How to Get There and the Best Time to Visit
The most convenient route for tourists from Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan is a flight from Bishkek with a layover in the UAE (Dubai or Sharjah) with airlines Air Arabia and Fly Dubai. The entire journey takes about 10-12 hours, and the time difference with Bishkek is only half an hour.There are two seasons to consider: two monsoons affect the weather in different coastal areas of Sri Lanka at different times of the year.
- Southwest Coast (Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna, Bentota, Mirissa) - the best time to visit is from November to April, when there are many sunny days and calm seas. This direction is recommended by travel agencies.
- East Coast (Trincomalee, Arugam Bay) - high season from May to October, but this region is less developed.
Preparing for Your Trip: Visa and Documents
Proper document preparation will help you pass through border control quickly. You will need:- a passport valid for at least 6 months;
- round-trip airline tickets;
- hotel accommodation voucher;
- insurance policy.
- For children under 18 traveling without one of the parents, a notarized exit permission is required.
Useful Tips: Currency Issues and Local Laws
Currency. The official currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). You can exchange dollars at the airport or in banks in tourist areas; the rate at the airport is usually more favorable. Approximately $100 is equivalent to 30,000 LKR.Communication. For communication, it is easiest to purchase a SIM card at the airport upon arrival. Operators (Dialog, Mobitel) have their counters in the arrival hall. It is also possible to purchase an eSIM in advance.
Local Laws and Customs. Respect for local traditions is very important. When visiting temples, shoulders and knees must be covered. It is prohibited to take photos with your back to Buddha statues.
Cuisine. The main dishes of local cuisine are rice and curry, which can be quite spicy. In tourist areas, there are also many cafes offering European dishes, seafood, pizza, and pasta.
Transportation on the Island
Tuk-tuk is the most common mode of transport for short trips; it is a three-wheeled motor scooter. Be sure to agree on the price before the trip and do not hesitate to bargain. In major cities, Uber and PickMe apps are available for ordering tuk-tuks at a fixed price.Taxi: The PickMe app also allows you to call both a taxi and a tuk-tuk. You can also ask the hotel reception to call a taxi.
Trains: Traveling by train on Sri Lanka's railways is one of the main experiences. The trip from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya and Ella is considered one of the most scenic in the world, passing through magnificent tea plantations. This route is often included in group tours.
Renting a car with a driver is a comfortable way to explore the island. Many tourists hire a driver for several days for trips around the cultural triangle and national parks.
Choosing a Place to Stay
Hikkaduwa - one of the oldest resorts with an active atmosphere, many cafes, and surf schools. We recommend considering Riff Hikkaduwa Hotel 5*, a small designer hotel with a good restaurant located within walking distance of the best establishments. It is suitable for a romantic getaway but not quite suitable for families with children, as it lacks developed infrastructure. Also consider Crystal Sands 5*. Haritha Villas Spa 5* is a highly-rated hotel but located on a hill away from the beach.
Riff Hikkaduwa Hotel 5*.
Riff Hikkaduwa Hotel 5*.
Unawatuna - a picturesque bay with a calmer ocean, ideal for swimming. Both areas offer good infrastructure and beautiful beaches.
We recommend hotels Araliya Beach Resort & Spa 5*, Era Beach 5* or the more affordable Thaproban Pavilion Waves 5*. Among the 4-star hotels are Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon, Dickwella Resort & Spa 4*, Crystal Sands 4*, Thaproban Beach House 4*, Thambapanni Retreat 4*, Mount Rich Rumassala 4*+.
For family vacations, Bentota is an ideal place. This resort is famous for its wide and uncrowded beaches, as well as hotels with large territories. There are no noisy parties, but everything is available for a peaceful holiday with children and water sports centers on the river.
Recommended hotels: Club Villa 5*, Taj Bentota Resort & Spa 5*, The Villa Bentota 5*, Jetwing Saman Villas (for adults), Occidental Eden Beruwala Hotel Cinnamon Bentota Beach 5*, Thaala Bentota Resort 5*. Among the 4-star hotels are Lanka Princess Hotel 4*, Thaala Bentota Resort 4*, Hotel Wunderbar 4*, Joe's Bentota 4*, Rockside Beach Resort 4*, but keep in mind that four-star hotels in Sri Lanka can be quite modest.
