The concierge desk
Everything UK travellers ask about Sri Lanka.
500+ honest, up-to-date answers across 20 topics — written by a Colombo-based luxury studio that plans trips for British and European travellers. Search the whole library, or browse by category below.
Visas & entry
Sri Lanka visas, ETA & entry requirements (UK travellers)
ETA, passport rules, fees, length of stay, arrival paperwork.
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When to visit
Best time to visit Sri Lanka — month by month
Two monsoons, two coasts, when each region is at its best.
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Weather & climate
Sri Lanka weather, monsoons & climate by region
Temperatures, rainfall, humidity, what each month actually feels like.
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Money & costs
Money in Sri Lanka — currency, cards, ATMs & costs
Rupees, exchange, cards, ATMs, tipping, daily luxury-trip budget.
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Food & drink
Sri Lankan food, drink & dietary FAQs
Rice and curry, hoppers, street food, dietary, water, alcohol.
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Transport
Getting around Sri Lanka — drivers, taxis, domestic flights
Private chauffeurs, tuk-tuks, taxis, internal flights, seaplanes.
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Trains & scenic routes
Sri Lanka trains — Kandy to Ella, booking & classes
The famous hill-country train, classes, booking, what to expect.
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What to pack
What to pack for Sri Lanka — clothes, gear, essentials
Clothing for temples & beach, electronics, medicines, dress codes.
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Safety & health
Sri Lanka safety, health, vaccinations & travel advice
Is it safe? Vaccinations, water, dengue, FCDO advice, women travellers.
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Culture & etiquette
Sri Lankan culture, etiquette & temple rules
Religion, dress codes, photography, hand gestures, customs.
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Hotels & villas
Sri Lanka luxury hotels & private villas
5-star hotels, boutique, tented camps, private villas, where to stay.
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Beaches & coast
Sri Lanka beaches — south, east & west coasts
Swimming, surf, jellyfish, best beaches by month, beach hotels.
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Wildlife & safari
Sri Lanka safari — leopards, elephants, whales
Yala vs Wilpattu, leopard odds, elephant gathering, whale season.
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Tea country
Sri Lanka tea country — estates, walks, Ceylon Tea Trails
Tea estates, factory visits, walks, weather, the Tea Trails bungalows.
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Cultural Triangle
Sri Lanka Cultural Triangle — Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura
Sigiriya climb, ancient cities, Dambulla caves, days needed.
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Honeymoon
Sri Lanka honeymoon FAQs
Best honeymoon hotels, how many nights, Sri Lanka + Maldives combos.
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Family with kids
Sri Lanka with kids — family travel FAQs
Age suitability, family hotels, half-term, what to do with children.
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Shopping & gems
Shopping in Sri Lanka — sapphires, tea, textiles
Ceylon sapphires, where to buy, how to spot fakes, tea & crafts.
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Photography
Sri Lanka photography — locations, light, ethics
Best light, top locations, drones, photographing locals & temples.
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Tipping & gratuities
Tipping in Sri Lanka — driver, guide, hotel, restaurant
Who to tip, how much, currency, end-of-trip envelopes.
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