Sri Lanka, alongside India, is the birthplace of Ayurveda. Authentic treatments start from 7 days with medical supervision, individual diagnosis, and daily treatments available from around 35 € per day (full board included). Best regions: Southwest and West coast (Beruwela, Bentota, Weligama) Reput

German, Austrian, and Swiss citizens require an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), which must be applied for online before entry. ETA Details DetailInfo Validity30 days (extendable to 90 days on-site) Cost50 USD (~47 €) for tourist ETA Processing timeUsually within 24 hours, sometimes immedia

Money & Currency (LKR)

The currency of Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). Current exchange rate (as of 2026): approx. 1 € ≈ 350–360 LKR. ATMs ATMs are available in all cities and tourist areas. Most accept Visa and Mastercard. Maximum withdrawal amount: usually 40,000–60,000 LKR per transaction. Fees vary by bank (

Climate & the two monsoons

Sri Lanka has a unique double monsoon system — meaning there is always good weather somewhere on the island: MonsoonPeriodAffectedDry Southwest (Yala)May – SeptemberWest & South coast, HighlandsEast & North coast Northeast (Maha)October – JanuaryEast & North coastWest & South coast Temperature

Sri Lanka is a generally safe travel destination. Violent crime against tourists is rare, and the people are exceptionally hospitable. The biggest risks are road traffic and sunburn. What to watch out for Traffic: The biggest risk in Sri Lanka. Chaotic left-hand traffic, aggressive bus drivers, un

Temple rules & religious etiquette

Sri Lanka takes its religious sites seriously — disrespect can lead to trouble up to arrest. The following rules apply to all Buddhist temples and most Hindu Kovils: Remove shoes: Always, without exception. Often also socks. Tip: Bring light flip-flops that can be quickly put on and taken off. Clo

Tuk-Tuks are ubiquitous and often the most convenient way to cover short distances. A few rules help to get fair prices: Negotiate price beforehand: Ask at the hotel for the approximate price for your route and use this as a starting point. PickMe App: Works in Colombo, Kandy, Galle, and other cit

Booking train tickets

Sri Lanka's trains are a highlight of the trip — but booking can be a challenge, especially for the popular Kandy–Ella route. Booking options Official online: seatreservation.railway.gov.lk — bookable 30 days in advance. Only 1st and 2nd class can be reserved. The website is functional but sometim

Sinhala — the most important phrases

Sinhalese is spoken by about 75% of the population. The script is one of the most beautiful in the world — round, flowing letters that resemble waves. Here are the most important expressions in phonetic transcription: Greeting & Politeness GermanSinhalesePronunciation Helloආයුබෝවන්Ayubowan Good m

Tamil — the most important phrases

Tamil is spoken by about 25% of the population — mainly in the north (Jaffna), east (Trincomalee, Batticaloa), and on the tea plantations in the highlands. A few words in Tamil are especially appreciated in these regions. Greeting & Politeness GermanTamilPronunciation Helloவணக்கம்Vanakkam Thank y

Home Travel GuidesSri Lanka

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Travel Guide Sri Lanka

Your Complete Travel Guide for the Pearl of the Indian Ocean

Capital:Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (administrative) / Colombo (economic)

Languages:Sinhala, Tamil

Currency:Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

Entry:ETA required (50 USD), 30 days

Best Travel Time:Dec – Mar (Southwest), Apr – Sep (East)

Flight Time:10 – 11 hours (with stopover)

Last updated: 10 March 2026 · 13 Chapters · 69 Sections

RECOMMENDED

Route Suggestions

Sri Lanka Highlights

2 – 3 weeks

The ultimate tour for first-time visitors: From ancient royal cities to tea plantations and leopard safaris, to dream beaches and whale watching.

NegomboSigiriyaDambullaKandyNuwara EliyaEllaUdawalaweMirissaGalleColombo

Cultural Triangle Intensive

7 – 10 days

For history and culture enthusiasts: All ancient royal cities, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and the elephant gathering on an intensive route.

NegomboAnuradhapuraMihintaleSigiriyaDambullaPolonnaruwaMinneriyaKandy

Beach & Nature South

10 – 14 days

The southern coast from beach to beach, combined with the best national parks and the highland highlight Ella.

ColomboHikkaduwaGalleUnawatunaMirissaTangalleYalaUdawalaweElla

East Coast & Surfing

10 – 14 days

The other side of Sri Lanka: Surfing in Arugam Bay, untouched beaches in Trincomalee, and the highlands — perfect for summer (Apr–Sep).

ColomboKandyTrincomaleeNilaveliArugam BayEllaUdawalaweMirissa

Discover the North

5 – 7 days

The scarcely traveled north: Tamil culture in Jaffna, ancient ruins in Anuradhapura, and the most beautiful beaches of the east coast.

ColomboAnuradhapuraJaffnaKarainagarTrincomalee

All Chapters

Planning· 2 Chapters

Chapter 1

Welcome to Sri Lanka

5 Sections

Chapter 2

Arrival & Transport

5 Sections

Regions· 4 Chapters

Chapter 3

The Cultural Triangle

8 Sections

Chapter 4

The Highlands

6 Sections

Chapter 5

The South Coast

7 Sections

Chapter 6

West & East Coast

6 Sections

Understanding· 5 Chapters

Chapter 7

History of Sri Lanka

4 Sections

Chapter 8

Society & Religion

4 Sections

Chapter 9

Sri Lankan Cuisine

5 Sections

Chapter 10

Nature & Wildlife

5 Sections

Chapter 11

Art & Handicrafts

4 Sections

Practical· 2 Chapters

Chapter 12

Practical Info A–Z

8 Sections

Chapter 13

Language Guide: Sinhala & Tamil

2 Sections

Discover More Travel Guides

Regions at a Glance

Cultural Triangle

The historical heart of Sri Lanka: Sigiriya, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, and the royal city Kandy with three UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Sigiriya Lion RockDambulla Cave TemplePolonnaruwa Gal ViharaKandy Temple of the Tooth+1

Sri Lanka

Highlands

Cool mountain air, endless tea plantations, mist-covered rainforests, and the legendary train ride Kandy–Ella.

Train ride Kandy–EllaNine Arches BridgeHorton Plains World's EndAdam's Peak+1

Sri Lanka

South Coast

Dream beaches, whale watching, UNESCO fortress Galle, and the best national parks for leopards and elephants.

Galle FortMirissa Whale WatchingYala Leopard SafariUdawalawe Elephants+1

Sri Lanka

West & East Coast

Colombo's big city life, Arugam Bay's surf waves, Trincomalee's untouched beaches, and Jaffna's fascinating Tamil culture.

ColomboArugam Bay SurfingTrincomalee BeachesJaffna Tamil Culture+1

Sri Lanka

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Schlüsseldaten

Daten: Wikidata

Einwohner: 22.037.000(2023)
Fläche: 65.610 km²
Hauptstadt: Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte
Währung: Sri-Lanka-Rupie
Amtssprache: Singhalesisch, Tamil
Vorwahl: +94
Zeitzone: UTC+5:30
Gegründet: 1972-05-22

Klima & Reisewetter

Berechnet aus 10 Jahren · Open-Meteo

Monat	Jan	Feb	Mär	Apr	Mai	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Okt	Nov	Dez
Ø °C	20	21	22	23	24	24	24	24	23	22	21	21
Tag (max)	23°	24°	26°	28°	28°	29°	29°	29°	29°	27°	25°	24°
Nacht (min)	17°	17°	18°	18°	20°	20°	20°	20°	19°	19°	18°	18°
Regen mm	230	130	101	144	155	95	96	109	155	284	396	283