Vacation inSri Lanka

Which Buddhist traditions are most important for travellers to respect?

Do not touch monks, point feet at statues, or attempt selfies facing away from Buddha. Gift or accept with the right hand. Public displays of affection are frowned upon around temples. A small donation box always sits by the exit.

Is it safe to travel alone, or should you hire guides?

Solo travel is generally safe; violent crime is rare. Use hotel taxis at night and avoid deserted beaches after dark. Guides add context at heritage sites but are optional—audio guides cost Rs 1 000. Women may face occasional staring; a shawl helps deflect attention.

Which Buddhist traditions are most important for travellers to respect?

Do not touch monks, point feet at statues, or attempt selfies facing away from Buddha. Gift or accept with the right hand. Public displays of affection are frowned upon around temples. A small donation box always sits by the exit.

Is it safe to travel alone, or should you hire guides?

Solo travel is generally safe; violent crime is rare. Use hotel taxis at night and avoid deserted beaches after dark. Guides add context at heritage sites but are optional—audio guides cost Rs 1 000. Women may face occasional staring; a shawl helps deflect attention.

Which natural spots are must-see (Sigiriya, Ella, tea plantations)?

Hike 1 200 steps up Sigiriya Lion Rock for sunrise, ride the scenic train Kandy–Ella across tea fields, and walk Horton Plains to World’s End cliff. Nuwara Eliya tea factories offer tastings for Rs 1 000 and Instagram-worthy vistas.

Are safari trips (Yala, Udawalawe) popular, and what wildlife can you see?

Yes. Yala hosts leopards, sloth bears and elephants; Udawalawe almost guarantees elephant herds year-round. Morning drives spot more animals. Entry + jeep + tracker ≈ US $60. Bring binoculars and a scarf—dusty tracks can sting eyes.

Is a cultural route visiting ancient cities Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa worthwhile?

Absolutely. Both are UNESCO sites packed with dagobas, moonstones and royal baths; hire a bike (Rs 1 000) to cover Polonnaruwa’s 10 km loop in three hours. Combined ticket US $25 each; respectful clothing required.

Is it safe to travel with children, and are there suitable family resorts?

Yes. Bentota, Hikkaduwa and Passikudah offer shallow bays, lifeguards and resorts with kids’ clubs. Always use bottled water for formula. Most restaurants prepare non-spicy rice and omelettes on request.

Are special precautions (vaccines, medicines) needed when travelling with kids?

Update standard childhood vaccines; Hep A is advised. Pack mosquito repellent with 20 % DEET, kids’ paracetamol and electrolytes. Car seats are scarce—bring a travel booster or pre-book with the transfer company.

Which months are best for different coasts (west vs. east)?

West & south: dry Dec-Mar; east: dry May-Sep. If you want island-wide sun, travel in February or September when both coasts enjoy good weather and room rates drop 20 %.

Can you holiday during monsoon season, or is it better to choose another time?

Monsoons hit one side at a time; even then, rain often falls in late afternoon bursts. You can still surf and sightsee in mornings. July in the south means rough seas; stick to hotel pools.

Is it safe to travel with children, and are there suitable family resorts?

Yes. Bentota, Hikkaduwa and Passikudah offer shallow bays, lifeguards and resorts with kids’ clubs. Always use bottled water for formula. Most restaurants prepare non-spicy rice and omelettes on request.

Are special precautions (vaccines, medicines) needed when travelling with kids?

Update standard childhood vaccines; Hep A is advised. Pack mosquito repellent with 20 % DEET, kids’ paracetamol and electrolytes. Car seats are scarce—bring a travel booster or pre-book with the transfer company.

Is the railway reliable and comfortable for travellers?

Scenic but slow: Kandy–Ella 7 h for 170 km. Book reserved 1st-class seats (Rs 4 000 ≈ €11) online through 12go.asia. Windows open for photos; toilets basic. Luggage racks handle 25 kg suitcases.

What accommodation levels exist, from luxury resorts to budget guesthouses?

Coastal 5★ resorts (Shangri-La Hambantota) run €220 B&B; boutique tea bungalows €120 HB. Midrange colonial guesthouses €40-60 with breakfast; backpacker dorms Rs 2 000 (€6). Nearly all include Wi-Fi and mosquito nets.

Do Lithuanian citizens need an ETA to visit, and how do you obtain it?

Yes. Apply at eta.gov.lk, pay US $50 by card, receive approval within 24 h. Print the email or store it on your phone. Visa on arrival costs US $60, so online is cheaper and saves queue time.

How long is the tourist visa valid, and can it be extended locally?

ETA grants 30 days from arrival. Extend once up to 90 days at the Immigration HQ in Colombo (fee Rs 22 000 ≈ €60, passport, photo, proof of funds). Apply one week before expiry to avoid overstay fines.