Sri Lankan coast

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Your Sri Lanka questions

Everything you may want to know before your journey.

Does srilanka-roundtrip.com have a license and insurance?

Yes, our drivers have all the necessary licenses and insurance that allow us to serve as tour drivers and guides and help you discover our unique country. For more information, see “About Us.”

How do I get to the national parks? Which jeep driver is reliable?

On our tours, we’ll take you directly to the park entrance or pick you up at your hotel. We know the most reliable local jeep drivers and will take care of the admission so you can head straight out on your safari.

The train from Kandy to Ella is often booked up weeks in advance

Enjoy the epic train ride from Kandy to Ella without any stress: We’ll take care of the tickets in advance, drop you off at the train station, and be waiting for you at the destination station in our air-conditioned car with your luggage.

Which beach is right for me, and how can I change locations on the fly if the weather takes a turn for the worse?

A beach vacation in Mirissa today, surfing in Weligama tomorrow? With your own driver, you’ll have complete flexibility and won’t have to wait for crowded buses in the heat.

What is the food like in Sri Lanka?

Traditional Sri Lankan cuisine is delicious. Although it can be very spicy, there are many dishes prepared with cooling coconut milk or served with a spicy sambar on the side, so you can adjust the meal to suit your taste. Sri Lanka doesn’t have a strong culture of eating out—most locals eat at home—which is why there are relatively few restaurants. The few that do exist are mostly located in hotels, although there are also restaurants in Colombo, Kandy, Galle, and the coastal towns. On our trips, we make an effort to eat at local restaurants whenever possible, but on many evenings, hotel restaurants are the only option available. Be sure to try some of the most famous dishes, such as: Rice & Curry: The unofficial national dish. A large mound of rice is surrounded by a variety of small bowls containing dhal (lentil curry), vegetables, meat, or fish. Kottu (Roti): A popular street food made by chopping crispy flatbread into small pieces and stir-frying it with vegetables, eggs, meat, and spicy seasonings on a hot griddle. Hoppers (Appam): Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk. The savory version with an egg in the center (egg hopper) is often eaten with curries. Lamprais: Rice, meat, and vegetables baked together with spices in a banana leaf. A legacy of the Dutch colonial era.

Is Sri Lanka a good family holiday destination?

The ingredients for a great family adventure are plenty of variety, modest travelling times, a good balance of experiences and activities that the whole family can enjoy and some beach downtime. Sri Lanka really does tick all of these boxes. From whitewater rafting and surfing on the west coast, to hiking amongst ancient ruins and glamping in an Elephant sanctuary, our family Sri Lanka tours are non-stop fun, with the lure of sun-soaked beaches at the end of each trip.

What are the duty free allowances available for foreign visitors?

Foreign visitors are eligible for an exemption of Customs duties on personal belongings such as clothing, cosmetics and gifts up to a value of US$ 250/- and 1 1/2 lit. of liquor and 2 bottles of wine.

What health requirements must I be concerned with?

Sri Lanka has an effective public health care system which is considered a model for most developing countries across the world. However, emergency medical facilities may not be found in the certain areas outside of the main cities. The private hospitals are also available in almost all the cities in the country. There are pharmacies selling common medications in almost every city in Sri Lanka. However, we recommend that you bring your own specific medications with you, as the availability of medications can vary. It is also recommended that you purchase adequate health insurance and accident insurance for your trip to Sri Lanka.

What are the ‘Prohibited & Restricted items’ to be carried by pessengers to Sri Lanka?

Prohibied: Narcotics, Psychotropic Substances, Precursor Drugs, Pornographic and Pro-Religious Literature Cigarettes Restricted: Gold, Jewellery, Gems and other Precious Metals Liquor and Wines Cosmetics, Medicinal drugs and devices Telecommunication Equipment Foreign currencies more than US$ 15000 or equivalent. If you intend to take back US$ 5000 or more, please declare the entire amount Sri Lankan Rupees not more than 20000 only for Sri Lankan citizens. Animals, Plants (including specimens) and their parts Firearms, Ammunition, Air Guns and Explosives Any other items which require special permits or licenses

As a tourist, am I allowed to bring a drone into Sri Lanka?

Drones are generally permitted for tourists in Sri Lanka, but an official permit is required for legal operation. Use without the appropriate permits is strictly prohibited. Generally speaking, it’s not worth bringing a drone to Sri Lanka, as there are various no-fly zones: airports (at least 8 km away), areas above military and government buildings, national parks, and areas above archaeological sites and religious buildings. Please follow the instructions from the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL). https://www.caa.lk/en/drones

What kind of clothing is appropriate?

Sri Lanka is a modest, primarily Buddhist country. Dress respectfully by covering your shoulders and knees when visiting temples, and always remove your shoes before entering religious sites. Tip: During the hot months, the ground can get very hot, so bring some old white socks with you so you don't have to walk barefoot on the hot ground. Women should bring a large scarf to cover their knees when visiting temples.

Is the country safe?

Yes, Sri Lanka is generally safe for travelers. Our professional drivers ensure your safety throughout the journey. We monitor all destinations and follow the latest travel advisories to provide a secure experience.

How do I pay?

We accept various payment methods including bank transfers, credit cards, and PayPal. A deposit is typically required to confirm your booking, with the balance due before your trip begins. All pricing is transparent with no hidden fees.

What are the highlights?

Sri Lanka offers incredible diversity: UNESCO World Heritage sites Sigiriya: A majestic, ancient rock fortress featuring stunning frescoes and lush summit views Kandy & The Cultural Triangle: Home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and ancient, sprawling ruins. Ella & Nuwara Eliya: Famous for lush, green rolling tea fields and scenic train rides Wildlife Safaris: National parks like Yala, Wilpattu, and Udawalawe offer excellent opportunities to spot leopards, wild elephants, and sloth bears. Beaches: Sri Lanka's beaches offer a unique variety of world-class surf spots, lively coastal towns, and pristine sandy beaches. Thanks to the dual monsoon system, travelers can enjoy year-round sunshine, whale watching, and snorkeling with sea turtles.

Do I need a visa?

Most foreign nationals (including EU and Swiss passport holders) need to obtain a visa to enter, which can typically be applied for online via the Department of Immigration and Emigration of Sri Lanka or on arrival. Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of arrival.