Most hotels will provide you with a plug-in mosquito repellent which will usually be switched on during turn down. You can buy the mats (small repellent tablet inserted to the plug-in unit), from most local supermarkets. Mosquito nets in hotels are a rarity. You can also buy the burning coils or citronella candles from the supermarket. It would be advisable to apply some repellent lotion if you plan to have dinner in an outdoor/ alfresco setting. The locally available ‘Siddhalepa balm’ is quite effective to take the itch out of mosquito bites.

Leeches – A good remedy is to apply soap and left to dry or apply lime to exposed areas. You can wear leech socks. Which are pulled over the trousers to prevent leeches reaching the exposed skin of the legs.
If you find a leech sucking on your leg, do not pull it off, but wait for it to fall off after feeding. Else you can apply some salt; this will make the leech release its hold and fall off.

Sri Lanka has an effective health care system which is considered a model for most developing countries across the world. However, emergency medical facilities may not be found outside main cities. You may have to be brought to Colombo for treatment. We recommend you use the private sector hospitals, which are likely to offer better care.
It is mandatory for those travelling to Sri Lanka from Africa or Latin America to have a valid certificate of vaccination for Yellow fever and Meningitis prior to arrival in Sri Lanka. You need up-to-date Hepatitis A, Polio and Tetanus shots.
Mosquito borne diseases like dengue, chckengunya and malaria are common. It’s advised you take adequate protection against mosquitos. Take some Imodium tablets (just in case you get an upset stomach).
Almost every town has a pharmacy selling common medicines. However, we advise you to carry any special medication as the availability of medical supplies may vary.
You are strongly advised you take an adequate health insurance cover when travelling to Sri Lanka.

According to accepted norms of travel you should deposit your valuables like money, passport, tickets, jewels etc in the hotel safe deposit locker. In accordance with international custom the Hotels in Sri Lanka are not responsible for objects lost in the room. You should also not leave your valuables unattended on the beach, the balconies or terraces.
Never leave your money or passport in your backpack or suitcase. Always keep a record of your Travellers Cheque numbers separately from the Travellers Cheques. It is wise to keep an amount of money (about US$ 200) stashed away separately from your money-belt or pouch.

Sri Lanka is quite a safe destination to travel and one of the most picturesque countries on earth. The country is at peace and we are experiencing record a record number of visitors; as Sri Lanka is considered one of the few ‘un-spoilt’ destinations in Asia. Our tours are conducted in areas which are considered safe for tourists to visit. Many of our clients have become friends and cannot wait to return to their ‘second home’, feeling safe and secure in our care.. Please visit our news page for latest updates.

Accommodation is usually in a shared twin-bed room with a supplementary charge for single occupancy. We offer a wide range of accommodation from private boutique hotels, villas, eco lodge and tents. Some of our nature & adventure trips include traveling to remote or undeveloped outstation destinations, hotel accommodation of International tourist standard may not exist & facilities are rudimentary. Sleeping huts & tents are simple & often lack Western-style toilets or bathing facilities. In such places, tour participants will be provided with the best available facilities.
The package price may include meals as specified in each tour program.

Smoking in public places are not allowed; Smoking and consuming liquor in public areas are banned in Sri Lanka. The smoking ban includes enclosed public places such as restaurants and social clubs. Smoking is not allowed inside Lankanscapes vehicles while on tour; however, regular comfort stops will be provided.

True. Liquor is not served on Full Moon Days.

Full Moon days (known as Poya days), are of religious significance to Buddhists and devoted to prayer and meditation. In keeping with its significance as a religious day abstinence is practiced. As such places selling liquor (including hotel bars) and Meat shops closed. Places of entertainment such as cinemas, discos and casinos are closed as well.

‘Halal’ food is quite scarce in major hotels. The Galadari and Holiday Inn in Colombo serve halal food, as well a couple of hotels on the west coast. There are quite a few restaurants in Colombo and Kandy, but not much else. The best bet is to order seafood instead of meat to be on the safe side.

Most large hotels and restaurants have a ‘vegetarian section’ in the menu. The smaller local ‘rice and curry’ restaurants may say the food is vegetarian but include a serving of fried fish or sprats (anchovies). The ‘South Indian’ vegetarian restaurants are 100% vegetarian.

