The world is huge

Don't miss any of it

Travel news, itineraries, and inspiration delivered straight to your inbox.

By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

X

What to Pack for Sri Lanka – Packing List

Sri Lanka Packing List

Sri Lanka is a tropical island that offers stunning beaches, plenty of outdoor recreation and many historic sites. When you’re trying to figure out what to pack for your travels to this exciting country, use these tips to make sure that you have everything you need.

Luggage

No matter where you’re headed on your Sri Lankan adventure, these three luggage options will be key for your trip.

Pack for Sri Lanka’s Tropical Climate

The weather in Sri Lanka is hot and humid, so make sure that your clothing keeps you comfortable in this environment. Light cotton clothing that’s breathable is one of your best bets, and you might want to throw a personal fan into your bag to help you cool off. Long sleeve, thin shirts keep the sun off of you, and hats play a part in keeping sunburn away as well.

Clothes to Pack

Mosquito Repellents are Essential

Mosquitos thrive in tropical climates and Sri Lanka is no exception. You need to make sure that you keep mosquito repellents on hand in your bag. Nothing ruins a vacation faster than getting constant bites from these pesky bugs, so keep yourself well-equipped.

Iced Water Bottle

If you’re not accustomed to this type of climate, it’s easy to get overheated and dehydrated. You’re going to sweat a lot more than you expect, so make sure that you have an insulated water bottle on hand to cool off with. Once you have a few days in Sri Lanka under your belt, you’ll get a good grasp of how much you need to stay ahead of the heat and humidity.

Sri Lanka Map

A map or guidebook is an invaluable companion as you explore Sri Lankan cities, towns and attractions. You can get yourself from point A to point B as efficiently as possible so you can have more time to enjoy your vacation.

Travel Light

If you use Sri Lanka public transport to get to your hotel and the airport, they don’t have a lot of room for multiple pieces of luggage. Stick with a carry-on only, if possible. Any toiletries or medication you may need for your trip we do suggest you bring from home, but most areas will sell generic brands as well.

Toiletries to Pack

Editor’s Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about what to pack in Sri Lanka.

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

Top Fares From