Planning a trip to Sri Lanka? Get ready to be enthralled by the magic created by the deep-rooted mythological beliefs, idyllic beaches, awe-inspiring historic attractions, and many more! Each experience enjoyed in this wonderful country will not be less than a memorable journey through time and nature, where every moment beautifully unfolds like a combined magical tale of culture, adventure, and serenity. Though the country’s beauty is undeniable, overlooking certain precautions can dampen your travel experience. Visit Sri Lanka with perfection and comfort with JustWravel’s list of mistakes to avoid for every tourist. Remember, The goal is to make the most of your vacation and avoid getting trapped into careless missteps that can lead you to health risks, certain charges, fines, exhaustion, and whatnot!
Here’s a List of the Mistakes to Avoid When Visiting Sri Lanka
By keeping a few essential dos and don’ts in mind, you can make the most of your Sri Lankan adventure without unnecessary stress. A well-informed traveler enjoys Sri Lanka the way it’s meant to be experienced, helping you avoid getting exhausted or scammed. So why wait? Here’s a comprehensive list of what NOT TO DO when visit Sri Lanka! Let’s get started.
#1 Ignoring Local Customs
This is the biggest mistake that tourists make! Do you know that visit Sri Lanka is not as easy as it seems because the laws and beliefs followed here are so strict that failing to do so can ruin your travel experience?
Ignoring local customs is a big NO-NO in Sri Lanka as it can significantly hamper your experience and leave you with sheer disappointment and unwanted trouble. Sri Lanka travel requires awareness of certain customs, laws, and local etiquette to ensure a smooth and respectful experience. Disregarding these can make you stand out for the extremely unrealized wrong reasons, turning a warm and welcoming destination into an uncomfortable experience. Avoid making the following mistakes regarding local customs and beliefs:
- PDAs (Public Displays of Affection) like kissing etc, especially near religious sites.
- Inappropriate clothing, like outfits revealing shoulders, knees, etc, while visiting temples, rural areas, and others.
- Always remove shoes before entering temples and other religious sites.
- Avoiding the right hand in certain cases is not acceptable. In Sri Lanka, always use your right hand when giving, receiving, or eating something, as the left hand is traditionally considered unclean.
- Disregarding or ignoring the local greetings. A simple “Ayubowan” (a traditional greeting) goes a long way in showing respect and appreciation for the culture in Sri Lanka.
- Certain hand gestures that can trigger locals, like pointing with your finger or touching someone’s head, can be considered very rude, so avoid it.
- VERY IMPORTANT: Criticizing religious beliefs or political matters can be offensive and may lead to unwanted confrontations.
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#2 Disregarding Following Wildlife Etiquettes
Do you know that disregarding wildlife etiquette in Sri Lanka can turn it into a disaster? Tourists have majorly conducted wrongdoings such as getting too close to the animals, feeding them, or making loud noises, all actions that disturb their natural habitat and may provoke dangerous encounters.
Elephants, leopards, and other wildlife are not attractions for amusement; they are wild creatures that must be respected. Ignoring park rules, littering, or disturbing animals can lead to fines or even accidents.
#3 Planning Your Visit Last Minute
Tourists visit Sri Lanka should always plan in advance, at least 1-2 months ago to ensure proper planning, and packing, and avoid unnecessary disappointments. Do not leave your travel plans to the last minute unless you’re ready to deal with frustration, disappointment, and unnecessary expenses. Famous safaris, and popular train routes such as Kandy to Nuwara Eliya or Ella require advanced planning of at least 3-4 weeks as they go sold out very soon. Doing this last minute can potentially turn your excitement into regret.
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#4 Overlooking Spicy Food Warnings
One of the most important aspects of Sri Lanka travel is to be mindful of the spicy food warnings, when in eateries and restaurants. Sri Lankan cuisine is ideally rich, flavorful, and heavily spiced, which might not be suitable for everyone. Those with spice intolerance may face challenges, making it an unpleasant experience leading to stomach discomfort, acidity, or digestive issues. A better way out is to ask in advance regarding the spice levels before ordering or being ready to face severe tummy issues that can ruin your travel plans.
#5 Underestimating the Temperatures
The temperature in Sri Lanka can go as high as 35°C (95°F) in some regions, and the humidity can become intolerable, hampering your outdoor experience. There have been instances when tourists have ignored the temperature aspect and dressed in heavy or uncomfortable clothing, leading to intense discomfort, exhaustion, and even heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, heatstroke, or severe sunburn. This is one of the most important Sri Lanka things to do, as weather challenges can spoil your perfectly planned outdoor adventures. Also, do not forget to carry water for adequate hydration, sunglasses, hats, and sunscreens to beat this heat without compromising on style. Tourists can also plan their outdoor activities in the evening time, especially on extremely hotter days to avoid getting sick and experiencing heat exhaustion, dehydration, or sunburn.
READ MORE: Top 10 Adventure Activities in Sri Lanka
#6 Assuming/Expecting Services On Time
Sri Lankan culture follows a more laid-back approach to punctuality, often referred to as “Sri Lanka time.” Unlike in Western cultures, where strict adherence to schedules is expected, delays are more common and often accepted. Be prepared for it to avoid distress and disappointments.
