Here's your revised version of the information pack, tailored for an Indy Escapes tour in Sri Lanka:

 

GETTING THERE

 

Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), Colombo

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All international flights to Sri Lanka arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), located just outside of Colombo.

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If you are arriving before Day 1 of the tour, here is some helpful information to get into the starting point; the Regal Réseau Hotel & Spa from the airport.

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Taxi:

Colombo City Centre & Most Hotels: 45–60 min (cost approx. 5,000–8,000 LKR)

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• Regal Réseau Hotel & Spa (20 minutes from the Airport: 6,000 LKR - Approximately $20 USD)

• Paid in Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR), cash is recommended and can be exchnaged at the airport.

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END OF TOUR INCLUDED TRANSFERS

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Your tour includes return transfers to Bandaranaike Airport on the final day of the tour. These transfers take approx. 2.5 hours (depending on traffic) and will depart at pre-scheduled times in the morning depending on our connecting flights to the Maldives, for guests doing both tours.

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Generally we will arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) around 9am on our final day for the conclusion of our tour.

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Your Indy Escapes rep will assist with booking these during the week.

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WHERE TO FIND US: (Screenshot this in case you don’t have WiFi upon arrival)

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We will meet at 12:00pm on the rooftop restaurant of Regal Réseau Hotel & Spa for check-in and a relaxing lunch. After settling in and enjoying the meal, we'll depart at 1:30pm for our journey to Kandy where we will check into our first hotel. The trip will take approximately 3 hours by bus, offering plenty of time to take in the beautiful scenery along the way as we head towards our next exciting destination.

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START / FINISH TIMES

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CHECK IN:

Meet your Indy Escapes Rep for Check-in at 12:00pm on Saturday (Day 1 of the tour) at the Regal Réseau Hotel & Spa. If you're arriving later than midday, please get in touch ASAP, as our transfers depart for Kandy at 1:30pm on the day of arrival.

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We’ll have a welcome meeting and introductions before departing for our first destination: the beautiful southern coast of Sri Lanka.

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LUNCH: We recommend grabbing lunch at the Regal Réseau Hotel & Spa with the group before departing for Kandy. 

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CHECK OUT:

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The tour ends the following Saturday, where some guests will stay on in Sri Lanka and others will depart early with our airport transfers. Transfer depart from our final hotel in Bentota at 6:30am, so if this is too early, please feel free to sleep in and spend the day at the beautiful resort. Your tour does includes return transfers to Bandaranaike Airport on the final day of the tour at 6:30am. These transfers take approx. 2.5 hours (depending on traffic) and will depart at pre-scheduled times in the morning depending on our connecting flights to the Maldives, for guests doing both tours.

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WHERE TO STAY

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Arriving early? Although Colombo is an intersting city, we recommend spending the night in Negombo at Regal Réseau Hotel & Spa because we will be commending our tour from here on Day 1.

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We do actually recommend arriving at least one night before the tour starts to avoid delays, as a privaite transfer to Kandy will cost approximately $60 USD per car.

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ENTRY VISA / ARRIVAL FORM

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All travellers to Sri Lanka must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before arriving.

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Apply HERE:

• Cost: approx. $50 USD (tourist visa, 30 days)

• Fill out the form online and keep a digital copy for arrival.

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Please note that all guests are responsible for obtaining their own visas for Sri Lanka. We recommend that you thoroughly research the visa requirements based on your nationality and check with your local Sri Lankan authorities to ensure you are applying for the correct visa type and that you meet all eligibility criteria. Make sure to apply for your visa in advance to avoid any delays.

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MONEY STUFF & BUDGETING

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Sri Lanka is a fantastic value destination. Most travellers bring approx. $200–$500 USD per person spending money for the week.

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This will cover optional excursions, extra meals/drinks, tips, and souvenirs.

• Local currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

• Bring some USD for emergencies, but most expenses will be in LKR.

• ATMs are widely available, and card payments are accepted in most hotels and restaurants.

• Always carry some cash for rural areas or street vendors.

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Tipping: While not mandatory, tipping is appreciated. A general guideline is $5 USD per day per person for your guide and driver.

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CURRENCY

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• You’ll use Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR) throughout your trip.

• USD is not commonly accepted for local payments.

• ATMs are available at the airport and in major towns.

• Avoid torn or damaged USD bills—some currency exchanges won’t accept them.

• Use XE.com or their app for live exchange rates.

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WHAT TO PACK

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Need help packing? Check out our handy Sri Lanka Packing List.

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Dress respectfully: Sri Lanka is predominantly Buddhist with some Muslim and Hindu communities.

 

Please be mindful:

• Shoulders and knees should be covered when visiting temples or rural areas.

• Swimwear is fine at beaches and hotels.

• No nudity or topless sunbathing.

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We also offer Indy Escapes long-sleeve water tops for $20 USD to protect from the sun—available for purchase on arrival.

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PHONE & INTERNET

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Make sure your phone is unlocked. You can purchase a Sri Lankan SIM card at the airport:

• Dialog or Mobitel booths in Arrivals

• Approx. $10–$15 USD for 20–30GB of data

• WiFi is also available in most hotels.

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ALCOHOL

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Alcohol is legal and widely available.

However:

• Alcohol is not served on Poya Days (full moon), which occur monthly.

• Be respectful when drinking in public or near religious sites.

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ELECTRICITY

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• Voltage: 230V

• Plugs: UK-style three-pin (Type G), although Type D and M are also used.

• Bring a universal adapter just in case.

• Our hotels have limited adaptors to lend if needed.

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Get ready for golden beaches, lush jungles, wild elephants, ancient ruins, and epic sunsets! If you need anything before the trip, just drop us a message. Pack your sense of adventure—we can't wait to share this incredible country with you.

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See you soon for the adventure of a lifetime,

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The Indy Escapes Team

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