Sri Lanka travel guides

January to March is driest on the west and south coasts, in the hills and the Cultural Triangle; May to September suits the east. Checked 7 Nov 2026.

Seven days covers Sigiriya, Kandy, the tea country, the Ella train and a Yala safari. USD 866 per person for two on Majeste's Classic tour, 7 Nov 2026.

Ten days adds Polonnaruwa, Horton Plains and two nights each in Kandy and Ella. About USD 1,174 per person for two with Majeste, as of 7 November 2026.

Fourteen days covers ancient cities, the hills, two parks and the south coast, no day over 4h30 in the car. About USD 1,709 each with Majeste, 7 Nov 2026.

Keep drives under three hours and pick Udawalawe over Yala. A 7-day loop for a family of four is about USD 2,080 with Majeste in comfort hotels, Nov 2026.

Two nights at most stops, the hill train and three coast nights: nine days in 4-star hotels is about USD 1,259 each with Majeste, as of 7 Nov 2026.

Seven days: the centre, hills and a park; ten adds Polonnaruwa and Horton Plains; fourteen, the whole island. USD 828 to 1,709 each for two, Nov 2026.

A car with an English-speaking driver costs USD 75 a day (van USD 99) with Majeste, fuel, tolls and 150 km a day included. Rates as of 7 Nov 2026.

No: at the 4 Nov 2026 check the Kandy to Ella train was not running end to end. Nanu Oya to Ella runs. Fares, classes, booking and the road options.

Since 25 May 2026 the ETA is free for 40 nationalities, including the UK, US, Canada and Australia. Others pay USD 50 online; children under 12 are free.

Bring US dollars, euros or pounds and change them at the airport: USD 1 was about LKR 332 on 6 Nov 2026. Cards often carry a surcharge; cash runs the rest.

At temples cover shoulders and knees, take off shoes and hats, never pose with your back to a Buddha; Buddha tattoos have led to refused entry. 7 Nov 2026.

As of 6 Nov 2026 the UK does not advise against travel to any part of Sri Lanka; Canada urges a high degree of caution. Main risks: roads, sea, dengue.