The workings hours at Public & private institutions are as follows :

1) Banks : Open daily from 9.00 – 15.00 hrs-  Some open half day on Saturdays. Closed on Sundays and Poya days.

However, bank transactions outside banking hours, there are several ATM machines for the convenience of the public

2) Government Offices : Open daily from 9.30 – 17.00 hrs- Closed on Sundays and Poya days- some are open half day on Saturdays.

3) Shops & Supermarkets : Open daily from 10.00 – 19.00 hrs- Most open half day on Saturdays- Some open on Sundays and Poya days as well

4) Govt Post Offices : Open daily from 10.00 – 17.00 hrs (Open on Saturday mornings)- Closed on Sundays and Poya days.

However, there are several Communication outlets providing services like Internet, fax &  IDD calls, photocopying, laminating, scanning, typesetting, and other related services for the convenience of the public during holidays and after normal working hours.

Most leading banks in Sri Lanka have their ATM machines mainly in the main cities spread all over the country.

You can encash your Visa / Mastercard in most ATM’S.

However, check with your bank and ensure whether your card is valid for usage in Sri Lanka since the rules differ with each bank with regard to the acceptance of a particular credit or debit card.

It would be better to watch for the Maestro or Cirrus logo!

A person may bring any sum of money in foreign currencies into Sri Lanka. This sum could be in TCs, Bank drafts or currency notes. However, if the total exceeds US$ 15,000, that sum should  be declared to the Sri Lanka Customs.

If a person wishes to take money out from Sri Lanka a sum exceeding US$ 5000 in currency notes, out of the sum brought in, he must declare the entirety of the sum brought in, even if it is less than US$ 15,000.

For further details click http://www.customs.gov.lk/highlights/currency.pdf

The  US$ is the currency widely used and easily encashable at any bank, tourist hotel  or authorised money changer.  There are many local banks at the airport counter where you could change your currency to Sri Lanka Rupees. Perhaps you could get a better deal if you encash from an Authorised money changer in Colombo city or other major cities.

Other currencies in use are the Euros, Sterling pounds, Indian Rupees, Saudi Riyals, UAE Dirhams, SGD, AUD, which could be encashed from any bank, hotel or authorized money changer..

We advise you to encash part of your  foreign currency to local currency at the airport counters on arrival for the purpose of  shopping, miscellaneous purchases or  tipping.

The Sri Lanka Rupee is the only currency that is widely used within Sri Lanka although the USD, St Pounds or Euro are accepted in some large hotels authorised by the Exchange Control Dept to accept foreign currency.

All other shops and establishments that cater to locals are not authorised to accept foreign currency without exchange control approval.

The only currency widely used is the Sri Lanka Rupee (Rs).

It comes in various denominations starting from coins in cents 25, 50,100. Notes come in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 & 2000 & 5000.

The prices quoted by Hotels and other tourist establishments will be in  foreign currency viz, US$ or Euro but collect in Rupees.

Most leading banks in Sri Lanka have their ATM machines mainly in the main cities spread all over the country.

You can encash your Visa / Mastercard in most ATM’S.

However, check with your bank and ensure whether your card is valid for usage in Sri Lanka since the rules differ with each bank with regard to the acceptance of a particular credit or debit card.

It would be better to watch for the Maestro or Cirrus logo!

A person may bring any sum of money in foreign currencies into Sri Lanka. This sum could be in TCs, Bank drafts or currency notes. However, if the total exceeds US$ 15,000, that sum should  be declared to the Sri Lanka Customs.

If a person wishes to take money out from Sri Lanka a sum exceeding US$ 5000 in currency notes, out of the sum brought in, he must declare the entirety of the sum brought in, even if it is less than US$ 15,000.

For further details click http://www.customs.gov.lk/highlights/currency.pdf

The  US$ is the currency widely used and easily encashable at any bank, tourist hotel  or authorised money changer.  There are many local banks at the airport counter where you could change your currency to Sri Lanka Rupees. Perhaps you could get a better deal if you encash from an Authorised money changer in Colombo city or other major cities.

