Motorcycle Touring Destination Info

Sri Lanka

Capital City

Kotte

Population

~ 22,000,000

Land Area

65,610 m2

Official Language(s)

Sinhala; Tamil

Currency

Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

Driving Side

left

Climate

tropical monsoon; northeast monsoon (Dec to March); southwest ( June to October)

Sri Lanka Fact File

Sri Lanka is extremely diverse for such a small island, with an abundance of beach resorts dotted around the coastline and a central highland area riddled with forest trails and mountain views. This little gem is a pleasure for riders to visit as, along with its geographical diversity, the cultural diversity due to its historic past make for both a thrilling and interesting place to spend a vacation. Most riders will take a route that fits in both the beach sites of places such as Negombo, Hikaduwa and Galle as well as the hill station towns of Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Ella.

Whether it be driving through the Knuckles mountain range, visiting Yala National Park or chilling on the beach of Trincomalee a visit to Sri Lanka offers a great deal for everyone.

Sri Lanka FAQ

Do I need a visa for Sri Lanka?

Yes, you do. However, it is quite easy to get an E-Visa online for a cost of around 20usd. This website will help you: https://eta.gov.lk/slvisa/visainfo/fees.jsp#profee

Which International Driving Permit do I need for Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka has signed both the 1949 Convention on International Driving Permits. Therefore, you need to have the 1949 version.

Covid-19 Rules

You do not need any proof of vaccination against COVID to enter Sri Lanka.

What riding gear should I bring?

Try to bring as much as possible. We will advise you on the weather conditions when you book your tour/rental and this will inform you as to what you should bring. Nearly all items are available here but the supply is sporadic and sizes tend to be more for the Asian market. Bring your helmet, jacket, riding pants, boots, gloves and waterproofs as these are essential and size dependant. We can provide a limited range of gear and sizes so it is best to discuss this with us in advance as we cannot guarantee to have what you need. There is NO NEED to bring bungees, waterproof bags, phone holders etc… unless you really wish to.

Is there a malaria risk in Sri Lanka?

Yes, there is a very low risk of contracting Malaria in Sri Lanka. Medical professionals advise against taking anti-malarials and advocate covering the body with clothing and not leaving areas of skin exposed. More of a risk is Dengue fever and this risk peaks in July / August. Our best advice is to cover up and use a quality mosquito repellent.

Is it customary to tip?

Yes, tipping is quite normal in Sri Lanka. Generally, around a 10% tip is seen as acceptable when standards are met and higher if they are exceeded. There is no obligation to tip, especially if service or quality is not as expected. Porters, drivers, maids, wait staff, and bar staff are all the kinds of people who you would normally tip. How much you tip is not clearly defined (10% seems normal) and is your own choice.

How much does it cost to rent a motorbike per day?

You can easily rent a motorbike in major cities, at tourist hotspots and also from the hotel you stay in. They will ask for a passport as deposit and the charge is usually between 5 – 10usd per day for a small scooter. Larger CC bikes are sometimes available and can range from 15 – 50 usd per day. We have a list of quality motorbikes that are available for rent from our tour partners.

I am vegetarian. Will that be a problem?

No, there are many vegetarian dishes in Sri Lanka and quite a lot that are vegan, even though, veganism is not really a thing there.

How safe is it in Sri Lanka for travellers?

Generally, Sri Lanka is a very safe country and most visitors do not have any problems. Violent acts against tourists are rare and it is more likely that tourists will be victims of sneak thievery such as pickpocketing or other opportunistic crimes. You should pay attention to your belongings and also attempt to find out the correct prices for goods and services before purchasing. Prices are rarely labelled and can seem to be conjured out of thin air. The general road traffic is far more dangerous for newcomers and your first days should be ones that you take great care. Equally, it is important not to let your guard down and become complacent.

What kind of plug sockets do they have?

Sri Lanka has 3 plug socket types in use. These are: type D, G and M. Type D has three round pins, Type G has three flat but fat pins; the same as is used int he UK. Type M has three round pins but they are fatter than the Type D. You should bring one multi adapter at least. Adapters are usually easy to find here and quite cheap.

Should I learn some Tamil or Singhala?

Singhala and Tamil are the two main languages spoken in Sri Lanka. There are also a number of ethnic languages spoken by the tribal people.
Of course, it is fun and appreciated if you can use a few words on your trip, however, it is hard to know who speaks Sinhalese and who speaks Tamil. Therefore, we suggest using English as it is quite widely spoken and your local guide can help with translation if needed.

When is the best time to visit Sri Lanka?

Most people will tell you that you can visit Sri Lanka at any time and that there are two distinct monsoon seasons: North and South, so it is easy to avoid the rain. However, we would disagree slightly and say that it is best to visit the Southwest between Nov – April and the Northeast from February to September. In general, if you are comfortable with warm rain, visiting at any time is possible.