What to pack for two weeks in Sri Lanka

My packing list for Sri Lanka was very similar to my packing list for The Philippines. The main difference is that it’s less socially acceptable to have skin on show so loose, light clothes that cover your shoulders, stomach, and thighs are best. 

It’s also so hot that the only time I wore any shoes other than Birkenstocks was during hikes. So you really only need to bring two pairs with you to cover active days and chill days. 

Depending on when you visit Sri Lanka it could be quite wet, or very hot and humid. We experienced the latter with only a couple of quick downpours when we were on the coast.  

While Sri Lanka is a fairly conservative country, you can wear shorts and vest tops – especially in touristy areas. But in general I chose to have either my legs or arms out at one time and not both. A t-shirt and shorts won’t get you any unwanted attention, but a sports bra and shorts or a mini dress might. 

What I packed for two weeks in Sri Lanka in April

On top:

• Two t-shirts

• Three vest tops 

• Three dresses

• One jumpsuit 

• Two sports bras (for hiking)

The looser the clothing you pack for Sri Lanka the better as tighter clothes will make you feel warmer. Opt for styles that cover your shoulders if possible, or if you do pack vest tops make sure you bring layers for shoulder coverage as this is required in temples.  

For layers:

• A long sleeve top (which I didn’t wear but could have been useful in the mountains if the weather turned)

• A light shirt 

• A kimono

• A light waterproof jacket (in case of rain, but it wasn’t needed)

I wore my kimono almost every day in Sri Lanka as it’s perfect for covering the shoulders without adding a heavy layer to your outfit. Mine is a very light pure silk kimono that can be tied at the waist and worn as a dress which also makes it useful at the pool and the beach. 

On the bottom: 

• Four pairs of shorts (including pairs for exercise/hiking)

• Two pairs of loose cotton trousers

• One skirt

For my feet:

• One pair of sandals (Birkenstock Evas which are waterproof)

• One pair of trainers for running and hiking (Adidas UltraBoost)

I actually had my Converse and Adidas Spezials with me on this trip as it was part of three months of travel. But I only ended up wearing my Birkenstocks and my running shoes for hikes. 

Sri Lanka is fairly casual and we didn’t eat anywhere that required us to be at all dressed up. You could bring a nicer pair of sandals, but heels are a no-go as the streets are often not well-maintained and you’ll probably find that you feel very overdressed compared to everyone else. 

Accessories etc:

• Sunglasses

• Two hats (one cap and one bucket hat for more coverage)

• A hair wrap

• A beach cover up

• 5 bikinis (although you can only wear these at the beach or your hotel pool, nowhere else in public)

• 10 sets of underwear 

• 5 pairs of socks (I only wore socks for hikes, though)

• A backpack (also to be used as carry-on luggage)

• A small daytime/evening bag (I used the Uniqlo bumbag)

• A canvas tote bag (useful as a beach bag and for keeping worn clothes separate) 

Toiletries:

• Toothbrush + paste + floss

• Face wash/cleanser

• SPF face cream

• Reusable face pads/flannel

• Deodorant

• Body butter/moisturiser

• Hair brush (I use a Tangle Teezer that’s a handy size for travel)

• Scrunchie + hair ties

• Lip balm (with SPF if possible)

• Sanitizer and hand cream

• Enough pills and other medications, if needed 

• A block of shampoo + conditioner – the sun and sea really dries out your hair 

• Enough period products, if needed

• A lot of high SPF sun protection

Everything else:

• Passport

• Travel insurance 

• Vaccine proof (if needed)

• Travel adaptors + chargers (standard in Sri Lanka is now the UK plug but some places have different sockets)

• Microfibre travel towel for the beach and pool (not all hotels offer them)

• Pocket blanket (lighter and easier than a beach blanket)

• Air tags (one for checked luggage, one for day bag but you could use one for both)

• Laptop + charger (but only if you need it)

• Books or an e-reader + charger

• Battery pack + charger

• Water bottle

• First aid kit if you’re planning to hike (including antihistamines and bite cream, sleeping tablets, pain killers, plenty of plasters, antiseptic wipes, and gauze)

Find out more about our two weeks in Sri Lanka here.