#7 Drinking Tap Water Freely
Tourists visit Sri Lanka expecting a paradise of pristine beaches, stunning landscapes, and profound culture, but one mistake can quickly ruin the experience. Drinking tap water freely is a BIG NO-NO as is not always safe for travelers due to differences in water treatment and potential contamination. There will be instances such as extremely hot weather or strenuous activities like trekking etc where maintaining adequate hydration is important, carry a water bottle with an in-built filter or purchase packed bottles to ensure safe hydration.
Purchasing packed water bottles or purified water, even at restaurants and hotels is advisable to stay ahead of water-borne illnesses as drinking contaminated water may cut your trip short with unnecessary discomfort.
READ MORE: Why Sri Lanka is the Next Big Travel Destination
#8 Trusting Every Tuk-Tuk Driver’s Fare
Exploring the nation may require short journeys, and tuk-tuks are a convenient way to get around the cities. But here’s the catch! Some tuk-tuk drivers can sometimes act over-smart with the tourists and be deceptive, overcharging them in the face of greed. So, if you wanna escape falling into the trap of “Fair Fraud” or “Tourist Price Gouging”, then you must go for metered tuk-tuks, and taxis, and always do negotiations before finalizing the ride.
JustWravel Tip: Before heading out of the hotel, you can take advice or gain knowledge on the basic fair prices from the hotel staff or locals to avoid getting tricked. You can even use Google Maps to track your journey as these tuk-tuk drivers may take you through the longer routes and avoid shorter ones to demand higher prices.
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#9 Skipping Small Denominations of Cash
Wanna skip the frustrating part of touring this Island nation? Always keep small denominations of cash ready and avoid carrying only bigger values of notes. Many local markets, tuk-tuk drivers, street vendors, and even small restaurants/eating places often do not accept card payments or large bills. Not carrying small denominations of cash can cause last-minute refusals, unnecessary delays, and even disappointments. Only carrying high-value notes is not a smart move as shopkeepers or vendors may refuse to provide change due to limited availability.
Please note: ATMs may not always dispense smaller bills, and breaking large notes can be a struggle, especially in rural areas. Relying solely on digital payments is RISKY, as many places still operate on cash transactions. To avoid unnecessary stress and frustration, always keep smaller denominations handy to make the most of your every experience.
#10 Touching and Taking Religious Artifacts
Exploring museums and other places is a not-to-be-missed experience in Sri Lanka as you get to witness the eye-popping artifacts, historical relics, and other precious ancient treasures. While visiting such places, tourists should ABSOLUTELY AVOID touching or taking religious artifacts in any way. It’s important to note that Sri Lanka takes its religious heritage very seriously, and failing to respect it can lead to serious trouble. Whether you touch the artifact just out of curiosity or plan to take it as a souvenir, especially Buddha statues— it is considered highly offensive.
READ MORE: 10 Hidden Places in Sri Lanka
Taking even a small piece, like a temple stone or a relic, will subject you to hefty charges, fines, legal action, or even imprisonment. SO TAKE CARE OF THIS as many tourists have learned this the hard way, facing unwanted complications simply because they ignored basic respect for religious items. These rules are strictly enforced in Sri Lanka, and locals do not take religious disrespect lightly.
Travel responsibly and be extremely mindful of your actions to ensure a smooth and worry-free journey.
Conclusion
With the aforementioned list of DONT’S, you can visit Sri Lanka with enhanced awareness and a deeper respect for its rich culture, traditions, and strict laws. Avoiding these common mistakes will not only help you blend in seamlessly but also ensure a hassle-free and enjoyable journey.
So, travel responsibly, enjoy the local way of life, and make beautiful memories without the risk of unnecessary troubles or misunderstandings. A well-informed traveler is always a welcome guest!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best way to travel to Sri Lanka?
The best way to travel to Sri Lanka is by air. The Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo is the main entry point for international travelers. Tourists, please note that several major airlines operate direct and connecting flights from various countries. After reaching Sri Lanka, you can explore the island using domestic flights, trains, buses, or private taxis, depending on your budget and preferred travel experience.
What are the must-buy souvenirs for tourists in Sri Lanka?
When in Sri Lanka, do not forget to purchase the following souvenirs for yourself and your loved ones:
- Ceylon tea
- Batik fabrics
- Coconut Shell Products
- Gems and Jewelry
- Elephant themed crafts
- traditional Kandyan silverware
- Aromatic spices
- Handwoven Dumbara Mats
Is Sri Lanka a good place to visit?
Absolutely! Sri Lanka is one of the most amazing places to be. From serene beaches to plush tea plantations, stunning ancient temples, and exotic wildlife safaris, the island nation offers a dearth of experiences to its visitors, making it a must-visit destination.
What clothes and shoes should I pack for Sri Lanka?
One of the most important Sri Lanka things to do, especially while packing is to prioritize lightweight, breathable clothing to stay comfortable in Sri Lanka’s tropical climate. Also, do not forget to pack easy-breezy sandals for seamless walking along with sunscreens, shades, and hats to ditch the heat.
What things should I avoid carrying to Sri Lanka?
If you are planning a trip to Sri Lanka, then pack carefully and avoid carrying the following items with you:
- Precious belongings like Gold, Jewellery, or Gems.
- Animals, plants (including specimens), poultry, certain animal products, and their parts.
- Liquor and wines (if below 18 years)
- Foreign currencies more than US$ 15000 or equivalent.
- Telecommunication equipment such as drone cameras and transmission apparatus (walkie-talkies)
- Firearms, ammunition, air Guns, and explosives- strictly prohibited.
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