Education and Teaching Project
Key facts
Capital:
Colombo (commercial capital); Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte (legislative capital)Location:
Southern Asia, island in the Indian Ocean, south of IndiaCurrency:
Sri Lankan rupees (LKR)Area:
65,610 sq kmPopulation:
23,044,123 (July 2021 est.)Languages:
Sinhala (official and national language) 87%, Tamil (official and national language) 28.5%, English 23.8% (2012 est.)Religion:
Buddhist (official) 70.2%, Hindu 12.6%, Muslim 9.7%, Roman Catholic 6.1%, other Christian 1.3%, other 0.05% (2012 est.)TimeZone:
UTC+5.5Tel Code:
+94Experiences
Things to Do
1. Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Explore the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding area.
2. Yala National Park Safari
Embark on a thrilling safari in Yala National Park, home to a diverse range of wildlife including leopards, elephants, and crocodiles.
3. Dambulla Cave Temple
Visit the stunning Dambulla Cave Temple, a complex of Buddhist rock temples adorned with intricate murals and statues.
4. Adam's Peak
Hike to the peak of Adam's Peak, a sacred mountain that offers breathtaking views and is a popular pilgrimage site.
5. Galle Fort
Explore the historic Galle Fort, a fortified city with colonial architecture, narrow streets, and charming cafes and shops.
6. Nuwara Eliya Tea Plantations
Visit the picturesque tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya, known as the 'Little England' of Sri Lanka and enjoy a cup of fresh tea.
7. Whale Watching in Mirissa
Embark on a thrilling whale watching tour in Mirissa and witness majestic whales and dolphins in their natural habitat.
8. Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and get up close to the gentle giants as they roam freely and take their daily bath in the river.
9. Anuradhapura Ancient City
Explore the ancient city of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved ruins and sacred Buddhist sites.
10. Polonnaruwa Archaeological Site
Discover the fascinating ruins of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage site with well-preserved temples and statues.
Weather
Climate
Sri Lanka has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The southwest monsoon brings heavy rains to the west and southwest coast of the island from May to September, while the northeast monsoon brings rain to the east coast from October to January. The rest of the island experiences relatively little rainfall during these periods. The best time to visit the west and southwest coasts is from December to April, when the rains have subsided and the weather is warm and sunny. The best time to visit the east coast is from May to September, when the monsoon rains are less heavy.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Sri Lanka depends on what you want to see and do. If you're interested in visiting the beaches, the west and southwest coasts are best visited from December to April, when the weather is dry and warm. If you're interested in visiting the cultural and historical sites, the best time to visit is from January to April, when the weather is dry and the temperatures are mild. If you're interested in visiting the hill country, the best time to visit is from December to March, when the weather is clear and cool.
Visas
Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:
Passport
Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.
Visa
Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.
Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules
Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.
Travel Insurance
Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.
Customs
Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.
Currency
Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.
Research the country
Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.
Contact Information
Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.
Accommodation
Hotels
Sri Lanka has a wide range of hotels, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses. Many of the larger hotels are located in tourist hotspots such as Colombo, Kandy, and the southern coast, but there are also many smaller, more intimate hotels located in more remote areas of the country.
Guesthouses
Guesthouses are a popular accommodation option for budget-conscious travelers in Sri Lanka. These small, family-run establishments offer basic amenities and a homely atmosphere at a fraction of the cost of a hotel. Guesthouses can be found in most towns and cities across Sri Lanka, as well as in rural areas.
Homestays
Homestays provide an immersive cultural experience, as travelers stay with a local family in their home. This type of accommodation is becoming increasingly popular in Sri Lanka and can be found in many rural areas, as well as some towns and cities. Homestays offer a unique opportunity to experience Sri Lankan culture and hospitality firsthand.
Villas
Villas are becoming more popular in Sri Lanka, particularly in areas such as the southern coast. These self-catering properties range from basic to luxurious and offer privacy and independence. Many villas come with their own swimming pool, and some even have staff such as a cook or a cleaner.
Campsites
Campsites are a good option for budget-conscious travelers and adventure enthusiasts. There are a few campsites in Sri Lanka, which are particularly popular with hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Some campsites offer basic facilities such as toilets and showers, while others offer more luxurious amenities such as private bathrooms and hot water.
Transportation
Bus
Buses are a popular and inexpensive way to get around Sri Lanka. The bus system is extensive and covers most parts of the country, although it can be crowded and uncomfortable at times. There are both government-run and private buses, with the latter often being more comfortable.
Train
Trains are a great way to explore Sri Lanka, offering scenic routes and comfortable seating. The train system is extensive and covers most parts of the country, with trains running between major cities and towns. However, train travel can be slow and the trains can get crowded, especially during peak season.
Tuk-tuk
Tuk-tuks are a popular and inexpensive way to get around in cities and towns. They are three-wheeled, open-air vehicles that can seat up to three people. Tuk-tuks are a convenient way to get around, although prices can vary widely and it's important to agree on a fare before setting off.
Car rental
Car rental is a popular option for those who want more flexibility and independence when traveling around Sri Lanka. There are many car rental companies in the country, with a wide range of vehicles available to rent. However, it's important to be aware of the local traffic laws and road conditions before renting a car.
Taxi
Taxis are a convenient way to get around in cities and towns, and can also be used for longer journeys. Taxis can be hailed on the street or booked in advance, and prices are usually fixed. However, it's important to agree on the fare before setting off, and it's also recommended to use metered taxis.
Money
Money Tips for Travel
- Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
- Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
- Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
- Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
- Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
- Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
- Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
- Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
- NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
- Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.
ATM and Credit Cards
- Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
- Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
- Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
- Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
- Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
- Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
Exchange Rates
- Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
- Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
- Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
- Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
- Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.
Insurance
Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!
Medical Coverage
Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!
Trip Cancellation and Interruption
Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.
Lost or Stolen Luggage
Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.
Emergency Assistance and Evacuation
Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.
Liability coverage
Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.
Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.
Mobile
When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:
eSIM
Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.
Dual SIM phone
If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.
Extend your home plan
Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.
Keep your primary SIM
With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.
Community
There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:
Facebook groups
There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.
Meetup
Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.
Internations
Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.
Couchsurfing
Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!
Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.
LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.
At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.