Tips

 
 

What to Pack for Your Trip

  • A camera or camcorder, the necessary adapter to recharge batteries, and one or more memory cards.

  • A flashlight to light your way in case of a power outage (yes, it can happen!).

  • Sunscreen so you don’t end up as red as a lobster.

  • Mosquito repellent and a little cream in case they still manage to get you!

  • A first aid kit for minor injuries and possible indigestion (Smecta, your official partner against traveler's tummy).

  • A mask and snorkel for snorkeling.

  • A swimsuit and a towel for the beach.

  • Long clothes and flip-flops for visiting religious sites.

  • Warmer clothes for the cooler temperatures in higher altitudes.

  • Light, cotton clothing to stay comfortable in the heat.

 

When to go?

The best time to visit Sri Lanka is during the dry season, which runs from December to March on the west and south coasts and in the mountains, and from May to September on the east coast. The rest of the year is monsoon season, which can make traveling less enjoyable. The good news is you can still enjoy the beach year-round in Sri Lanka. All you have to do is move from West to East! During the northeast monsoon, which lasts from December to March, the sun shines, and the weather is beautiful on the west and south coast beaches. Conversely, from May to September, when the southwest monsoon hits, you just need to head to the eastern beaches, where the weather is perfect! Try to avoid October and November, as they tend to be rainier.

 

A few useful words

15% of the population speaks fluent English, especially those who interact with tourists. So, brushing up on your English before your trip will certainly come in handy. To delight and honor the Sri Lankans you meet, don’t hesitate to learn a few useful words; they will surely appreciate your effort! With an alphabet consisting of 52 letters that are nothing like ours, Sinhalese is one of the two official languages of the country, along with Tamil. It is spoken by 75% of the population.

Hello - Ayu bowan - Aiou beau wan

How are you? - Kohomade - Ko Ho Meu Deu

How much? - Kiyedde - Qui Aide Deu

Good - Hondai - Honne Daille

Thanks - Isthuthi - Iss Tout Ti

Where? - Ko - Ko-o

Train - Train-eke - Traine Ekeu

Bus - Bus-eke - Basse Ekeu

Eat - Kande - Canne Deu

Drink - Bone - Beau Neu

Alright - Hari - Haa Ri

Yes - Owu - Oh wou

No - Naha - Néhe

What’s your name? - Oyage name mokkadde ? - Oille Agué Naameu Mok Kad Deu

My name is - Mage - Ma Gai Naameu