Sri Lanka Travel Guide 2026: Temples, Tea Country, Beaches and Wildlife

Sri Lanka has a way of exceeding expectations. Travelers arrive expecting beaches and temples and leave having experienced one of the most complete travel destinations on Earth — a country where you can explore 2,500-year-old ruins in the morning, ride a train through emerald tea plantations in the afternoon, spot wild elephants before dinner, and fall asleep listening to the Indian Ocean from a beach bungalow at night. The island sits just north of the equator in the Indian Ocean, connected to India by a chain of limestone shoals that nearly forms a land bridge, and its compact size — roughly 65,000 square kilometers — means that no two points on the island are more than a day's drive apart.

The country emerged from a devastating civil war in 2009 and has rebuilt its tourism infrastructure remarkably well. Roads have improved dramatically, a new expressway connects Colombo to the south coast in under two hours, and a growing network of boutique hotels and guesthouses offers accommodation at every price point. Sri Lankans are famously hospitable — the kind of genuine warmth where strangers invite you into their homes for tea, tuk-tuk drivers become impromptu tour guides, and every question is answered with a smile. The food is spectacular, the wildlife is world-class, the history stretches back millennia, and the whole experience costs a fraction of what you would spend in Southeast Asia's more established destinations. This guide covers the entire island, the logistics that matter, realistic costs for 2026, and the itineraries that make the most of this extraordinary country.

When to Visit Sri Lanka

Understanding the Two Monsoons

Sri Lanka's weather is governed by two monsoon systems that affect different parts of the island at different times, which means there is no single best time to visit — it depends on where you want to go. The southwest monsoon (Yala) brings rain to the west and south coasts and the hill country from May through September. The northeast monsoon (Maha) drenches the east coast and northern regions from October through January. The practical upshot is that when one coast is wet, the other is dry, so Sri Lanka is genuinely a year-round destination if you plan your route around the weather.

Best for the South and West Coast: December to March

The classic Sri Lanka season runs from December through March, when the south and west coasts enjoy dry, sunny weather with calm seas perfect for swimming and surfing. The hill country around Ella and Nuwara Eliya is at its driest and clearest, making this the ideal window for the famous train journeys. The Cultural Triangle in the north-central interior — Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura — is also dry during this period. Temperatures along the coast hover around 28-32°C (82-90°F) with comfortable humidity. This is peak tourist season, so popular areas like Unawatuna, Mirissa, and Ella will be busy and prices run 30-50% higher than shoulder season rates.

Best for the East Coast: April to September

When the southwest monsoon hits the popular south coast, the east coast comes alive. Trincomalee, Nilaveli, and Arugam Bay enjoy warm, dry weather from April through September, with Arugam Bay in particular becoming a magnet for surfers chasing consistent right-hand point breaks. The east coast remains less developed and less crowded than the south, with a more rugged, laid-back atmosphere and significantly lower prices. Whale watching off Trincomalee runs from March through August, offering an alternative to the Mirissa season. Temperatures are similar to the south coast, and the water is warm and clear.

The Cultural Triangle: Ancient Cities and Sacred Sites

Sigiriya: The Lion Rock Fortress

Sigiriya is the single most dramatic sight in Sri Lanka and one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in all of Asia. A massive column of rock — 200 meters tall and visible for miles across the surrounding plain — rises from dense jungle, and perched on its flat summit are the ruins of a 5th-century royal fortress and palace complex built by King Kashyapa, who chose this seemingly impossible location as his capital after seizing the throne from his father. The climb to the top follows a series of staircases and walkways clinging to the rock face, passing through the famous Lion Gate (where two enormous carved lion paws mark the entrance to the final steep ascent), past sheltered galleries containing exquisite frescoes of celestial maidens painted 1,500 years ago and still vivid in their detail, and along the Mirror Wall, once polished to a reflective shine and now covered in ancient graffiti dating back over a thousand years.

The summit is extraordinary — the foundations of the palace, the royal swimming pool carved into the living rock, garden terraces, and panoramic views across an endless carpet of jungle in every direction. Arrive at opening time (7am) to beat the heat and the tour groups. The climb takes 60-90 minutes and involves steep staircases with minimal shade, so bring water and start early. The surrounding gardens at the base, with their sophisticated hydraulic engineering including fountains that still function during the rainy season using the original 5th-century plumbing, are worth exploring before or after the climb. For a less crowded alternative with similar views, consider climbing nearby Pidurangala Rock, a 20-minute tuk-tuk ride away, which offers the best vantage point for photographing Sigiriya itself.

