Sri Lanka is a tropical country located closely to the equator; hence a day without the sun even in the wet season is fairly rare. Packing light weight cotton fabric clothing adds much comfort during the hot humid days. However, remember to pack a sweater when embarking on a trip to the misty hill country. Comfortable walking boots or walking shoes is a must if one plans on going hiking and trekking through the mountains of Sri Lanka.

Visitors should be mindful of what they wear when visiting Buddhist and Hindu temples. Temples have specific regulations however generally one is expected to be dressed modestly and in certain instances dressed in white. Be mindful to remove hats and shoes before entering a temple.

It would be useful to bring mosquito and insect repellent, especially if a visitor plans on hiking or trekking.

Bring plenty of Sun-tan for long blissful hours on the beach; but sunscreen lotion is a must as the sun can be harsh during the dry season and in the bright tropical sun, sunglasses are not merely a fashion - but a 'must have'.

Visitors of all nationalities will receive landing endorsements for 30 days free of charge upon arrival at the port of entry, provided that the purpose of visit is touristic and the tourist holds a passport valid for six months from the date of arrival and a return or onward ticket.

Business and transit visas are required by all nationals and for tourists wishing to stay in the island for a period exceeding 30 days a 90 day visa application should be submitted to the nearest embassy prior to arriving on the island.

Visitor who wish to extend their visa should apply to the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Third Floor, 41 Ananda Rajakaruna Mw. Colombo 10, Sri Lanka

Public transport in Sri Lanka is cheap, the cheapest option being bus, while there is also a decent railway system; one could also travel around in Tuk Tuks (taxis) however remember to bargain with the taxi driver to arrive at the best price.

Hiring a car with a driver at a city hotel for a full day would cost visitors approximately Rs. 5900; this depends on the travelling distance and the duration of the trip.

If visitors wish to embark on guided tours they could contact the travel desk of the hotel who will organize these trips for them.

The traveller that wishes to reach a destination as fast as possible could take flight on air taxis. Deccan Aviation Lanka and Air Taxi Services are two of the air taxi service providers in Sri Lanka. Air Taxi services Sri Lanka is operated by Sri Lanka's Airforce. These service providers fly to a host of destinations within the island and are proved to be one of the safest methods of transportation. Fly to Bentota, Beruwala, Koggala, Weerawila, Tangalle, Sigiriya, Dambulla, Minneriya, Polonnaruwa, Hatton, Kandy, Nuwaraeliya, Trincomalee or Ampara. Apart from the mentioned locations they would also fly to others provided there is ample space to land the aircraft. The flights take off at the Rathmalana or Negombo airport and the passengers obtain the opportunity to select the time of departure according to their schedule. The duration of these flights vary according to the destination usually they last up to 35 minutes to 2 hours.

The rule of thumb for tipping in Sri Lanka is 10% of the value of the bill.

Sundry tips for the driver, and hotel porters would vary from Rs. 100 - Rs. 300

Posing for a photograph in front of a statue of Buddha or beside it is considered to be disrespectful.

Sri Lankans use their fingers to consume meals if visitors want to try this custom be mindful only to use the right hand.

The full moon Poya day of each month is a holiday in Sri Lanka and on Poya day liquor is not sold and places of entertainment are closed.