Your home away from home in Sri Lanka

You’ll need to fly to the country’s main airport — Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport (code CMB). Many major airlines fly to Sri Lanka, so there’s plenty of choice in terms of price, flight duration and connections.

Return flights start from €700, depending on your departure point. If you need advice on tickets, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!

To obtain a visa for Sri Lanka – or, more precisely, an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for a short-term visit to the country – you simply need to complete the application form on the website www.https://eta.gov.lk/slvisa/ and pay $50 by credit card (it is free for children under 12, but you must still complete the application form for the child).

The process of issuing the ETA is quick; confirmation is usually sent to your email address within a few hours. When completing the application form, it is important to ensure there are no errors in your passport number, first name and surname. Please also ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Sri Lanka. We assist our guests with visa applications where necessary.

A 30-day tourist visa is issued free of charge to citizens of the following countries: Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America.

Whereas the year used to be divided into a rainy season and a dry season, there is no longer a distinct rainy period. The best time to visit the island is from December to March both inclusive.

The currency of Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan rupee. We recommend exchanging a small amount at the airport to cover your first couple of days, and exchanging the rest later at a more favourable exchange rate. There are several currency exchange counters at Colombo Airport, operated by various commercial banks, which are open 24/7. The exchange rate is the same at all of them, though it may differ from the rates offered at holiday resorts.

You’ll need local currency at markets and in small shops; most shops accept bank cards. US dollars and euros are accepted at hotels, souvenir shops and jewellers. Withdrawing money from ATMs is perfectly safe.

The climate in Sri Lanka means you can go out (at any time of day) wearing either a T-shirt and jeans or shorts, or a pareo over a swimsuit. However, it is not customary to walk around the streets in swimsuits or swimming trunks; we also recommend avoiding outfits that are too revealing.

In addition to summer clothing, comfortable shoes, swimwear and summer headwear, we recommend taking the following with you:
— sunglasses;
— sun cream (SPF 50 or higher);
— insect repellent to protect your skin from mosquitoes;
— hand sanitiser;
— wet wipes or paper handkerchiefs;
— personal hygiene items;
— a first-aid kit containing any medicines you regularly take;
— chargers for your gadgets;
— a pareo (it doesn’t take up much space and can be used to cover shorts or a skirt that’s too short when visiting temples);
— a pair of socks you don’t mind getting worn out, if you don’t want to walk barefoot in temples (you must take your shoes off at the entrance to a Buddhist temple, but you’re allowed to enter in socks);
— for coffee lovers – a pack of coffee (it’s difficult to find good coffee in Sri Lanka);
— for smokers – a supply of cigarettes; they’re incredibly expensive on the island and, according to those who’ve tried them, the quality leaves a lot to be desired;
— for lovers of quality alcohol – your favourite wine or whisky (the only decent alcohol on the island is beer or rum; everything else is either absolutely dreadful or costs a fortune);
— for those who enjoy long walks along the coast – an umbrella to protect you from the sun will be your trusty companion;
— to strike up a conversation with the locals – chewing gum and chocolate bars will do the trick )))

The climate in Sri Lanka is always pleasant, whatever the season or time of day! There is no intense midday heat here (as there is, for example, in the Mediterranean). And even if, upon stepping out of your cool hotel room, you might feel as though you’ve walked into a sauna, this only lasts for the first couple of minutes; after that, your body adjusts and begins to enjoy the warmth and sunshine. Incidentally, the high humidity partly tempers the sun’s intensity and, at the same time, has a very beneficial effect on the skin.

During the day, the air temperature on the Sri Lankan coast hovers between 28–32 °C; at night, it doesn’t change much either, differing only slightly from daytime temperatures. In the mountains, it’s naturally cooler, with daytime temperatures of 20–25 °C.

The sea temperature is such that when you step into the water, you can’t feel any difference from the air. And you really don’t want to get out of the sea at all!

Generally speaking, mobile network coverage in Sri Lanka is reliable. The main mobile and internet providers are Dialog, Mobitel, Hutch and Airtel. You can quickly and easily purchase a SIM card from any of these providers right in the airport’s arrivals hall.

There is also Wi-Fi in the cottage. It is sufficient for using messaging apps, browsing websites, checking emails and most everyday tasks. If you plan to work remotely, take part in regular video conferences or transfer large amounts of data, please let us know when you book. We will suggest the best solution in advance.

A deposit of 50 USD is required to book a cottage. The remaining balance can be paid in cash on the day of your arrival in Sri Lanka or by bank transfer. If paying by bank transfer, payment should be received no later than one day before your arrival.

For long-term stays (over 1 month), a deposit of 50% of the cost of one month’s accommodation is required. The deposit is payable on the day of arrival. The deposit will be refunded on departure, subject to an inspection of the property to ensure there is no damage.

CANCELLATION POLICY:
The prepayment of 50 USD is non-refundable.
If the booking is cancelled 5 days or more before the check-in date, the remaining amount (if already paid) will be refunded in full.
If the booking is cancelled less than 5 days before the check-in date or in the event of a no-show, any amount already paid will not be refunded.

No special vaccinations are required for a trip to Sri Lanka.

There are several pharmacies and private clinics within walking distance in Wadduwa, and if necessary, major hospitals in neighbouring towns can be reached quickly.

Medical care in Sri Lanka is generally affordable, so in the event of a minor cold, an upset stomach, an allergy, a bruise or a strain, you can see a doctor and buy the necessary medicines without incurring significant costs (and we’ll help you with this if needed).

Nevertheless, we recommend taking out medical insurance before your trip so that you can feel at ease in any situation. Also, don’t forget to bring any medication you use regularly with you from home.