Frequently Asked Questions

Sri Lanka is a year-round destination because different parts of the island experience different weather patterns. December to April is generally popular for the south and west coasts, while the east coast is particularly attractive during the middle months of the year. Union Holidays can recommend the best itinerary according to your travel dates.

We recommend at least 7 to 10 days to experience a combination of Sri Lanka's cultural sites, hill country, wildlife and beaches. A 12 to 14-day holiday allows a more relaxed journey and the opportunity to explore different regions of the island.

Visa and Electronic Travel Authorisation requirements depend on your nationality and can change periodically. Travellers should check the latest requirements of the Sri Lanka Department of Immigration and Emigration before travelling. Union Holidays can provide general guidance when arranging your holiday.

Most international visitors arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), located near Katunayake and Negombo, approximately 30 kilometres north of Colombo.

Union Holidays can arrange private airport transfers directly to your hotel or onward destination.

Yes. Sri Lanka offers a good combination of beaches, wildlife, heritage, nature, food and comfortable tourism infrastructure within a relatively compact island, making it an excellent destination for first-time visitors to South Asia.

For comfort and flexibility, a private air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced chauffeur or chauffeur-guide is one of the best ways to explore Sri Lanka.

Union Holidays can arrange private cars, vans, coaches and professional guides according to the size and requirements of your group.

Sri Lanka is relatively small, but travel times can sometimes be longer than expected because of road conditions, traffic and mountainous terrain.

We therefore design our itineraries based on realistic travelling times rather than distance alone.

Yes. Train travel is one of Sri Lanka's most memorable experiences, particularly through the central hill country around Kandy, Nanu Oya, Ella and Badulla.

Train reservations are subject to availability, and Union Holidays can incorporate selected rail journeys into your itinerary.

Yes. We provide private airport transfers between Bandaranaike International Airport and hotels, resorts and destinations throughout Sri Lanka.

Meet-and-greet arrangements can also be provided where applicable.

Popular destinations include Colombo, Sigiriya, Dambulla, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Yala, Udawalawe, Galle and the southern beaches.

However, the best itinerary depends on your interests, available time and preferred travel style.

Wild elephants can be seen in several national parks, particularly Udawalawe and areas around the Cultural Triangle.

Union Holidays encourages responsible wildlife experiences that respect animals and their natural environment.

Whale-watching excursions are available seasonally from selected coastal locations. Sightings and operating conditions depend on the season, weather and sea conditions.

Sri Lanka has beaches around much of the island. Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna, Mirissa and the southern coast are popular at certain times of year, while Pasikuda, Trincomalee and Arugam Bay are excellent options on the east coast during their favourable season.

Yes. Sri Lanka is an excellent honeymoon destination combining boutique hotels, beaches, tea-country scenery, wildlife, private villas and romantic experiences.

Union Holidays can design personalised honeymoon programmes based on the couple's interests and budget.

Yes. Sri Lanka offers many family-friendly experiences including wildlife safaris, beaches, train journeys, cultural attractions, nature experiences and family resorts.

We can design itineraries with comfortable travel times and activities appropriate for children.

The official currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). Major credit and debit cards are accepted at many hotels, restaurants and larger establishments, and ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas.

It is useful to carry some local currency for smaller purchases.

Sinhala and Tamil are the country's main national languages, while English is widely used in hotels, tourism businesses and major visitor areas.

Sri Lanka Standard Time is GMT/UTC +5:30 throughout the year. Sri Lanka does not normally observe daylight-saving time.

Lightweight clothing is suitable for most areas because of Sri Lanka's tropical climate. A light jacket or sweater is useful when visiting the hill country.

Modest clothing covering the shoulders and knees is recommended when visiting temples and religious sites.

Visitors should dress respectfully, normally covering shoulders and knees. Shoes and hats should be removed before entering certain temple areas.

Visitors should also avoid photographs or behaviour that could be considered disrespectful towards Buddha statues or religious images.

Yes. Mobile coverage is available throughout most populated areas and local SIM cards and mobile-data services are readily available. Wi-Fi is offered by most hotels and many restaurants.

Visitors are generally advised to drink properly sealed bottled water or appropriately filtered drinking water during their stay.

Tipping is appreciated for good service but should remain discretionary. Hotels and restaurants may already include service charges, while travellers may also choose to tip guides, chauffeurs, hotel staff and other service personnel.

Poya Days are monthly public holidays associated with the full moon and Buddhist religious observances.

Certain businesses and activities may operate differently, and the sale of alcohol is generally restricted on Poya Days. Union Holidays takes these dates into consideration when planning itineraries.

Yes. Customised travel is one of our core services.

Tell us your travel dates, number of travellers, interests and approximate budget, and our destination specialists can create a personalised Sri Lanka programme rather than requiring you to select a fixed package.

Yes. We work with a broad range of accommodation including luxury hotels, resorts, boutique properties, villas and selected smaller hotels throughout Sri Lanka.

Our recommendations are based on the itinerary, travel style and budget of each client.

Yes. We can arrange experienced English-speaking guides, chauffeur-guides and specialist guides.

Guides speaking other languages may also be arranged subject to availability.

Yes. Union Holidays handles individual travellers, families and groups and can arrange transportation, hotels, guides, excursions, meals and other destination services.

Yes. We can support Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events in Sri Lanka, including accommodation, transportation, venue arrangements, excursions, gala events and customised group experiences.

Yes. Union Holidays is a Sri Lanka Destination Management Company and welcomes partnerships with travel agents and tour operators worldwide.

We aim to operate as your local destination partner and an extension of your office in Sri Lanka.

Yes. Contracted and B2B rates may be provided to registered travel trade partners depending on the hotels, services, volumes and travel period requested.

Yes. Travel partners can send us their clients' requirements and our team will prepare a customised itinerary and quotation.

We can assist with accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, guides, activities and other ground arrangements.

Yes. Our destination support continues throughout the journey.

Our local team coordinates services with hotels, chauffeurs, guides and other suppliers and assists with operational matters that may arise during the client's stay.

Simply contact Union Holidays through our website enquiry form, email, telephone or WhatsApp and provide:

• Travel dates
• Number of adults and children
• Preferred destinations or experiences
• Hotel category
• Approximate budget
• Any special requirements

Our team will then design a suitable programme and quotation for you.