.ntc.gov.lk).

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.

Vacinnations will be required to visit Sri Lanka. Please speak to your GP or travel clinic for the up tpo date advice.

Check out the following website for more details

http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations/asia-(east)/sri-lanka.aspx

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: 

Sri Lankan cuisine is known for its aromatic spices, vibrant flavors, and rich variety. Rice and curry are staples, often accompanied by dishes like dhal (lentil curry), sambol (coconut relish), and hoppers (pancakes). Notable local drinks include king coconut water, arrack (coconut spirit), and Ceylon tea. 
Tipping: 10% 

Annual rainfall: 2000 - 3000 mm 
Average temperature: 27°C 

Summer: 

Average highs: 31°C 
Average lows: 25°C 

Winter: 

Average highs: 29°C 
Average lows: 23°C 

Best time to visit: 

The best time to visit Sri Lanka is from December to March, during the dry season, when the weather is generally sunny and pleasant. 

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 

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. The "Type D" Indian plug and socket is not to be confused with the "Type M" South African plug and socket. In pictures, they look very similar, but the South African type is much larger than the Indian type, and they are physically incompatible. 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. If it's crucial to be able to plug in no matter what, bring an adapter for both types.

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.