Sri Lanka
 

Hi,

Thinking of doing 10 days in Sri Lanka in November. Looking for any advice / recommendations.

The plan is to rent bikes and independently travel around. There seem to be lots of rental options online aimed at Western tourists. Does anyone know if these are more expensive than sorting on arrival from a local place?

What's the deal with the Sri Lankan riders permit? Do I 100% need this? If so, can it be sorted in advance?

Is the weather a risk in November? From my research, I should expect rain but it's manageable. Is that a fair reflection?

It looks like there is a tonne to do. However, is there anything that 100% needs to be seen?

Thanks

Technically you need the permit, I met a guy who rented from same place as me and never got one.

Personally I make sure I leave no loopholes for my travel insurance to declare my policy void.

Look at climates to travel, November is terrible time to go.

By law you need a D license. If you have an international one, you still have to get it validated by AUtomobile Association in Colombo which will cost you roughly 35 dollars. You can also get temporary permit by providing D license of your country which will cost you about 2 hours and less than 10 dollars when you visit the office in Verahera (close to Colombo). Drivers are crazy in Sri Lanka and strongly recommend you that You comply rules. Ceylon Adventure Tours is the name for rentals and ask for Koli and don‘t forget to convey my regards. He‘ll help you with license issues. But I have to agree with the answer above; November is a terrible month to travel in Sri Lanka.
Have fun and be safe!
Dylan

Hey,

Back in Dec 2015 i rented a Royal Enfield for a week from the Royal Enfield dealership in Colombo (122/2 Arnolda Place). Don't remember the exact price but was not too expensive.
Yes, i had to go to a motor vehicle office and sort out some drivers licence stuff. I of course never needed to show this to anyone once on the road.
Traffic is a little crazy, but IMHO nowhere near the levels of India or Egypt.
It did rain like a bastard though.

Enjoiy