Travel guide
Know before you go
Practical, up-to-date advice to help you plan a smooth and unforgettable Sri Lanka trip.
Before you fly
Arrival essentials
Visa, connectivity, money and packing — the practicals first-timers ask about most.
How to apply for a Sri Lanka e-Visa (ETA)
Step-by-step walkthrough of the official ETA: free tourist visas for 40 countries from 25 May 2026, documents, fees, and how to avoid fake portals.
Extending a tourist visa in Sri Lanka
How to extend beyond your first 30 days: online e-Visa Extension portal, Battaramulla walk-in, documents, timing, and the staged 30 → 60 → 90 day structure up to ~270 days.
Best eSIM / SIM options for travellers
Dialog vs Mobitel, airport SIMs vs pre-installed eSIMs, coverage in the hill country, and a practical buy-before-you-fly vs buy-on-landing decision tree.
Driving in Sri Lanka: IDP & recognition permit
You generally cannot drive on a foreign licence alone. AAC recognition (with IDP) vs DMT temporary permit at the airport or Werahera — documents, costs, and when to hire a driver instead.
Money, cards & ATMs
Rupees day-to-day: where cards work, how to use ATMs safely, exchanging cash, tipping norms, and a simple daily float strategy.
What to pack for Sri Lanka
One bag for hot coasts, cool tea country, temple dress codes, monsoon squalls, and safari dust — with a plug-type cheat sheet.
Getting Around
Navigating The Pekoe Trail
How to walk Sri Lanka’s flagship tea-country long-distance trail: stages, fitness, guides, weather windows, and packing for misty ridges.
First-Timer's Guide to Sri Lanka's Train Journeys
How to book Kandy–Ella and other scenic services on the official seat reservation site, which class to choose, and how to combine trains with a driver for luggage.
Culture & Food
Decoding Sri Lankan Rice & Curry
How a proper rice-and-curry spread works, what sambols are, how to ask for milder spice, and what to order on the coast vs in the hills.
Temple Etiquette in Sri Lanka
Practical dos and don’ts at Buddhist and Hindu sites: dress, shoes, photos, offerings, and how to behave around monks and sacred images.
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