Polonnaruwa: The Medieval Capital

Polonnaruwa served as Sri Lanka's capital from the 11th to the 13th century, and the ruins here are more compact and arguably more atmospheric than the better-known sites. The Quadrangle, the ancient city's sacred heart, contains a remarkable concentration of Buddhist structures within a raised terrace — the Vatadage, a circular relic house with beautifully carved moonstones and guard stones at each entrance, is one of the finest examples of classical Sinhalese architecture. The Gal Vihara, a group of four Buddha figures carved from a single granite cliff face, is perhaps the most beautiful rock sculpture in Sri Lanka — the 14-meter reclining Buddha, serene in its final moment before entering nirvana, has an expressiveness that transcends its stone medium.

The site is large enough that renting a bicycle is the best way to explore — several shops near the entrance rent basic bikes for a few hundred rupees per day, and the flat terrain and shaded paths make cycling pleasant even in the heat. A half day is sufficient for the main ruins, but the scattered outlying monasteries reward a full day of exploration. The small archaeological museum near the entrance provides useful context, and the ancient irrigation tanks (reservoirs) that surround the city — some covering thousands of acres — are engineering marvels that still supply water to the region's rice paddies today.

Anuradhapura: The Sacred City

Anuradhapura is the oldest and most sacred of Sri Lanka's ancient capitals, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that served as the seat of Sinhalese power for over 1,400 years. The city is a living pilgrimage site rather than a ruin — white-clad devotees stream through the grounds daily, offering flowers and prayers at stupas that rank among the largest ancient structures on Earth. The Ruwanwelisaya dagoba, with its gleaming white dome rising 55 meters above the surrounding plain, is awe-inspiring in its simplicity and scale. The Jetavanaramaya, built in the 3rd century, was once the third-tallest structure in the ancient world after the Great Pyramids. The Sri Maha Bodhi, a sacred fig tree grown from a cutting of the original tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment, is believed to be the oldest historically documented tree on Earth — planted in 288 BC and continuously venerated for over 2,300 years.

The ruins are spread across a vast area, and a bicycle or tuk-tuk is essential for covering the main sites. Unlike Sigiriya, which draws predominantly tourists, Anuradhapura is deeply important to Sri Lankan Buddhists, and the atmosphere is one of active devotion rather than archaeological curiosity. Dress modestly (covered shoulders and knees), remove shoes before entering temple precincts, and be respectful of worshippers. The ancient monasteries and royal pleasure gardens on the outskirts are quieter and often more atmospheric than the main pilgrimage sites.

Dambulla Cave Temple

The Dambulla Cave Temple complex, perched atop a massive rock outcrop between Sigiriya and Kandy, contains five caves filled with over 150 Buddha statues and ceiling paintings covering nearly 2,100 square meters — the largest and best-preserved collection of cave art in Sri Lanka. The paintings date from the 1st century BC to the 18th century and depict Buddhist cosmology in vivid color. The reclining Buddha carved into the rock in Cave 1 stretches 14 meters along the cave wall, and the interplay of natural rock formations with painted surfaces gives the caves an otherworldly quality that photographs cannot capture. The climb to the caves takes about 20 minutes up stone steps and rewards you with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. This site is usually combined with a Sigiriya visit on the same day.

Kandy and the Hill Country

Kandy: The Last Royal Capital

Kandy sits in a natural amphitheater of green hills surrounding a picturesque artificial lake in the center of the island. It was the last independent Sinhalese kingdom, holding out against European colonial powers for over three centuries before finally falling to the British in 1815, and it retains a distinct cultural identity as the heartland of Sinhalese Buddhist tradition. The Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa), which houses a sacred tooth relic of the Buddha, is Sri Lanka's most important religious site. The temple compound, with its moated walls, octagonal tower, and richly decorated interior halls, comes alive during the daily puja ceremonies when the inner chamber housing the relic is opened — the sound of drums, the scent of incense, and the press of devotees create an atmosphere of intense reverence.

