ESSENTIAL TRIP INFORMATION

FITNESS LEVEL AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

At Hosted Holidays, we want every guest to have a safe, relaxed, and rewarding travel experience.   To help ensure this, we kindly ask that you confirm at the time of booking that you are physically fit and able to take part in activities in the itinerary.

The overall activity level of this trip is easy to moderate, making it accessible for most travellers. It includes walking tours through cities and archaeological sites, as well as optional hikes such as a partial climb up Sigiriya, a gentle uphill walk to Mini Adam’s Peak, and an optional, more moderate to strenuous 3–4 hour return hike at Horton Plains. Village walks and safari rides take place on flat terrain with jeep access, ensuring a comfortable experience. Accommodations and vehicles are modern and comfortable, with porterage included.

Our experienced tour leaders are trained to accommodate a range of abilities within the group. However, if they believe that a particular activity may present a safety risk to you or others—or may impact the overall enjoyment of the group—they are authorised, in line with our Booking Conditions, to advise you to skip that activity. These decisions are never made lightly, and your wellbeing is always our priority.

Please note that if you are asked to sit out part of the tour, refunds are not provided, and any additional expenses incurred will be your responsibility.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for all Hosted Holidays. Your policy must cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations or delays, and lost or stolen luggage. Ensure your insurance is valid for the entire duration of your trip and carry both printed and digital copies for easy access.

LOCAL CUSTOMS & ETIQUITTE

• Dress Modestly: Especially when visiting temples. Cover shoulders and knees.
• Shoes Off: Remove shoes and hats before entering religious sites.
• Right Hand Rule: Use the right hand for eating, greeting, and giving.
• Monks: Do not touch or stand too close, especially as a woman.
• No Buddha Photos: Avoid posing with back turned to Buddha statues.

PASSPORTS, VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Passports

All information provided is based on Australian Passport holders only – please advise your travel consultant as soon as possible if you are travelling on a different passport.

• Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in Sri Lanka. This is a strict requirement for entry. 
• Ensure you have at least one blank page for stamping—this is required for the ETA or entry visa. 
• All Australian nationals require an eVisa. Hosted Holidays will apply for this prior to travel. It is strongly recommended that you print and bring a copy of the eVisa approval notice with you. 

 FOOD & DIETARY REQUIREMENTS

Sri Lankan cuisine is rich, flavourful, and often spicy, with rice and curry forming the heart of most meals. You can expect a variety of dishes featuring fresh vegetables, lentils, coconut, seafood, and fragrant spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and chili. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, please inform your travel advisor well in advance so we can do our best to accommodate your needs throughout the trip

MEDICAL & HEALTH INFORMATION

When travelling to Sri Lanka, it’s important to be aware of some basic health considerations. The country has been certified malaria-free, but mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue, remain present year-round, so insect protection is essential—use repellent, wear long sleeves and trousers, and take extra care at dawn and dusk. 

Food and water precautions are equally important: drink only bottled or boiled water, avoid ice of uncertain origin, and choose freshly cooked meals to reduce the risk of stomach upsets. 

Travellers should be up to date with routine vaccinations, and many health professionals also recommend Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines, with Rabies or Japanese Encephalitis advised for those spending extended time in rural or wildlife areas. Rabies is a particular concern due to stray dogs and monkeys, so avoid animal contact and seek immediate care if bitten or scratched. 

Conditions in Colombo and Galle Fort offer access to private hospitals and good medical facilities, but care in national parks and safari regions can be limited, so comprehensive travel insurance is essential. Heat, humidity, and strong sun are constant factors, so travellers should stay hydrated, use sunscreen, and carry hats and sunglasses. A basic medical kit—containing repellent, sunscreen, rehydration salts, pain relief, and any personal medications—will also make travel more comfortable and safer.

 PACKING SUGGESTIONS

October in Sri Lanka falls during the inter-monsoon season, which means you can expect a mix of sunshine and short, sudden rain showers, especially in the southwest and central regions. Humidity is high, particularly in coastal and lowland areas, while the central highlands (like Nuwara Eliya and Horton Plains) are noticeably cooler, especially at night.