Other currencies in use are the Euros, Sterling pounds, Indian Rupees, Saudi Riyals, UAE Dirhams, SGD, AUD,  which could be encashed from any bank, hotel or authorised money changer..

We advise you to encash part of your  foreign currency to local currency at the airport counters on arrival for the purpose of  shopping, miscellaneous purchases or  tipping.

The Sri Lanka Rupee is the only currency that is widely used within Sri Lanka although the USD, St Pounds or Euro are accepted in some large hotels authorised by the Exchange Control Dept to accept foreign currency.

All other shops and establishments that cater to locals are not authorised to accept foreign currency without exchange control approval.

The only currency widely used is the Sri Lanka Rupee (Rs).

It comes in various denominations starting from coins in cents 25, 50,100. Notes come in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 & 2000 & 5000.

The prices quoted by Hotels and other tourist establishments will be in foreign currency viz, US$ or Euro but collect in Rupees.

We do encourage our visitors to take photographs or video filming of scenic locations, wild life, nature and any area of historic interest with prior permission except restricted areas  viz within Dambulla Cave temple, Sigiriya frescoes and murals since flashing could damage them.

It is better to ask for permission before taking photographs or video filming of individuals, buddhist monks, and inside temples or other sacred places. We urge all visitors, to behave responsibly and respect local customs and cultures.

It is prohibited from posing near or in front of a Buddha statue with your back turned towards the statue which is considered as disrespectful. Please check whether payment is expected before taking photographs in certain locations.

The locals get a great bang out of being photographed  and would gracefully pose in front of the camera. However, refrain from paying the locals which would become a commercial issue rather than a friendly gesture.

Dams, military installations, road blocks, airports, are restricted areas for taking photographs & video filming.

Please also refrain from video shootings in small villages, home-stays or trekking on the advice of local people.

Earlier, travel to the North after the end of the three decades of Civil strife, needed prior authorization from the Ministry of Defence. However, this restriction has now been lifted. You are now free to travel to any part of the island.

Sri Lanka is a year round destination. The South West and North East monsoon seasons commands the most suitable season for tourists planning to visit Sri Lanka.

Therefore it is best to have an idea of the non-monsoonal season prevailing in some part of Sri Lanka.

The best time to travel to the South Western and coastal regions is from November to April where there is not much rainfall due to the end of the South West monsoonal period. But it is off season time in the North  Eastern region due to the start of the monsoon period.

This situation reverses from May to October where the season starts in the North Eastern front whilst the season ends in the South Western region with the exception of Kandy between July/August every year due to the Annual Kandy perahera.

The types of electrical gadgets in use in Sri Lankan hotels are as follows:

The type of plugs in use

1. The UK (Type G) (3 rectangular pins -13 Amps)
2. India (Type D) (3 round pins-5 amps)
3. Euro plug (Type C)(2 round pins – 5 amps

Also 15 Amp plugs are widely used for heavy duty electrical appliances like air-conditioners, water pumps, etc.

Most hotels also have hairdryers, electrical shavers, mini fridges, etc.

Some safety tips:

1. Be mindful not to insert a 110V – 120V appliance (E.g. hairdryer) into a Sri Lankan 240V plug base.
2. Most plug bases are of the round type. Always carry a multi socket or universal adapter in order to enable you to insert a square type plug. You are free to ask the hotel for an adapter if necessary.

The type of voltage in use in Sri Lanka is 220/ 240 volts

Colombo is considered a hot spot for night life in Sri Lanka.
Its wide range of Chic cafe’s, Speciality restaurants & bars, Pool bars, Luxury Spa’s, Casino’s, Night Clubs, discotheques and Karaoke Bars offers a wide range of live entertainment, food and beverages, apart from trying your luck at some of the casinos in and around Colombo city.

Most of the young Lankans and the elite gather in  Colombo mainly on Friday and Saturday nights for a full night of entertainment, fun and partying.

All other night spots are located in Mount Lavinia, Negombo, Hikkaduwa and Bentota which consists of several hotels and sea food beach restaurants providing DJ or live music  on a lessor scale.

