Peak season occurs between December and March – this is when you get the best beach weather across most of Sri Lanka. Seasons and weather will change depending on the region though i.e. North and Eastern Sri Lanka tends to be dry and sunny from January to March. Contiki Sri Lanka trips run from October until April.

The average temperature in Sri Lanka is 26°C – 28°C. April is generally the warmest month, with highs of around 33°C.

In most cases, yes, you will need to visa to be able to go on a Sri Lanka tour or to travel to Sri Lanka. In lots of cases, you can get an e-Visa before you travel. For specific visa info on travel to Sri Lanka from your home country, it’s a good idea to check your specific government website.

ATMs are generally easy to come by in cities or other well-populated areas. Bear in mind though that your cash withdrawal may incur a small fee, so it’s best to draw out larger amounts of money. If you’re heading to a rural area, it’s best to bring cash with you – just in case there’s no cash machine nearby.

It depends how many areas you’d like to see! Contiki’s Pure Sri Lanka trip is 11 days long, and gives you a very good sample of this wonderfully eclectic country. You’ll see Colombo, Kandy, Udawalawe National Park, Unawatuna Beach and more iconic regions too.

Your Sri Lanka packing list will depend on the activities you plan to do while you’re there, but you can’t go wrong with bringing:

• Lightweight and breathable clothing
• Comfy shoes
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses and a hat
• Insect repellent
• A refillable water bottle
• A Type G or C plug adaptor
• Your phone & charger
• Your camera!

Yes, tipping is considered normal in Sri Lanka. In restaurants, the common amount is around 10% of the overall bill. You can also tip hotel staff, guides, drivers etc etc – the amount can vary but anywhere in the region of $1-10 USD will be much appreciated.

Drinking tap water on your trip to Sri Lanka is NOT advised. It’s best to stick to bottled water where you can – and this includes brushing your teeth too.

Yes. You should find a reliable internet connection (either Wifi or 4G) in most major cities or tourist attractions. Keep in mind though that the connection may not be as strong in rural/off-the-beaten-track areas.

When you visit Sri Lanka, you’ll need a Type G or Type C plug adaptor.

Same-sex relationships and marriages remain illegal in Sri Lanka, but Sri Lanka is generally seen as a safe destination for LGBTQIA+ tourists. Discrimination based on sexual orientation has been illegal in Sri Lanka since 2017, and as with lots of countries, the atmosphere is generally more tolerant in urban/tourist areas.

When you visit Sri Lanka with Contiki, you’ll find that everyone is welcome on our trips regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Your Trip Manager and Driver will do everything in their power to help you feel safe and accepted, while having a truly awesome time too!