Getting Around · 11 of the best in Sri Lanka
What to pack for Sri Lanka
The back story
About What to pack for Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is hot and humid on the coast and in the plains, cool in the hills and wet somewhere almost all year, so pack light layers and a few specific items.
Temples
Cover your shoulders and knees at temples and other religious sites, and take off your shoes and hat before you enter. A light scarf or sarong is easy to carry. Bring a pair of socks: the stone floors and courtyards can be painfully hot in the middle of the day.
The hills
Nuwara Eliya, at around 1,900 metres, is far cooler than the coast: nights can drop to around 10°C, and colder in the early months of the year. Bring a fleece or warm layer, especially for Horton Plains at dawn or the night climb of Adam’s Peak.
Pack a pair of socks for the temples: the stone floors get very hot by midday.
Rain
A light rain jacket or umbrella is useful in any month, as the monsoons and the inter-monsoon showers move around the island. A dry bag protects your phone and camera on boats and in sudden downpours.
Safaris
Wear neutral colours such as khaki, olive and beige on safari, with a hat, sunglasses and a light layer for the early morning. Binoculars make a big difference.
Beaches and reefs
Bring a high-factor, reef-safe sun cream, a hat and mosquito repellent, especially for the evenings. Rash vests are useful for surfing and snorkelling.
Plugs and gadgets
Sri Lanka uses 230-volt power with Type D and Type G sockets, so a universal adaptor is the easiest choice. A power bank helps on long train and road days.
Our advice: pack light, quick-drying clothes, one warm layer for the hills, a sarong for the temples and a dry bag, and buy anything you forget in Colombo, where it is easy to find.
Why it's on our list
- Temples
- The hills
- Rain
- Safaris
- Beaches and reefs
- Plugs and gadgets
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with What to pack for Sri Lanka before you go.