Sri Lanka is emerging as a highly desirable destination for Israeli tourists. Below are some essential insights and recommendations. By considering these factors and recommendations, we can optimize our travel experience in Sri Lanka and make the most of our visit to this captivating destination.

• Visa Procedures: It is advisable to secure a visa for Sri Lanka in advance through their embassy in Israel, situated in the B.S.R 2 tower in Bnei Brak. The visa fee is $40, and typically, visas are approved within 4-6 hours or at the following day. The visa is valid for thirty days, with the option for extensions.
• While visas can be obtained at the airport, the process involves long and tiresome queues and costs $50. Hence, it is not recommended.
• Health Precautions: Given that Sri Lanka is a tropical country, it is essential to stay updated with appropriate vaccinations. Recommended vaccinations include diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, polio, and for long-term travelers, typhoid and rabies vaccinations are advisable.
• Cost of Living: Sri Lanka offers a significantly lower cost of living compared to Israel. Expenses, including shopping at supermarkets, are notably cheaper.
• Currency Conversion: To gauge the value of goods in shekels or dollars, as of the writing of this guide, every 1,000 Sri Lankan rupees equate to 12 Israeli shekels or 3 US dollars. Calculate prices accordingly to assess their worth.
• Payment Methods: While credit cards are accepted at some hotels and shops, it is important to note that they may add a "commission," which is not legally justified.
• Exchange rates for purchasing Sri Lankan rupees are more favorable at the airport compared to banks or currency exchange services in the city, contrary to the practice in Europe.
• Communication Services: Purchasing a SIM card at the airport is more cost-effective than acquiring one from communication shops in the city.
• Time Zone Difference: Sri Lanka operates on GMT+5.5, which places them three and a half hours ahead of Israel. For instance, when it is 12 PM in Israel, it is 3:30 PM in Sri Lanka. When it's 12 PM in Sri Lanka, it's 8:30 AM here.
• Arkia Airlines is currently the sole carrier offering direct flights from Israel to Sri Lanka, with a typical flight duration of approximately six hours. However, due to airspace restrictions over Oman, Israeli airlines are compelled to take alternative routes, bypassing Oman and thereby extending flight times by approximately two hours. Consequently, many Israeli travelers opt for flights via foreign airlines, which often entail layovers and plane changes, resulting in a longer and more arduous journey compared to Arkia's direct flights.
• It's crucial to take into account the monsoon seasons when planning a visit to Sri Lanka. From May to September, monsoon storms affect the southern and western coastlines, while from November to March, the northeast of the island experiences monsoon activity. Local floods and landslides, particularly prevalent during the monsoon season, are the most common natural disasters in Sri Lanka.
• For travelers seeking kosher food, Chabad House in Weligama town hosts the only kosher restaurant in Sri Lanka. Additionally, Chabad houses in Colombo, Ella, and during the summer months in Arugam Bay, provide kosher products and meals.

• Supermarkets offering kosher products with the OU stamp are also available.
• As a predominantly Buddhist country, Sri Lanka boasts numerous vegetarian restaurants serving rice and curry vegetable dishes with no meat (without kosher supervision).
• The traditional Sinhalese greeting, "Ayubowan," meaning "may you have a long life," is commonly used.
• With a climate akin to India's but notably cleaner.
• Sri Lanka experiences tropical weather year-round. Coastal areas maintain average temperatures of 26-33 degrees Celsius, while mountain regions hover around 20-25 degrees Celsius.
• In Sri Lanka, elementary school students wear white uniforms to instill cleanliness and hygiene habits from a young age. Stains on clothing are highly visible, and students who soil their uniforms may face ridicule or even be sent home, fostering a culture of cleanliness from the earliest stages of education.
• For exploring Sri Lanka, many Israelis opt to rent scooters, with average daily rates of around 1800 LKR, though prices can often be negotiated. I managed to bring it down to 1150 LKR.
• Sri Lanka boasts two main types of buses: the red ones, government-owned, and those of various hues under private ownership. Many private bus owners opt for vibrant colors and adorn their vehicles with intricate paintings, adding to the lively atmosphere of Sri Lankan streets. While bus fares are typically inexpensive, rides can be crowded, with passengers often standing or perched on the steps due to limited seating.
• For a scenic journey, consider traveling by train, particularly along the route from Kandy to Ella. This picturesque railway cuts through breathtaking landscapes featuring mountains, forests, tea estates, and cascading waterfalls.