To ensure a comfortable and respectful journey, here's what we recommend bringing:

• Lightweight, breathable clothes – ideal for the tropical humidity
• Quick-dry rain jacket or poncho – rain can be sudden and heavy
• Warm layers (fleece or sweater) – for cooler temperatures in the highlands, especially in the evenings
• Long trousers and/or long skirts – useful for both modesty and mosquito protection
• Tops that cover your shoulders – required for visiting temples and religious sites
• Socks – useful when visiting temples, as shoes must be removed and stone floors can get hot
• Swimwear – for beaches or hotel pools
• Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, refillable water bottle
• First aid kit
• Adaptor plug and power bank
• Sarong – easy to buy locally and handy for covering up at religious sites or even as a beach wrap
• Comfortable sandals or breathable shoes – for general walking and hot climates
• Prescription medications (enough for the entire trip + extra in case of delays)
• Copy of prescriptions (in case refills are needed)
• Over-the-counter medications:
• Pain relievers (paracetamol/ibuprofen)
• Anti-nausea tablets
• Anti-diarrhoea tablets and rehydration salts
• Antihistamines (for allergies or insect bites)
• Motion sickness tablets
• Small first-aid kit: Band-aids, blister pads, antiseptic wipes/cream
• Hand sanitiser and antibacterial wipes
• Copies of passport, insurance & key documents
• Walking shoes or trainers – good for exploring cities and temple sites like Sigiriya
• Hiking boots (optional) – recommended if you're planning treks in:
• Horton Plains Optional Trek (uneven terrain and possibly muddy trails)
• Adam’s Peak (especially if you prefer ankle support, though the path is mostly stepped and paved)

CLIMATE & SEASONAL INFORMATION

Coastal (Negombo, Galle, Colombo): 28–31°C | Humid with short rain showers

• Cultural Triangle (Habarana area): 27–30°C | Drier, warm days
• Hill Country (Kandy, Nuwara Eliya): 15–25°C | Cooler, especially mornings & evenings
• Yala: Hot and dry | 30–33°C

From early October onwards, Sri Lanka experiences the inter-monsoon season, bringing higher humidity and frequent showers across much of the island. In the coastal areas around Negombo, Colombo and Galle, daytime temperatures average 28–31 °C, with warm evenings around 24 °C. Rain usually comes in short, heavy bursts rather than lasting all day, so there are still opportunities for sightseeing between showers. In Habarana and the cultural triangle, days remain hot at around 30 °C, with afternoon or evening showers common but often brief. The hill country regions, including Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, are cooler due to altitude, with daytime highs around 20–22 °C and nights dropping to 12–15 °C. Rain is more persistent here, and travellers should be prepared for mist and damp conditions. Despite the wet season, the countryside is beautifully green, waterfalls are at their strongest, and wildlife viewing in the national parks can be rewarding as animals gather near water sources.

MONEY MATTERS

The currency used in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR), with an exchange rate of approximately 200–220 LKR to 1 AUD, though it's best to check the rate closer to your departure. Be sure to carry small denominations of cash for tipping and minor expenses.

ATMs & Credit Card
ATMs are widely available in cities and larger towns, but may be limited in rural areas, so it’s best to carry some Sri Lankan rupees in cash for smaller purchases, tips and emergencies. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants, but it's advisable to carry cash for tips, markets, and local purchases.

Spending Money During Your Trip:
Spending habits vary by traveller, but you should allow enough cash for souvenirs, drinks, snacks, optional excursions, laundry, or personal expenses during your free time. While some expenses can be paid by card, smaller purchases and tips are best handled in local currency or USD.

Gratuities:
Gratuities for included activities and meals are already covered in your Hosted Holiday, however, tips for optional tours or personal services are at your discretion and always appreciated.

