Everything you'd ask a local friend.

Most visitors need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Apply online at eta.gov.lk before you fly, or get one on arrival at Colombo (Bandaranaike) airport — though pre-applying is faster.

The ETA is valid for a 30-day stay and double entry, and can be extended in-country at the immigration office in Colombo. Fees vary by nationality (typically USD 50–75 for tourists).

Sri Lanka has two monsoons running on opposite schedules, so somewhere on the island is in dry season year-round.

• December to March — peak season. Best for the cultural triangle, hill country and south/west coasts (Galle, Mirissa, Bentota).
• May to September — best for the east coast: Trincomalee for beaches, Arugam Bay for surf, Pasikuda for snorkelling.
• February–April — best for whale watching off Mirissa.
• June–August — best for leopard sightings in Yala (drier, animals concentrate near waterholes).

The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). ATMs are widely available in towns and major tourist areas; most mid-range and luxury hotels, restaurants and shops accept Visa and Mastercard.

We recommend carrying some cash for tuk-tuks, roadside stalls, temple donations and tips. Bring USD or EUR for easy exchange at the airport or banks — exchange rates at hotels are usually less favourable.

Yes. Sri Lanka is considered a safe destination, including for solo women travellers. Petty crime is rare in tourist areas and locals are famously welcoming. Standard travel precautions apply — use registered taxis or pre-arranged drivers at night, dress modestly at religious sites, and watch your belongings in busy areas like Pettah market in Colombo.

Our team is on WhatsApp throughout your trip and our drivers are full-time staff who undergo regular passenger-safety training.

• Light, breathable clothing (cotton and linen) for the lowlands
• A light jumper or fleece for hill country evenings — Nuwara Eliya can drop to 10°C
• Modest layers for temple visits: shoulders and knees covered, easy-to-remove shoes
• Reef-safe sunscreen and a hat
• Insect repellent (DEET-based) for evenings and safari
• A reusable water bottle — most hotels offer refill stations
• Good walking shoes for Sigiriya, Little Adam's Peak and Pidurangala
• A universal adapter (Sri Lanka uses Type D, M and G sockets)

Every Shey Lanka itinerary includes a private guide-driver in an air-conditioned vehicle — by far the most comfortable and flexible way to see the country, given the small distances but slow roads.

We often build in a leg or two of the iconic Kandy–Ella train (in 1st or observation class) because the views are unmissable, while your driver meets you at the station.

No vaccinations are mandatory for entry from most countries, but consult your travel clinic — Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Tetanus boosters are commonly recommended. Dengue exists; pack repellent. Drink bottled or filtered water; tap water is not recommended for tourists.

Tipping is appreciated but not aggressive. As a guideline: 10% at restaurants if service isn't included, LKR 200–500 for hotel porters, USD 10–15 per day for your driver-guide, and small tips at temples and for safari trackers. Your specialist can suggest amounts before you travel.