Must-Know Do’s and Don’ts for Sri Lanka Tours in 2026

Sri Lanka is a popular travel destination in 2026, offering warm hospitality, rich cultural values, and stunning natural beauty. Tourists from around the world visit Sri Lanka during their summer, winter, or school vacations. If you are dreaming of visiting Sri Lanka, and are about to pack your bags, here are the top 5 dos and don'ts in Sri Lanka to help you understand what to do and what not to do during your trip.

When you start a trip to Sri Lanka to enjoy your holidays, you may encounter some challenges. This travel guide will help travelers get an overall idea about what travelers should and shouldn't do, as it is home to a multicultural society with different religions, beliefs, and practices. By following this general travel etiquette as a tourist, you can make your travel experience more comfortable and create beautiful Sri Lankan travel memories.

Avoid common tourist mistakes and travel around Sri Lanka with our Sri Lankan tour guides who have years of experience in group tours and private tours. They will guide you on how to behave in Sri Lanka, how to travel in Sri Lanka, what you should do, and what you should not do in Sri Lanka during your trip.

Why Knowing the Dos and Don’ts in Sri Lanka Matters?

Traveling around Sri Lanka is not only for knocking off Sri Lanka attractions but for immersing you in a beautiful culture with traditions, historical customs, and daily life that may feel very different from your normal life stories. So, you need to have an idea about Sri Lankan general etiquette for a safe journey. It’s the main reason for understanding Dos and don'ts for Sri Lankan.

In addition, the following reasons are valuable for your Sri Lankan tour because most tourists think Sri Lanka is a part of India. It is not correct. Sri Lanka is a separate country from India, which is a small island located in the Indian Ocean.

Reasons to know Do's and Don'ts in Sri Lanka

You will get the most out of your Sri Lankan trip if you know these dos and don'ts.

• As a tourist, you can stay safe until the end of your Sri Lankan tour. You will enhance your traveling experience by understanding social etiquette and local practices
• You can understand the Sri Lankan cultural and religious values.
• You can avoid different legal problems.
• To give a positive vibe for everyone, including local Sri Lankans
• Avoid misunderstandings in Public areas.
• To protect the environment and natural values 
• To identify the difference between India and Sri Lanka tours
• For having a comfortable and enjoyable trip

Top 5 Do’s in Sri Lanka Tours

To ensure a smooth travel experience, it’s useful to understand what are the things you should do and, avoid in Sri Lanka. First, let's discuss the things you should do in Sri Lanka in your Sri Lankan private tours, or Group Tours.

Do: Try Sri Lankan Cuisine

Sri Lanka is a magical landscape for delicious food. So, don’t miss the chance to try the authentic taste of Sri Lankan cuisine. There are lots of villages in Sri Lanka that are popular for different Sri Lankan food items, such as Dambulla, Kandy, Galle, Anuradhapura, Sigiriya and Matale, which are popular for tasty local dishes. If you can learn how to eat like a local Sri Lankan, it will be easier to have the real taste of those foods. 

Normally, Sri Lankans eat with their hands, especially rice and curry, which is their staple food, is more delicious while they are mixing it with their fingers. kottu, egg hoppers, dhal curry, pol sambol, lamprais, crab curry, devilled prawns, and brinjal pickle are very popular Sri Lankan foods to try as a traveler.

2. Do: Take a Train Tour around the Hill Country in Sri Lanka

You can have an amazing experience in a train that passes through beautiful tea plantations, mountains, and green forests in the hill country of Sri Lanka. You won't be able to choose which is the best train tour in Sri Lanka without a tour expert's advice. 

If you are a photographer, traveler, or videographer, you should not miss these Sri Lanka rail adventures. So we are here to give you some of the most scenic train rides in the world to experience the charming villages, misty green landscapes, and unseen natural gems of Sri Lanka.

3. Do: Visit a National Park in Sri Lanka

 If you are in love with wild animals and prefer wildlife photography, Sri Lankan National Parks are the best destinations. It is also the best experience for travelers to Sri Lanka, who are eager to watch the Sri Lankan Big Five. In addition, you can plan a safari to see the unique wildlife stories of Sri Lankan animals, because in our group tours, 80% of tourists are interested in safari tours to Yala and Minneriya.

If someone asks, is it worth doing a safari in Sri Lanka?. Yes. It's one of the most amazing travel experiences that you can have once in a lifetime.