CONNECTIVITY & COMMUNICATION

Power supply is generally reliable in cities and tourist areas, though brief outages can occur occasionally, particularly in rural regions. It's a good idea to bring a surge protector or power bank if you rely on electronic devices.  A power adaptor is required for Sri Lanka as round pin plugs are required; we suggest a universal adaptor for sockets type D, G and M.

Sri Lanka has good mobile phone coverage in most urban and tourist areas, though signal strength may drop in more remote or mountainous regions.   Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and some public spaces, but connections can vary in speed and reliability. If you’d like consistent access to data and local calls, you can easily purchase a local SIM card or eSIM on arrival at the airport or from major telecom providers. Make sure your phone is unlocked before you travel. Keep in mind that while you’ll be able to stay connected, some parts of the itinerary may involve limited reception—perfect for switching off and enjoying the scenery.

LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE

Your Singapore Airlines economy ticket includes 23kg of checked baggage per passenger, plus one piece of cabin baggage up to 7kg.

SAFETY

We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, cash and other valuable items. Please leave other valuables, such as jewellery, at home. Most accommodations provide safety deposit boxes, an excellent way of storing your valuables. We also advise you to keep a photocopy of your passport, separate from your actual passport, when you travel. 

A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. 

Your Host will accompany you on all included activities, however during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. You should use your own judgment when choosing activities or excursions which do not form part of the trip you have booked with Hosted Holidays. We can offer assistance in choosing how to spend your free time, but neither Hosted Holidays, nor any of its representatives can provide any guarantee about the safety or suitability of any activities or excursions, nor about the operators who organise these. 

As in all countries, taking photos of police stations, border crossings, immigration controls, army barracks, military personnel or checkpoints, airports or political demonstrations is never a good idea, often illegal, and very likely to land you in trouble with the authorities. 

Swimming and other water-based activities are always undertaken at your own risk. 

Please also note that your Host has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns.

FUN FACTS

• Oldest Recorded Tree
  The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura is the world’s oldest living tree with a known planting date — over 2,300 years old — and is revered by Buddhists across the country.
• Cinnamon’s Homeland
  Sri Lanka is the birthplace of true Ceylon cinnamon. It was so prized in ancient times that it played a key role in global trade for centuries.
• UNESCO Heritage Powerhouse
  Sri Lanka boasts 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including ancient cities (Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa), the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, and the Central Highlands.
• World First in Politics
  Sirimavo Bandaranaike, a Sri Lankan, became the world’s first female Prime Minister in 1960, marking a major milestone in global history.
• The “Teardrop of India”
  Sri Lanka is often called the “teardrop of India” due to its distinctive shape and location just south of the Indian subcontinent.
• Wildlife Wonders
  Despite its small size, Sri Lanka is one of the best places in the world to see leopards, elephants, and blue whales — all in a single trip!

  HELPFUL TRAVEL TIPS

• Cash is Essential in Rural Areas
  Credit cards are widely accepted in cities and large hotels, but small shops and markets in villages operate on cash only.
• Stay Safely Hydrated
  Drink only bottled or filtered water. Local king coconuts are a safe, naturally sterile, and refreshing drink option.
• Negotiate with a Smile
  Bargaining is acceptable in markets but always done politely and with a friendly attitude.

OPTIONAL TOURS

World’s End Trek
This rewarding hike through Horton Plains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers stunning views and a chance to spot wildlife like sambar deer and native birds. Highlights include Baker’s Falls and the dramatic World’s End cliff, where you may see all the way to the Indian Ocean on a clear day. The trek is moderately strenuous and takes about 2 – 3 hours on average. There are no safety rails, and the trail includes uneven, potentially wet, and rocky terrain. We do not recommend this activity for those who may find such conditions challenging. 

Price per person $120.00 AUD

Note: All information provided is intended as a general guide only and is correct at the time of preparation. Conditions, timings, prices, and inclusions may change without notice due to factors such as weather, operational requirements, or local regulations. Hosted Holidays makes every effort to ensure accuracy but accepts no responsibility for variations beyond our control. We recommend checking closer to departure for the most up-to-date details, and please be aware that all optional activities are subject to availability and minimum participant numbers.