This island country lies in the Indian Ocean and offers an array of experiences from safaris to scuba diving to hiking. They are known for their Ceylon tea, beautiful beaches, and abundance of elephants. Sri Lanka is a great place for all types of travel – you can travel across the country as a backpacker or for a luxurious vacation without breaking the bank.

When To Visit

The rainy season runs from April to September. It is best to visit during the dry season months of December to mid-April. If you can, spend at least a week in the country.

Getting There

There are no direct flights from Canada or the US to Colombo. You will have to connect through the Middle East (Doha or Dubai are 4.5 hours away) or Asia (Singapore is 4.5 hours away and New Delhi is 3.5 hours). You can also connect through Europe, but Sri Lankan airlines is the only airline that offers direct flights.

Getting Around

It is very reasonable to hire a driver for the day. A great reliable drive that speaks English well is Imthaf. His cell number is +94 76 082 9902 and can be contacted through Whatsapp. He charges Rs 18,000 per day (12 hours) for up to 150km of driving. Each additional km is Rs 100. All hotels can also help organize transfers, but it will cost more but are the most reliable and comfortable cars.

Before You Go

Sri Lanka is home to the finest tea in the world which comes from their central province. Ceylon tea is known for its antioxidants and unique flavour. Here you will find delicious black teas, white teas, and green teas. The tea leaves are handpicked by locals and produced through orthodox and artisanal methods. The rolling mountainous landscape covered in tea plants creates breathtaking views that cannot be found elsewhere.

• You need an electronic visa (ETA) to enter Sri Lanka. It costs $52 USD, and you do can apply for it online here: https://eta.gov.lk/slvisa/. It takes only a day or two for it to get approved.
• When you land you need to fill out an arrival form so make sure to do that before seeing the immigration agent.
• You will need to pack a type G converter as the electrical sockets are different. It has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern. Sri Lanka operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.
• Get cash at the airport when you arrive as the exchange rates are the best. You can pull money directly from the ATM or exchange USD at the currency booth. The USD exchange rate is the best rate you will find. You will need cash for tuk tuks and street purchases.
• The currency used is Sri Lankan Rupee (Rs). At the time of writing this article (Jan 2024) $1USD was equivalent to Rs 322.
• Arrack is the local spirit of choice in Sri Lanka and has a licorice flavor. You can find it at all liquor stores and stands and they range in price depending on quality. Coconut arrack is traditionally consumed by itself or with ginger beer, a popular soda in Sri Lanka.
• There is no alcohol for sale on full moon days and religious events.
• There are a lot of mosquitos in Sri Lanka so make sure to bring bug spray.
• If you plan to go to one of the National Parks for a safari, you only really need to stay one night as you will eventually get tired of seeing so many elephants.
  
  

TEA TRAILS

Sri Lanka is home to the finest tea in the world which comes from their central province. Ceylon tea is known for its antioxidants and unique flavour. Here you will find delicious black teas, white teas, and green teas. The tea leaves are handpicked by locals and produced through orthodox and artisanal methods. The rolling mountainous landscape covered in tea plants creates breathtaking views that cannot be found elsewhere.

Getting Around

To get there, it’s best to hire a private driver or organize the transfer through the hotel. The bungalows and villages are spread apart and there isn’t anything within walking distance.

Where To Stay

If you are planning to visit the tea trails, I highly recommend you stay at the Ceylon Tea Trails which is part of the Resplendent Hotel group.  They have 5 historic bungalows that you can choose from, all with different features and styles. Make sure to book the fully inclusive rate as it’s worth it (includes alcoholic drinks and laundry too). The service is above and beyond what you could imagine (you have your own butler), the food is delicious (there is a main chef for each bungalow) and the bungalows make you feel like you are at home with big common areas you can hang out in. All-inclusive Luxury rooms start at $800 USD per night, but they usually have special offers on their website. Make sure to check them before booking. If you email them and tell them that I recommended the hotel, they will extend a 25% discount to your booking (as long as it’s not peak season from Dec 19 to Jan 11).

The Castlereagh Bungalow and the Summerville Bungalow have views of the lake. All bungalows have swimming pools and all bungalows, but Summerville, has a hot tub (but they will be building a hot tub in the off-season this year). They offer in-room spa treatments as well as many activities for an additional cost. They also have driver quarters if you hire a private driver.

