Things to Know before Visiting Sri Lanka in 2024

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Sri Lanka is a tropical land that attracts lovers of a pleasant beach holiday from all over the world. Where is this country located? Sri Lanka is an island state in South Asia, located near the Indian subcontinent. The island is washed by the waters of the Indian Ocean. It is inhabited by the Sinhalese (they make up about 75% of the total population of Sri Lanka).

Previously, the country was known as Ceylon (this is the Portuguese name that existed from the time of the colonial invasion until 1972). The name “Sri Lanka” in Sanskrit literally means “blessed land”.

Check this ultimate travel guide on the most important things to know before planning trip to Sri Lanka. To read this post is a must for first timers thinking about visit to this country.

Features of Sri Lanka for a tourist

A bit of history

We examined where the country of Sri Lanka is located, and what is its geographical position. Let’s move on to her brief history. It is believed that the island was inhabited 34 thousand years ago. Approximately 8 thousand years ago, people were already engaged in agriculture here, growing oats and barley. In the 6th century A.D. e. Sinhalese arrive in Sri Lanka from the North Indian regions. It is believed that the Buddhist religion came to the island in the III century.

The first ruler of the island is King Vijaya. The history of the country begins from 534 BC. It was then that Vijaya founded a separate state – Tampabani.

In 1505, aggressive conquerors from Portugal arrived in Sri Lanka. In 1660, the Dutch colonizers replaced the Portuguese. After the start of the Napoleonic campaigns, Sri Lanka becomes part of the UK. The British built one of the significant sights of modern Sri Lanka – Nine Arch Bridge . Only in 1948 did the island achieve independence.

Nine arch bridge in Sri Lanka
Nine Arch Bridge

natural conditions

Description of Sri Lanka would be incomplete without mentioning the peculiarities of its nature. Lush rainforests, extensive tea plantations, lost waterfalls and rivers… And, of course, the ocean – all this is wonderful Sri Lanka. Hundreds of species of reptiles, mammals, birds and fish live in the vast territory of Sri Lanka’s national parks and reserves. Many of them are disappearing; they are listed in the Red Book. Elephants, leopards, deer, monkeys, crocodiles and many other exotic animals live on the island.

Climate in Sri Lanka

Economics of a country

Now the population of the island of Sri Lanka is 21.44 million people. What are the locals doing? The economic activity of the population of the island is mainly agriculture and the textile industry.

More than 10% of the world’s tea production is produced on the island. The tourism industry is also playing a growing role in Sri Lanka’s economy.

How to get to the island

Sri Lanka has several international airports. The largest of them is located near Colombo.

How to get to Sri Lanka
International airport in Sri Lanka

Important Points

Consider what you need to know before traveling to Sri Lanka. Firstly, tourists will definitely need a visa. You need to arrange it in advance. You also need a medical insurance policy valid for the entire stay on the island.

As for the currency, it is allowed to be imported to the island without restrictions. But there are exceptions: it is forbidden to bring local, as well as Indian and Pakistani currency. If a tourist has an amount of more than 15 thousand dollars, it must be declared.

Narcotic substances, antiques, materials of atheistic and erotic content, plants, and meat cannot be imported into Sri Lanka.

What vaccinations to do before departure?

Tourists do not require any vaccinations before visiting Sri Lanka. But during a safari in a national park or reserve, there is a risk of being bitten by mosquitoes or other insects. You can drink an antimalarial drug beforehand. It is also recommended to go to the reserve in clothes that cover open parts of the body.

Kitchen

Sri Lankan seasonings and spices are famous all over the world. One of the national dishes of Sri Lanka is curry. It is meat processed with spices, as well as vegetables and rice. Here it is prepared according to the highest class. As for rice, the locals love it very much. It is part of many dishes of Sri Lankan cuisine.

Generally speaking, Sri Lankans eat little meat. The national cuisine of Sri Lanka mainly consists of seafood. But from them simply the darkness of various dishes is prepared. The most delicious soup is called “jafna-kul”. It is made from palm flour, shrimp, rice, crab meat. The classic dish is kiribat. It is made with coconut milk.

Dishes such as lamparis, a Sri Lankan version of a burger, are also popular; as well as “biryani” – chicken pilaf, where they also put nuts, fish and eggs. Dishes are often seasoned with coconut milk. An unusual condiment is often found: umbalacada powder. It is prepared from ground small fish.

Do not be surprised, but many Sri Lankans do not use cutlery. In general, you can eat both with a fork or a spoon, and with your hands – but most importantly, not with your left one. This violates the generally accepted rules here.

Tourists are advised not to drink tap water. Do not forget about frequent hand washing (to avoid intestinal disorders).

National cuisine of Sri Lanka

Prices

In general, food on the island is relatively inexpensive. One serving of shrimp will cost approximately $5. The popular Rotti spring rolls are $2-$3. Soup “Tom Yum” – about 4-5 dollars.

How much money to take with you on a trip? It is believed that for two people for 10 days, excluding accommodation and flights, an amount of 600-700 dollars should be enough. This amount can be spent on food, buying souvenirs.

Features of the character of local residents

The people inhabiting Sri Lanka are very friendly towards tourists. If we talk about the national character, the inhabitants of the island seem to many to be a little slow. At the same time, you may encounter excessive obtrusiveness of sellers and all kinds of “guides”. As you’re a guest in the country, make sure you know how tourists should behave in Sri Lanka.

Locals in Sri Lanka photo

Rules of conduct in special places

If you go to the temple, you should remember the following important rules:

  • It is forbidden to enter sacred places in shorts or miniskirts, T-shirts or T-shirts with bare shoulders or cutouts on the back.
  • It is customary to take off your shoes when entering the temple. Therefore, it is advisable to have an extra pair of socks with you for hygiene purposes. Or you will have to disinfect your feet after visiting the sights.
  • You can not take photos of local residents or temples.
  • It is also forbidden to take photos in front of the Buddha statues.
  • You can not point with your finger and take objects only with your left hand.
  • Some animals are considered sacred. For example, cows should not be offended in any way.
Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka

How to dress for a trip?

All year round in Sri Lanka you can walk in light clothes made of light-colored fabric. It is desirable that it be natural: in synthetics in the heat it will be very uncomfortable. Be sure to get a hat and sunglasses.

In addition, travelers need to take a couple of waterproof things with them: there are often short showers here. You will learn more information about holidays in Sri Lanka from our article.

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