What to Pack for Sri Lanka
As Sri Lanka is a tropical country, light-weight cotton fabric clothing would be most suitable for the warm weather. However do bring a sweater just in case, as the more elevated hilly regions do tend to get slightly chilly in the evening. If you plan to do a fair amount of walking or even hiking in the hills, do bring a comfortable pair of walking boots or shoes.
Sri Lanka is dotted with many fine beaches with azure blue waters, but for ladies please be mindful not to wear revealing swimwear, as it may bring you unwanted attention from the locals. Bear in mind that when visiting Hindu or Buddhist temples, it is respectful to dress modestly. Hats and shoes should be removed and never enter a temple in beachwear.
In addition mosquito repellant would be another useful thing to bring along, even though there is no real malaria threat, you still need to protect yourself from mosquitoes, as there is a risk in getting dengue fever. Most hotels and guesthouses would have mosquito nets so there isn’t a need for you to bring your own.
Sunscreen lotion and sunglasses are also a must bring to protect yourself from the scorching rays of the sun. Bringing along your own basic medication for fever, flu or diarrhoea would also be a good idea and also a cost saving one. If you’re an avid photographer, bring along spare batteries or an extra roll of film as you may not necessarily find what you need in the stores.
Sri Lanka’s electricity runs at 230-240V, 50 cycles AC. Round, three-pin sockets are normally used although you may occasionally find square three-pin sockets as well. However adaptors are cheap and widely available. Power cuts are quite common in Sri Lanka especially so during periods of low rainfall. This is due to the fact that most of the island’s electricity is generated by hydro-electric power stations. Hence bring along a torch, as you never know when you might need one.
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