IS IT SAFE TO VISIT SRI LANKA?

Generally speaking, Sri Lanka is a peaceful country. Please visit Smart Traveller for more information and updated travel alerts: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/sri-lanka

COVID-19

While Sri Lanka did manage their first wave quite well, the country has been under a second wave recently in May 2021. Due to this, there has been a curfew imposed around the island from 9pm - 8am every day with all business closed and only delivery or take away from restaurants available.

Australia has closed borders to all international travel, although Sri Lanka is still encouraging tourist arrivals despite the COVID-19 outbreak.

As of 25 May 2021, Sri Lanka has recorded 169,900 cases with a death toll of 1,269 and the number of cases has overwhelmed the island’s hospital system and

Sri Lanka is struggling to secure vaccines as these are ordered from India.

Lime Days advises against travel to Sri Lanka until further notice.

DO I NEED A VISA TO VISIT SRI LANKA?

Australian citizens need a visa to visit Sri Lanka, this can be done online in approximately 30 minutes via the link below.

http://www.eta.gov.lk

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT?

The more severe “yala” monsoon affects the south and west of the island from April through to September. On the flip side, the “maha” monsoon affects the east and north from November through to March.

climate

Sri Lanka is very much a tropical country with distinct dry and wet seasons and a generally humid climate.  However the seasons depend on your location on the island.  Average temperature will be around 27 degrees Celsius in coastal flat areas, 20 degrees Celsius in Kandy and may fall to about 15-17 degrees Celsius in the hills. You should be prepared for cool nights in the hills – as low as 10 degrees Celsius.

packing list

Sri Lanka is a tropical country and light cotton clothes are the most ideal.  If you are visiting religious sites, it is a must to pack appropriate clothing: gents are required to wear trousers to cover the knees or a ‘sarong’ with a shirt or t-shirt and ladies should pack either trousers or skirt that covers the knees and a shirt that covers the shoulders. 

It is also NOT advisable to wear deep, revealing necklines.  Cotton clothes are useful at any time of the year but you will need light woollens for the hills and waterproof clothing or an umbrella.   Don't forget comfortable shoes, sandals or trainers and cotton socks.   If you are planning to trek and climb go prepared with suitable gear. 

is it safe to visit india?

Generally speaking, India is a peaceful country, however skirmishes are known to break out in regional areas from time to time. Please visit Smart Traveller for more information and updated travel alerts: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/india

covid-19

India initially managed the COVID-19 well and managed to reopen the country for business. Over the last few weeks however, the country has exploded with cases and deaths associated with the virus.

on 25 May 2021, India had surpassed more the 300,000 deaths from COVID-19 with 222,315 new cases in the last 24 hours.

India’s hospitals are overwhelmed and the country is struggling to secure vaccines.

Lime Days does not advise travel to India until further notice.

do i need a visa to visit india?

All international travellers are required to obtain a visa prior to travelling to India. India visas can be obtained from the India Embassy in your capital city.

When is the best time of year to visit?

The best time to visit India is between October and March when the heat subsides, especially in areas like Rajasthan.

December and January are much cooler, with potential fog, while the higher Himalaya can be very cold, but with clearer mountain views.

climate

Indian weather is divided into three distinct seasons -- winter, summer, and the monsoon. Generally, the best time to visit India is during the winter, when the weather in most places is relatively cool and pleasant.  Summer (March to May) India starts heating up from around February.  By April, many places are experience daily temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius . 

packing list

It is strongly suggest packing clothes that can be worn in layers.  Think in terms of casual, comfortable, hand-washable clothing. Breathable natural fiber fabrics are best.

*It is recommended wearing clothes covering the arms and legs when visiting old parts of a city.

Smart casual attire is appropriate for dinner.