FAQs
Most Answered
Travel Questions
Sri Lanka is a diverse island offering a unique blend of rich cultural heritage, lush landscapes, beautiful beaches, and exciting wildlife. Whether you’re looking to relax on pristine shores, hike through tea plantations, or explore ancient temples, Sri Lanka has something for everyone.
Sri Lanka’s weather can be tricky due to its two monsoon seasons, but no matter when you visit, there’s always a perfect spot on the island for your ideal experience. Here’s a month-by-month breakdown of the best times to visit based on your interests:
January to March
Ideal for: Beach lovers and cultural explorers.
The weather is generally sunny and dry across most of the island, especially the south and west coasts. It’s the perfect time to combine a beach holiday with cultural exploration in the interior.
April
Ideal for: Cultural tourism and highland exploration.
April tends to be the hottest month, but it’s also a great time to explore Sigiriya, the Cultural Triangle, and the Central Highlands (Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Tea Country), where temperatures are a bit cooler in the evenings.
May to June
Ideal for: Eastern coast and budget travelers.
The Yala monsoon affects the southwest and western parts of Sri Lanka, but the northeast (Trincomalee and Passekudah) remains sunny and dry, making it an ideal time for beachgoers.
July to September
Ideal for: A mix of sunshine and showers, perfect for island explorers.
This transitional period brings occasional showers, but you’ll still get plenty of sunny weather, especially along the eastern beaches, ideal for a beach holiday.
October to November
Ideal for: Wildlife enthusiasts.
The northeast monsoon affects Sri Lanka during this time, bringing higher rainfall in the afternoon. However, this is also the best time for wildlife viewing, especially in Yala National Park, where animals congregate around watering holes.
December
Ideal for: Beach holidays and outdoor activities.
After the monsoon season ends, the weather becomes perfect for a beach vacation on the southwest coast. The eastern regions still experience rain, so heading south is your best bet.
Sinhala and Tamil New Year (April): A colorful and vibrant celebration with local traditions, food, and games.
National Day (February): A patriotic celebration with parades and national festivities.
Kandy Esala Perahera (July/August): A spectacular Buddhist procession in Kandy, with dancers, drummers, and cultural displays.
We specialize in curated private tours around Sri Lanka and do not usually offer hotel-only bookings. However, if you’re working on a customized itinerary with us, we’re happy to handle your hotel reservations as part of the package.
Absolutely! We welcome solo travelers and can craft a tailor-made experience just for you. Let us know your preferences and we’ll design a journey that’s both safe and unforgettable.
Yes, our prices are highly competitive, especially considering the personal service and quality experiences we provide. With over two decades in the tourism industry, we prioritize value for money, transparency, and authentic local connections.
We typically ask for a 25% advance to confirm your booking. The remaining balance can be settled prior to arrival, upon arrival, or through secure online payment methods. We accept bank transfers, major credit/debit cards, and cash payments on arrival.
Bank Name: Sampath Bank PLC
Account Name: Helikro Holidays Private Limited
Account Number: 0003 1002 2950
Swift Code: BSAMLKX
Bank Code: 003
Helikro Holidays is a fully registered travel company in Sri Lanka with over 20 years of excellence in hospitality and guiding. Our travelers, many of whom return or recommend us to others, speak for our trustworthiness. Feel free to request references or browse reviews from past clients.
Yes, we understand that travel plans can change. Our refund and cancellation policies vary depending on the services booked, but we always try to be fair and flexible. Just inform us as early as possible so we can assist you efficiently.
While we’re happy to share general shopping advice, please note that Helikro Holidays does not officially endorse or take commissions from any store in Sri Lanka. We cannot be held responsible for the quality of goods or hidden costs such as taxes, customs, or delivery charges. Any shopping recommendations made by our drivers or guides are their personal suggestions.
Must Know
Travel Information
For short-term visits to Sri Lanka, it’s recommended to consider vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Tetanus, and Typhoid. While rabies protection is suggested by some health centers, it’s not always required. If you’re travelling to rural areas, you may want to look into Japanese encephalitis vaccination.
Travelers from certain countries may be required to show proof of vaccination for diseases like yellow fever upon entering Sri Lanka. This requirement is often specified when you apply for your visa. Check the guidelines for your specific travel plans to ensure you’re fully prepared.
For your comfort and safety, we recommend bringing the following items:
Insect Repellent: Essential to ward off mosquitoes, especially in the early morning and evening.
