With its multicultural population and rich diversity, Sri Lanka boasts a hallowed cultural and religious heritage. For this reason, knowing what to wear on your tour of Sri Lanka is an important part of your travel preparations. While visitors to the country have the freedom to dress as they please, certain types of clothing may not be appropriate when visiting sacred shrines and revered historical sites. Moreover, for anyone interested in fitting in and kicking it back with the locals, attire often plays an important role. So, are you keen on knowing what to pack for your whirlwind adventure? Our blog this week takes a look at all the fashion dos and don’ts for your exciting tour of Sri Lanka!

DO wear sarongs

For everyday Sri Lankans, sarongs aren’t really a fashion statement. This versatile piece of clothing is worn by both men and women as nightwear, home wear, and for all types of activity - ranging from attending formal events to a quick run to the kadé down the road. Owing to the thriving hipster culture, sarongs are now being seen in areas far removed from the South Asian region. Thus, if you can get your hands on one of these supremely comfortable items of clothing, you’re in for a real treat. Not only is it perfectly acceptable to wander the streets of the country in these loud, often tye-dyed fabrics, but it also gives you a sense of the laid back Sri Lankan culture. The perfect item to make a bold fashion statement, sarongs can be worn to just about any sightseeing stop on your tour of Sri Lanka!  

DO know how to dress when you visit a place of worship

While you you’re free to wear anything you find comfortable, shorts, tank tops, and other revealing items of clothing aren’t encouraged when you’re visiting places of worship. If you do, there’s a chance you may be prevented from entering certain sites, regardless of whether you’re male or female. If you feel the weather is too hot for anything other than cutoffs and summer friendly clothing, female travellers are advised to carry long skirts and shawls they can put on just before they enter any site that requires more modest clothing.  

DO NOT forget to bring caps and sunglasses

Given the country’s perpetual summer, it's strongly advised that you bring hats, caps, and shades on your tour of Sri Lanka. Temperatures generally range between 28℃-31℃ in Colombo, although this can go as high as 40℃ in certain parts of the country. It is, therefore, important that you bring yourself the necessary accessories in order to prevent sunstroke or any other discomfort. Sunscreen is equally important. Slather yourself generously if you don’t want an excessive tan on your holiday!  

DO flex your sneakers

If you’re undertaking a truly adventurous tour of Sri Lanka, you’re going to need sneakers for when you trek through the breathtaking mountains of the Hill Country. It also helps when you’re scrambling up local treasures such as Sigiriya, where you are required to climb steep, rocky steps in order to reach the top of the fortress. Fortunately, not only are sneakers comfortable and convenient, they’re also a major trend in the millennial streetwear aesthetic. Sri Lanka is just beginning its sneaker fashion trajectory, so feel free to flex some heat on your holiday in the country!  

DO stick to beachwear...when you’re near the beach

While bikinis, shorts, and swimsuits of just about any kind are fine when you’re near the beach, try not to stray to nearby roads or other areas in your swimwear alone. While going to the beach if you’re a solo, bikini-clad female traveller is fine, it’s best to take a few precautions before doing so. Make sure you have a change of clothing to put on before you leave the beach, especially if you’re not staying at an adjoining property, and refrain from hitting up the beach in the late evening or night. Do these and you are guaranteed to have a safe, hassle-free, and enjoyable time in the country’s stunning coastal areas!  

Want to know what other clothing to bring on your tour of Sri Lanka?

At Fernando Travels, we’ve got what it takes to give you the time of your life. Contact us today for everything you need to know before your tour of Sri Lanka!