Your next trip to Sri Lanka
Find out all you need to know before planning your trip, from how to get around and when to travel to what to pack and what to think about before going, as well as what SOBA can do for you.
Sri Lanka Facts & info
Basic Facts
Capital city: Colombo
Area: 65 610 km² / 25 332 square miles
Population: 21.8 Million
Time Zone: GMT +5.30
The time difference is + 5.5 hours GMT in Sri Lanka
Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR or Rs.)
Sri Lanka's currency is the Sri Lanka Rupee (LKR often referred to as Rs.). 1 LKR is divided into 100 Cents. Coins are less in circulation and banknotes denomination vary from 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000 and 5000 Currently, the exchange rate is as follows (as of 04/2024)
- 1 Euro € = ca. 343 Rs.
- 1 US $ = ca. 305 Rs.
- 1 £ = ca. 389 Rs.
- 1 ¥ = ca. 2 Rs.
- 1 ¥ = ca. 42 Rs.
- 1 ₹ = ca. 3.65 Rs.
- 1 د.إ = ca. 83 Rs.
Geography
Sri Lanka is an Island-nation in the Indian ocean, situated at the southern tip of India and boasts more than 1300 km (>800 miles) of coastline. The terrain ranges from dry zone to tropical wet zone, central hill country (above 2500m at the highest peak), tropical rainforest areas and sunny beaches.
Climate
Average 27°C/81°F in Colombo and coastal areas. At Kandy in the central hill country(altitude 500m), the average temperature is 20°C/68°F, while Nuwara Eliya (at 1889m) has a temperate 16°C/61°F average. The sea stays at around 27°C/81°F all year. Sri Lanka is a tropical country with two tropical monsoon seasons; northeast monsoon or Maha Season(December to March) brings rain to the North and East, while southwest monsoon or Yala Season (June to October) brings rain to the island’s southwestern half.
Language
Official language of Sri Lanka is Sinhala. Tamil is also spoken as a national language. Except for deeply rural areas, most Sri Lankans speak English.
Religion
Predominantly Buddhist, but also includes Hindu, Muslim and Christian.
Why plan your Sri Lanka adventure with Soba Ceylon?
As a Sri Lanka-based travel operator with international expertise, SOBA Ceylon is your perfect partner for the holiday of your dreams. Here’s why you should choose us:
Well Designed Trips
With years of professional experience, Soba Ceylon knows that a holiday is about fulfilling dreams. Our meticulously designed trips are crafted to make your dreams come true. We listen to your expectations and use our extensive knowledge and creativity to create the perfect journey for you.
Extensive Experience
Leveraging our deep expertise in Sri Lanka, Soba Ceylon creates breathtaking, customized tour programs. Our experts take your travel wishes and use their destination knowledge, a broad network of contacts, and first-hand experiences to transform your travel desires into unforgettable adventures, exploring cultural hotspots and natural wonders across the island.
In-Depth Local Knowledge
As locals, we have an intimate understanding of Sri Lanka. We continuously explore the island to uncover the most incredible places and experiences. Our 100% local team and partners provide you with insider knowledge that only residents can offer.
Fine Selection of Hotels & Staff
Choose from a wide variety of accommodations to suit your preferences, from star-class and boutique-style hotels to economical options. Our well-trained hotel staff are dedicated to providing first-class service to ensure your comfort.
Limited Number of Guests
To preserve Sri Lanka's natural beauty and ensure the highest quality of service, we limit the number of guests we serve each year. This approach helps protect the island's ecosystem, ensures safety, and enhances tourism satisfaction. Therefore, you are someone special, as you are one of our carefully selected guests.
Personalized Care and Support
From the moment you arrive in Sri Lanka to the moment you leave, we are committed to your well-being. Our team is always nearby to guide you through your Sri Lankan adventure, ensuring you feel safe and supported every step of the way..
Unmatched Flexibility
Flexibility is the cornerstone of SOBA Ceylon’s business. We tailor our services to meet your unique needs, providing the best quality and value. Whether you have group, organizational, or individual requests, we ensure continuity, integrity, and consistency throughout our services.
Complete the Enquiry form provided to start planning your dream tour with Soba Ceylon today. Experience special rates and unparalleled customization, backed by our dedication to making your Sri Lanka adventure truly extraordinary.
