About Sri Lanka, Everything you need to know about travel for our wedding.

Never Been to Sri Lanka? Stop here and read:

What to Pack what to expect — Before You get to Sri Lanka

The Weather

Hot and Muggy! All Year Round. HOWEVER- The Location of the wedding is up in the Hills of Sri Lanka. Mornings and Nights can get Mildly Chilly. February average weather below:

Nuwara Eliya: Cool and misty in the mountains

  • Day: 60โ€“70ยฐF (15โ€“21ยฐC)
  • Night: 50โ€“55ยฐF (10โ€“13ยฐC)
  • A light jacket or sweater is recommended

Colombo: Warm and humid

  • Day: 80โ€“90ยฐF (27โ€“32ยฐC)
  • Occasional brief rain showers

Travel Insurance

Not Required but recommended. While it may be rare, things can go wrong when abroad. it’s good to be covered in the event of an actual emergency. Sri Lanka is generally a very safe country. As it goes for anywhere in the world: don’t go looking for trouble and trouble won’t find you. Use your common sense and keep your wits about you.

  • Coverage should include:
    • Trip cancellation or interruption
    • Medical care and emergency evacuation
    • Lost or delayed baggage
  • Please confirm your policy covers international travel and any excursions you may plan

Things to pack that will be hard to find in Lanka

  • High-SPF sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Umbrella or Raincoat
  • Dramamine (if you experience motion sickness)
  • Imodium or other anti-diarrhea (In case you get the shits)
  • Feminine Products: Tampons, Pads
  • You can get pretty much anything else there regarding hygienic products or over the counter medications if you happen to forget something you needed.

Flights Passport and Visa — Getting to Sri Lanka

Alright so you’re going here is some important info for booking travel.

You got to Sri Lanka now what?

Cell Service and Phone Charging

Cell Service around Sri Lanka is very good. Depending on your home country cell carrier you may want to get a Sri Lankan data sim card to avoid excessive fees. Your phone must be carrier unlocked in order to do this.

  • SIM cards are available at the airport; Dialog and Mobitel are reliable providers
  • Many phones support eSIM international plans
  • Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and cafes, though speeds may vary
  • You will need an adapter that plugs into these wall plugs:

How to Pay for Things

  • The local currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
  • Cash is commonly used, especially in smaller towns. You can pull out cash from any ATM with your debit/bank card.
  • You can also bring cash and take it to various currency exchange locations to receive LKR. Larger bills generally yield a higher exchange rate.
  • Credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and larger businesses
  • ATMs are widely available

Water and Food

Sri Lanka has incredible food, and we are excited for you to experience it.

  • Please do not drink tap water
    • Stick to bottled or filtered water
    • Most restaurants and establishments will boil their water if you ask for a glass to ensure it is clean for foreigners.
    • This also goes for brushing your teeth use a bottle or make sure its boiled
  • Ice is best consumed at hotels and reputable restaurants
  • Local cuisine includes rice, curry, fresh seafood, and tropical fruits
  • Vegetarian options are widely available
  • Sri Lankans like SPICY food be aware.

How to get around

Travel from Colombo to Nuwara Eliya can be accomplished in several ways

  • We will be hiring a bus service please mention in your RSVP if you would like us to help with this transport (5hrs)
  • You can schedule a Private Driver via Uber and Pickme and its surprisingly affordable. (4hrs) Schedule to leave very early in the morning before traffic before 6am
  • There are local and charter bus routes
  • There is a scenic train route from Colombo to Nanu Oya Station (6-7hrs) that will get you most of the way to Nuwara Eliya just uber from the station. You can book up to one month in advance maximum. book HERE
  • Tuk Tuks/Rickshaws/3 wheelers (cash pay only) are great for getting around town short distances. uber and pickme work for this as well.
  • Getting anywhere in Sri Lanka can be accomplished by these methods if you plan on sticking around before or after the wedding to check the place out.

Sri Lankan Culture:

Sri Lanka is known for its warmth and hospitality, and being mindful of local customs will help you feel comfortable and respectful during your stay.

  • Dress modestly when visiting temples (cover shoulders and knees)
  • Shoes should be removed before entering religious sites
  • Public displays of affection are not common
  • It is customary to use your right hand when giving or receiving items
  • You will likely find people to be incredibly kind and welcoming
  • Keep an open mind!

Many people know a good amount of English! Though they will have strong accent, communicating with people should not be too difficult. Remember not to use Colloquialisms, slang, and other localized forms of English. It will make speaking to locals a lot easier.

Cities towns and places to go:

If you plan to explore beyond the wedding, these are some beautiful places to consider:

  • Colombo: A vibrant city with restaurants, shopping, and nightlife
  • Kandy: A cultural hub and home to the Temple of the Tooth
  • Ella: A scenic mountain town known for hiking and breathtaking views
  • Galle: A historic coastal city with charming colonial architecture
  • Hortons Plains National Park: Beautiful hiking park in nuwara eliya
  • Yala National Park: A popular safari destination with elephants and leopards
  • Nuwara Eliya: Known for tea plantations and cooler weather
  • Ahungalla: A peaceful beach area perfect for relaxing
  • Ahangama: Beach Town great vibe lots of surf.

There is hundreds more please do your own research!