• Train travelers can choose from first-class compartments offering air conditioning, or opt for second or third-class options to immerse themselves in local culture while saving money.
• Booking train tickets at least a week in advance, either at railway stations or through platforms like 12GO Asia, is advisable to secure seats.
• It's essential to carry your passport at all times, as occasional checkpoints may require passengers to present identification to soldiers or police personnel.
• Within cities, tuk-tuks are a popular mode of transport. Bargaining with tuk-tuk drivers is customary, although travelers can also utilize local ride-hailing apps like PickMe, akin to Uber, for more reliable service and fixed fares without the need for negotiation.

• Tuk-Tuk Negotiations: Before getting into a tuk-tuk, you must negotiate the fare with the driver in advance. If you don't agree in advance, when you reach your destination, the driver may demand a fare much higher than usual. If you start arguing with him, suddenly other tuk-tuk drivers will join the argument shouting in favor of the driver. In the end, you will have to pay whatever he asks for.
• One of the traps for tourists in tuk-tuks is "I don't have change." When you arrive at your destination and give the driver a bill higher than agreed upon, he will put it in his pocket and say he doesn't have change to return.
• Additionally, If a tuk-tuk driver offers us a cheap sightseeing tour, it's a scam. He wants to take us to some remote tourist shop where they will overcharge us. When we'll want to return, other tuk-tuk drivers will ask for a very high price for the same ride back.
• Sri Lanka, with its predominantly Buddhist population, showcases numerous Buddha statues adorning various locales across the country.

• In many places in Sri Lanka, you'll see a structure resembling a temple with a dome on top. This is a "stupa," a sacred structure for Buddhists. When Buddha passed away, his body was cremated, and his ashes were placed in eight urns sent to various places. A stupa was built at each of these places to house his holy ashes. Over generations, additional stupas were built even near temples where there were no Buddha ashes, and even in the courtyards of private homes and street corners, they built stupas of all kinds of sizes.

• Each month, the full moon day, known as "Poya Day," holds significant religious importance, marked by closures of banks and many businesses. On this auspicious day, visiting Buddhist or Hindu temples provides an opportunity to witness special ceremonies.
• A unique cultural gesture in Sri Lanka involves locals shaking their heads, often misinterpreted as a "no" gesture by visitors. However, in Sri Lankan culture, it signifies agreement, especially when accompanied by a smile.
• Navigating Sri Lanka is best done with a dedicated driver. Andrew, a local tourism company, offers guide-driver services, customizing routes to suit clients' preferences. While the service is reasonably priced, it may not be suitable for budget travelers. For inquiries and bookings, contact 094114513466, mentioning this article for a potential discount.

• Cash is essential in Sri Lanka, as ATMs are scarce in towns and villages, with limited acceptance of credit cards at local establishments.
• Consider tipping based on the average daily wage for local laborers, which is approximately $20, equivalent to about 80 shekels per day.
• Electricity in Sri Lanka operates at 220 volts, similar to our system, but the electrical sockets resemble those in England, with some also accommodating Israeli plugs. It's advisable to bring a British adapter for convenience.
• Bandaranaike International Airport serves as Sri Lanka's primary international gateway, located 36 km from Colombo, about an hour's drive, or a 10-minute drive from Negombo. Many Israelis opt to stay in Negombo upon arrival and departure due to its proximity to the airport.
• For personal care items like sunscreen and mosquito repellents, purchasing locally tailored products in Sri Lanka is recommended over bringing them from Israel, as they are more effective against local mosquito species.
• When passing by a Buddha statue, adhere to local customs by circling clockwise as a sign of respect.
• Exercise caution when ordering food, as Sri Lankan cuisine is renowned for its spiciness. Consider sampling small portions before committing to a full meal to gauge your tolerance.
• To streamline travel, purchasing bus tickets online is preferable.
• Photography Etiquette: Always seek permission before photographing locals.
• In temples, refrain from using flash photography.

• Photographing army camps and police stations is strictly prohibited, and travelers should refrain from attempting to capture images of such facilities.
• Respectful Conduct: Sri Lankans hold their religious beliefs in high regard, particularly regarding the respectful treatment of Buddha statues. It is prohibited to photograph Buddha statues while showing one's back or bottom to the statue, as this is considered disrespectful. While enforcement may vary, smaller towns and villages often strictly uphold this rule, imposing hefty fines for violations.

• Exploring Beyond the Beaches: While the beaches of Sri Lanka are popular among Israeli tourists for activities like surfing and sunbathing, the island offers captivating experiences beyond its coastlines. The central mountain range boasts stunning scenery and attractions that are often overlooked by Israeli travelers.
• Environmental Conservation: When snorkeling, refrain from touching or disturbing the delicate coral reefs.

• During safari tours in nature reserves, adhere to guidelines prohibiting visitors from exiting the jeep or disrupting wildlife.
• Souvenir Caution: Avoid purchasing souvenirs made from ivory, corals, or animal bones, as these may be subject to restrictions at the airport.
• Animal Safety: Exercise caution around stray dogs and monkeys, as some may carry rabies. Refrain from approaching or attempting to pet these animals.