What you need to know when planning your trip
We offer exclusive, personalized transportation services to ensure your comfort and safety. Our professional drivers are dedicated to your satisfaction. We provide a select fleet of luxury vehicles, along with unique options like three-wheel tuk-tuks and trains to enhance your Sri Lankan experience.
Sri Lanka is a safe country to travel, and its legendary hospitality means travelers are warmly welcomed. However, it’s always wise to take basic security precautions. Keep a record of your passport number, airline tickets, traveler’s checks, and credit card numbers in a safe place. Use hotel safes for valuable items and consult hotel staff or your travel guide about the safety of locations you plan to visit.
Visas are required for trips to Sri Lanka. Nationals from many countries should apply online for a 30-day visit visa through the electronic travel authority at Sri Lanka eVisa. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the end of your intended stay.
Carry prescription medicines to last throughout your trip. Consult your healthcare provider about necessary vaccinations and medications based on your health, immunization history, and travel plans. In addition to sunblock, sunglasses, antibacterial hand wipes or sanitizer, and mosquito repellent, it’s essential to pack any specific medications you may require. Keep in mind that medications available locally may not always and everywhere be available.
Pack comfortable, casual, and semi-casual clothes for your trip. Light cotton trousers or shorts, shirts, comfortable walking shoes, a windbreaker, a sunhat, and a fleece are recommended. For overnight stays in the hill country, a warm jacket is essential. In cities, smart-casual evening wear is appropriate. Respect local customs by removing footwear and covering your head, legs, and shoulders when visiting Buddhist temples.
While most Sri Lankans don’t mind being photographed, it’s polite to ask for permission, especially when photographing women. Avoid taking photos of airports, military installations, security checkpoints, and government buildings. Refrain from posing in front of Buddha statues. Bring your own film and memory cards, as locally available supplies may not consistently be accessible.
Change money only as per the requirement. Facilities are available at Colombo’s international airport, hotels, and exchange centers in major cities. Major credit cards are widely accepted, except in remote areas and smaller shops. ATMs are available across the island. If bringing cash, US dollars and Euros in notes are recommended.
Sri Lanka is a great destination for families, with many child-friendly hotels and tour programs. For safety reasons, some tours are not suitable for children under five. Age limits may apply for certain activities like walking safaris and adventure tours. Our travel experts can advise you on the best family travel options.
Step-by-Step Planning
To start planning your holiday, we need to hear from you. Whether you know a lot or a little about Sri Lanka, simply share your interests, and we’ll match them with the perfect activities and sights.
Sri Lanka has something for everyone. Wildlife enthusiasts can enjoy safaris in national parks and explore lush rainforests. History buffs will find endless fascination in Sri Lanka’s ancient cities and the rich remnants of its colonial past. Adventure seekers can indulge in thrilling activities like white-water rafting and trekking. Culinary fans will delight in exploring the diverse and exotic cuisines of Sri Lanka.
Begin planning by filling out our enquiry form. We offer suggestions to help you describe what you want to do. If none of the suggestions fit, simply fill in your interests in the additional comments field. You can also provide your budget and travel dates, if known. Be as specific or as vague as you like—it’s our job to create the perfect itinerary based on your information.
Prefer not to fill out forms? Call us at +94 77 9850202 or email info@sobaceylon.com. We promise to get back to you promptly.
After you share your interests, we’ll create a suggested itinerary tailored to your preferences. We’ll send it to you to review the details about the places you’ll stay and the attractions you’ll visit. If you have any questions or need adjustments, our experts, who have extensively traveled throughout Sri Lanka, are happy to provide insights and make changes until you’re completely satisfied.
Once you’re happy with the itinerary, give us the go-ahead to book your trip. From this point, you can relax—we’ll handle everything. From booking hotels and planning travel routes to organizing transportation and providing guides, we ensure every aspect of your journey is seamlessly arranged.
Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a friendly face who will welcome you and escort you to your hotel, ensuring you start your journey smoothly and comfortably.
Embark on your unforgettable Sri Lankan adventure knowing we are always there to support you. You have the advantage of having us physically present at your destination, ready to assist with any changes or issues that may arise. Our constant availability ensures that your trip goes exactly as planned, with the flexibility to adapt to your needs.
Let us create the perfect Sri Lankan holiday for you. Fill out the form to get started today. Click here
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