Mirissa is one of the most picturesque beaches with the unique "Coconut Hill" rock. It is also a center for blue whale watching. The atmosphere here is relaxed, with many stylish cafes and small hotels. Recommended hotels: Triple O Six 4*, Somerset Mirissa Blue 4*.
The neighboring bay Weligama is the best place for beginner surfers. The long sandy beach with small waves is perfect for learning. There are many surf schools and camps here.
Hotels with good ratings: Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa 5*, Cape Weligama 5*, Parangi Weligama Bay 5*, affordable Ayurvie Weligama (adults only) 5*. Among the 4-star hotels: Twenty Two Weligambay 4*, W15 Weligama 4*.
What to See in Sri Lanka
Resting in Sri Lanka is not only about beaches but also about immersing yourself in the world of ancient civilizations, wildlife, and stunning landscapes.
The cultural heart of the island is the Cultural Triangle, where Sigiriya rises, a famous ancient fortress atop a 200-meter rock. This place offers unforgettable views and excellent climbing opportunities. Nearby in Dambulla is a cave temple with over 150 Buddha statues and ancient murals.
Sigiriya.
Among the holy places, Kandy, located by a picturesque lake, houses one of the most important Buddhist relics—the Tooth of Buddha, making it a pilgrimage center.
City of Kandy.
In the center of the island, there is also a magnificent Botanical Garden. If you have chosen a multi-day tour, be sure to stop by here.
In the highland areas of the island, a completely different world opens up. A train ride through misty hills and endless tea plantations from Kandy to Ella is considered one of the most beautiful in the world.
On the way, you can stop in Nuwara Eliya, "Little England," to visit a tea factory, and in Ella, you must see the Nine Arches Bridge and climb Little Adam's Peak.
For the most resilient travelers, Sri Lanka offers a night ascent of the sacred Adam's Peak to meet the sunrise at its summit—an experience that is both spiritual and physical, leaving unforgettable impressions.
Sri Lanka is also known as one of the best places in Asia for wildlife watching. In Yala National Park, you can go on a jeep safari in search of leopards, elephants, and sloth bears.
You can meet the island's symbol, the elephant, at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, where dozens of these animals are cared for and spectacularly bathed in the river.
On the coast, you can enjoy colonial heritage and ocean adventures. Galle Fort, an old Dutch fortress on the shore, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers cobbled streets, a lighthouse, and cozy cafes.
From November to April, boat tours for whale watching are organized from Mirissa to see the largest mammals on the planet—the blue whales. Remember that the boat trip lasts at least three hours. The neighboring Weligama is an ideal place for beginner surfers, thanks to the small waves.
The interesting city of Galle, once a fort in the Portuguese era, is now famous for its cafes and shops, and it is pleasant to stroll through its streets and visit temples.
City of Galle.
City of Galle.
What to Buy in Sri Lanka
Shopping in Sri Lanka is an opportunity to immerse yourself in a world of exotic aromas and bright colors. The main souvenir to bring back from the island is authentic Ceylon tea, which is best purchased at plantations in the mountains or in specialized shops, as well as fragrant spices, especially the famous Ceylon cinnamon.
Tea factory.
It is also worth paying attention to useful Ayurvedic products: natural oils (especially coconut), healing balms, and cosmetics, which can be easily found in pharmacies and supermarkets.
For more valuable gifts, Sri Lanka offers precious stones such as sapphires and moonstones. They should only be purchased in certified stores to guarantee authenticity. Additionally, handmade items such as carved wooden masks, elephant figurines, and bright fabrics painted in batik technique beautifully convey the spirit of the island. Don't forget to try exotic fruits like sweet mangoes and pineapples, as well as local drinks like coconut arrack.
Although there are not many large shopping centers on the island (the main ones are in Colombo), the most interesting purchases can be made in small shops and workshops in tourist towns.
