“Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.”
This should be every couple’s go-to quote and abiding by the same, we decided to explore the beauty of Sri Lanka this year. Yes, the country that owns countless beautiful sights and landscapes for that perfect and enlightening holiday experience.
With more tourists heading to Sri Lanka every year, we decided to plan and book everything in advance.
Our one-week trip to this island nation was full of life, love and adventure. Picking the top points from our experience in this wonderland, we have curated a list of travel tips for couples planning to visit Sri Lanka. Follow these tips for a super amazing stay!
1. When to Visit: Plan Around the Season
Although Sri Lanka is a perfect travel destination throughout the year, the busiest time on the island is between January and March. It is sunny and dry most days with usually good weather.
When did we visit: We visited Sri Lanka in March. Negombo and Colombo were hot but the rest of the places were pleasant and cool.
2. MUST: Obtain an online visa for your visit
It is always a wise decision to apply for the visa at least a few days before your arrival. The applications are approved easily and you will receive your ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) within a few hours. It is a 30-day visa.
You must know: $20 USD (approx. Rs.1400) is the visa fees for Indians. Pay using Mastercard for a hassle-free transaction.
3. Treat yourself: Consider a luxury stay
With rocking jazz clubs, beautiful rooftop bars, luxury hotels and internationally acclaimed restaurants, Sri Lanka is much more than a mere getaway.
This is the perfect place for couples to experience luxury at its best. We booked our stay in Kingsbury Colombo (one of the finest five-star properties in Colombo) through our Mastercard and availed 15% discount on a higher category room.
We had a perfect stay with easy access to shopping, spa services and entertainment.
Additional tips for travellers:
Mastercard offers various great deals across Sri Lanka. You can also choose to stay at Amaya Resorts and Spas and The Villas- Wadduwa which offer 60% savings on B&B on the Double and Triple basis if you book through your Mastercard.
You can also avail 15% discount on room rates and 20% discount on Spa treatments at Aditya Resort in Galle, Sri Lanka with Mastercard. This luxury boutique resort and spa offers lavish amenities with spacious suits decorated with exotic arts and antiques.
Mastercard in collaboration with Jetwing Hotels also offers 15% discount on room rates.
So if you are travelling to Arugam Bay, you can book a stay at Jetwing Surf which is Sri Lanka’s first eco-luxury surf resort.
Another property by Jetwing Hotels- Vil Uyana in Sigiriya which is private nature reserve also provides 15% discount on room rates if you book through Mastercard.
If you are travelling to any of these tourist places in Sri Lanka, you might want to consider these luxury resorts for a delightful stay.
4. Slurpppp: Sri Lankan Food is a Must
Even if you are not a foodie, you must not miss out on Sri Lankan delicacies.
Highlight: Bowl-shaped hoppers (savoury rice flour crepes). These are available in the morning or late afternoon.
You will love: Kottu rotty (chopped flatbread stir-fried with eggs and vegetables). Yummmy!
Must know: There are not many street food stalls here. But you can surely try some of the best food in the kitchen of small guesthouses.
5. Travel Smart: Transport Tips
One of the most common modes of transport in Sri Lanka is a tuk-tuk. But don’t let the tuk-tuk drivers con you. They might charge you a few extra bucks knowing that you are a tourist. Make sure to confirm the fares from one point to another by locals.
You can try: Hire a scooty (wherever available) and save money on transport to explore the nearby places and experience adventure at your own pace.
6. Be Clever: Don’t carry much cash
Carrying a lot of cash for any trip abroad is never a good idea. Skip this stress and get yourself a Mastercard. This card is globally accepted in over 200 countries and is a secure way to transact. Other than safe transactions, it also ensures emergency travel assistance, card replacement and extended warranties.
Our Final Travel Tips:
1. Our trip was a huge success. Thanks to Mastercard! With 40 million merchants around the world, it was like a saviour- a personal bank anytime, anywhere. Mastercard is like a travel companion you just can’t travel without.
2. Even staying at luxury properties across Sri Lanka did not burn a hole in our pockets. Our bookings through Mastercard helped us save a lot of money.
3. We would suggest you to never travel abroad without a medical package. For a secured vacation, we chose a specially curated medical package from Global Health and Travel – and availed a 15% discount with our Mastercard.
4. Always track your expenses. Going out of funds on an international trip is a horrifying thought. Keep your Mastercard handy for a stress-free and a pleasant experience.
So travellers, follow these simple tips and make the most of your time in Sri Lanka. 🙂
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