Shopping is very rewarding from excellent tea and ceramic ware, to exquisite gems & jewellery, indigenous handicrafts, handlooms, silks and designer clothing, leatherware, perfumes and cosmetics.

Some of the hot spots for shopping for clothing in Sri Lanka are Crescat boulevard, Majestic city,  Odell,  House of fashions,  Cool Planet, Galleria, Majestic City and many more.

For Handlooms &  handicrafts, it is Laksala,  Lakmedura, Lakpahana and Barefoot.

For all sorts of devil masks its Mask Museum & Showroom located in Ambalangoda in the south of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka is famous for its high quality gems and Ratnapura is home to some of the major gem mines in Sri Lanka. The gem trade is widespread, Blue, Yellow or Star Sapphires, Rubies, Cats eyes  and other precious stones are available throughout the island.

Some consider Ceylon Tea  the best in the world with some fine blends and many grades.

Sri Lanka is fast becoming the centre for ceramic, porcelainware & leatherware.

Tipping is considered as something you give out of your appreciation of the services rendered at your own discretion, as much as its an acceptable norm widely practiced the world over.

Your private tour guide : Basically, if you are travelling on a private tour with car and chauffer driver guide, who will be dedicated to you from start to finish, will be entrusted with the task of driving and guiding you around the country, ensuring your safety and security until you are safely dropped at the airport after the completion  of the tour.  It would be reasonable to pay him something between US$ 10 to 15 a day, depending on your own assessment of his service levels.

Group tour guide : If you happen to be a part of a large tour group, the amount of tip expected by the tour guide lecturer, would be something between US$ 5 – 10 per person to be evenly divided between guide, driver and cleaner.

Front line hotel staff – viz Doorman, bellboy’s, housekeeping staff, etc will expect something between US$ 1 and  US$ 5 or more. As for restaurant waiters, would expect at least 10% of the bill value.

Some hotels have a tip box where the guests can put their tips in the tip box to ensure that all the front line direct and back office indirect staff who provide an equitable service as a team, will get a share of the tip evenly compensated for their services whereas earlier only the front line staff gets all the benefits. This method will further enhance the level of service.

End of the day tipping is purely left at your own discretion.

As you would probably be aware that  Sri Lankans consists of several ethnicities whose customs and traditions may differ from each other. However, since the majority is Buddhists, they mainly follow almost the same Asian culture and traditions, which may differ from the Western cultures. Therefore, It would be advisable to respect the local culture and adhere to certain accepted codes of conduct when you deal with the local people if they wish to have a hasslefree, pleasant and enjoyable holiday experience in Sri Lanka.

Some of the basic travel tips that would be useful when you visit Sri Lanka for the first time are as follows :

1. It is customary to greet the elderly locals by palms clasped together by saying Ayubowan which means (may you be blessed with a long life). The younger people generally shake hands.
2. Many Sri Lankan women will refrain from physical contact with a man outside their family so always wait to see if a woman extends her hand or not.
3. Please use your right hand when receiving any money or gift, or if you intend to transact any business or making any payment of money or gift. Eating with the right hand is no exception to the rule. Avoid white or black since they reflect the colours of funerals and mourning.
4. Sri Lankan’s are usually warm and friendly when they are confronted by foreign visitors. In return they  expect the same attitude from visitor’s to earn the respect from the locals.
5. As for the dress code, kindly note to be modestly and properly attired and remove your shoes when  entering a temple or place of worship.
6. Please walk clockwise when walking around a buddhist temple or dagoba.
7. Nudism is totally prohibited under any circumstances.
8. Smoking is prohibited in the vehicle and when in public places.
9. Please be mindful about the environment responsibilities with regard to the disposal of garbage.
10. There are certain endangered species of flora and fauna which are protected by the law. Please note the production and sale of these items are illegal. Some of the prohibited items that fall under this category are leopard skins, crocodile skins, wild animals, birds, reptiles,
11. It is also prohibited to break or damage corals when you are taken on a glass bottomed boat ride in Hikkaduwa.
12. Please refrain from buying  any corals, sea shells, turtle eggs or turtle shells from the locals.

You may browse the official Sri Lanka Tourism Website.