Frequently Asked Questions

Most nationalities require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter Sri Lanka. It can be obtained online at eta.gov.lk before travel and is typically approved within 24 hours. Citizens of Singapore and the Maldives are currently exempt. We recommend applying at least 48 hours before departure.

The official currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted at hotels and larger restaurants. It's advisable to carry some cash for markets, tuk-tuks, and small local eateries.

No vaccinations are legally required to enter Sri Lanka. However, it is recommended to be up to date on routine vaccinations (MMR, hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and tetanus). If you plan to visit rural areas, a malaria or dengue precaution discussion with your doctor is advised. Always consult a travel health clinic 6–8 weeks before departure.

Yes. Local SIM cards from Dialog, Mobitel, or Hutch are affordable and widely available at the airport and in towns. A data SIM with 10–20 GB typically costs under $5 USD. Alternatively, international roaming works but can be expensive. Most hotels and restaurants also offer free Wi-Fi.

Sri Lanka has several transport options: private car with a chauffeur guide (most comfortable and flexible, recommended for tours), scenic trains (the Kandy–Ella route is world-famous), buses (cheap but crowded), tuk-tuks (great for short distances), and domestic flights. All our packages include private air-conditioned transport with a knowledgeable English-speaking driver.

Sri Lanka has two monsoon seasons affecting different coasts. The southwest (Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Ella) is best from December to April. The east coast (Trincomalee, Arugam Bay) is best from May to September. The Cultural Triangle (Sigiriya, Anuradhapura) is pleasant year-round. December to March is the most popular overall, but Sri Lanka can be visited at any time — we simply tailor your itinerary to the best areas for your travel dates.

Yes, Sri Lanka is generally a very safe destination for tourists. The country has a strong tradition of hospitality. Petty theft can occur in crowded areas, so standard precautions apply (secure your valuables, use reputable transport). We provide 24/7 in-country support throughout your stay, so you're never alone if anything unexpected happens.

Sri Lankan cuisine is rich, spicy, and incredibly diverse. Rice and curry is the staple — a colourful spread of coconut-based curries, sambols, and chutneys. Street food highlights include kottu roti, hoppers (bowl-shaped pancakes), and isso wade (prawn fritters). Seafood on the coasts is exceptionally fresh. Most restaurants offer milder options for those sensitive to spice, and vegetarian food is widely available.

Sri Lanka has two official languages: Sinhala and Tamil. English is widely spoken in the tourism industry, hotels, and urban areas — you will have no trouble communicating throughout your trip. Road signs and menus are often in all three languages.

We recommend a minimum of 7 days to experience the highlights — typically the Cultural Triangle, hill country, and southern coast. 10–14 days allows for a more relaxed pace including wildlife safaris, beaches, and off-the-beaten-path experiences. Our packages range from 5-day escapes to 16-day grand expeditions, all fully customisable.

Absolutely. Sri Lanka is a fantastic family destination. Children love the elephant encounters at Udawalawe, the scenic train journeys, Sigiriya Rock, beach days, and turtle hatcheries. We design family-specific itineraries with appropriate pacing, child-friendly accommodation, and activities suited to all ages. Entrance fees for children under 12 are often heavily discounted.

Light, breathable clothing (cotton or linen) is ideal for the tropical climate. A light layer for cool hill country evenings (Nuwara Eliya can drop to 10°C at night). Modest clothing for temple visits (shoulders and knees covered). Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a rain jacket for occasional showers are all recommended.

Yes — every itinerary we create is fully bespoke. We don't sell fixed group tours. After you submit your enquiry, our team will design a personalised proposal around your travel dates, group size, budget, interests, and pace. You can adjust anything — add days, swap destinations, upgrade accommodation — at no extra planning fee.

We recommend booking at least 4–6 weeks before your intended departure to secure the best accommodation options. During peak season (December to January) and for MICE or large group bookings, 3–6 months advance notice is ideal. That said, we regularly accommodate last-minute requests — don't hesitate to reach out regardless of your timeline.

Standard inclusions are: private air-conditioned transport with a chauffeur guide, hotel accommodation (star rating varies by package), daily breakfast, all national park entrance fees and activity tickets listed in the itinerary, and 24/7 in-country support. International flights, travel insurance, visas, lunches/dinners (unless specified), and personal expenses are not included. Your proposal will clearly list all inclusions and exclusions.

We strongly recommend that all guests purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and luggage loss before travelling. We do not sell insurance directly but can recommend trusted providers. Your policy should be in place before any deposits are paid.

We understand plans change. Our cancellation and amendment policy is clearly outlined in your booking agreement. Generally, changes made more than 30 days before departure incur minimal fees. We work flexibly with guests to reschedule wherever possible. Full details are provided before any payment is taken.