Sri Lanka is an excellent travel destination for all kinds of travelers. Sri Lanka has amazing white sand beaches, abundant wildlife, friendly local people, ancient ruins, and great cuisine.
To have the best travel experience, it is important to pack well for your Sri Lanka Trip.
Therefore, I created a Sri Lanka Packing List to help you become well-prepared.
Use this Sri Lanka Packing List whether you are traveling for a week or an extended period. What to pack for Sri Lanka, dress code in Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka packing essentials, and more. Read along!
Hiking in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka 
Arriving at the beautiful Sri Lanka
This post is about what to pack for Sri Lanka. After digging into the necessary preparations before the trip, such as choosing between a suitcase or a backpack, I share with you all the items I never travel without. The main section is the itemized packing checklist for Sri Lanka, including additional items for special activities and packing tips.
Before Travelling to Sri Lanka
1. Check the Weather Forecast at the Specific Destinations
Planning for hot and humid weather is self-explanatory, but checking the specific weather for your travel month is even more important.
Sri Lanka is affected by different monsoon seasons throughout the country.
Most people visit Sri Lanka between October and March, when the weather is the best to visit the Southern and middle areas un Sri Lanka.
Important: the mountainous areas, like the Horton Plains or Nuwara Eliya have a cool climate.
2. Think about the Activities during your Sri Lanka Trip
Before you start packing for Sri Lanka, take some time and think about how you’ll be spending your days. Sri Lanka is versatile and offers a wide range of activities one can undertake while traveling.
Here are some questions to guide you:
- Beach Days: Will you be chilling on the beach? Pack extra swimwear.
- Surfing: As of the intense sun exposure, consider packing a surfing bodysuit.
- Remote Areas: Are you heading to remote locations? Bring a complete medicine box.
- Jungle Trekking: Planning to trek in the Sinharaja Rainforest? Pack knee-length socks and long trousers to protect against leeches.
- Hiking: If hiking is on your agenda, pack warm clothing, appropriate footwear, and a day pack.
3. Get the Recommended Vaccinations
At least two months before your trip, visit your local travel medical center to check which vaccinations you need. Some vaccinations require multiple doses, so plan ahead.
For example, it took me three appointments over seven weeks to get all the necessary shots last time.
In some countries, like Germany, national health insurance providers may reimburse the cost of vaccinations. Be sure to check if this applies to you.
4. Backpack or Luggage? Choose the Right Travel Gear
Backpacking in Asia gained huge popularity during the last decades.
Opting for luggage or a backpack will depend on how you plan to spend your time in Sri Lanka
Opt for a Luggage if:
- You plan to stay in one place for several days.
- You will hire a driver or travel around by tuk-tuk/taxi.
- You want a relaxed holiday experience.
Opt for a Backpack if:
- You plan to move frequently, changing locations every few days.
- You want to incorporate many adventure activities like jungle trekking and hiking.
- You prefer to travel independently using public transportation, a scooter, or a tuk-tuk.
I always take a 70L combined backpack from Thule. It features a 50L main bag that serves as my luggage and a 20L day pack, which is perfect for day trips and hikes.
Sri Lanka Packing List Essentials I NEVER Travel Without
There are some travel essentials I never travel without whenever I travel to Asia.
Let’s dig into what not to leave at home when packing for Sri Lanka.
Toiletries
In Sri Lanka, you won`t find the toiletries you are used to at home. Chances are that you won`t find anything you like in the small shops. I recommend you to pack the following toiletries with you:
- Haircare Products: Your hair will be prone to salt water and heavy sun exposure, therefore consider packing some good quality haircare items with you, like a good hair mask or a serum.
- Women`s Hygiene Articles: although women`s hygiene articles can be found in the shops, it`s better to stock up on what you need at home. The products in Sri Lanka are limited and also very pricey.
- Sunscreen and After-Sun Body Lotion: Local people in Sri Lanka don`t use sunscreen, and the ones you find in the stores are often expired and expensive. Additionally, I always take an after-sun body lotion with me.
Mosquito Net
Are you concerned about the bugs in general in Asia? If so, then a mosquito net is a must for your Asia Packing List.