• Encounters with Elephants: While encountering elephants on intercity roads is not uncommon, similar to how we see camels and donkeys on the sides of roads in the Negev, it's essential to exercise caution. Solitary elephants may display aggression out of fear, whereas herds are typically not dangerous, as they feel secure in their group, and they rely on the leader of the herd to protect them.

• Hydration and Facilities: Drink only mineral water, as the tap water in Sri Lanka may not be safe for consumption.
• Restroom Etiquette: Local terminology for restrooms may differ, so it's best to refer to them as "Wash Rooms" rather than "Toilets" to avoid confusion.
• Traffic and Road Safety: In Sri Lanka, traffic flows on the left side of the road, akin to the UK's system. However, it's essential to remain vigilant. While in Israel, we habitually check left before crossing, here, it's crucial to look right, as vehicles approach from the opposite direction. Many accidents have occurred due to pedestrians misjudging traffic flow, particularly when looking in the wrong direction before crossing.
• Driving Challenges: Self-driving via car or scooter is not advisable for tourists. Navigating unfamiliar roads can lead to errors, such as entering squares or lanes incorrectly.
• Exacerbated by the lack of clear street and directional signs at intersections. While navigation apps like Waze may offer assistance, they can occasionally mislead in Sri Lanka's complex road network.
• Respect for Animals: Sri Lanka reveres animals, with cows often seen freely roaming roads. It's imperative not to honk or disturb them, respecting their sacred status and ensuring road safety for both humans and animals.

• Stilt Fishing and Tourist Traps: Beware also of Stilt Fishers. Stilt fishing, once a traditional method, is now primarily a tourist trap. There are many beaches where we see such wood stands stuck on the shore. When we approach them, children will hurry to climb on them with rods. Charming photos, especially at sunset. But this is also a tourist trap. After taking photos, adults will approach us demanding payment for photographing their children.
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• In journeys on rural roads, sometimes we see one lane blocked by heaps of rice or millet. This is how locals dry their crops. It is forbidden to drive over the grains obstructing traffic. Drivers respect this method.

• Etiquette and Respect: When visiting Buddhist or Hindu temples, it's essential to dress modestly and respectfully. This includes removing kippahs or caps and taking off shoes before entering. Avoid wearing immodest clothing, such as shorts for men or low-cut tops for women. In many temples, visitors will be provided with a silk cloth to cover themselves appropriately.
• Interaction with Monks: When engaging with monks, it's customary to refrain from initiating handshakes, as monks typically do not shake hands with strangers. While monks are generally open to conversation, it's respectful to avoid extending a hand for a handshake.
• Public Displays of Affection: Public displays of affection, including hugging, kissing, or cuddling with a partner, are not permitted in public spaces outside of hotel premises. Visitors should observe cultural norms regarding personal interactions while exploring the streets and public areas.
• In terms of history, Sri Lanka was once known as Ceylon, following colonization by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British in the 16th century. Gaining independence in 1948, 3 month before Israel, the island reverted to its original name, Sri Lanka, in 1972.
• Most Sri Lankans are Sinhalese who support Israel and identify with our struggle against the Palestinians. Sri Lankans suffered for many years from the Muslim terrorist organization, the Tamil Tigers, which demanded an independent state in northern Sri Lanka. The Muslim terrorism ended with a peace agreement in 2009, which many see as a surrender to the Muslims. Therefore, they respect and appreciate our fight against Palestinian terrorism.

Despite our affinity for the Sri Lankan people, we approach their foreign policy with a degree of caution and skepticism, recognizing the distinction between the populace and its government. Sri Lanka's first Prime Minister recognized Israel and even acquired ships for its navy, as well as economic cooperation in drilling wells in northern Sri Lanka. However, in 1956, a pro-Arab Communist prime minister rose to power in Sri Lanka, who supported the Arab League and deteriorated relations between the countries. He was followed by Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike, who always voted against Israel in the UN. Sri Lanka's economy relies on tea exports, and one of the major importers of their tea was Iraq. In the 1980s, Sri Lankans began turning to Israel for assistance in their fight against Tamil terrorism. In 1984, Israel reopened its embassy in Sri Lanka, only to close it in 1992 in deference to the Muslim world. Therefore, despite our fondness for the Sri Lankan people, we treat their foreign policy with caution and suspicion.

Planning a trip to Sri Lanka?

You should read more of my articles about Sri Lanka. Click on the links:

Selected tourist sites in Sri Lanka's coastal areas

20 must-see places in the mountains of central Sri Lanka

Where to stay in Sri Lanka

Even in Sri Lanka we find Yiddishkeit