Beyond the temple, Kandy rewards aimless wandering. The lake promenade is pleasant in the early morning and evening. The central market is one of the best in the country — a chaotic, colorful collection of stalls selling everything from spices and tropical fruit to handmade batik fabrics. The Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, a few kilometers outside the city, cover 60 hectares of beautifully maintained grounds with an extraordinary collection of orchids, a giant Javan fig tree with a canopy covering 2,500 square meters, and an avenue of royal palms planted in 1905 that remains one of the most photographed sights in Sri Lanka. Kandy is also the best place to see traditional Kandyan dance, performed nightly at several venues — the dancers' elaborate costumes, acrobatic movements, and fire-walking finale are genuinely impressive.

The Kandy to Ella Train: Asia's Most Scenic Rail Journey

The train ride from Kandy to Ella is routinely cited as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world, and for once the hype is entirely justified. Over roughly seven hours (on a good day — Sri Lankan trains do not run to Swiss schedules), the blue train climbs from Kandy's lake at 500 meters into the misty heart of Sri Lanka's hill country, passing through a landscape of emerald tea plantations clinging to steep hillsides, crossing vertiginous viaducts over deep valleys, threading through tunnels and past waterfalls, and stopping at tiny stations where women in colorful saris sell snacks through the open windows. The most spectacular section runs between Nanuoya and Ella, with the Nine Arch Bridge — a graceful colonial-era viaduct set against a backdrop of mountains and jungle — as the visual highlight.

Book second or third class for the full experience — first class has air conditioning and sealed windows, which defeats the purpose entirely. Second class observation seats (at the rear of the train with large windows) offer the best views but sell out weeks in advance; book online at seatreservation.railway.gov.lk as soon as your dates are confirmed. If you cannot get reserved seats, show up early at Kandy station and board the unreserved second or third class carriages — the doors stay open throughout the journey, and hanging from the doorway with the wind in your face and tea country rolling past is one of those travel experiences you remember for the rest of your life. Bring snacks, water, and a light layer — the temperature drops noticeably as you climb above 1,500 meters.

Ella: The Backpacker's Paradise

Ella is a small hill town at roughly 1,000 meters elevation that has become one of Sri Lanka's most popular destinations, and despite the inevitable gentrification that comes with popularity, it retains genuine charm. The town itself is essentially one main street lined with guesthouses, cafes, and restaurants, but the surrounding landscape is spectacular — a gap in the mountains called Ella Gap frames a view that drops away nearly a kilometer to the southern plains, and on clear mornings you can see all the way to the coast. The main activities are walking and hiking. Little Adam's Peak, a 45-minute climb through tea plantations, offers panoramic views for minimal effort. Ella Rock, a more challenging two-to-three-hour hike, rewards with even broader vistas. The Nine Arch Bridge, a ten-minute walk from town, is most photogenic in the early morning light or when the train passes across it (check the schedule at your guesthouse).

The area around Ella is also prime tea country. The Uva region produces some of the finest Ceylon tea, and several factories offer tours where you can follow the process from leaf to cup. The Lipton Seat viewpoint, about an hour's drive from Ella in the Dambatenne estate, was where Sir Thomas Lipton supposedly sat each morning to survey his tea empire — the views across an endless ocean of tea bushes rolling over mountain ridges are breathtaking, particularly in the morning before clouds build. Ravana Falls, a broad, dramatic waterfall just outside town, is impressive during the wet season and has a small natural pool at the base where you can cool off after a hike.

Nuwara Eliya: Little England in the Tropics

Nuwara Eliya sits at 1,900 meters and feels nothing like the rest of Sri Lanka. Built by the British as a hill station retreat from the lowland heat, the town has a distinctly English character — a Tudor-style post office, a colonial-era golf course, red-brick buildings, and temperatures that rarely exceed 20°C during the day and can drop to near freezing at night. The surrounding landscape of tea plantations, eucalyptus forests, and misty valleys is hauntingly beautiful. The town is the gateway to Horton Plains National Park, a unique ecosystem of montane grassland and cloud forest at 2,100 meters elevation. The park's highlight is World's End, a sheer cliff that drops 880 meters straight down — the view from the precipice, when the clouds cooperate, is staggering. Start the walk at dawn (the park opens at 6am) to reach World's End before clouds typically roll in around 10am and obscure the view entirely.

