QUICK SRI LANKA FACTS

Currency: Sri Lankan rupee can be withdrawn from ATMs throughout Sri Lanka, however keep in mind that smaller cities or towns may not have access to ATMs and its recommended to withdraw cash and take it with you.

Power Points: There are a number of Sri Lanka plugs, I would recommend you take a Travel Adapter especially for non Australians.

Official Language: The official languages of Sri Lanka are Sinhalese and Tamil.

Health: There are a few foodborne, waterborne and other infectious diseases that sometimes occur for travellers. I would recommend that you contact your doctor a few weeks before you travel as in some cases you need to start any medication a few days before your trip or you may need to get a vaccination.

Drinking Tap Water: The tap water is generally not safe to drink, its recommended to only drink bottled water.

Visa: You will need to apply online and obtain a valid visa prior to arrival in Sri Lanka.

Popular foods:
– Fish ambul thiyal (sour fish curry, dried goraka gives the soup flavouring in this dish).
– Lamprais (rice is placed in the center of a banana leaf, along with the mixed meat curry).
– Pol Sambol (coconut relish; finely grated coconut, red onions, dried whole chilies or chili powder, lime juice, salt and Maldive fish).
– Wood apple (Southeast Asian fruit about the size of a de-husked coconut).

When to go: While the greatest time to visit Sri Lanka is between December and mid-April, which is regarded as the country’s peak season, the east coast benefits from the usual summer vacation months as well, which are at their finest from May to September.