How to plan a trip to Sri Lanka

From its golden beaches and incredible wildlife, to remarkable UNESCO-designated wonders created by ancient civilisations, Sri Lanka is nothing but gloriously diverse. While it’s possible to cover a range of landscapes and experiences in a single trip, doing that takes some research and organization. With that in mind, here we share detail on how to plan a trip to Sri Lanka — from deciding when to go, and sharing how you might configure your Sri Lanka itinerary to include as many of your must-see attractions as possible, through to deciding what to pack.

How to plan a trip to Sri Lanka: Step 1 — set parameters

When to do this: at least 6 months before your trip 

At this early planning stage, while it's worth taking inspiration from the best things to do in Sri Lanka, it’s wise to set basic parameters for your trip before getting too distracted by the allures of particular places.

By which we mean, start out by arming yourself with bigger-picture information that’ll inform the rest of your plans.

When’s the best time to visit Sri Lanka? 

When it comes to figuring out when to go to Sri Lanka, the best time depends on where you plan to visit. This comes as a result of the island experiencing monsoon season in different areas at different times of the year.

The main southwest (“Yala”) monsoon brings rain to the west and southwest coasts and the hill country from April/May through to September, and is at its wettest from April to June.

Meanwhile, the less severe northeast (“Maha”) monsoon hits the east coast from November to March, with November to December being the wettest period.

Overall, the best months to visit the West and South Coast of Sri Lanka, and the Hill Country, is from December to April, while weather on the East Coast and Northern Sr Lanka is most favorable from May to September.

How many days are enough in Sri Lanka?

The answer to that question pretty much depends on how big your must-see list winds up being, how much you want to pack into your vacation (versus planning a vacation that’s more about slow travel relaxation), and your budget.

On balance, 10 days is good starting point  to have in mind as a minimum.

For more food for thought when consider how long to spend in Sri Lanka, check out our suggested customisable Sri Lanka itineraries. If you can stretch to two weeks, our 14 days in Sri Lanka itinerary delivers a great blend of beaches, nature and culture.

Short on time? Our 7 days in Sri Lanka itinerary proves you can actually see plenty in just a week. 

Alternatively, contact our local Sri Lanka travel experts to have them curate your perfect trip, tailored to your interests, for any duration. 

How much does a trip to Sri Lanka cost? 

When it comes to working out how much a trip to Sri Lanka might cost, that comes down to what type of travel you’re into. That is to say, are you in the market for a budget, mid-range or luxury travel experience? 

In good news, Sri Lanka can be explored in all three contexts, with the likes of accommodation, restaurants, activities and transport available for pretty much all budgets. Even safaris can be enjoyed for a relatively modest amount.

Keeping that proviso in mind, here are ballpark estimates of a cost of a 2-week trip to Sri Lanka, excluding your international flights:

Mid-range accommodation: expect to pay $40 to $60 a night for a double room in 2 or 3-star hotels. 

Food and drink: mid-range travelers typically spend around $30 a day on food and drink.

Transport: costs can vary a lot here, depending on how much ground you’re covering. Traveling locally in tuk-tuks and short bus and train journeys might average $5 a day, while hiring private drivers and covering bigger distance can stack up to $500 across the two weeks.

Activities and sightseeing: allocate $100-$200 per person for entrance fees to attractions and guided tours.

Miscellaneous costs: budget an additional $100 to $200 for shopping, tips, and other personal expenses.

Estimated total cost: $1500 to $2000

Do I need a visa to visit Sri Lanka?

Travelers from many countries, including the U.S. and U.K., should obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before entering Sri Lanka. This can be done online through Sri Lanka's official ETA portal: eta.gov.lk.

The standard ETA allows for a 30-day stay with double entry privileges, which means travelers can enter Sri Lanka twice within the 30-day period.

While it is possible to obtain a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka, this can hold things up, so better to get the ETA online in advance.

It's advisable to apply at least a week before your departure.

You should also check your passport is valid for at least six months from your intended date of arrival in Sri Lanka — this is a mandatory requirement.

Is Sri Lanka safe?

While Sri Lanka is generally considered a safe destination for travelers, for current information on the security situation and any political unrest in Sri Lanka, keep an eye on UK Foreign Travel advice and the US State Department.

Also note that protests and demonstrations can occur, sometimes leading to the disruption of roads and public transport. It's best to avoid large gatherings and stay updated through local news sources. 

As all over the world, pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, especially in crowded areas and on public transport — keep your belongings secure and your eyes open.

Always drink bottled or purified water to prevent waterborne illnesses, and be mindful of the fact that diseases like dengue fever are present, so use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants, and sleep under mosquito nets in affected areas.

