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Sri Lanka Snapshot

Sri Lanka is blessed with a tropical climate, with temperatures remaining in the high 20s throughout most of the year. To soak up some sunshine, be sure to come during the dry seasons (September - October and December – March). The rest of the time it's the monsoon season, so expect rain during this time.
  • Colombo weather chart

Eating and Drinking in Sri Lanka

  • Curry: Sri Lankan curries are among the hottest in the world, but don’t let that put you off. Fragrant, coconut-based curries packed with chilli, garlic, turmeric and coriander will give your tastebuds a treat.
  • Seafood: Being an island, Sri Lanka has access to an amazing array of seafood. Feast on fresh crab, swordfish, lobster and squid - or choose a fiery seafood-based curry.
  • Hoppers: These egg-filled crepe-like wonders can usually be found at breakfast buffets. Usually made from a rice flour and coconut milk batter, they are a Sri Lankan twist on the traditional pancake.
  • Tea: With miles of tea plantations, Sri Lankans have grown accustomed to drinking their popular home-grown cash crop. Tea is served with milk and sugar almost everywhere in Sri Lanka, mainly at breakfast and during the day.
  • Traditional Sri Lankan Dhal Curry and Roti bread

Intrepid believes that one of the best ways to experience a country is by eating! Whether you're sampling street food, savouring a cheap eat or indulging in a banquet, there are endless options to choose from wherever you are in the world.

Shopping in Sri Lanka

  • Handicrafts: Although available all over the country, Kandy is one of the best places to buy locally made handicrafts. Choose from handmade brass and silver jewellery, vibrant fabric bags and scarves, and batik wall hangings.
  • Spices: Home to a multitude of plantations and spice gardens, it’s no wonder some of the world’s best spices come from Sri Lanka. Perhaps buy some saffron, cloves, cinnamon, turmeric and cardamom to take home a taste of Sri Lanka with you.
  • Gem Stones: If you’re after a low-cost gemstone, Sri Lanka is a top place to pick up a stone at great price. Birthstones are popular, as are girls' best friends – diamonds! As always, buy from a licensed gem store to guarantee authenticity.
  • sri lanka shopping craft stall hand carved local market

Known for it’s fragrant spices, vibrant fabrics, stunning silver jewellery and one-of-a-kind antiques, it’s difficult to leave Sri Lanka without a backpack full of mementos. From far-flung rural marketplaces to the boutiques and galleries of Galle and Colombo, shopping in Sri Lanka has something for everyone at a relatively low cost.

It's a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand generally have strict quarantine laws.

Accommodation

Travelling with Intrepid is a little bit different. We endeavour to provide travellers with an authentic experience to remember, so we try to keep accommodation as unique and traditional as possible.

When travelling with us in Sri Lanka you may find yourself staying in a:
Basic Guesthouse

  • Basic Guesthouse

  • Intrepid prefers smaller, character-filled guesthouses than hotel chains. When staying in Sri Lanka, enjoy staying in small hotels and guesthouses owned and run by friendly locals.

Transport

Intrepid believes half the fun of experiencing a new country is getting there, and getting around once there! Where possible, Intrepid uses local transport options and traditional modes of transport - which usually carry less of an environmental impact, support small local operators and are heaps more fun.

Depending on which trip you're on while in Sri Lanka, you may find yourself travelling by:
Group of travellers embarking on forest bicycle trek in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

  • Bicycle

  • Hiring a bike and pedalling around ancient cities full of crumbling ruins is a fun and interactive way to learn about Sri Lanka’s fascinating history.
Packed overnight train of Haputale in Sri Lanka

  • Train

  • Train travel in Sri Lanka is often a crowded affair but think of it as a great opportunity to live like a local and make new friends.

Shortlist

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Sri Lanka at a glance

  • 4
  • Colombo (population 2 million)
  • 21.5 million
  • Sinhalese, Tamil
  • LKR
  • (GMT+05:30) Sri Jayawardenepura
  • Type D (Old British 3-pin), Type G (Irish/British 3-pin)
  • +94

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