Sri Lanka is a small yet beautiful island country located in the Indian ocean. From gorgeous beaches to tea gardens, affordable homestays to luxurious resorts, and from local food to international cuisine, Srilanka has it all! Whether you're interested in wildlife safaris or whale watching, Sri Lanka is a must-visit destination for every traveler.
Here is all that you need to know before you plan your visit:
VISA FOR INDIANS:
Visa can be applied online and is usually approved in two to three working days.
CURRENCY :
1 Indian Rupee is equivalent to 3.66 Srilankan Rupee(1USD = 305.56 LKR).
However, we realized that our Forex card didn't support Sri Lankan currency, and neither did the currency exchange at Chennai airport offer Sri Lankan rupees. So, the only feasible option we found was to exchange our money to USD and then convert it back to LKR at Bandaranaike Airport, which turned out to be a bit expensive. Nevertheless, we wanted to have cash on hand because cards are not accepted at smaller shops and restaurants, and some driver companies prefer to be paid in cash.
It is wiser to withdraw a larger sum from the ATM at the airport before departure, as this incurs only one-time exchange and service fees. However, our card did not work in all ATMs; it only worked in a couple of banks like Bank of Ceylon. Moreover, ATMs are not as widely available outside of major towns.
FOOD :
Local Sri Lankan cuisine shares similarities with South Indian cooking, particularly in its use of rice and coconut-based recipes, making it feel like comfort food. However, in all popular tourist areas, there are many restaurants that also serve Western food like pancakes and pizzas to cater to the preferences of children and families.
TRANSPORT :
Sri Lanka, being a small island country, allows for easy travel from one coast to another within a matter of hours. It's advisable to hire a vehicle with a driver from a reliable travel company. We chose Ceylon Escapes and were extremely satisfied with their services. While it can be a bit expensive, it's often the best way to travel in Sri Lanka. Make sure to inquire beforehand about the accepted modes of payment by the travel company and prepare accordingly.
ACCOMODATION :
From homestays to plush resorts, Sri Lanka offers an array of accommodation options. We frequently use Agoda and Booking.com to book our stay. These platforms provide a wide range of choices suited to different preferences and budgets.
ATTRACTIONS:
There are a multitude of activities to enjoy in Sri Lanka, from exploring the fascinating Sigiriya to wildlife safaris, whale watching, and visiting turtle hatcheries.
IS IT CHILD FRIENDLY?
Absolutely! There are ample food options for kids at any tourist destination in Sri Lanka. Sri Lankans are kind and generous people, and there are plenty of opportunities for kids to explore the outdoors and wildlife. Be sure to carry your favorite brand of diapers, first aid kit, and weaning food, and you'll hardly have any difficulty exploring Sri Lanka. Don't forget sunscreen and mosquito repellent too!
It is important to remember, that Sri Lanka is a Buddhist country. Wearing clothes with Buddha prints or Buddha body tattoos is locally unacceptable and can lead to a visit to the police station. Additionally, for entry to all religious places, both men and women need to be appropriately dressed.
We loved our time in Sri Lanka, and we hope you enjoy exploring this amazing country just as much!
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