The tear-drop island of Sri Lanka is steeped in history and natural beauty and is famed for its vibrant culture and warm hospitality. However, navigating this unique cultural landscape can be a challenge for first-time visitors. Luckily, our expert local leaders are only too keen to share their wealth of knowledge and insight, so you get a real feel for the history and culture of Sri Lanka. From lush hill country train rides to ancient temple visits, Sri Lanka offers a myriad of experiences, but we’d always recommend that travellers take the time to learn the customs and respect the traditions the country upholds before they visit.
So, read on for your definitive guide to the dos and don’ts of travelling in Sri Lanka to ensure your visit is as smooth and rewarding as possible.
DO: Indulge in Sri Lankan Cuisine
Sri Lankan cuisine is a sensory delight, so don’t hesitate to try authentic flavours that are deeply rooted in the country’s culture on your adventure. From crispy hoppers and spicy kottu roti to fragrant dhal curries, and pol sambol (coconut relish) the sheer variety of colours and rich flavours are bound to impress. Don’t miss the opportunity to try lamprais, a delicious rice and curry dish wrapped in banana leaves or try freshly caught seafood like devilled prawns or crab curry along the coast. You’ll find every restaurant and local market is like a treasure trove for adventurous food lovers.
DON’T: Ignore Temple Etiquette
Sri Lankan temples are serene places of worship that should be respected by all visitors. It’s important to be quiet, avoid public displays of affection, and never point your feet toward religious icons or statues. You should also dress modestly, by covering your shoulders and knees, and always remove your shoes before entering. If you’re visiting during the hotter months, we’d recommend bringing dark-coloured socks for the temples, as the tiles can heat up. A little mindfulness and respect for these traditions will allow you to have a wonderful temple experience.
DO: Take the Train Through Hill Country
Sri Lanka’s hill country boasts some of the most scenic train rides in the world, offering a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience. Winding through lush tea plantations, misty cloud forests, and charming villages, this slow-paced journey provides unparalleled views and an authentic glimpse into daily life. Routes to Ella are particularly popular as you see the rolling emerald hills of tea estates. This is a must for photographers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone seeking to unwind on your journey through Sri Lanka. And what’s great is that your expert local guide will sort out all the tickets at the station for the group, so you don’t need to worry about what to book and which platform to stand on, as your leader will guide you through it all.
DON’T: Take Pictures of People Without Permission
While Sri Lankans are renowned for being warm and welcoming, taking unsolicited photos can be seen as intrusive and disrespectful. Always ask for permission before snapping a picture, especially in rural areas or at religious sites, where cultural sensitivities are often heightened. A smile and polite request can go a long way if you’d like to take a photo of someone. Being mindful of this simple etiquette ensures you leave a good impression and also gives you opportunities to have meaningful conversations with the locals.
DO: Dress Modestly and Respectfully
Sri Lanka is a conservative country, and dressing appropriately is essential, especially when visiting temples or other sacred sites. Women should carry a scarf or shawl to cover their shoulders, while men may need to wear long shorts or trousers. It’s also important to make sure your clothing is not overly tight or revealing. Dressing respectfully not only avoids unwanted attention but also demonstrates your appreciation for local customs.
DON’T: Drink the Tap Water
Sri Lanka’s tap water is not suitable for tourists to drink, and it could upset your stomach. So, we’d recommend sticking to bottled water, ensuring the seal is intact, and avoiding ice in your drinks when outside major resorts or trusted establishments. On our trips, we ensure that our buses provide filtered water tanks, so you can fill up your reusable water bottles throughout the day, which helps to reduce the need for single-use plastics.
DO: Indulge in Sri Lankan Tea
Tea is an integral part of Sri Lankan cultural identity, so visiting a tea plantation in the highlands for a guided tour to sample fresh brews while learning about the production process from plucking to packaging can be an enriching experience for many. On our trips, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy tasting the world-famous Ceylon tea in local tea estates and restaurants in the old colonial hill station of Nuwara Eliya. This quintessential Sri Lankan experience is not to be missed!
