Sri Lanka is a tropical island nation that is home to around 21 million people. It is a spectacular yet affordable year-round destination that offers everything from dazzling high-end hotels and restaurants to jungle treks and whale-watching.

Sri Lanka has it all: dream-like beaches and stunning vistas, food and festivals, wildlife and wonder. You can go swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing, surfing and diving, hiking and sightseeing; you will find a vast culture heritage, ancient ruins, temple and tea plantations; coral reefs and jungles, blue whales and elephants, leopards and monkeys; a bustling metropolis and rustic travel by three-wheeler.

Before you go, keep these essentials in mind:

Visa: Thirty-day visitor visas cost US$25 to US$100 and can be applied for through an online system: http://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/

Money: Sri Lanka’s currency is the Rupee (LKR), although most properties accept credit card. It is generally possibly to withdraw cash with your credit card from most banks.

Health: Vaccinations against Tetanus, Diphtheria, Hepatitis A and B, Rabies, and Typhus are always recommended. Other than that, no special vaccinations are necessary for Sri Lanka: the island is free of Malaria. To avoid Dengue Fever, it is generally recommended to take the necessary precautions against mosquito bites.

Electricity: The electric current is 230V, 50 cycles. Plugs come in a variety of forms but are usually similar to Indian plugs. Adapters can be bought for little money in most places.

Phones: Sri Lanka’s dialling code is +94. The emergency numbers are 118 and 119. Local SIM cards are available at the airport and most other places and don’t cost an excessive amount of money.

Climate: The island is hot and humid, with temperatures averaging 25-30 degrees Celsius and an average humidity of 60-90%. Two monsoon seasons affect different parts of the country and play a huge role in deciding the best time to travel to different parts of the island.