Sri Lanka Travel Guide
Tourist season
Are December and January good months to visit Sri Lanka?
December
High
season
January
High
season
Did you know?
The population of Sri Lanka is around 21.41 mil., which puts the country in 58. place in terms of population (out of 231 countries and dependent territories).
How far is it?
1. The site uses the Great Circle method of calculating distances between two points on the Earth
2. To change the cities for comparison, change Your Country in settings
The distance between Colombo (LK) and Washington D.C. (US) is 8942 miles
To calculate distance between your location and Colombo click here
Time • Timezone
Safety
General travel safety level in Sri Lanka on a scale of 1 (safe) to 4 (unsafe).
Level 2 • Exercise a high degree of caution.
Update: 13 Oct 2024Currency
Sri Lanka Rupee (LKR) - rate compared to selected currencies
EUR 
GBP 
USD Get ready for your next trip
With just a few clicks you can find the best accommodation, airline tickets, or buy insurance that provides comprehensive protection for your next journey.
Cities and Top Tourist Attractions
From historical cities to picturesque landmarks and fascinating places - don't miss out on these attractions when planning a visit to Sri Lanka
| Miles | Colombo | Kandy | Jaffna | Galle | Nuwara Eliya | Anuradhapura | Trincomalee | Horton Plains |
| Colombo | - | 59 | 191 | 66 | 62 | 105 | 149 | 65 |
| Kandy | 59 | - | 169 | 92 | 24 | 74 | 99 | 36 |
| Jaffna | 191 | 169 | - | 252 | 193 | 95 | 110 | 205 |
| Galle | 66 | 92 | 252 | - | 75 | 160 | 191 | 67 |
| Nuwara Eliya | 62 | 24 | 193 | 75 | - | 98 | 117 | 12 |
| Anuradhapura | 105 | 74 | 95 | 160 | 98 | - | 59 | 110 |
| Trincomalee | 149 | 99 | 110 | 191 | 117 | 59 | - | 128 |
| Horton Plains | 65 | 36 | 205 | 67 | 12 | 110 | 128 | - |
Best Ways to Experience Sri Lanka
- Cuisine
- Animals
Practical Information for Travelers
- Budget
- Currency
- Vaccinations
- Visa
- Electricity
Determine the expenses for your travel or vacation budget, as well as the expenditures associated with residing in another country
MoreBackpacker's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel in a standard close to 1 star (hostels, public transport). When traveling alone, the cost may be slightly higher (hotel room) or the same (dormitory accommodation).from
Tourist's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel (they share the cost of a hotel room, taxis, etc.) to a standard close to 3 stars. Costs for a solo traveler will be higher.from
Currency
MoreSri Lanka Rupee (LKR)
- EUR
- GBP
- LKR
- USD
- EUR
- GBP
- LKR
- USD
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Vaccinations
MoreAll travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in Sri Lanka.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
Some travelers
Vaccinations and medications that may be recommended under certain conditions, depending on where you will be, the length of your stay and the nature of your stay.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus.Infection occurs through contact of injured skin or mucous membranes with virus-infected blood or other secretions (e.g. during sexual contact, through contaminated needles or as a result of medical procedures).Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
Japanese Encephalitis
Japanese encephalitis is an infectious disease caused by arboviruses from the same family of microbes (Flaviviridae) that cause yellow fever or tick-borne encephalitis.The vector of infection is mosquitoes of the genus Culex and Aedes.Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Prevent bug bites
Rabies
Rabies is an acute infectious disease caused by neurotrophic viruses from the rhabdovirus family.The infection is most often caused by biting a sick animal or other contact of its saliva with mucous membranes, conjunctiva or damaged skin.Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Keep away from animals
With or without a visa?
Visa requirements for citizens of
- United States
visiting 
Sri Lanka for tourism
A visa is required, but it is possible to obtain it at selected border crossing points (visa on arrival).
- Allowed stay: 30 days
- Visa on arrival with Electronic Travel Authorization
Electricity
230V (50 Hz)
In Sri Lanka the standard voltage is 230V and the frequency is 50 Hz. Type D, G sockets are used.
Click on the socket icon to see more information
Type D
Type GFacts and Figures
Fundamental socio-economic statistical data pertaining to the country
Population | 58 / 231 Ranking | 21 413 249 Sinhalese 73.8%, Sri Lankan Moors 7.2%, Indian Tamil 4.6%, Sri Lankan Tamil 3.9% |
Area | 124 / 230 Ranking | 25.3 thous. mi² |
Life expectancy | 66 / 196 Ranking | 77.8 Life expectancy expressed in years.men 74.3women 81.3 |
Median age | 91 / 157 Ranking | 33.7 Average age of population expressed in years.men 32.3women 35.1 |
Population growth | 112 / 172 Ranking | 0.63% The difference between live births and deaths. A negative value means natural loss. |
Literacy | 56 / 131 Ranking | 92.3% Ability to read, write and count.men 93%women 91.6% |
GDP | 99 / 194 Ranking | 13 220 INT$ GDP per capita is gross domestic product converted to international dollars (Int$) using purchasing power parity rates and divided by total population. |
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