DON’T: Take a Selfie With Buddha
In Sri Lanka, turning your back to a Buddha statue, even for a quick selfie, is considered highly disrespectful. Always face Buddha statues or icons directly and observe any photography restrictions at temples or cultural sites. Some areas may even prohibit photographs entirely, so it’s important to check with your expert local leader. Demonstrating respect for religious practices and avoiding insensitive behaviour ensures a smooth cultural experience for both you and the locals.
DO: Climb Sigiriya
Known as the ‘Lion Rock Fortress’, Sigiriya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a true feat of ancient engineering. The climb, while challenging, rewards visitors with breathtaking views, intricate frescoes of celestial maidens, and fascinating rock art. We’d recommend wearing sturdy shoes, and hats to protect your head from the sun. You should also make sure to top up your water bottles from our filtered water tanks on the bus. On our trips, we always start early to beat the midday heat and avoid large crowds. But when you’re at the summit, you can take your time to enjoy the surroundings and soak in the panoramic views.
DON’T: Forget Insect Repellent
Sri Lanka’s tropical climate attracts mosquitoes and other insects, some of which may carry diseases like dengue fever, so it’s important to pack a good insect repellent with you.
While DEET-based insect repellents are highly effective, we’d recommend the insect repellent Incognito, as it uses plant-based active ingredients like citriodiol, derived from eucalyptus oil, making it an excellent alternative for those seeking a chemical-free, less abrasive repellent. Incognito also has a biodegradable formula which means it’s better for the environment. We’d recommend wearing long sleeves and trousers in the evenings, particularly in forested or rural areas, as it adds an extra layer of protection. A little prevention goes a long way in keeping bites at bay.
DON’T: Admit You Don’t Like Cricket
Sri Lanka’s love for cricket is widely known, and the sport is a deep part of the country’s identity. From kids playing in the streets to national team celebrations, cricket is clearly a unifying passion. Even if you’re not a fan, expressing polite interest or asking questions about the game can be a fantastic icebreaker with locals. It’s an easy way to connect with Sri Lankans and hear about the history and love of the sport firsthand.
DO: Visit a National Park
Sri Lanka is home to an incredible array of wildlife, including leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and exotic bird species. A safari in Yala or Udawalawe National Park offers a chance to see these animals in their natural habitats while also supporting conservation efforts. We aim to arrange our safaris in the mid to late afternoon safaris for the best chance of sightings.
DON’T: Haggle Aggressively
While bargaining is common in Sri Lanka’s markets, it’s important to approach it with respect and fairness. Start with a reasonable offer and remember to keep the interaction friendly. Aggressive haggling can offend sellers and take the joy out of the experience. Building rapport often results in better deals and more memorable exchanges.
DO: Embrace the Local Pace of Life
Sri Lanka famously operates on “island time,” where things might not always run as scheduled. Instead of getting frustrated, we’d recommend that you just embrace the slower pace, relax, and enjoy the journey. Whether you’re waiting for a slightly later train or ordering another drink before your meal arrives, just take things as they come.
DON’T: Overpack
With Sri Lanka’s warm and humid climate, lightweight, breathable clothing is ideal. Packing minimally leaves room for souvenirs such as local spices and tea. Focus on versatile items and layer up for cooler highland areas. Although if you’re doing an early morning trek in Horton Plains or taking the optional Adam’s Peak climb (December to April only), temperatures will be cooler in areas that have higher elevation so we’d recommend bringing a fleece and slightly warmer jacket for this part of the trip.
DO: Learn a Few Sinhalese or Tamil Phrases
A simple “ayubowan” (hello) in Sinhalese or “nandri” (thank you) in Tamil can go a long way with locals. While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, making an effort to communicate in the local languages demonstrates respect and can lead to warm, memorable interactions on your adventure.
By keeping these dos and don’ts in mind, you’ll not only avoid common travel mishaps but gain a deeper appreciation for Sri Lanka’s rich culture and customs. Take a look at our full range of Sri Lankan adventures.
