Sri Lanka on the cards? Here are 5 things you need to pack before you say ‘Ayubowan’
Beaches, rice hoppers and a whole lot of summer sunshine! Sri Lanka is the perfect Island getaway, and here is what you need to pack if you are headed there!
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The first time I went to Sri Lanka, I was truly impressed by how easily an Indian would feel at home in the Island country. Familiar food, really good alcohol, some nice beaches that give you the Goa vibe and some secluded ones that are as raw as they come. From the forts at Galle to the detailed temple architecture at Trincomalee. There is something for everyone. But just because the familiarity is right there with the Indian climate and food, it does not mean it’s the same, and there are a few travel non-negotiables you will need to just enjoy your vacation a lot better. So here is everything you need to know and might be forgetting to pack!

Neha Ravi Khandelwal
Neha Ravi Khandelwal is a Senior Digital Content Producer, Lifestyle at HT Shop Now, where she specialises in furniture, home, and travel, turning real-world expertise into practical advice that readers can rely on.
Career journey and experience
Neha began freelance writing in 2010 and started her mainstream media journey with the Times of India in 2022, and later joined the Hindustan Times. In the past, she has led interior design projects, interned in visual merchandising at Shoppers Stop and Pantaloons, and managed operations for multiple women-led startups.
To satiate her curiosity, she has completed beginner’s certifications in pottery, scuba diving, baking, creative writing, and more. She takes pride in having read over 2000 books (yes, she did count, and can share a list!) and spent 8 years practising Bharatnatyam and has even ghostwritten a book on Ladakh Tourism.
Subject expertise
With a Master’s in Interior Design and 10 years of building homes, Neha knows space-saving furniture and budget-friendly finds inside out. She instantly visualizes rooms and curates practical, stylish solutions.
In travel, she offers packing guides, luggage tips, and trip advice, all backed by research, expert input from field experts, and hands-on experience.
Education and professional background
Neha holds a Master’s degree in Interior Design and had early stints as a visual merchandising trainee at Shoppers Stop and Pantaloons. These experiences shape every article she writes.
Editorial Philosophy
I write with one single goal: To simplify searching through the abundance of products on the market by finding the right one suited to my readers' needs based on personal experience, user reviews and ratings. When all else fails, Neha speaks to experts who can solve the query.
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Neha Ravi Khandelwal is a Senior Digital Content Producer, Lifestyle at HT Shop Now, where she specialises in furniture, home, and travel, turning real-world expertise into practical advice that readers can rely on.
Career journey and experience
Neha began freelance writing in 2010 and started her mainstream media journey with the Times of India in 2022, and later joined the Hindustan Times. In the past, she has led interior design projects, interned in visual merchandising at Shoppers Stop and Pantaloons, and managed operations for multiple women-led startups.
To satiate her curiosity, she has completed beginner’s certifications in pottery, scuba diving, baking, creative writing, and more. She takes pride in having read over 2000 books (yes, she did count, and can share a list!) and spent 8 years practising Bharatnatyam and has even ghostwritten a book on Ladakh Tourism.
Subject expertise
With a Master’s in Interior Design and 10 years of building homes, Neha knows space-saving furniture and budget-friendly finds inside out. She instantly visualizes rooms and curates practical, stylish solutions.
In travel, she offers packing guides, luggage tips, and trip advice, all backed by research, expert input from field experts, and hands-on experience.
Education and professional background
Neha holds a Master’s degree in Interior Design and had early stints as a visual merchandising trainee at Shoppers Stop and Pantaloons. These experiences shape every article she writes.
Editorial Philosophy
I write with one single goal: To simplify searching through the abundance of products on the market by finding the right one suited to my readers' needs based on personal experience, user reviews and ratings. When all else fails, Neha speaks to experts who can solve the query.
5 essentials you will need for your Sri Lanka packing list
1. Waterproof sunscreen
While a lot of times I am a strong supporter of roll-on and spray sunscreens. One thing the Sri Lankan sun taught me is that the best way to protect yourself from the harsh afternoon sun here is to use a good gel/cream-based waterproof sunscreen. With the urge to constantly jump into the ocean or pool, it is essential to explore a waterproof option and to reapply every few hours. Especially right after you are done with a dip in the pool. Do not delay your sunscreen applications if you want to avoid sunburns.
2. Portable battery-operated fans
These pocket-sized miracles are perfect for the weather you will be dealing with. While I had no trouble finding air-conditioned cabs and beach cafes wherever I went, there are a lot of sightseeing spots and excursions which you might have to do outdoors during the day. And these little fans will help you get through the heat with ease. Nobody will tell you how unbearable the heat can get during peak afternoon hours. While the weather is super pleasant in early mornings and late evenings, there is a surge in temperature during the day.
3. Swimsuit cover-ups
While Sri Lanka is a pretty modern place to be, what I realised after a dip in the ocean is that having a swimsuit cover-up might just make you feel a lot more comfortable if you want to take a break from the ocean and just relax at a beachside cafe with your favourite snacks and drinks. Swimsuit cover-ups also work great because you need to understand that Sri Lankan beaches also have an influx of locals, and hence, having a modest way to cover up might be the culturally appropriate option as well.
4. Fashionable Sun Hats
The one place to flaunt those summer hats and beach picks is definitely Sri Lanka. Stylish hair accessories that keep the sun away and the hair up are the perfect options to make a statement at the beach. Sri Lanka is the it-spot to sport flowy dresses, beach picks that will make heads turn and more! So if you have a stylish hat that you want to bring out, this vacation might be the perfect opportunity!
5. Portable chargers
Sri Lanka, though it might seem like a quick island country to hop around, is bigger than you would imagine it to be. The distances are long, and you might spend a good few hours on the road or in overnight train journeys between cities and ports. Among the chaos of long travel days and itineraries that could take you to national parks for safaris and then pivot to heading out in the middle of the ocean to watch whales swim by, a portable charger might be the one thing in your bag that will help you navigate and stay connected. Google Maps, online payment options and other features mostly work in Sri Lanka, making it super easy to stay connected and tech savvy through your vacation.
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ABOUT THE AUTHORNeha Ravi KhandelwalNeha Ravi Khandelwal Neha Ravi Khandelwal is a Senior Digital Content Producer, Lifestyle at HT Shop Now, where she specialises in furniture, home, and travel, turning real-world expertise into practical advice that readers can rely on. Career journey and experience Neha began freelance writing in 2010 and started her mainstream media journey with the Times of India in 2022, and later joined the Hindustan Times. In the past, she has led interior design projects, interned in visual merchandising at Shoppers Stop and Pantaloons, and managed operations for multiple women-led startups. To satiate her curiosity, she has completed beginner’s certifications in pottery, scuba diving, baking, creative writing, and more. She takes pride in having read over 2000 books (yes, she did count, and can share a list!) and spent 8 years practising Bharatnatyam and has even ghostwritten a book on Ladakh Tourism. Subject expertise With a Master’s in Interior Design and 10 years of building homes, Neha knows space-saving furniture and budget-friendly finds inside out. She instantly visualizes rooms and curates practical, stylish solutions. In travel, she offers packing guides, luggage tips, and trip advice, all backed by research, expert input from field experts, and hands-on experience. Education and professional background Neha holds a Master’s degree in Interior Design and had early stints as a visual merchandising trainee at Shoppers Stop and Pantaloons. These experiences shape every article she writes. Editorial Philosophy I write with one single goal: To simplify searching through the abundance of products on the market by finding the right one suited to my readers' needs based on personal experience, user reviews and ratings. When all else fails, Neha speaks to experts who can solve the query.Read More

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