The South Coast: Beaches, Surfing and Whales

Galle: The Dutch Fort City

Galle, on the southwestern tip of the island, is Sri Lanka's most atmospheric coastal town. The Dutch-built fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating from 1663, encloses a compact grid of cobblestone streets lined with colonial architecture that has been beautifully repurposed into boutique hotels, art galleries, cafes, and shops. Walking the fort walls at sunset, with the Indian Ocean crashing against the ramparts on one side and the terracotta rooftops of the old town glowing on the other, is one of Sri Lanka's most memorable experiences. The fort is living — people go about their daily lives within its walls, children play cricket on the green, and the lighthouse at the southern point guides ships as it has for over a century.

The surrounding coast stretches southeast in a string of beaches that vary in character. Unawatuna, just a few minutes from Galle, is a sheltered crescent of golden sand with calm, swimmable water and a well-developed (some would say over-developed) strip of restaurants and guesthouses. Dalawella and Talpe, slightly further along, are quieter and more scenic. Weligama, a wide bay with gentle waves, is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to learn to surf — several schools rent boards and offer lessons to complete beginners. The iconic stilt fishermen of Weligama, perched on narrow poles above the surf, are still active at dawn though increasingly perform for tourists during the day.

Mirissa: Whale Watching Capital

Mirissa is a small beach town that has become famous for two things: a gorgeous curve of palm-backed beach, and some of the best blue whale watching on the planet. From November through April, the deep waters off Mirissa's coast become a feeding ground for blue whales — the largest animals ever to have lived on Earth — as they migrate through the shipping lanes south of Sri Lanka. Whale watching boats depart early in the morning, and sighting rates during peak season (January-March) regularly exceed 90%. Seeing a blue whale surface just meters from your boat — the sheer impossible size of the animal, the explosive exhale from the blowhole, the casual roll of the body revealing a back that seems to go on forever — is genuinely one of the great wildlife experiences available anywhere on Earth.

Choose your operator carefully. The industry is largely unregulated, and some boats approach whales too closely or chase them aggressively, which causes stress to the animals and has led to collisions. Look for operators who follow responsible watching guidelines — maintaining distance, approaching from the side rather than head-on, limiting time near individual whales, and not chasing pods. Raja and the Whales is widely considered one of the more responsible operators. Expect to pay roughly $40-60 per person for a morning trip. Seasickness is common in the open ocean — take medication before boarding and sit near the back of the boat.

Tangalle and the Deep South

Further east from Mirissa, the south coast becomes wilder and less developed. Tangalle is a large, quiet beach town with a spectacular stretch of coastline — long, empty beaches backed by rocky headlands, with powerful surf that is dramatic to watch but often too rough for swimming. The area is ideal for travelers seeking solitude and natural beauty rather than a scene. Mulkirigala Rock Temple, an hour inland from Tangalle, is a smaller, less visited version of Dambulla — cave temples perched on a dramatic rock formation with excellent paintings and panoramic views from the summit. Yala National Park, Sri Lanka's most famous wildlife reserve, is accessible from Tissamaharama, the last major town before the coast turns north toward the east.

Wildlife: Leopards, Elephants, and Blue Whales

Yala National Park

Yala is home to one of the highest densities of leopards anywhere in the world, and it is one of the most reliable places on Earth to see these elusive cats in the wild. The park covers over 1,000 square kilometers of scrubby dry-zone forest, lagoons, and coastline, and the relatively open vegetation and the leopards' habituated tolerance of vehicles mean that sightings — while never guaranteed — are remarkably common, particularly in Block 1 during the dry season (February-July) when animals congregate around shrinking water sources. Beyond leopards, Yala supports large populations of elephants, sloth bears (seen less frequently but present), crocodiles, water buffalo, spotted deer, wild boar, and an extraordinary variety of birdlife.

Game drives depart at 6am and 2pm, with the morning session generally best for predator sightings. Hire a jeep and driver-guide through your hotel or a reputable local operator — a half-day safari costs roughly $40-60 per person in a shared jeep or $80-120 for a private vehicle, plus park entrance fees (approximately $25 per person for foreigners). The park can feel overcrowded in peak season, with dozens of jeeps converging on leopard sightings. For a quieter experience, consider Wilpattu National Park in the northwest — equally good leopard habitat with far fewer visitors, though the denser vegetation makes sightings slightly less frequent.