What To Do

The Ceylon Tea Trails offer many experiences all of which can be read about here.

• Tea Factory Tour – this tour of the Dunkeld Tea factory is included with your stay and is very interesting. It also includes a tasting of five teas you will learn about. The tour starts at 10:30am and ends at noon.
• Guided Hike – hire a guide to take you trekking around the tea trails. It costs $60 USD for 2 people and an additional $24 US per person after that for up to 3 hours of hiking.
• Adams Peak – this famous mountain has stunning views from the top. It is an 8-hour hike. You can choose to summit early for sunrise if the time of year permits. It costs $180 USD for 2 people and an additional $60 US per person after that.
• Spa treatment in your bungalow – they have many options including a bath ritual. A 1-hour massage costs $110 USD.
• Kayak on Castlereagh Lake – $30 USD per kayak for an hour.

TANGALLE

This beach town on the south side of the island is a great destination for a few days of relaxation. It’s home to many pristine beaches that stretch along the coastline and nearby the Udawalawe National Park. It is about a 3.5 to 4 hour drive from Colombo.

Getting Around

If you didn’t hire a private drier, the best way to get around is by tuk tuk. Prices are very cheap. It costs Rs 2500 to go from the Ruhunu Diving Center to Kayaam House. Some of the smaller road that aren’t a main road are not paved and have a lot of pot holes so it’s best to account for a bit more travel time if staying off the main road.

Where To Stay

• Kayaam House – this hotel is part of the Resplendent hotel group and only has 8 rooms. It has great service, a beautiful pool and beach access. Their restaurant is delicious as well. Make sure to try their Sri Lankan curries for $12 USD per person. A room here for two people costs ~$300 USD. This hotel doesn’t include drivers quarters.
• Amanwella – if you are looking to splurge, stay here as it is one of the most over the top experiences. Each suite has its own cabana with a private. Suites start at $1300 USD per night to stay here and daily breakfast, daily afternoon tea, non-alcoholic beverages and a private dinner for two by the pool are included.  

What To Do

• Go scuba diving – go early in the morning when the visibility is better. Ruhunu Diving Center offers diving, including certification. Two dives costs $90 USD.
• Swim with Blue Whales – this is one of three places in the world where you can swim with blue whales. Of course, like all whale watching, you are never guaranteed to see them but it is worth trying! Most hotels offer an excursion on a catamaran to do this which can get pricy and will cost about $144 USD per person plus a transfer to Marissa Harbor and back, but you can find a local to take you out in a smaller fishing boat for $400 USD (for 4 people). Boats leave early in the morning, at around 6am when its starts to get light out.
• Relax by the Pool or Beach – Tangalle has great sandy beaches, and most of them are not busy. Silent Beach is a great one to visit. Swim in the warm Indian ocean but make sure you’re cautious as some days there is a strong surge, especially during the monsoon season.
• Go fishing – if you like fishing, you can find a local to take you out for a cheap price compared to North America. A 4-hour fishing trip for 4 people will cost $160 USD (it is cheaper if you have less people). Many boats depart from Silent Beach.

COLOMBO

To get to Sri Lanka, you will fly in and out of Colombo. If you have the time, spend a day in the capital city as you will find some great restaurants and local goods. If you have an early flight leaving the city, it’s a good idea to spend the night in Colombo to be closer to the airport as traffic from other parts of the country are unpredictable.

Getting Around

Tuk Tuks are easily found driving around the city and are a cheap way to get around. Make sure to negotiate the price of the ride prior to getting in. Another easy way to get around is Uber, although when it rains, it sometimes takes a very long time to get a car.

Where To Stay

• Srilax Hotel – a small house that consists of 5 rooms and a café on the bottom floor. Rooms are clean and spacious with AC. One night costs ~$50-$60 USD for 2 people.
• Galle Face Hotel – a historic waterfront hotel located in the heart of the city. One night costs ~$75-$100 USD for 2 people.

Where to Eat & Drink

• Ministry of Crab – Voted the top restaurant in Sri Lanka and one of the best in Asia. They have locally sourced ingredients and serve Sri Lanka’s legendary mud crab prepared in multiple different ways, as well as king prawns. It is located in the old Dutch Hospital. A reservation is a must.
• Uncles – A bar serving great cocktails from 5pm until late.