10 things you need to know before coming to Sri Lanka- safe travel hacks

Sri Lanka is a multi-regional and multi-national country. As well as any other country, It also has pure cultural and traditional habits. If you are aware of those things before coming to this country, it will probably guide you to prevent you from soo many other mistakes.

Before delving into the matter, I need to say Sri Lankan people are soo friendly and hospitable. But I can't guarantee about all because humans are the most complex creature in the world. They have different behavior patterns. Commonly, you can enjoy the country without having any issues. 

nine arch bridge

Cover your shoulders and knees before entering to temple

Here 95% of people are Buddhist and they have huge respect for their regional beliefs and attitude. Normally they expect to wear clothes to the temples which cover your shoulders and knees. Actually, it is a must thing, if you are willing to worship a Buddhist temple. They follow this method to respect their regional practices and we will admire you if you respect it. Don't miss those places because of those rules, those places are amazing and you probably can take a deep understanding of our regional practices. It is enough covering your shoulder by staff and some places offer you to those type of cloths at the entering point. 

No Toilet papers

Here we don't use toilet paper like other South Asian countries. If you can not adjust to the system, you can find toilet paper in supermarkets in cities. Now you might be curious, what they use instead of toilet paper. we use water for that purpose. you can see some hand showers in bathrooms.

Sri Lankan Hospitability

Sri Lankan people are more hospitable. Don't be a wonder, anyone offers a cup of tea anytime within a day. They are really friendly and they like to offer you anything they have in their kitchen or garden. This thing is common in the countryside even you are in a city. Don't hesitate to accept an invitation for a tea, it would be a unique experience which gives you pure joy. They never expect anything for that. But you should have the ability to identify the right people, it is totally up to you. 

Be aware of holidays

As I told you earlier, Sri Lanka is a multinational county. Because of that, they celebrate different cultural and regional festivals. The Government has been given some holidays for the people to celebrate those days. On lots of those days, bars have been closed. On some holidays, people are close to their restaurant and groceries too. Every full moon poya day, all bars are closed to discourage people to get alcoholic drinks. If you matter this case, be aware of those days. 

mirissa

Do I  need to wear a helmet to ride a bike?

Yes! it is essential. Renting a motorbike or a scooter is a very affordable method to travel around the country. There are so many renting places which hire bikes. You need to ask for a helmet from them. According to government rules and regulations, everyone needs to wear a helmet for safety who riding a motorbike. Another thing is that it is essential to wear a seat belt who driving a vehicle. Drivers of Sri Lanka are not very peaceful, they are not following rules always. So, be careful when you ride a vehicle throughout the country.

Monkeys are everywhere

If you are seeing a wild monkey for the first time, you will probably exciting. You might be trying to capture a picture with them. But it is dangerous. In Sri Lanka monkeys live everywhere. They are not afraid to see a people anymore. They always jump to the people to grab something from them to eat. So, be careful if you carrying some bananas, flowers or any other things they love to eat. Otherwise, they aren't harmful to you.

where to go

What to do in an Emergency?

If you have to face any emergency, Don't be hesitate to call 1912 or 119. They always are there to help you. Government hospitals offer free medicine for anyone. But it will be always crowded with locals. You can find private hospitals in any city, those are might be a little expensive but not soo much.

is Sri Lankan water drinkable?

In many places, pump water can be drink, especially in the upcountry. But some places like North province, Northcentral province pump water that isn't drinkable. Soo, ask locals about water, they will clarify to you is it drinkable or not. You can find water bottles at any local shops around the country. Many restaurants offer free water with their meals except the fancy restaurants. 

nalagana ella

shoes off

When Sri Lankans entering to the house, they prefer to take off their shoes to show respect. If you get a chance to enter a local house, ask them about it before going inside. they will be in love with your attitude. No matter you don't like to do it, they never blame you.  But it is a secret tip to create a bond with locals and capture the real cultural experience. 

meemure

Sri Lankan Love rice

Sri Lankan people are loved to eat rice and curries. It is normal to see, people eat rice for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. But, they make lots of different types of curries for each meal. Try those different curries that are delicious. Don't worry you can find soo many other foods here. Sri Lanka is a food lover's heaven.  Let's explore the Sri Lankan Street food culture.

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