Udawalawe National Park

If elephants are your priority, Udawalawe is the place to go. This national park in the south-central lowlands supports a population of roughly 600-700 wild elephants, and sightings are virtually guaranteed on every safari. The landscape of open grassland around a large reservoir makes for excellent viewing conditions, and herds of 20-30 elephants grazing peacefully or bathing in the shallows are common sights. The Elephant Transit Home, adjacent to the park, is a rehabilitation center for orphaned elephants that releases them back into the wild — the evening feeding session is popular with visitors and genuinely heartwarming to watch. Udawalawe is easily combined with a south coast itinerary and makes an excellent alternative or addition to Yala.

Minneriya and The Gathering

Minneriya National Park, near the Cultural Triangle, hosts one of the most spectacular wildlife events in Asia. Between July and October, as dry season water sources evaporate across the region, hundreds of wild elephants converge on the Minneriya reservoir — herds of 150-300 individuals have been recorded, making it one of the largest wild elephant gatherings on Earth. The sight of hundreds of elephants against the backdrop of an ancient reservoir with Sigiriya rock visible in the distance is unforgettable. Even outside The Gathering, Minneriya and the adjacent Kaudulla National Park offer excellent year-round elephant viewing and are a perfect add-on to a Cultural Triangle visit.

Sri Lankan Food: A Spice Island Feast

Sri Lankan cuisine is one of the great undiscovered food traditions of Asia — a complex, fiery, coconut-rich cooking style that shares DNA with South Indian food but has its own distinct character shaped by the island's extraordinary spice heritage. The foundation of every meal is rice and curry, but this simple name disguises a feast: a mound of rice at the center, surrounded by anywhere from five to fifteen small dishes of different curries — dhal (lentils), fish or chicken, three or four vegetable curries using local produce like jackfruit, drumstick, or bitter gourd, a fiery sambol (relish), crispy papadams, and pickles. Each curry uses a different spice combination, and the art of the meal is mixing small portions from each dish with rice to create constantly varying bites.

The most distinctive flavors in Sri Lankan cooking come from pandan leaf, curry leaves, goraka (a souring agent from the Malabar tamarind), and Maldive fish (dried tuna flakes that add an umami depth to vegetable dishes). Coconut appears everywhere — fresh coconut sambol (grated coconut with chili, lime, and onion) accompanies nearly every meal, coconut milk enriches curries, and coconut oil is the primary cooking fat. String hoppers (steamed nests of rice flour noodles), hoppers (crispy bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, often with an egg cracked into the center), and kottu roti (chopped flatbread stir-fried with vegetables, egg, and spice on a hot griddle — the rhythmic clang of the metal blades chopping the roti is the soundtrack of every Sri Lankan street at night) are essential eating experiences.

Getting Around Sri Lanka

Trains

Sri Lanka's train network, built by the British in the 19th century, is one of the country's great travel experiences rather than merely a transport system. Beyond the famous Kandy-Ella route, the coastal line from Colombo to Galle hugs the shoreline for much of its length — the train literally runs along the beach in places, close enough to see surfers in the waves. Trains are slow but cheap and atmospheric. Second and third class are perfectly comfortable for shorter journeys. For the Kandy-Ella route, book reserved seats in advance online; for all other routes, simply buy tickets at the station on the day of travel.

Buses

Sri Lanka's bus network reaches virtually everywhere on the island and is extraordinarily cheap — even cross-island journeys rarely exceed $3-4. Government buses (red) are the most basic and cheapest option. Private buses (white or various colors) are slightly more expensive but generally newer and more comfortable. Express air-conditioned intercity buses connect major cities and are the best option for longer routes. The downside of bus travel is the driving — Sri Lankan bus drivers treat every journey as a time trial, with overtaking on blind corners and sustained speeds that would alarm most Western passengers. Choose express buses over local services for long distances, and sit near the front where the ride is smoother.

Private Drivers and Tuk-Tuks

Hiring a private driver and car for part or all of your trip is one of the best decisions you can make in Sri Lanka, and it is remarkably affordable. A driver with an air-conditioned car costs roughly $40-60 per day all-inclusive (fuel, driver's accommodation and meals, tolls), and the driver handles all the navigation, parking, and negotiation that would otherwise consume your energy. For shorter distances and local exploration, tuk-tuks are ubiquitous, fun, and cheap. Always agree on a price before getting in, or use the PickMe app (Sri Lanka's ride-hailing service) for metered rides. A tuk-tuk across a typical town costs 200-500 LKR ($0.60-1.50).

