Sri Lankan Highlights

It’s best to bring both light trainers and flip-flops or sandals in the dry season and something waterproof for the wet season. Some solid trainers should suffice.

Gabriela Krizanova - Sales

In main towns, it is possible to withdraw money from an ATM. It is also possible to exchange Sterling and US Dollars in local exchange offices. I would suggest to take some GBP in cash and change most of it (if not all) at the airport in Colombo (in the arrivals hall). It is absolutely safe to carry cash around with you but you can also leave your passport and excess cash in a safe in your hotel room. Both food and drink prices are reasonable. I was on AIL in September 2008 and I spent £250.00 for food, drinks, gift shopping and tips.

Gabriela Krizanova - Sales

All hotels have en suite bathrooms and towels are always provided as well. The standard and décor depends on whether it is “comfortable”, “standard” or “basic” hotel but they are all perfectly fine. The “basic” ones may not have internet access or 24hour reception but they will feel more authentic and local!

Charlotte Taylor - Customer Operations

The hotels you stay at will all be good quality, with en suite facilities. As such, towels are usually provided but it's always a good idea to pack a small emergency one in the end of your bag as well, just in case. You may have an odd night where the standard is slightly lower but this will usually be due to where you are and, as such, limited by what is available.

Charlotte Taylor - Customer Operations

There is a real mix available and you won't be disappointed! The local cuisine is predominantly vegetarian, with lots of rice. You can enjoy everything from traditional spicy curries to stalls selling tasty sweets and deserts and even right the way to western style grub, if it all gets a bit too much. Vegetarians and 'non-spicy' food people are easily catered for, and the leader will make sure a wide range of dishes are ordered for each meal.

Charlotte Taylor - Customer Operations

Unfortunately we are not qualified to answer all your questions in regards to travel health, so we strongly recommend you contact your GP or a Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up-to-date information.

Nomad Travel Clinics are experts in preparing people for travel, providing advice on vaccinations, anti-malarial and staying healthy whilst overseas. We have arranged a special 10% discount for Exodus passengers on any vaccinations that you may require! Take along your Nomad discount card, sent with your confirmation pack, or call Exodus for your special discount code.
Visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/exodus for further information.

For additional information please visit: www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk

Charlotte Taylor - India Operations

Clothing
Wear whatever is comfortable, it will be very informal and you just need to dress for the weather. Longer sleeves or trousers are a better idea for evenings, when the mozzies come out, but I would also take along some bug spray to fend them off.
Most of the time I was just in shorts, t-shirts, light tops, canvas trousers etc. Anything light really! It's really only in temples you need to cover up a bit more.
I found I didn't use as much stuff as I thought, especially clothes, and spent a lot of the trips in a couple of pairs of shorts and t-shirts.
Full on hiking boots aren't necessary, just solid trainers or walking shoes will suffice. It can be slippy in parts if it rains, but this is a unlikely to really affect choice of footwear.
If you're visiting the Hill Club in Nuwara Eliya, it's really interesting to see and you don't need anything super formal, but trousers and a shirt are expected.

Weather
It can get hot and sticky at times. We had a couple of afternoons of rain but nothing too serious. Sri Lanka is quite tropical so you can expect this at any time of year. Obviously, like here, you can have local conditions that will be hotter/ wetter/ colder than the average and when it does rain, it's generally a build up to the afternoon, big downpour and then dries up quickly.

Taxis
If you need to take a taxi from Colombo airport, there is a counter at the airport with official taxis (see link below). You pay at the counter, get a ticket, go to the rank outside and off you go. Because you have already paid, there is no haggling at the end. Sri Lanka is very safe, so you won't have any problems.
http://www.airport.lk/getting-arround/taxi-rates.php

Money
You will have access to ATMs in most towns you pass through but cash is also very easy and safe to carry, which is what I did.
I changed it, to start, at the airport, the office there is open 24 hours a day. The hotels also change money but I didn't use this, although some of the group did. I also topped up with my debit card towards the end to do some shopping, which is easy to do but probably a good idea to advise your bank in advance. You could also just use your card for all your spending money as well, I guess, but there is a danger if you lose your card or have any problems with it. It's very safe to carry cash, as long as you use the same common sense that you would at home.

Laundry
I didn't get any done myself, but I'm sure a few places along the way will be able to help. I washed a few things out myself in the hotels and just dried them (quite quick to do). Somewhere like Kandy should be definitely possible as you stop there for a while and it's about halfway through the trip.

Food
You can pretty get much everything from local food to pizza to other western foods. It is quite similar to South Indian food. You usually split your meals in the evening about half and half between hotels and eating out and, when you eat in the hotel, there is always choice of a buffet or a la carte. There are lots of vegetarian options but also plenty of chicken, beef, seafood etc.

Any other tips? I didn't find mozzies too bad, but did pick up a few bites along the way. Mornings and evenings are when you need to protect yourself, but some bug spray helps with this.

I listened to my iPod quite a lot while on the drives, and I think the only thing I took not on the list was a small travel pillow, as I get a stiff neck sometimes! But I just picked that up at the airport for less than a tenner I think.

Gabriela Krizanova - Sales

Try the local markets – big and perfect for gift shopping. But be careful – you will get approached by friendly, English speaking people, who will tell you that they will get you a good deal if you go to a particular stall. Well, it’s not quite true, you will still get overcharged (and the friendly local will get his commission). I suggest to shop around and you will find some good deals yourself!

Charlotte Taylor - Customer Operations

Staff member Gabriela Krizanova travelled out to Sri Lanka with Exodus and you can read her article here to get a personal viewpoint of the country

Please visit the Exodus Travel Guide to Sri Lanka where you can also find more detailed Country information in the menu on the left of the page

All the staff at Exodus share a passion for adventure travel, and are always happy to answer any questions you may have. You can find an expert for the area you are interested in here and can contact them to get further information. If you don't see your specific country listed, please email customerops@exodus.co.uk and they will get the answers you need!