Important information

3 Main Attractions: Sigiriya, Yala National Park, Adam’s Peak

Culture Norms: It is customary to be offered tea when visiting and considered impolite to refuse. If visiting someone’s home, or place of business, bring a small token, such as a souvenir from home. Informal, Western dress is suitable, except when visiting Buddhist temples, where modest clothing should be worn. When visiting any place of worship make sure to remove your shoes and hats. English is spoken by around 10% of the population, so make sure to learn some phrases in Sinhala or Tamil, which are the major spoken languages.

Prices of Necessities: Bottle of water – 0.7 $, coffee – 2.1 $, average restaurant meal for 2 persons – 15.0 $

Emergency Numbers: Police: 118 Ambulance: 110 Fire brigade: 111

Precautions

Vaccinations: Malaria:  Prophylaxis with Lariam, Malarone, or doxycycline is recommended for all areas except the districts of Colombo, Kalutara, Galle, and Nuwara Eliya. Hepatitis A & B and Typhoid vaccinations are recommended for all travelers. Yellow fever required for all travelers greater than one year of age arriving from a yellow-fever-infected area. Two doses of MMR vaccinations are recommended for travelers born after 1956 if not previously taken. Japanese encephalitis, for travelers who may spend a month or more in rural areas and for short-term travelers who may spend substantial time outdoors in rural areas, especially after dusk. Rabies vaccination maybe required depending on your trip activities.