Sri Lanka, nicknamed the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean", is a fascinating destination where heavenly beaches, thousand-year-old temples and luxuriant nature come together. With its high-altitude tea plantations, wildlife and exceptional cultural heritage, this country offers a unique travel experience. Discover our guide to best prepare your adventure in Sri Lanka.
To find out more about Sri Lanka...
Sri Lanka is a South Asian island off the coast of India, with an incredible wealth of culture and nature. Here are 6 must-see places not to be missed:
Sigiriya
Kandy
Ella
Yala National Park
Galle
Southern beaches (Mirissa, Unawatuna, Tangalle)
A few things you need to know
From Paris, a direct flight to Colombo takes around 10 to 11 hours. With a stopover, the journey can take 12 to 15 hours.
Return tickets range from 600 to 1,000 euros, depending on the season and airline.
Discover all our flights and our best prices directly on our flight booking platform.
For a discovery of the main sites, 10 days to 2 weeks are recommended. If you wish to explore the island in greater depth and enjoy the beaches, a 3-week stay is ideal.
- Passport : Valid at least 6 months after date of return.
- Visa : An e-visa (ETA) is mandatory for French citizens, to be applied for online before departure (approx. 50 USD).
The official language is Cinghalese and Tamil, but English is commonly used, especially in tourist areas.
Some useful Sinhala words:
- Ayubowan: Hello
- Bohoma istuti: Thank you very much
- Karunakara: Please Kohomada?: How are you?
The official currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR).
💱 1 euro ≈ 350 LKR (rate to be checked before departure).
Card payments are possible in major cities, but cash is recommended for small transactions.
The climate varies by region:
- December to April: Ideal for visiting the south coast and interior (dry season).
- May to September: Monsoon on the southwest coast, but a good time to explore the east of the country.
- August to October: Good time for the north and east of Sri Lanka.
Sri Lankan cuisine is rich in spices and influenced by neighboring India. Here are a few dishes not to be missed:
- Rice & Curry : An iconic dish made with rice accompanied by a variety of curries.
- Kottu Roti : Minced bread sautéed with vegetables, eggs and meat.
- Dhal Curry : A tasty lentil curry.
- Hoppers : Bowl-shaped pancakes, often served with an egg.
- Woodapple Juice : An exotic fruit juice typical of Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka is at GMT+5:30, i.e. 4:30 hours ahead of France in winter and 3:30 hours ahead in summer.
Between wild nature, thousand-year-old temples and heavenly beaches, Sri Lanka promises a journey rich in discovery and emotion.
Happy travelling, and don't hesitate to share your experience with us by mentioning us on social networks or using the hashtag #atcroutesdumonde!