As mentioned above, Sri Lanka experiences monsoon seasons, which can lead to heavy rainfall and flooding, so make sure you’re aware of the seasonal weather patterns of the places you’re visiting.

Do I need any vaccinations for Sri Lanka?

We suggest consulting with a travel health professional or your doctor at least 6 to 8 weeks before you intend to travel. Here are some vaccinations they might recommend you have ahead of your trip to Sri Lanka.

Hepatitis A: transmitted through contaminated food and water.

Typhoid: also spread via contaminated food and water.

Rabies: present in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Sri Lanka, vaccination is recommended for extended stays, especially if you'll be in remote areas.

Japanese Encephalitis: a mosquito-borne disease prevalent in rural areas, especially during monsoon seasons. Vaccination is recommended for long-term travelers or those spending significant time in rural regions.

In addition, note that Sri Lanka requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you're arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. Also, while Sri Lanka is considered malaria-free, mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever are present. 

So, you should take preventive measures against mosquito bites — use repellents, wear long sleeves, and sleep under mosquito nets.

For more practical information, read our Sri Lanka travel advice.

• What are the key areas to visit in Sri Lanka?
• Can I combine different regions in a single trip?
• How to get around Sri Lanka

What are the key areas to visit in Sri Lanka?

Read on for a breakdown of the key regions to consider including in your trip to Sri Lanka, along with the kinds of experiences they’re best for, and how visiting these areas might be combined with other regions in a single itinerary. Here we also highlight the best cities in Sri Lanka.

Cultural Triangle: best for UNESCO sites, ancient ruins and elephants

Though the plains of northern Sri Lanka around were long known as Rajarata — “The King’s Land” — these days it’s generally referred to as the Cultural Triangle.

The three points of this imaginary triangle lie at the great Sinhalese capitals of Kandy in the south (more on that later), Anuradhapura in the north and Polonnaruwa in the east.

Key places to visit:

• Sigiriya – an iconic Lion Rock fortress.
• Anuradhapura – ancient stupas and Buddhist relics.
• Polonnaruwa – remarkably well-preserved medieval ruins.
• Dambulla – a splendid rock cave temple with Buddhist murals.
• Minneriya National Park— located close to Habarana, this offers thrilling elephant safaris.

Can the Cultural Triangle be combined with other regions? Yes, the Cultural Triangle is easily combined with Kandy and the Hill Country — more on that right below.

Kandy and the Central Highlands (Hill Country): best for glorious scenery, tea plantations and temples

Focussed on Kandy, Sri Lanka’s second city, the lush, green central highlands of Sri Lanka play host to notable cultural attractions and scenic hikes. 

Key places to visit:

• Kandy – cultural capital of the region, and home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic.
• Nuwara Eliya – nicknamed “Little England”, this is known for its tea estates.
• Ella – a popular place to hike, thanks to Ella Rock and Little Adam’s Peak.
• Horton Plains National Park — a scenic plateau, with hikes to World’s End viewpoint serving epic views.

Can Kandy be combined with other areas?  Yes – Kandy is well connected to the Cultural Triangle, and Southern Sri Lanka via the scenic Ella train journey.

South Coast: best for beaches, whale watching, surfing and wildlife safaris

South Sri Lanka serves everything from extraordinary wildlife safaris, to world-class surf beaches, with the city of Galle inviting cultural exploration.

Key places to visit:

• Galle – this pretty colonial-era city features a UNESCO-designated fort.
• Unawatuna and Mirissa – these towns boast popular beach resorts beloved by surfers, including some of the best beaches in Sri Lanka. Mirissa is also a whale-watching hotspot.
• Yala National Park – Sri Lanka’s most-visited national park is a top place to see leopards.
• Uda Walawe National Park – esteemed for its elephant population.

Can the South Coast be combined with other areas? Yes, it can be reached from Ella (Hill Country) and extended to the West Coast (Colombo).

East Coast: best for lesser-visited beaches, surfing and laidback vibes

Sri Lanka’s east coast is pretty much a mirror image of its west — meteorologically and culturally. 

That is to say, when the west experiences monsoon conditions, it’s largely clear and sunny in the east. And, while the west coast is mainly Sinhalese, the east is largely Tamil and Muslim. 

Also largely untouched and pretty tourist-free, there are plenty of reasons to visit Sri Lanka’s east coast.

Key places to visit:

• Arugam Bay — a relaxed surfing spot.
• Trincomalee — a top place to watch whales and explore lesser-visited temples.
• Batticaloa — a lesser-visited beach town with lagoons.
• Pigeon Island National Park — famous for its colorful corals, reef sharks and turtles, this is a great place to dive and snorkel.

