10 Days in Sri Lanka

What You Should Know Before Going On A Sri Lanka Tour

Where is Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka is an island country in southern Asia. Sri Lanka sits in the Indian ocean, off the south-eastern coast of India.

What is the Weather like in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has pretty ideal weather year round, if you’re looking for a warm getaway. The key to this is knowing what side of the island to visit at what time of the year.

The summer months (from about May to September) are a great time to visit the eastern and northern regions of the country if you want dry and sunny weather. This is when the west and south gets hit with rain.

The opposite is true for the winter. October through February brings sunny and dry weather to the west and south, and the eastern and northern part of the country gets hit with monsoon season. Though October-mid November brings questionable weather across Sri Lanka, with the possibility of rain and thunderstorms.

You can expect anywhere from upper 60s to low 80s depending on the time of the year and where you are visiting in Sri Lanka. Colombo sits on the western coast and averages upper 80s (Fahrenheit, about 30 degrees C) year round. Colombo is often a hot, wet, and humid city, with abundant rainfall  in the spring and fall. Kandy is pretty central on the island, averaging temperatures in the mid-upper 70s year round.

Who will enjoy traveling in Sri Lanka?

Anyone who loves beautiful nature, warm weather, wildlife, and awesome food will enjoy a trip to Sri Lanka. Dive with blue whales, watch dolphins leap through the water or visit one of the many national parks to get some incredible animal experiences.

One of the highlights of Sri Lanka is the wildlife. Sri Lanka has the biggest concentration of leopards in the world, there are opportunities to see wild elephants migrate, and other wildlife opportunities when visiting Sri Lanka.

Many people love to visit Sri Lanka for the religious and cultural experience. The country is filled with temples and history, and the annual festivals are a great way to experience Sri Lankan culture. Sri Lankans are friendly and genuine, and love to engage with conversation.

Scenic opportunities are everywhere in Sri Lanka. Enjoy the beautiful beaches on the coast of Sri Lanka, or take a train throughout the country. Sri Lanka is home to one of the most scenic train rides in the world, between Ella and Kandy. Spend seven hours on the train riding through the luscious green landscapes, through tea plantations, waterfalls, local villages and gorgeous mountain views.

Train rides are so popular among both tourists and locals, it’s almost an attraction itself! Because of the small size of the country, it’s easy to travel between landscapes of beaches to mountains to rainforest within a few hours. Sri Lanka is fairly affordable as well. There are few places that match the scenery and experiences that Sri Lanka offers, and there will always be something for everyone in the group.

Packing list for Sri Lanka

Beyond the essentials (passports, money, adaptors, etc.), many people are curious what to pack on a trip to Sri Lanka. Especially if you’re traveling around the whole island, there’s an opportunity to run into rain.

A lightweight rain jacket should be packed to keep you dry. Sunscreen and mosquito repellent are two more must pack items. If you forget, these items are purchasable once you touch down in Sri Lanka, but it’s good to be prepared and not have to spend time searching.

Sunscreen is important to protect the skin from the sun, and other forms of sun protection, such as sunglasses and a sun hat, are good items to pack as well.

In Sri Lanka, many places such as shops, cafes, and temples, require for shoes to be off, so slip-on sandals are recommended for easy removal. Sarongs are also recommended, as they are extremely versatile! Whether you need a towel, a scarf, a skirt, or a cover up, a sarong can do the trick.

Is Sri Lanka safe?

As of September 2019, yes, Sri Lanka is safe for travelers. A 30-year long civil war ended in 2009, which before, kept tourists away. Since the end of the war, tourism has be inclining and rebuilding, increasing the number of visitors each year. Investments have been made to accommodate the growing number of tourists every year.

There has been some terrorist attacks in recent years, which is why the U.S. government has marked Sri Lanka as a travel 2 advisory, meaning exercise with increased caution. As long as travelers use common sense and stay alert, most of the travel within Sri Lanka is safe for tourists.