Sri Lanka is a sun kissed island with stunning beaches, tropical forests, a rich culture and adventure travel opportunities. If you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka - our helpful tips will be handy in making the most of your trip.

the nine arch | img via wikipedia commons

The best regions to discover in Sri Lanka are scattered around the country. You need at least a few days to explore each destination. You’ll need to plan your schedule carefully. Try to match the destinations to your interests, and then find accommodation. For example, if you love chilly climes, research estate bungalows in Nuwara Eliya. You can check with places like the Stafford Bungalow accordingly.

If you love beach days, plan a few days’ stay down south or on the East coast. Plan well to allocate enough time for each destination. If you don’t have a good plan, you might end up scrambling from one place to the other without enjoying your holiday. You need to have realistic expectations about the area you can cover.

Typically, there are two monsoon seasons in Sri Lanka. During the months between May and September the southern and western parts of the country experience heavy rains and choppy seas. You can plan a visit to the north and East during these months. From November to March when the northeast monsoon takes over the north and east regions, you can enjoy fine weather in the south and west areas.

However, you can still enjoy a holiday in the country even in rainy weather. Rain clears up fast on the sunny island, and there is plenty of indoor fun to be had when it rains and pours. If you travel off season, you can actually enjoy lower rates on everything and avoid crowds. December is the busiest month in Sri Lanka for tourism.

A large number of hotels and establishments accept card payments. However, small shops and Tuk Tuks cannot accommodate anything other than cash payments. You’ll need to carry small 100- and 500-Rupee bills for this type of transaction. When you’re in touristy areas, most shops accept dollar and euro payments. You can exchange money at the airport or get cash out of widespread ATMS.

You need to see your doctor and get the necessary vaccination before visiting Sri Lanka. Although, the country has eliminated most of the mosquito borne diseases, and has a well-functioning disease management and healthcare system. However, bring your own prescription medication, and carry an emergency medical kit. You’ll need travel insurance to cover any health issues.

Pack for a tropical holiday. You can bring shorts, sleeveless tops and light, breathable clothing. Pack a pashmina, sarong or shawl to cover up yourself at the beach or when visiting a religious site. You can add a couple of long pants and shirts that cover up to your elbow for visiting sacred sites. Bring reef shoes, flip flops for the beach, hiking boots and sandals for everyday wear. You’ll need sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. It is wise to carry an umbrella around to use when unexpected showers erupt. There are mosquitoes around, so bring bug spray. Don’t forget a universal adapter to charge your devices.

Respect the ocean. Always ask locals before swimming in unfamiliar waters. If you’re going to rent a car, hire a driver as well. Navigating traffic and Sri Lankan roads can be tricky. While most locals drink tap water, you should ideally stick to bottled water.

Alternatively, you can fill a refillable bottle at your hotel’s water dispenser and carry it around to be an eco-champion. Sri Lankan food is delicious but if you’re not familiar with street food, it is better to stick to eating at reputed restaurants. Always wash fresh fruit before eating.