🔸Understand the weather before planning your trip
Sri Lanka’s tropical climate means it’s sunny all year, but the country experiences two different monsoon seasons.
The Southwest Monsoon (May to September) brings rain to the southern and western coasts, while the Northeast Monsoon (November to February) affects the northern and eastern sides.
Visit Colombo, Galle, Mirissa, and Bentota from December to April, and explore Trincomalee, Jaffna, and Arugam Bay from May to October.
🔸Plan fewer destinations but explore deeply
Sri Lanka may look small on a map, but the winding roads, mountains, and traffic can make travel time longer than expected. Instead of rushing through ten towns in a week, spend time in each place to enjoy local life and hidden gems.
🔸Stay hydrated and eat safely
The heat can be strong, especially in coastal and dry areas. Always drink bottled, filtered, or boiled water. Avoid drinking directly from taps, especially in remote towns. When eating street food, choose stalls that are busy and clean.
🔸Carry small cash notes
Many shops, tuk-tuks, and street vendors do not accept card payments. Always keep small notes in Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR) for easy transactions. Larger restaurants, supermarkets, and hotels usually accept credit or debit cards.
🔸Mobile and internet
Get a Dialog, Mobitel, or Airtel SIM card at the airport. Data packages are affordable, and the signal is reliable even in rural areas.