A mosquito net is the one thing I’d NEVER travel without. It ensures a good night’s sleep without needing to worry about animals crawling around.
Most importantly, in some parts of Sri Lanka, there is a chance of getting dengue fever or malaria.
Protect yourself by taking a mosquito net with you.
AirTag
For safety and security reasons, I always have an AirTag in my bag. It is an inexpensive and simple tracking device. You can always see its location in the FindMy App.
How can an AirTag help you on your trip?
- Tracking Luggage Location at the Airport:
In case your luggage does not make it to your destination, you will know where it is. - Anti-theft Precautions in the Hotel Room:
We can´t just simply run around with all of our valuables with us. Therefore, I always have an AirTag inside my backpack. When leaving your luggage/backpack home, hide it in your bag. Hide it somewhere where it is hard to find. - For Forgetters: if you are an absent-minded person who keeps losing things, you can attach an AirTag to your keys. You will simply get a notification on your iPhone if you leave the AirTag behind.
Not an iPhone User? There are some alternative tracking devices for Android Users too.
Dry Bag
I always fit a dry bag into my backpack on my travels. Years ago, my bag was stolen with all my valuables inside while I went for a 5-minute dip in the ocean (it happened in the Dominican Republic).
If I had a dry bag with me, it couldn`t have happened.
A Dry Bag is a versatile waterproof bag that keeps your valuables safe while:
– swimming in the ocean
– chasing waterfalls
– kayaking or paddle boarding
– fishing trips
– jungle trekking
Belt Bag
A Belt Bag while traveling in Sri Lanka is the best thing!
Every traveler wears one in Asia as it fits all the essentials you need during the day.
I am very happy with my Belt Bag from Deuter, it is the perfect travel gear.
What fits into a Belt Bag?
– Phone
– Sunglasses
– Purse
– Sunscreen
– Keys
Packing Cubes
Packing Cubes help you stay organized while traveling in Sri Lanka.
I always have 3-4 packing cubes in my backpack to store the different clothing items separately.
A Packing Cube not only saves up a lot of space in your backpack, but it also makes you a rapid packer who can be ready to move within 10 minutes. 🙂
Electrolytes
In Sri Lanka, the chances of getting sick are quite high. Illness can strike easily from bad food, too much sun exposure, mosquito bites, or from different viruses or bacteria.
At each occasion, I could thank my speedy recovery to the electrolytes.
Sri Lanka Packing List: Itemized Checklist
1. Packing Gear
- Backpack or Luggage: I am a big advocate of a backpack, it allows you to move easily between places.
I love my Thule Backpack (including a 50L main pack and a 20L day pack), it has already survived 4 months in Asia and is still as good as new! - Day Pack: a day pack will be a great companion for your day trips and hiking adventures.
- Backpack Lock: it ensures safety while traveling with a bag on your back. I have had this lock for years.
- Packing Cubes:
Packing Cubes changed the whole experience of packing and traveling. A cube fits many clothes inside and you can have a nice structure within your backpack. I never travel without them. - Dry Bag: Take a dry bag with you to keep your electronics safe.
- Belt Bag: perfect to keep your valuables safe.
2. Travel Essentials
- Documents: Passport, Visa (check visa requirements), Travel Health Insurance
- Money and Bank Cards: Credit/debit cards: it’s better to have more and store them separately
- Cash: I advise you to bring only a few hundred EUR/USD with you, regardless of how long you travel. You can withdraw money and will feel safer.
Local Currency: No need to have cash in the local currency before arrival. You can always withdraw money at the airport. - International Driving License: if you plan to rent a scooter/car, make sure you get an International Driving License at home.
- Universal Power Adapter
- Sunglasses
3. Clothing
Clothing Tips:
- Try to minimize white clothing
White clothes are not the best idea as they will get dirty before you know it. I know, I love them too. The problem is, if you give your clothing to locals to wash it, chances are your white clothes won`t get returned white anymore.
