GUIDE
"The soul should always stand ajar, ready to welcome the ecstatic experience."
Sri Lanka was once considered a lost paradise. This mango-shaped island is bountiful with natural and cultural wonders from the romantic landscapes of tea plantations in the interior to the caramel sands on the coast.
For the wedding festivities, we will congregate in Galle, located on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka.
Because the wedding is uniquely bookended by two long weekends, you might be tempted to take advantage of your time off to explore the island. You're more than welcome to ask us any questions about planning your trip.
TRANSPORT
Book your flights into Colombo at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
From Colombo, it's a two-hour drive to Galle via chauffeured car, bus, or train.
Contact our coordinator Shamal De Silva at shamal@magicalmoments.lk or +94 772 250 970 for booking a chaffeured car to/from the airport.
Accommodations
Look for lodging in or around Galle Fort, an enchanting old town in Galle, known for its colonial villas and tropical modernist architecture. We have highlighted a few gems on Airbnb and below, but you are definitely not limited to these. Book soon because the festivities fall during the peak season and you'll want to stay somewhere that's equally amazing and accessible.
Jetwing Lighthouse
Fort Bazaar
Galle Fort Hotel
Fort Printers
Villas on Airbnb
Travel Tips
Do I need a visa?
Yes, it's easy to get a visa. Apply here
How is the weather?
It will be a balmy 80 F or 27 C in December. Plan for both rain and shine.
What do I speak?
English is widely spoken, but just in case, the Sinhala phrase for "that was delicious" is eka harima rasai!
What is the exchange rate?
About 150 rupees to the dollar and about 2.4 rupees to the Indian rupee. The purchasing power of the dollar is 2-5x for many goods and services.
How much do I tip?
It's customary to tip your servers, drivers, and hotel staff around 10% of your bill or 100 rupees per occasion.
What if I have a medical emergency?
Thanks to universal health care, even non-citizens can get free medical attention at many hospitals.
Can I take a selfie with a Buddha statue?
Actually, no, it's considered disrespectful to pose with your back to Buddha.