Toolkit

Practical tools for planning a Sri Lanka trip sit here in one place: a day-by-day itinerary planner with a backup plan, a live US dollar to Sri Lankan rupee currency converter, a Sinhala and Tamil phrasebook for everyday situations, journey-time estimates between towns by car, bus and train, and a simple trip budget tracker.

Trip planner Plan day by day, with a backup Plan B

Currency US$1 = Rs 338 today Journey times Real car, bus and train hours Rides Tuk-tuks, apps, taxis and drivers Transit Trains, buses and highway coaches Expressways Tolls, exits and the 1969 hotline Airport transfers Every price compared, day or night Domestic flights Seaplanes that follow the monsoon Renting a vehicle Permits, rates and the insurance trap Hire a driver Day rates, inclusions, choosing well Visa checker ETA rules for your passport Budget Track spending in any currency Phrasebook Sinhala and Tamil, offline Live map 2,000+ places and services Flights Domestic and international Emergency 119 police · 1990 ambulance Best time Now: Inter-monsoon Festivals Deepavali (Diwali) tomorrow Saved Places and guides you keep Entry fees 2026 gate prices, sourced Fare guide What rides cost in 2026

Frequently asked questions

How many days do I need for Sri Lanka?

A satisfying first loop, west + Cultural Triangle + hill country + south coast, takes about 10 to 14 days. With a week, pick two regions (e.g. Triangle + hills, or hills + south) rather than rushing everywhere.

Should I carry cash or card in Sri Lanka?

Both: cards work at hotels and bigger restaurants, but tuk-tuks, small eateries and guesthouses run on cash. Withdraw rupees from bank ATMs every few days.

Can I drink the tap water in Sri Lanka?

Not recommended for visitors. Bottled, filtered or boiled water is cheap and available everywhere; many hotels now offer filtered refills.

How long does Kandy to Ella take?

About 4 to 5 hours by car and 6 to 7 by train for just 130 km. The train is slower on purpose and worth it; take the earliest one.

When is the Kandy Esala Perahera?

It follows the lunar calendar, usually late July to early August, across ten nights ending on the Esala (Nikini) full moon. Book Kandy stays and grandstand tickets well in advance.