Bad washing techniques, sunscreen stains, and general dirt will turn your white clothes yellowish. - Dress Code in Sri Lanka: Have long trousers or a long skirt with you
While in general, the dress code in Sri Lanka is not strict, Sri Lanka has some beautiful religious sites where you will be asked to cover your legs (knees) and shoulders. Therefore make sure you have them with you. Alternatively, you can also wear a sarong.
Clothing List:
- 6-7 Tops
- 4-5 Shorts/Skirts
- 2-3 Dresses
- 1 Sweatshirt
- 1-2 Beach Cover-Up
- 3-4 Bikinis
- Underwear: 2-3 pairs of Socks, 7-10 Panties, 3 Bras
- Baseball cap or a Hat
Footwear List:
- Sneakers/Sports Shoes: for travel days, walking and hiking
- Slippers: to use on the beach, on the street, and in the shower
- Water Shoes
4. Toiletries and Hygiene
- Oral Health Essentials (Toothbrush, Tooth Paste, Dental Floss)
- Shower Gel or Soap (in remote areas, not all hotels have it)
- Haircare: Shampoo, Conditioner, Hair Mask, Hair Serum, Hair Ties and Clips
- Deodorant
- Razor
- Makeup
- Women`s Hygiene Products (Tampons, Menstrual Cup)
- Hand Sanitizer
- Sunscreen, After-Sun Body Lotion
- Microfibre Towel: it dries quickly, protects your hair, lightweight. Perfect as a beach towel as you can easily brush off sand from it.
5. Health
Always have a separate medicine box with you for emergencies.
Medicine Box Essentials:
- Painkillers
- Diarrhea Pills
- Antibiotics
- Malaria Pills
- Electrolytes
- Antibiotic Ointment
- Antiseptic wound spray
- Thermometer
- Band-aid and Plasters
- Small Scissors
- Tweezers
Packing Gear for 2 People
6. Electronics
- Phone
- Portable Charger
- Travel Adaptor
- Headphones
- Camera, Drone, Laptop
- Sandisk Portable SSD Card (to never run out of data)
- Airtag: I always keep an AirTag in my bag. If it gets lost or stolen, you can track it. Make sure you put it somewhere it`s hard to detect it.
- Kindle: for fellow book lovers
Travel Essentials for Special Activities in Sri Lanka
- Jungle Trekking
– long, light-colored, quick-drying trousers
– long-sleeve, quick-drying shirt
– knee-high sports socks
– Rain Poncho
– Torch - Safari:
– binoculars
– hat - Hiking
– Hiking Shoes or Good Sport Shoes
– Head Cover
– Torch
– Thermo Pullover - Snorkeling
– Snorkel Set ( Mask and a Snorkel)
Tips for Packing for Sri Lanka
1. Leave Extra Room in your Bag
Traveling to Sri Lanka will mean a memory of a lifetime when you finally come back home. You will want to buy souvenirs to remember a certain place during your travels. Therefore, always leave some space in your bag for it. I always buy accessories or even small furniture from local craftsmen.
If you go to Sigiriya, you will find many shops with local craftsmen selling high-quality, affordable and beautiful wooden furnitures. Last time, I was able to buy a small wooden table and fit it into my backpack!
Personally, I aim to leave at least 20% of my luggage space empty.
2. Pack Light
I have this one rule I always stick to: my main backpack should not weigh more than 10 kg-s.
If it’s heavier than that, I’ll dread moving around. Regardless I travel for a week or months, I won´t need more stuff with me than that. And you won`t need more either.
Moreover, you will realize that you won’t wear all the clothes you thought you would.
3. Ask the Locals What To Use against Mosquitos
Most probably you heard the advice to take mosquito spray with high DEET. I read the same and therefore bought an expensive mosquito repellent in Germany.
It was a bad idea: we got itchy and red stains immediately on our skin after using it. Such strong mosquito repellents are loaded with toxic substances. No wonder our skin did not quite like it.
Therefore, my best advice is not to bring any with you.
Instead, upon arrival, ask the locals what they use against mosquitos and buy the same. Locals know best what works and their alternatives are usually much healthier.
Conclusion – Sri Lanka Packing List
If you found this Sri Lanka Packing List helpful, let me know! I would love to receive some feedback from you.
Happy Travels!
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