The Hill Country Sri Lanka Travel Guide
Effective management of your preparations facilitates a smooth trip.
steps for a seamless journey.
Verify passport validity for a minimum of six months past your stay.
Submit your Electronic Travel Authorization online via the official Sri Lanka site.
Reserve flights abroad and main accommodations, especially for peak season.
Double-check flight, hotel, and any major tour reservations.
Outline daily plans for attractions, day trips, and activities.
Acquire permits for specific treks or a temporary Ceylonese driving license endorsement.
Begin packing, considering Kandy's climate and cultural norms for temple visits.
Obtain some Sri Lankan Rupees before departure or plan exchange/withdrawal upon arrival.
Download offline maps for Kandy and language packs (Sinhala, Tamil) on translation apps.
Adjust your strategy based on your trip companions.
Streamline group travel and address accessibility needs.
Assemble your essentials for a seamless journey.
Agree on a price beforehand for tuk-tuks or, better yet, use meter apps like PickMe or Uber. This limits overpaying.
Your first stairs and final farewells deserve careful planning.
Clear immigration upon Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) by showing a passport and ETA approval.
Locate accommodation upon Kandy arrival; exchange currency for initial purchases.
Buy bottled water that is sealed immediately.
Utilize pre-booked transfers for travel from CMB to Kandy.
Alternatively, use airport taxis or buses for travel.
Once in Kandy, use PickMe or Uber for transport to specific accommodation.
Pack souvenirs carefully, especially fragile items.
If shipping larger purchases, use a reputable service and keep tracking information.
Check your home country's customs regulations for items like tea, spices, and gemstones.
This avoids issues upon re-entry. Sri Lanka has no general VAT refund scheme for tourists.
Allow ample time for travel from Kandy to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
The drive can take 3-4 hours; arrive at CMB at least BE at the airport BE at the airport 3 hours before your international flight.
Confirm your onward or return flights, and verify all travel documents (passport, boarding passes) are in order.
A complete approach to your journey ensures peace of mind.
Optimize spending with smart choices in Kandy.
Ensure your airport getting from Kandy is confirmed for the correct time.
This helps confirm a smooth departure from Sri Lanka.
