• Explore the ancient cities: Visit the ancient cities of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Sigiriya to learn about Sri Lanka's rich history and culture.

• Go on a safari: Take a safari in one of Sri Lanka's national parks, such as Yala, Wilpattu, or Udawalawe, to spot elephants, leopards, and other wildlife.

• Relax on the beach: Enjoy the sun, sand, and surf at one of Sri Lanka's beautiful beaches, such as Mirissa, Weligama, or Negombo.

• Take a scenic train ride: Take a scenic train ride through the hill stations of Sri Lanka, such as Ella or Nuwara Eliya, to enjoy breathtaking views of the countryside.

• Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple: Explore the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to see ancient Buddhist art and architecture.

• Go hiking: Go hiking in one of Sri Lanka's many national parks or hill stations to enjoy the beautiful scenery and wildlife.

• Take a cooking class: Take a cooking class to learn about Sri Lankan cuisine and cook traditional dishes like rice and curry.

• Visit the Temple of the Tooth: Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy to see the sacred relic and learn about its history and significance.

• Go whale watching: Take a boat tour to go whale watching in Sri Lanka's coastal waters to see blue whales, sperm whales, and other marine life.

• Explore the hill stations: Visit the hill stations of Sri Lanka, such as Nuwara Eliya or Ella, to enjoy the cooler climate and beautiful scenery.

Recommended Tours

• Sri Lanka Adventure Tour: This 7-day tour takes you on a journey through Sri Lanka's most beautiful landscapes, including beaches, hills, and national parks.

• Sri Lanka Cultural Heritage Tour: This 5-day tour takes you on a journey through Sri Lanka's ancient cities, temples, and cultural heritage sites.

• Sri Lanka Wildlife Tour: This 6-day tour takes you on a journey through Sri Lanka's national parks and wildlife reserves to spot elephants, leopards, and other wildlife.

• Sri Lanka Beach Relaxation Tour: This 5-day tour takes you on a journey to relax on Sri Lanka's beautiful beaches, with optional activities like surfing or snorkeling.

• Sri Lanka Hill Station Tour: This 4-day tour takes you on a journey through Sri Lanka's hill stations, including Nuwara Eliya and Ella, to enjoy the cooler climate and beautiful scenery.

Other Activities

• Surfing: Take a surfing lesson or rent a board to catch some waves at one of Sri Lanka's many surf spots.

• Snorkeling: Take a snorkeling trip to see marine life in Sri Lanka's coastal waters.

• Fishing: Go fishing in Sri Lanka's coastal waters for a chance to catch some fresh seafood.

• Yoga or meditation: Take a yoga or meditation class to relax and rejuvenate during your trip.

• Cycling: Rent a bike and explore Sri Lanka's countryside on two wheels.

General Information

• Location: Sri Lanka is an island nation located in South Asia, in the Indian Ocean.

• Capital City: The capital city of Sri Lanka is Colombo.

• Language: The official languages of Sri Lanka are Sinhala and Tamil, but English is widely spoken.

• Currency: The Sri Lankan rupee (LKR) is the local currency.

• Time Zone: Sri Lanka is 5.5 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).

Visa Requirements

• Visa Requirements: Citizens of many countries, including the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia, can obtain a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka.

• Visa Fee: The visa fee is around $35 per person, and can be paid in cash or by credit card.

• Visa Validity: The visa is usually valid for 30 days, but can be extended for an additional 30 days.

Travel Documents

• Passport: A valid passport with at least six months' validity is required for travel to Sri Lanka.

• Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is highly recommended, as it can help cover medical expenses and other unexpected costs.

• Vaccinations: There are no specific vaccinations required for travel to Sri Lanka, but it's recommended to get vaccinated against hepatitis A and typhoid.

Safety and Security

• Crime: Petty theft and pickpocketing are common in tourist areas, so it's recommended to take precautions such as carrying valuables securely and avoiding walking alone at night.

• Terrorism: Sri Lanka has been largely free of terrorism since the end of the civil war in 2009, but it's still a good idea to exercise caution and follow local advice.

• Natural Disasters: Sri Lanka is prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis, so it's a good idea to stay informed about local weather conditions and any potential disasters.

Health and Medical

• Healthcare: Sri Lanka has a well-developed healthcare system, with many good hospitals and medical facilities.

• Medical Services: Many hospitals offer medical services to tourists, including emergency care and surgery.

• Water Quality: Tap water is not recommended for drinking, as it may not be safe. It's best to stick to bottled or filtered water.

Weather

• Climate: Sri Lanka has a tropical climate, with two main seasons: the dry season (December to April) and the wet season (May to November).

• Weather Patterns: The weather patterns vary depending on the region, with the south coast being generally warmer than the hill stations.

Getting There

• Airports: Sri Lanka has two main airports: Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo and Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI) in Mattala.

• Flights: Many international airlines operate flights to Sri Lanka from major destinations around the world.

Getting Around

• Taxis: Taxis are widely available in Sri Lanka, but it's recommended to agree on the fare before you start your journey.

• Rental Cars: Rental cars are available in major cities like Colombo and Kandy, but it's recommended to book in advance.

• Public Transport: Public transport options like buses and trains are available, but they may not be as frequent or comfortable as other options.

Before You Go

• Research: Research Sri Lanka's culture, customs, and laws to ensure a respectful and enjoyable trip.

• Packing: Pack light and comfortable clothing, as well as any necessary medications or equipment.

• Vaccinations: Check with your doctor or a travel clinic to see if any vaccinations are recommended for travel to Sri Lanka.

• Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance to cover unexpected medical or travel expenses.

In Sri Lanka

• Respect Local Customs: Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting temples or cultural sites.

• Dress Modestly: Dress modestly when visiting temples or cultural sites, and avoid revealing clothing.

• Haggle: Haggle when shopping at markets or from street vendors, as it's a common practice in Sri Lanka.

• Try Local Food: Try local food and drinks, such as rice and curry, hoppers, and king coconut water.

• Learn Some Sinhala: Learn some basic Sinhala phrases, such as "hello" (ayubowan) and "thank you" (thank you), to show respect and appreciation for the local culture.

Safety and Security

• Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas or at night.

• Don't Carry Large Amounts of Cash: Avoid carrying large amounts of cash, as it can attract unwanted attention.

• Use Licensed Taxis: Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services, as they are generally safer than unlicensed taxis.

• Avoid Traveling at Night: Avoid traveling at night, especially on rural roads or in areas with limited lighting.

Money Matters

• Currency: The Sri Lankan rupee (LKR) is the local currency, but USD and other major currencies are widely accepted.

• Credit Cards: Credit cards are widely accepted in major cities, but may not be accepted in rural areas.

• ATMs: ATMs are widely available in major cities, but may not be as common in rural areas.

Communication

• Language: English is widely spoken in Sri Lanka, but it's also a good idea to learn some basic Sinhala phrases.

• Phone Coverage: Phone coverage is generally good in urban areas, but may be limited in rural areas.

• Internet Access: Internet access is widely available in major cities, but may be limited in rural areas.

Health and Hygiene

• Stay Hydrated: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding dehydration.

• Avoid Tap Water: Avoid drinking tap water, as it may not be safe to drink.

• Wash Your Hands: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water to avoid the spread of illness.

Other Tips

• Respect the Environment: Respect the environment by not littering, using reusable bags, and turning off lights when not needed.

• Be Prepared for Crowds: Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular tourist attractions.

• Learn About the Culture: Learn about the culture and customs of Sri Lanka to ensure a respectful and enjoyable trip.