Sunscreen & Hat: The Sri Lankan sun can be strong, so use a high SPF and wear a hat for protection.
Drinking Water: Bottled water is widely available, but consider eco-friendly alternatives like chlorine tablets or ultraviolet (UV) light sterilizers.
Regular Medications: Ensure you have any necessary prescriptions along with over-the-counter remedies like pain relief, anti-diarrheals, and plasters.
Flashlight: Handy in case of power outages or for exploring more remote areas.
Travel insurance is essential for all travelers. We recommend purchasing coverage before your trip to ensure you’re protected in case of unexpected events.
For travelers with disabilities or medical needs, please consult with your doctor before traveling. Feel free to reach out to us for advice on accessible hotels and destinations. Our team can assist with customizing your itinerary to ensure comfort and ease during your trip.
Tap water in Sri Lanka is not recommended for drinking. Stick to bottled or filtered water, even when brushing your teeth. If you’re concerned about plastic waste, consider using a UV light filter or chlorine tablets, both of which effectively sterilize water.
The Sri Lankan sun can be intense, particularly from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Protect your skin with sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher), wear a hat, and avoid sun exposure during peak hours. If you get sunburned, stay out of the sun and cover up.
To minimize the risk of stomach issues:
Eat freshly cooked food and wash your hands before meals.
Avoid ice and raw vegetables unless you’re confident about the hygiene standards.
Drink plenty of treated or bottled water to stay hydrated, especially in hot weather.
If you experience traveler’s diarrhea, it typically resolves within a few days. Stay hydrated with clear fluids, and seek medical advice if symptoms persist, if you notice blood in your stool, or if you develop a fever.
Sri Lanka is malaria-free since 2016, so anti-malarial medication is no longer required. However, diseases like Dengue Fever and Chikungunya can still be transmitted by mosquitoes, particularly during the rainy season. To protect yourself:
Wear long sleeves and pants.
Use repellent.
Avoid outdoor activities around dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
If you develop a fever and other symptoms like joint pain or a rash, seek medical attention and avoid taking ibuprofen or aspirin if you suspect dengue fever.
Rabies is present in street dogs and other animals such as cats, monkeys, and bats. If bitten, seek medical advice immediately. Avoid contact with stray animals.
Be cautious of snakes, sea creatures, spiders, and scorpions. If bitten, note the animal’s characteristics to help with treatment. For snake bites, stay as still as possible and get to a hospital immediately.
Sri Lanka boasts beautiful beaches, but always take care when swimming. The waters on the West and South Coast are best from December to April; however, be mindful of strong currents. On the East Coast, swimming is great from June to September.
Always check for local warnings, such as red-flag alerts.
If you require urgent medical attention during your stay, head to the nearest hospital’s emergency department. Private hospitals are often faster, but government hospitals provide excellent care as well.
We recommend consulting with a travel health specialist at least six weeks before your departure. This ensures you’re up-to-date on any necessary vaccinations and health advice, such as preventing malaria and dengue, to ensure you stay healthy throughout your trip.
Learn About
Sri Lankan Visa Information
Sri Lanka has introduced an online visa system for all visitors. All travellers must apply for the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) through the official government portal: eta.gov.lk. This visa grants you a 30-day stay with a double-entry facility within that period.
The visa fee depends on your nationality, and children under the age of 12 can obtain the visa at no charge. However, even children require a visa for entry.
Applying in advance provides peace of mind and helps you avoid long queues at the airport for visa on arrival.
For onward travel to other countries that require pre-arranged visas (such as India), we recommend securing the necessary visa before departure.
In addition to your visa, tourists can now complete their Arrival Cards online up to three days before their flight. This can be done easily at: eEmbarkation.
To ensure smooth entry, you must meet the following criteria:
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
You should have adequate funds for your stay in Sri Lanka and for the cost of returning to your home country.
A written assurance (return ticket) is required to confirm your departure plans.
You must not engage in any paid or unpaid work or business during your stay.
Employment: You cannot engage in any form of employment, either paid or unpaid, while on a tourist visa.
Validity: The visa must be used within the validity period noted on your visa.
Visa Extensions: If you wish to extend your visa, you can apply to the Department of Immigration and Emigration.
At Helikro Holidays, we ensure all your travel logistics are handled with ease, allowing you to focus on enjoying the beauty and culture of Sri Lanka.