Language 
Currency 
No results found
What to pack for Sri Lanka: From toiletries to sarongs
Wondering what to pack to Sri Lanka for your next trip? Add fresh clothes, a sarong, toiletries, travel documents, and an eSIM for an internet connection!
Located in South Asia, Sri Lanka is a hidden gem for travellers looking for a mix of adventures. From exploring lush tea plantations and hiking breathtaking safari trails to relaxing on white sand beaches and connecting with the local city culture, you’ll really need to consider what to pack for your trip to Sri Lanka.
Whether printed off or read online, our Sri Lanka packing list is designed to help you plan your trip. With top tips and local insights, we make sure your luggage doesn’t hold you back from experiencing all that Sri Lanka has to offer.
+1M
Unlimited data
Limitless data plans in more than 170 destinations
With Holafly, you save +30% compared to roaming fees
Plans that may interest you
Get your Holafly packing list for Sri Lanka!
While reading a packing list might give you some ideas of what to add to your luggage, chances are you prefer to print it and tick items off as you add them.
Our packing list for Sri Lanka is perfect for that, as you can download, print it, and double-check everything you need for the perfect trip!
Packing tips before traveling to Sri Lanka
As with any location, your Sri Lanka packing list will be guided by local weather and customs. Here are three tips to consider before you open your wardrobe.
- Religion: Over 70% of Sri Lanka’s population is Buddhist, so remember to pack a pashmina scarf or sarong when you visit temples. You’ll need to cover your chest, shoulders, and knees.
- Humidity: Sri Lanka can get quite sticky all year round, so try to wear comfortable clothes, and don’t forget to add insect repellent and a water bottle to keep yourself hydrated and safe during the trip.
- Rain: Rain in Sri Lanka is extremely common, with up to 5,000 mm falling annually across two distinct monsoon seasons, so don’t forget to pack quick-drying clothes and a waterproof phone case.
What to pack for Sri Lanka for daytime activities
You should always pack according to the things you’ll do in Sri Lanka. Are you planning to relax at the beach? Are you planning on hiking and visiting Adam’s Peak? Or, even better, do you have a mix of activities prepared for your Sri Lanka trip?
Whatever your style of holiday, it’ll be an escape from grey and rainy days. Daytime temperatures in Sri Lanka range from 28°C to 29°C throughout the year, so leave your heavy jacket at home and make room in your luggage for clothes that will keep you cool.
Specifically, you’ll need:
- T-shirts
- Hiking shoes
- Flip flops
- Lightweight rain jacket
- Hiking socks
- Water shoes
- Swim trunks
- Dry bag
- Shorts
- Skirts and dresses
- Reusable water bottle
- Pashmina scarf or sarong
- Sun hats
Also, keep a money belt with you during the whole trip. It’s the ideal place to store travel documents, sun protection, and other small things you don’t want to carry in your pockets.
Pro tip when visiting temples: You’ll likely need to take your shoes off before entering the temple, and the floor can be pretty hot, so add a pair of long socks to avoid burning your feet.
What to pack for Sri Lanka for nighttime activities
Compared to other destinations, packing for the nights on the small island of Sri Lanka doesn’t require much preparation. Nights are calmer than other destinations, and even at bars and discos, you can wear a relaxed outfit and forget to add a tux to your packing list.
Here are things you’ll need for a night out during your Sri Lanka adventure:
- A good pair of shoes/sandals
- A nice, fresh t-shirt
- Trousers or fresh pants
- Long dresses
And why not add some jewelry to match your outfits. A necklace, a bracelet, or a good pair of earrings will do.
Travel tip: Take comfortable, fresh clothes for the evening. Shorts and tank tops are great live-saver items in Sri Lanka due to the humidity and take very little space on your luggage.
What toiletries to add to your Sri Lanka packing list
Toiletries are a must in any international packing list, even if you expect to find hotel freebies. While you can buy these using the Sri Lankan rupee, arriving and heading straight to your chosen adventure is better than browsing local shops for shampoo.
- Deodorant
- Shampoo
- Shower gel
- UV protection/sun cream
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Hand sanitiser/wet wipes
- Makeup
- Small hairbrush
- Lotion
If you miss something at home, you can always go to a local store and buy the toiletries you need for the trip.
Travel tip: Save your toiletries using dry bags, as you’ll save space on your luggage and can forget to add a larger backpack when travelling without leaving anything important behind.
Travel essentials for your Sri Lanka packing list
There are some final travel essentials to cover before completing the Sri Lanka packing list.
These are a must-add, no matter if you are going to the west and south coasts, visiting temples, or simply walking around Colombo and Kandy, so make sure to take them with you:
- Travel documents: You must take your passport, but you should also take your ID and any important documents you might need for your trip – it’s best to check if you need a visa to enter the country.
- Travel insurance: Even if you are planning a safe Sri Lanka vacation trip, the best thing you can do is get international travel insurance in case anything happens.
- Electronic devices: Phones aside, consider adding a power bank, travel adapter, memory cards, and spare batteries for any electronics you take; that way, you’ll avoid extra charges while in Sri Lanka.
- Basic medic kit: Your packing list should include a first aid kit you can carry with you in a dry bag. It should include items such as isopropyl alcohol, pain relievers, bandages, and any medicine you take.
- Insect repellent: Sri Lanka has its fair share of insects. During the monsoon seasons (June-July and October-December), there is a chance of getting dengue fever. So, it’s best to practice precaution and regularly apply strong insect repellent.
- Water filter and a personal water bottle: Forget about drinking tap water in Sri Lanka. Using a water filter and your personal water bottle is better to avoid any surprises.
Buy an eSIM to stay connected while traveling in Sri Lanka
Is your packing list for Sri Lanka ready? Then it’s time to talk about something you can’t miss: internet connection for your trip.
Options like data roaming, a local SIM card, or a pocket WiFi might seem reliable, but when comparing prices and features, there are better options.
Holafly is one of the best eSIMs for Sri Lanka, as it offers you the following features:
- Unlimited data plans start at £5/day
- Up to 5G data speeds with the Dialog network
- Choose the exact amount of days you plan to use your eSIM
- Data-sharing for up to 500 MBs per day
- 24/7 customer support in 19 languages
So, grab your selfie stick, open your phone camera, and show your friends and family the amazing things Sri Lanka offers with the Holafly eSIM!
FAQs
When preparing your Sri Lanka packing list, make sure to leave out any narcotics, psychotropic substances, precursor drugs, pro-religious literature, and cigarettes. Also, ensure you have permission for any prescribed medication you need, and take less than £7,500, or you’ll have to declare it upon entrance.
Yes. But make sure that if you wear any shorts, you’ll need to cover them with a sarong or long socks during template visits.
A suitcase should be on your list to visit Sri Lanka. But a backpack should be part of your list, and it’s even better if it’s a dry-bag type of backpack.
Plans that may interest you
I first started my content creation journey as a freelancer in 2019, before connecting with Holafly in 2021. At Holafly, my travel and tech interests come together in one place as I craft high-quality articles about the eSIM and related markets. My content aims to help travelers stay connected, wherever they are.
