Luxury Sri Lanka Holidays

The official currency in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). US Dollars (USD), Euros (EUR), and British Pounds (GBP) are widely accepted for exchange at banks and currency exchange counters in airports, hotels, and major cities.

ATMs are common in cities and towns, and most accept major international debit and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard). They dispense Sri Lankan Rupees and are a convenient way to get cash, though some ATMs may charge a small fee for foreign cards.

Credit cards are also widely accepted, but you’ll need cash to pay in smaller towns and markets.

Sri Lanka has two official languages: Sinhala and Tamil. English is widely used as a link language and is commonly spoken in urban areas, especially in tourist locations, hotels, and by people working in the hospitality industry.

Place names and signs are in English and Sinhala, English and Tamil, or sometimes all three.

Sri Lankan cuisine is rich, vibrant, and known for its bold flavors, unique spices, and coconut-based ingredients. Traditional Sri Lankan dishes are often a harmonious blend of spices, herbs, and local produce. Here are some must-try dishes:

1. Rice and Curry: A staple meal, it consists of steamed rice served with a variety of curries made from vegetables, meat (like chicken or fish), and lentils. The curries are typically spiced with coconut milk, cinnamon, cardamom, and a mix of local spices. Each curry has a unique flavor profile.
2. Hoppers (Appa): Bowl-shaped pancakes made from a fermented rice flour and coconut milk batter. They’re crispy on the edges and soft in the middle. Egg hoppers (with an egg in the middle) are a popular variant, and hoppers are usually served with sambols and curries.
3. Kottu Roti: A popular street food made by stir-frying shredded roti (flatbread) with vegetables, eggs, or meat and seasoned with spices. Kottu is known for its unique rhythmic sound as it’s chopped and mixed on a hot griddle.
4. Pol Sambol: A spicy coconut relish made from grated coconut, chili powder, lime juice, and onions. It’s often served as a side with rice, roti, or hoppers, adding a burst of flavor and heat to the meal.
5. Fish Ambul Thiyal: A sour fish curry made with chunks of fish cooked in a blend of spices and tamarind paste, which gives it a tangy flavor. This dish is a specialty in coastal regions.
6. Dhal Curry (Parippu): A mild yet flavorful lentil curry cooked with coconut milk, onions, tomatoes, and various spices. It’s a common side dish with rice and other curries.
7. Lamprais: A Dutch-influenced dish, lamprais is rice cooked with spices and stock, served with small portions of curry, sambol, and fried plantains, all wrapped in a banana leaf and steamed or baked.
8. Sri Lankan Sweets:
   • Kiribath: Coconut milk rice, often shaped into diamond pieces and served with a sweet condiment or lunu miris (a chili and onion sambol).
   • Watalappam: A spiced coconut custard dessert made with coconut milk, jaggery, cardamom, and cashews, influenced by Malay cuisine.

Sri Lankan food is generally spicy, though you can ask for milder versions if you prefer less heat. Fresh ingredients, coconut milk, and an array of spices like curry leaves, cinnamon, and cardamom create complex flavors that make Sri Lankan cuisine distinctive and memorable.

Tipping in Sri Lanka is appreciated but not mandatory. A 10% tip in restaurants is appreciated. Drivers, guides, and hotel porters will also expect a tip. Your Destination Expert can advise you on appropriate amounts close to the travel dates.