Sri Lanka, known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, is a diverse travel destination offering pristine beaches, lush tea plantations, ancient ruins, and vibrant wildlife. Whether you are planning a cultural tour, a beach holiday, or an adventure trip, this guide covers everything you need to know before visiting Sri Lanka.
From Singapore
- Direct flights from Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) are approximately 3.5 to 4 hours.
- Airlines offering direct flights:
- Singapore Airlines
- Sri Lankan Airlines
- Batik Air
- AirAsia (with a transit at Kuala Lumpur for low-budget travelers)
From Other Major Cities
- London to Colombo – Direct flights (~11 hours) with Sri Lankan Airlines.
- Dubai to Colombo – Regular flights (~4.5 hours) with Emirates, Fly Dubai, and Sri Lankan Airlines.
- Mumbai to Colombo – Short flights (~2 hours) by Sri Lankan Airlines and Air India.
Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has two monsoon seasons, and therefore the best time to visit is based on the region.
- West & South Coasts + Hill Country: December to April
- East Coast & Northern Region: May to September
For those interested in wildlife, the best time to view elephants in Minneriya National Park is from July to September.
For Singapore Passport Holders
- Singaporeans require an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) prior to arrival in Sri Lanka.
- Apply online through the Sri Lanka ETA official portal
- Processing time: 1-3 days
- Visa Fee: $20-$50 USD
- Validity: 30 days (can be extended to 6 months)
For Other Travelers
An ETA is required for most travelers. Certain South Asian nations, including India and Pakistan, might have unique visa arrangements. Always consult the Sri Lankan embassy or official visa website prior to departure.
Top Places to Explore
Colombo
The city capital combines colonial past with new-age skyscrapers.
- Must-See: Galle Face Green, Pettah Market, Lotus Tower
- Best For: Shopping, eating, and partying
Kandy
Cultural center located in misty hills.
- Must-See: Temple of the Tooth, Royal Botanical Gardens
- Best For: Cultural sighting and scenic attractions
Sigiriya
Rising to fame with the world-famous Lion Rock.
- Must-See: Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Pidurangala Rock
- Best For: History, trekking, and photography
Ella
A scenic hill station famous for tea plantations.
- Must-Visit: Nine Arches Bridge, Little Adam’s Peak
- Best For: Scenic train journeys and adventure
Galle
A quaint seaside town of Dutch colonial origin.
- Must-Visit: Galle Fort, Unawatuna Beach
- Best For: Historical exploration and beach relaxation
Yala National Park
One of Sri Lanka’s top destinations for wildlife spotting.
- Must-See: Leopards, elephants, and tropical birds
- Best For: Wildlife safaris
Getting Around Sri Lanka
Train Travel
- The most scenic and comfortable means of transportation.
- The ride on the Kandy to Ella train is world-renowned.
Buses
- Cheap but might be packed.
- Ideal for budget travelers.
Tuk-Tuks & Private Drivers
- Tuk-Tuks: Best for local trips.
- Private Drivers: Ideal for long trips (~$50-80 USD per day).
For ride-hailing, use the PickMe app, Sri Lanka’s version of Uber.
Where to Stay
Luxury Hotels
- Shangri-La Colombo (Colombo)
- Amanwella (Tangalle)
Mid-Range Hotels
- Heritance Kandalama (Dambulla)
- Theva Residency (Kandy)
Budget & Backpacker Hostels
- Hangover Hostels (Ella & Colombo)
- The Chill House (Mirissa)
Must-Try Sri Lankan Food
Top Dishes
- Rice & Curry – A simple meal of vegetable, fish, or meat curries.
- Hoppers (Appam) – Pan-fried bowl-shaped pancakes.
- Kottu Roti – Fried roti with vegetables and spices.
- Fish Ambul Thiyal – Sour fish curry.
- Coconut Sambol – Coconut relish with chili peppers.
Tip: Go to Ministry of Crab in Colombo for top-class Sri Lankan crab.
Travel Tips
Do’s
- Bring cash; many establishments do not accept cards.
- Dress humbly when going to the temples.
- Use ride-hailing apps such as Pick Me to prevent overcharging.
Don’ts
- Do not drink tap water; use bottled water.
- Do not take photographs of Buddhist statues with your back towards them.
- Do not travel alone at night in rural areas.
Final Thoughts
Sri Lanka is a diverse and beautiful country that offers something for every traveler. Whether you want to explore ancient cities, relax on the beach, or go on a wildlife safari, planning your trip well will help you make the most of your visit.
FAQ's
Find answers to common travel queries with our FAQ section. From visa assistance to luxury accommodations and customized tour packages, Tailwinds Travels ensures a seamless journey. Explore now!
Yes, Sri Lanka is relatively safe, but stay away from political demonstrations and exercise caution in isolated areas.
A 10-14 day visit is sufficient to visit prominent sites.
Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). Money should be exchanged in Colombo as there are good rates.
Trains are the cheapest and most scenic option, but private cars or tuk-tuks are ideal for flexibility.
It is advisable to get Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus vaccinations prior to traveling.