Can the East Coast be combined with other areas?  Yes, but doing this demands a longer itinerary. Also note that rhe East Coast is best visited May–September.

Colombo and the West Coast: best for blending urban exploration with beaches 

While most visitors tend to land in Colombo and scoot off to the Hill Country or south coast, there are a few reasons to factor in sending some time in the capital and along the Sri Lanka’s west coast. 

 Key places to visit:

• Colombo – Sri Lanka’s very busy capital is loaded with museums, temples and markets.
• Negombo – a busy beach resort town near the airport.
• Bentota – pretty much halfway between Colombo and Galle, this beach resort area boasts golden sands and Buddhist temples.

Can you combine visiting Colombo with other areas? Yes – Colombo is usually the start and/or or end point of trips to Sri Lanka.

How to get around Sri Lanka

When it comes to getting around Sri Lanka, your choices will be dictated by your budget and how much time you have, along with — of course — how much ground you’re keen to cover during your trip.

By train 

Traveling by train is a great option for many popular routes, and often very scenic. For example, the classic train journey from Kandy to Ella is sublime, thanks to all the lush tea plantations it passes.

Traveling by train between Colombo and Galle, and from the south coast to Galle on a day trip, is also easy and very affordable. 

Just be aware that trains can be slow and are often delayed. Also, tickets sell out fast, so book in advance for 1st-class seats.

By bus

Cheap and plentiful, buses are also often very crowded, especially the red public buses.. For longer journeys, you can book coaches between the likes of Colombo and Kandy.

Private drivers

If you’re visiting Sri Lanka for a pretty short time (say, stays of 2-3 weeks), it’s worth considering enlisting the services of a private driver. 

This option is safer, more comfortable, and more reliable than public transport, and you can ask your accommodation to help you source someone.

By tuk-tuk

For short city rides, or to explore around your chosen town, village or beach area, tuk-tuks are the way to go from A to B.

How to get to Sri Lanka

While our guide to how to get to Sri Lanka provides more detail, here’s an overview of that topic.

From the United States

Travelers from the U.S. to Sri Lanka typically have one or more layovers in hubs like Doha, Dubai, London or Paris.

Carriers like Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways and Turkish Airlines operate flights from various U.S. cities to Colombo with connections.

While the total travel time varies depending on your on your layover situation, it generally ranges from 20 to 24 hours.

From the UK

If you’re coming from the UK, direct flights to Sri Lanka are available from several airports. 

For example, carriers like SriLankan Airlines, British Airways, and Emirates operate frequent flights from London Heathrow, Gatwick, Dublin, and other major airports to Colombo. 

The flight duration from London to Colombo is 10-12 hours.

Where to stay in Sri Lanka 

Accommodation in Sri Lanka covers everything from swish international hotels in the likes of Colombo, and well-appointed boutique resorts by the beach or in the Cultural Triangle, through to basic beach shacks. It’s all a question of your budget and travel tastes. 

Some of Sri Lanka’s finest hotels — especially in the hill country — are located in old colonial buildings. As a result, they offer a taste of the lifestyle and ambience of bygone days,

Sri Lanka is also realising its eco-tourism potential, and now boasts more eco-oriented hotels and lodges. 

Note that prices in most coastal areas are subject to the biggest seasonal variations, the most pronounced of which is along the west coast, where rates at almost all places rise (usually by between 25 and 50%) from November 1 through to mid- or late-April. 

As a result — and as always — you’ll want to research accommodation early, and book it early, too. 

Step 4: Pre-book your top tours and activities 

When to do this: at least 4 months before

To make sure you don’t miss out — and to save yourself hassle and time when you arrive in Sri Lanka — it’s sensible to pre-book your must-do activities and tours.

Questions to consider and take action on: what attractions and experiences should be booked in advance of my trip to Sri Lanka?

If any of the following have made it onto your Sri Lanka itinerary, we suggest you book them before you travel.

• Kandy to Ella train: tickets for this iconic train journey, especially first-class and observation carriages, often sell out quickly. Best to book these seats in advance through the railway stations or reputable travel agencies. 
• Wildlife safaris: heading to Yala or Udawalawe National Park? Pre-book safaris through your accommodation or local tour agencies to make sure you go in the company of a reputable guide.
• Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Dambulla Cave Temple: while on-site tickets are available, pre-book guided tours to enhance the experience.
• Whale-watching in Mirissa: tours are seasonal and can fill up quickly, so it's best to reserve in advance.

You could also up your chance of savoring every second by having our local travel experts curate your ideal Sri Lanka itinerary. That way, all the work of booking transfers, accommodation and tours will have been handled for you.