Circuits and trips to Sri Lanka

To travel to Sri Lanka for a maximum stay of 30 days, a valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of return is required, as well as a visa to be processed prior to arrival at an approximate cost of 50 dollars (USD). This procedure must be carried out by the client at least 72 hours before departure online. The contact details must indicate the name of the first hotel confirmed for your stay. Once confirmed, it must be printed and carried with you throughout the trip.

Link to process the visa:  www.eta.gov.lk/

The visa must be used within 6 months of your application and is valid for 30 days from the day of arrival in Sri Lanka.

The official languages are Sinhalese and Tamil. English is the mother tongue of approximately 10% of the population and is spoken and understood more or less by most of the country's inhabitants, since it is the second language in primary school.

Sri Lanka has a multiethnic population with several religions. The religious division is made up of Buddhists (69%), Hindus (16%), Muslims (7.6%) and Christians (7.5%).

Sri Lankans are friendly, hospitable and patient. There is a strong tipping culture in Sri Lanka as wages are low. Generally, tips are given to guides, drivers, hotel staff and means of transportation; Bars and restaurants typically include a 10% service charge, but in most cases this goes to the owner, so it is common to tip waiters. The temples are free to visit, but it is considered respectful to make a donation in the donation box.

The climate is one of the reasons that allows tourism throughout the year on the island, with 5 different climatic zones. Although a priori the dry season is the best time to travel, that does not mean that you have to give up visiting it during the monsoon season, since the rains are usually concentrated in one part of the day, and the monsoon also geographically punishes different areas. parts of Sri Lanka, which allows you to opt for one area or another. Generally, the average annual temperature of Sri Lanka varies between 26 and 28 degrees Celsius, varying from province to province from time to time. Depending on the time of year you travel, in general, the most recommended beach areas are: northeast from April to October and southwest from November to March.

No vaccination is required for travelers from Europe.

The official currency of Sri Lanka is the rupee, there are coins minted in 1, 2, 5 and 10 rupees and banknotes in 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000 rupees. It is relatively easy to change euros or dollars into rupees, upon arrival at the airport at the currency exchange stands. It is also possible to change at exchange offices in some tourist cities, at banks or exchange agencies.

Debit or credit cards can be used to pay in hotels, restaurants, stores, supermarkets, etc. Visa and MasterCard being the most recommended.

The common voltage is 230 V. The plugs and sockets are type D / G. It is advisable to carry a travel adapter.

In Sri Lanka there are all known means of transportation, but the most typical is the tuk tuk, tricycles that can be found and move through all areas of the most touristic cities. Before getting on them you have to negotiate and haggle the price of the service.

The time zone of Sri Lanka is GMT+05:30.

You have to be careful with the high level of spiciness that you are used to, a mild spiciness in Sri Lanka is similar to the stronger spiciness that can be found in Spain. The gastronomy of this country is a real pleasure, its dishes have an intense, very spicy flavor, both in sweet and savory dishes. Some of the most used spices are: cardamom, turmeric, cinnamon and curry. The most interesting and common dishes of this last species are: Kukul plus curry, a chicken curry generally accompanied by rice and spicy; Dhal Curry is lentils stewed with vegetables, spices and coconut milk sauce; and Fish Ambul Thiyal, a sour fish curry that is usually cooked with highly seasoned tuna accompanied by rice. Other famous dishes are samosas, which are fried dumplings filled with spiced vegetables; and Lamprais, a mixture of vegetables, shrimp paste, curry, rice and meat served on a steamed banana leaf.

Some precautions must be taken in terms of hygiene and health, since the tropical climate favors the spread of germs, such as drinking only bottled water, avoiding ice and ice cream sold on the street. Fruit and vegetable sellers usually wash their products, but don't hesitate to do it yourself if in doubt. It is advisable to be careful with what you wear and avoid exposing your body too conspicuously, which could be perceived as a provocation. On the beach, you can't take off your top. Before visiting a religious place, you must cover your shoulders and legs up to the knees, keep your head bare and, of course, take off your shoes.