Top Sri Lanka Hotels

All visitors to Sri Lanka must possess a passport that is valid for at least 3 months beyond the length of their proposed stay. Certain nationalities are entitled to a free visa on arrival at Colombo airport, while other visa applications need to be made to a Sri Lankan Consulate or Embassy abroad - allow 4 days for processing. An extension of stay can be obtained while in the country and should be applied for at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo.

The import and export of local currency is limited to Rs1000.

Visitors may take the following into Sri Lanka duty free:

• Alcohol - 2 bottles of wine and 1.5litres of spirits
• Tobacco - 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 340g of tobacco

Precious metals such as gold, platinum and silver must be declared on arrival.

Penalties for carrying or trafficking illegal drugs are extremely severe.

Sri Lankan time: GMT +6 hours

• Sri Lankan Rupees (Rs) - Check current exchange rates.
• 100 cents = Rs1
• Notes issued - Rs1,000, Rs500, Rs100, Rs50, Rs20, Rs10
• Coins issued - Rs5, Rs2, Rs1, 50 cents, 25 cents, 10 cents, 5 cents, 2 cents, 1 cent

The official languages of Sri Lanka are Sinhala, Tamil and English.

A 10% charge is automatically added to bills in most top hotels and restaurants. There is no need to tip taxi drivers and if tipping hotel porters, they should receive around Rs10-20 per bag.

Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 3.00 pm at national banks

The international dialling code for Sri Lanka is 94

When making international telephone calls from Sri Lanka, first dial 00 + country code + area code + telephone number

• 230-240 V, 50 cycles AC
• Round 3-pin plugs are used in Sri Lanka.

Tap water is not considered safe for consumption and ice cubes should be avoided. Bottled water is widely available throughout the country.

Medical facilities are not always of a good standard and it is recommended that you take out adequate health insurance covering evacuation. Cholera and malaria are both considered serious risks and all necessary precautions should be taken. Consider inoculations against typhoid, polio, hepatitis A, Japanese encephalitis and take advice regarding anti-malarials. It is always best to check the current situation and any vaccination requirements with a doctor when planning your trip.

• Colombo - Colombo Bandaranayake

Rs 1,500

Air travel is limited in Sri Lanka and only a few airports offer flights:

• Batticalao
• Colombo - Ratmalana
• Gal Oya
• Plali
• Trincomalee

None

As with many Asian countries, modest dress is required; shoulders and legs should be covered when visiting temples or shrines. All visitors to temples should remove their shoes before entering and heads should be uncovered. Topless sunbathing is prohibited throughout Sri Lanka.

Many countries have diplomatic missions in Sri Lanka.

Further information on Sri Lankan culture and tourist attractions.

• Sri Lanka Tourism

Sri Lanka is affected by two monsoons that sweep over parts of the country at different times. In general, there are two seasons Monsoon and Dry, with the climate remaining hot, humid and wet throughout the year.

Rain is common all year round and an umbrella is useful whatever time you visit.

• Southwest Monsoon - arrives in May bringing heavy rains to south and central areas. During this time, temperatures can soar above 35oC in the coastal regions of the south.
• Northeast Monsoon - arrives in October and lasts until January. The wet season turns the northern countryside lush green with tropical vegetation and the vibrant colours can make this a wonderful time to visit despite the rain.
• Inter-Monsoon - heavy rain and thunderstorms are commonplace in south and central areas during September and November.

It is advisable to carry a lightweight jumper as it can be chillingly cold inside air-conditioned buildings.

The South & Southwest

• Monsoon Season - the Southwest Monsoon brings heavy rain, which tends to fall in short bursts and usually at night.

Swimming in the sea may not be possible in some areas during the Monsoon Season, as the Indian Ocean can become extremely rough. However, if you do choose to visit Sri Lanka at this time, the countryside is at its most lush, the seascapes are most dramatic and the reef actually protects certain beaches such as at Hikkaduwa.

The hottest temperatures tend to be recorded from March to June straddling both the Dry and Monsoon Seasons.

Best time to visit: During the Dry Season as humidity levels do not rise until the monsoon months.

The Central Hill Country

The moderate climate here provides the perfect weather for the surrounding tea plantations that are famous around the world. The weather feels cool and damp all year, which can be a pleasant change after the heat of the lower lying lands and the coastal regions.

• Kandy - which lies at the foot of the hill country, is only slightly cooler and wetter than the coastal areas but once you ascend into the lush hill country, you will definitely need a warm sweater and thicker clothes, especially at night.

Best time to visit: During the Dry Season when there is less rainfall and cooler temperatures.

The Northeast

• Dry Season - in the northeast is longer and temperatures are marginally higher on average.
• Monsoon Season - this area of Sri Lanka suffers from a different, shorter monsoon to other parts, namely the Northeast Monsoon, which brings wet and humid weather to the area. Again, the scenery is lush and vibrant but views can be hampered by the intense downpours that occur.

Best time to visit: Although temperatures remain high throughout, there is less rainfall during the Dry Season.