The currency in Sri Lanka is Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). You can pin at the airport and at ATMs. You can change foreign currency at the airport, at banks and in hotels, the exchange rate defers per day. Keep the receipts if you want to change it back. In many hotels and shops you can pay with credit card without any problems, except The American Express; this is not accepted in many hotels.
TIPS FOR TRAVELLING IN SRI LANKA
“AYUBOWAN!” our traditional way of greeting which means ‘may you live long!’ with hands clasped at chest height and bowed slightly as if in prayer position, and a long life is what you will need to discover all the wonders of Sri Lanka, our island of small miracles. Sri Lanka is the paradise Island in the Indian Ocean. It’s a pleasure to travel in Sri Lanka and make your dream holiday come true.
Population
Population 21,670,000
Official Languages
Official Languages: Sinhala Tamil
Religion
Religion 70.2% Buddhism, 12.6% Hinduism, 9.7% Islam, 7.4% Christianity, 0.1% Other/None
Weather
Pleasant tropical climate, Tropical, monsoon. Northeast Monsoon December to March and Southwest monsoon June to October
History - The Pre-Historic Period Beyond 1000 BC
- Anuradhapura Period – Period of Rule from King Pandukhabaya 337 BC to King Kassapa VII 1055 AD
- Polonnaruwa Period – Period of rule from Vijayabahu 1-1055 AD to MaghaKalinga A Prince of Kalinga 1232 AD
- Kandy Period – Period of Rule from Senasammatha Viraparakramabahu 1469 AD to Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe 1815 AD
Ruled by foreigners - Portuguese Period 1505 to 1640 AD -During this period the Portuguese ruled the maritime/low Provinces of Sri Lanka, except the Kandyan Provinces. Portugese were in to spreading the religion Roman Catholicism.
- Dutch Period 1640 to 1796 AD – During this period the Dutch ruled the maritime/low Provinces of Sri Lanka, except the Kandyan Provinces.The Dutch VOC were in to trading.
- British Period 1796 to 1815 AD -During this period the British ruled the maritime Provinces of Sri Lanka except the Kandyan Provinces. 1815 to 4th February 1948 – AD The period during which the British ruled the whole of Sri Lanka after capturing the Kandyan Provinces in 1815
Hotel Bills
If you consume extra service other than your entitlement, please pay the bill immediately or sign and pay at the departure. Please ensure you settle all the bills carrying your signature for extra services.
Tipping
Tipping is very common in Sri Lanka even though it is not compulsory. In fact, tipping is an important part of the income for people working in the tourism field. The amount is entirely according to the individual. But we are happy to give you guidelines. For a guide or driver you can give LKR 500 per day and for a bell boy LKR 100 per suitcase or bag
Clothing
Light cotton dresses and light weight suits. A wide-brimmed beach hat and sunglasses, comfortable shoes/sandals. In the hill country pullovers will be necessary. Visitors should be decently clad when visiting any place of worship. Beach wear is NOT suitable for temples and shrines. All visitors to Buddhist and Hindu temples are expected to be unshod and have their heads uncovered. Some hotels require that you wear long pants and shirt in the public area / restaurants in the evenings. Clothes are cheap and freely available throughout the island.
Photography
Sri Lanka is a wonderful destination for taking beautiful photos. The versatility of landscapes, the flora and fauna, the beautiful beaches, colonial buildings and religious wonders seem almost to ask for to be recorded on the sensitive plate. Taking photos is no problem in most places in Sri Lanka. However, it is advisable to request permission before photographing persons. At religious places, especially at Buddhist temples it is prohibited to take photos backing to Buddha statues. (No Selfie)
Holidays
- Duruthu Full Moon Poya Day – Likely Fri, Jan 10, 2020
- Tamil Thai Pongal Day – Likely Wed, Jan 15, 2020
- Independence Day of Sri Lanka – Tue, Feb 4, 2020
- Navam Full Moon Poya Day – Likely Sun, Feb 9, 2020
- Maha Shivaratri – Fri, Feb 21, 2020
- Madin Full Moon Poya Day – Likely Mon, Mar 9, 2020
- Bak Full Moon Poya Day – Likely Tue, Apr 7, 2020
- Good Friday – Fri, Apr 10, 2020
- Sinhalese New Year – Mon, Apr 13, 2020
- Sinhalese New Year’s Eve – Mon, Apr 13, 2020
- Tamil New Year’s Eve – Mon, Apr 13, 2020
- Puthandu – Tue, Apr 14, 2020
- Labour Day – Fri, May 1, 2020
- Vesak Full Moon Poya Day – Likely Thu, May 7, 2020
- Day following Vesak Full Moon Poya Day – Likely Fri, May 8, 2020
- Eid al-Fitr – Likely May 23 – 24, 2020
- Poson Full Moon Poya Day – Likely Fri, Jun 5, 2020
- Esala Full Moon Poya Day – Likely Sun, Jul 5, 2020
- Nikini Full Moon Poya Day – Likely Mon, Aug 3, 2020
- Binara Full Moon Poya Day – Likely Wed, Sep 2, 2020
- Vap Full Moon Poya Day – Likely Thu, Oct 1, 2020
- Mawlid – Likely Oct 28 – 29, 2020
- Vap Full Moon Poya Day – Likely Sat, Oct 31, 2020
- Diwali – Likely Sat, Nov 14, 2020
- Ill Full Moon Poya Day – Likely Mon, Nov 30, 2020
- Christmas Day – Fri, Dec 25, 2020
- Unduwap Full Moon Poya Day – Likely Wed, Dec 30, 2020
Food
Sri Lankan cuisine is known for its explosive flavors and the unique blend of exotic spices. This culinary variety is, in fact, a perfect representation of the resourceful islanders and the different ethnic groups that can be found here. When it comes to what to eat in Sri Lanka, foodies are spoilt for choice is it spicy or sweet, made with local ingredients that add to the tantalizing taste of each dish.
Water
Tap water is not potable. Whilst tap water is safer for bathing, washing and rinsing, we recommend consuming bottled water for drinking. Drinking water is also provided separately in your hotel room. Bottled water can be purchased freely – ensure that the safety seal is intact before purchasing.
Banking
Banking hours are between 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, but open for public till 3.00pm. Some banks are open in weekends till 3.00pm.
Shopping
The local handicrafts are available freely throughout the island. Each region of the island has its own “Specialty” handicraft. Ask your national guide to show you the specialty of the area and recommend you a shop. We advise you to avoid touts and roadside venders since we cannot guarantee the quality of their products.
Electricity
The Voltage in Sri Lanka is 220-240 volts, 50 cycle’s alternating current. We therefore recommend that you take a universal travel plug with you so that you can still use your chargers
Sri Lanka at a Glance
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This magnificent island is so Unique
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Authenticity Compactness & Diversity
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Archaeological Legacy World Heritage Sites
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Kandy Esala Perehera dates back to 14th Century
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Wild Treasures – Land of Leopards
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Wild Jumbos – Asian Elephants
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Ocean Giants – Blue Whales