Climate

Sri Lanka has a tropical climate and two distinct seasons surrounded by the Indian Ocean. The relatively small island has blowing winds that make you forget the high humidity and warm nights during your stay here.

When you reach the central hills, temperature drops down along with altitude. These parts of the island has a pleasant temperature most of the year.

Average temperature runs 27 C to30 C with moderate effect with the sea breeze in most parts of the country.

Rainfall

Sri Lanka receives most of its rainfall from monsoon winds. It takes place between May and July, so monsoon winds bring rain to the Western, Central and Southern areas of Sri Lanka. In December and January most of the rain occurs in the northern and eastern part of the island, which is brought by the north east monsoon winds.

Best time to visit Sri Lanka

Between October/November to mid-April, which is considered to be the country wide peak season. The traditional summer months are favorable in the east coast peak from May to September.

What to Wear

Tropical heat will cool you off with loose clothing, light cotton wear. This is applicable for most parts of the country. However, hill country (NuwaraEliya) is very similar to English spring day with the drop down temperature at night in the hill station. Good wool sweater is advisable for the night and in the day time light wear should keep you cool. Women can wear a Bikinis whenever they are on the beach, but when traveling around, they need to be a little mindful of cultural sensitivities.

So generally knee length shorts, dresses, skirts are advisable. Sleeveless tops or shirts are also fine unless you are visiting a religious site. Visitors need to be properly dressed when they are visiting sacred places and shrines as revealing items of clothing are treated as disrespectful and entry to such sites may be denied. Women travelers will need to cover shoulders and legs. Men should wear long shorts or trousers with a t-shirt, sandals or flip flops are much more comfortable than shoes, when visiting temples or shrines as they are easier to remove.

Travel Tips

Distances are given in kilometers. It is best that you plan your travel in terms of time as well as the best time to start your day after breakfast. Your Guide will provide necessary tips to get you on time to the destination.

Domestic Passenger Flights

Those who would like to arrive at a destination faster and see the island with a scenic eye can use chartered flights from the Ratmalana Airport near Colombo. There is also an option to book a charter or light aircrafts or book a private helicopter for transfers.

Tourist information center

Tel. – (+94) 112 437 059

Tourist Police Unit – Hotline – (+94) 112 421 451

Entry Fees and Photographic Permit to archeological sites

Starting from $5 will go up to $30 (Age Limit 6 – 12 years 50% off)

Currency

Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR)

Time Difference

Sri Lanka is 5.30 ahead of Greenwich time (GMT + 5.30)

Working Hours

Normal working hours are from Monday to Friday 8.30 a.m. - 5.30 p.m. As a service provider, Wins Lanka Travels will work around the clock to make your journey comfortable.

Visa

There are four types of Sri Lankan visas under which non-Sri Lankans can legitimately enter the country. Each visa contains information about the period of time and the condition/s of stay.A Visit Visa permits foreign nationals to enter the country and this type of visa is subdivided into two categories, the Tourist Visit Visa and the Business Visit Visa. The Tourist Visit Visa, which is issued for a short period of time, is given to tourists who wish to come to Sri Lanka for travel purposes or to relax. Foreign nationals who wish to engage in business activities are issued Business Visit Visas for either single, double or multiple entries into the country. From the 1st of January 2012 the Department of Immigration and Emigration has specified that all Business or Holiday travelers to Sri Lanka must obtain Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) in order to enter the country. The ETA fees differ based on the country of the applicant, the type of visa and duration of stay. Payments should be made through the ETA website and not at the port of entry to Sri Lanka.

The second type of visa is a Residence Visa and it allows non-Sri Lanka citizens to obtain residence in Sri Lanka if they fulfill certain special criteria. The third type of visa is a Transit Visa which allows for foreign nationals to enter Sri Lanka for a short period of time when they are en-route to another destination. The fourth and final visa type is called Gratis Visa in which no fees are levied. It is granted to the holder of a Diplomatic or Official Passport.Irrespective of your Visa Type if you wish to extend your visa you need to make an application to the Department of Immigration and Emigration.For further guidance go to http://www.immigration.gov.lk/web/.

Shopping Information

Island is still the temptation that draws the attention to gems, spices, tea, and porcelain. Sri Lanka retains its claim to be the exotic emporium, it was on the silk route with some adjustment to the modern world. The wide array of items on offer, ranges from Brilliants blue sapphires to elegant handloom of bewitching color combination. Look around for an object dart that will adorn your naughty nook if you have one. Costume jewelry of silver and other metals tell you that craftsmen have refrained their eye for imaginative detail of their ancestors, whose carving fascinated you in the shrines you visited.

Gems

Your choice includes blue sapphires that are blue, white and star sapphires, chrysoberyl, cat’s eye, spinal tourmaline, Garnet, Topaz, Moonstones and Zircon. In these days of derivatives diving to cover a precious stone of beauty, clarity and durability is an investment for life. All gems you buy get a certificate from Sri Lanka Gem Corporation.

Handloom products

Wraparounds, Sarongs, Kurtas and a wide range of blouses and shirts in tasteful colour contrast from the appeal choice. Table linen and upholstery material promise both quality and value for getting. The fact that they are hand spine cotton.

Antiques

You can look for the porcelain and pottery as well as furniture of the Dutch period.

Spices

All the aromatic spices first sought by Romans who found that the Arab had beaten them by a length and half are now available in attractive gift packs that convey a charming message to the recipient.

Tea

Tea is available in all blends and flavors beginning with Earl Grey once sought as the stuff from the jewel of the emperor in the Salons to Victorian England. The trendy teas go as Sri Lanka exports have more exotic flavors. The tea can be bought in indigenous and innovative polish hardwood, metal, leather, vacuum packs.