Costs: What to Expect in 2026

Sri Lanka remains one of Asia's best-value destinations. The Sri Lankan rupee has stabilized following the economic crisis of 2022, and while prices have risen, the country offers exceptional value compared to Southeast Asian neighbors like Thailand or Bali. Per-day budgets, per person:

• Budget (guesthouses, trains/buses, local food): $20-35/day
• Mid-range (boutique guesthouses, some private transport, mix of local and tourist restaurants): $50-80/day
• Comfortable (boutique hotels, private driver, dining out, guided tours): $100-160/day
• Luxury (heritage hotels, private everything, spa treatments): $250+/day

Site entrance fees are the biggest single expense for cultural sightseeing — Sigiriya costs $30, Polonnaruwa $25, and national parks charge $15-25 per person for foreigners plus vehicle fees. These UNESCO-site prices feel steep relative to other costs in Sri Lanka but are comparable to major attraction fees worldwide. Budget for them separately from daily spending. Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory — 10% in restaurants is generous, and small tips for tuk-tuk drivers and guides are customary.

Suggested Itineraries

10 Days: The Classic Circuit

• Day 1: Arrive Colombo, transfer to Negombo or Sigiriya
• Days 2-3: Cultural Triangle (Sigiriya, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa)
• Day 4: Drive to Kandy, Temple of the Tooth, botanical gardens
• Day 5: Train Kandy to Ella (book in advance)
• Day 6: Ella (Nine Arch Bridge, Little Adam's Peak, tea factory)
• Day 7: Drive to Yala area, afternoon safari
• Day 8: Morning Yala safari, drive to Mirissa/Unawatuna
• Day 9: Beach day, Galle Fort exploration
• Day 10: South coast to Colombo airport

14 Days: The Complete Island

• Days 1-3: Cultural Triangle (Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, Dambulla)
• Day 4: Minneriya elephant safari, drive to Kandy
• Day 5: Kandy (Temple of the Tooth, botanical gardens, Kandyan dance)
• Day 6: Train Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, explore Little England
• Day 7: Horton Plains at dawn (World's End), drive/train to Ella
• Day 8: Ella (hikes, Nine Arch Bridge, tea country)
• Days 9-10: Yala and Udawalawe safaris
• Days 11-12: South coast (Mirissa whale watching, Galle Fort, beaches)
• Day 13: Beach relaxation or Galle day trip
• Day 14: Coastal train to Colombo, departure

7 Days: Highlights Sprint

• Day 1: Arrive, transfer to Sigiriya
• Day 2: Sigiriya and Dambulla
• Day 3: Drive to Kandy, Temple of the Tooth
• Day 4: Train Kandy to Ella
• Day 5: Ella exploration
• Day 6: Drive to south coast (Yala safari en route if time allows)
• Day 7: Galle Fort, beach, transfer to airport

Safety and Practical Information

Sri Lanka is generally very safe for tourists. Violent crime against visitors is extremely rare, and the island has a well-deserved reputation as one of the friendliest destinations in Asia. The main practical concerns are road safety (Sri Lankan driving is aggressive and roads are narrow), petty scams in tourist areas (overcharging by tuk-tuk drivers, "helpful" strangers who turn out to want commissions), and the tropical sun (sunburn and heat exhaustion are the most common health issues for visitors). Use sunscreen religiously, drink bottled water, and take mosquito precautions — dengue fever is present across the island, so use repellent, especially around dawn and dusk.

Visas for most nationalities can be obtained as an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online before arrival at eta.gov.lk — the process takes a few minutes and costs approximately $50 for a 30-day tourist visa. Ensure your passport has at least six months validity from your date of entry. The currency is the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR), and ATMs are widely available in towns though scarcer in rural areas — carry cash when heading to national parks or remote beaches. Wi-Fi is generally good at hotels and cafes, and a local SIM card with data (available at the airport on arrival for a few dollars) keeps you connected everywhere. Check our cheap flights guide for tips on finding the best deals on flights to Colombo.