4. Do: Learn Some Sinhalese Phrases

One of the most important things included in the Do’s list in Sri Lanka is learning a few Sinhala phrases. English is widely spoken in Sri Lanka, but if you can learn some Sinhalese and also Tamil phrases, it will help you have a nice conversation with Sri Lankan locals. Because Sri Lankans will appreciate speaking with you in their mother tongue. And it will be a reason to have a warm and memorable travel experience.

5. Do: Pack your Bag Properly:

What to pack to go to Sri Lanka? A Sri Lanka packing list should include the following items.

• Medicines.
• Important travel documents
• Credit cards, Wallet, and Sri Lankan cash
• Beach Attire
• Sneakers
• Sports shoes
• Active wear
• Jumpers and Tops
• Evening wear
• Hats or Caps
• Sunscreen and moisturizers
• Bug Repellent
• Technical gadgets such as selfie sticks
• Camera

Pack your bag to plan a trip to Sri Lanka as your next travel destination, and choose the right tour from the Sri Lanka Tour Packages.

Top Don’ts in Sri Lanka

A frequently searched question on Google before visiting Sri Lanka is “What should I be careful of in Sri Lanka?.” Here we will explain to you the best answers for this problem, to learn new things about Sri Lanka, to use in one-day tours, and other tours

Don’t Ignore Temple Etiquette

Sri Lankan temples are the most sacred places of worship that are respected by all visitors around the world. It is very crucial to be quiet, respectful, and dress well by covering your shoulders and covering your legs at least below your knees. Don’t point your feet towards the Sri Lankan religious icons and Buddha statues. 

In the list of things to do in Sri Lanka, must-include places are the famous Temples and Historic Places in Sri Lanka. Before entering Sri Lankan Temples, remove your shoes, caps, and hats.

2. Don't Take photos of People without Requesting Permission.

Sri Lanka is a very famous country for its hospitality, as locals welcome everyone to Sri Lanka with a nice smile and lovable treats. But, if you are going to see Sri Lankan attractions such as sacred places or beautiful landscapes in rural areas, or public places, you should ask permission before taking snaps of anyone. Sri Lankans are very friendly and helpful people, so you can have very happening and meaningful conversations with them by following these simple etiquette.

Here is the chance to take beautiful Photos of Sri Lankan people and Sri Lankan best destinations without worrying about anything. With the expert guidance, your  Sri Lankan Tour will be a remarkable travel memory with beautiful snaps and videos. Why wait?

3. Don’t Drink the Tap Water.

This is one of the very important things that you should not do in Sri Lanka during your travel period. Because  Sri Lankan tap water is good and safe to drink in some areas, but it may not be the best choice. Sometimes, it can make your stomach upset. So, it’s better to use a water bottle everywhere you go.

You may see people who are drinking water from Sri Lankan taps, but remember that most people are used to taking anti-parasitic medicines every six months. In addition, the health ministry recommends using bottled water for washing your teeth too.

4. Don’t Take Selfies with Buddha

In Sri Lanka, most of the people are Buddhist, and they follow the path shown by Buddha to live their lives as good humans. So, don’t turn your back on the Buddha statues, or taking selfies with Buddha is considered a highly disrespectful thing. Remember, you can face the Buddha statue while worshiping.

If you are going to take photos of Buddha statues, observe any photography restrictions at religious places. That's why you should travel t Sri Lanka with an expert travel guide. We are here to provide you with a safe journey around Sri Lanka.

5. Don’t drive Tuk-Tuks in Sri Lanka

You will love to ride tuk-tuks on your Sri Lankan Tour. But you should have a valid driving license from your country and an international driving license that covers three-wheeled vehicles, with a temporary license, which is only provided by a Sri Lankan rental company. As you don’t know what are the rules for tourists in Sri Lanka, you will face different troubles and accidents while driving. Because tuk-tuks are safe in Sri Lanka with an experienced driver, as they know how to drive on Sri Lanka’s busy roads.

Why worry about road safety? We are here to plan your next Sri Lankan tour. Whether you need a Luxury Sri Lanka tour, an affordable tour, or a Safari tour, you can have a safe travel experience by avoiding common tourist mistakes. Find and choose the best tour for the coming Holidays to Sri Lanka.

Important: Follow the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority ( SLTDA ) to find recent updates about Sri Lanka Tourism. No terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka now, but we encourage all travelers to follow the basic health tips and safety precautions for an enjoyable tour.

Conclusion

Discover the Top 5 Do’s and Don’ts for Sri Lankan Tourists to make your journey comfortable. Learn general etiquette, traditions, and customs to travel around Sri Lanka safely by avoiding tourist mistakes.

FAQs for Dos and Don'ts Sri Lanka