How to travel safely in Sri Lanka – Important factors that you need to be aware of

The Emerald Isle of Sri Lanka provides countless opportunities to fully appreciate the wonders of a tropical escape like no other. Thus, regardless of whether you long to lie by the beach or take to the mountains en route to scaling new heights on your bucket list; Sri Lanka is well worth the investment. Also, there are certain facts that any prospective traveller would need to know and understand long before the day dawns for one to commence journeying to the country.

Obtain your visa

Other than if you are a national of Singapore, Seychelles, or the Maldives, you will be required to obtain a visa to enter Sri Lanka in order to facilitate your future travel plans. To begin with, one must have a passport valid for 6 months from the date of departure from Sri Lanka and in turn, a visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). The most convenient means of obtaining your visa would be via an online application form which would require the payment of a fee. Thereafter, you will have to print out the visa before carrying it with you to be stamped upon arrival by local immigration officials. Visas can also be obtained after one arrives but the sole caveat in this regard is that there is bound to be a delay in processing same.

Tour through the country with the help of local experts

What is meant by this is that one must always look at the prospect of securing the services and expertise of a local tour guide before setting out in search of the stunning scenery that encompasses the island. Thus, for valuable insights and a better understanding of attractions such as the Temple of the Tooth Relic, Sigiriya, the Galle Fort, or the ruins of ancient capitals of Anuradhapura & Polonnaruwa; consider this option as it would also provide you with an opportunity to make a new friend in Sri Lanka. Worthy of mention is that Sri Lankan tour guides speak excellent English and do not hesitate to speak favourably of their own country. Thus, you would have gathered a considerable amount of information by the end of your tour. 

Randeepa Dhanarathna, Sigiriya Sri lanka, CC BY-SA 4.0

Avoid driving by yourself

What better way to settle down and unwind in Sri Lanka than by having a personal driver take you to your preferred destination? In Sri Lanka, driving around can be quite stressful and since travellers like you will be required to have an international driving permit, it really wouldn’t make much sense to go through the hassle of trying to obtain one. Further, who wants to be seen weaving in and out of traffic or stuck in traffic jams? And this too while on holiday? Therefore, this is where a personal driver can be of benefit to you in more ways than one as not only would you be provided with hassle-free transportation but also, one would have the services of a knowledgeable tour guide as well.

 Opt for train travel as much as possible

This would also apply if you are more a fan of budget travel and wish to spend as little as possible on transportation. In short, train travel, especially upcountry and to the central highlands of the island would present itself with many a chance to catch a glimpse of sleepy villages, mist-shrouded peaks, cascading waterfalls, and well-kept tea estates in a way you will not stand to enjoy if in a public or private bus. Also, the fares are cheap and seats can be reserved in advance to cities such as Kandy, Ella, and Badulla where the glorious surrounds of the hill country will unveil themselves to you. In turn, the southern coastal belt is well served by a train service that if resorted to, will have you delighting in vistas made up of dancing waves, unspoiled beaches, famous Buddhist stupas, and colonial structures en route to being accommodated at properties by popular chains such as Araliya Hotels & Resorts which is amongst the best hotels in Sri Lanka.