Sri Lanka, known as the Resplendent Isle, boasts eight World Heritage sites and attractions, including scuba diving and elephant orphanages.
The island, just 20 miles off India, offers "gorgeous beaches", tea plantations and ancient cities to explore, according to TripAdvisor. But travellers should be aware of significant health risks before embarking on their journey.
Travellers to Sri Lanka should be particularly vigilant about mosquito-borne diseases.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) specifically highlights risks from chikungunya, dengue and Zika virus, all of which are spread through mosquito bites.
Prevention measures are essential to avoid health issues
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These diseases pose significant health threats to visitors. Altitude sickness is also a risk in certain parts of the country.
Proper prevention measures are essential to avoid these health issues during your stay on the island.
Health experts recommend checking the latest vaccine recommendations for Sri Lanka at least eight weeks before your trip.
You can see where to get vaccines and whether you need to pay for the NHS travel vaccinations page.
It's crucial to ensure you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation.
This is particularly important for those with existing health conditions or pregnant travellers. The legal status of some UK medicines may differ in Sri Lanka.
Emergency medical treatment outside Sri Lanka's main cities is not readily available, and patients may need to be transported to Colombo for treatment.
Care in private hospitals can be expensive, with limited and costly options for repatriation to the UK or neighbouring countries in emergencies.
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Britons should check vaccine recommendations at least eight weeks before travelling
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Travellers should ensure they have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover any medical treatment abroad and repatriation costs.
The remoteness of some areas makes medical access particularly challenging.
In case of a medical emergency in Sri Lanka, travellers should call 1990 to request an ambulance.
Alternatively, the Accident Service at Colombo General Hospital can be contacted on 011 269 1111.
It's essential to contact your insurance company promptly if you're referred to a medical facility for treatment.
The FCDO maintains a list of medical providers in Sri Lanka where some staff speak English, which can be particularly helpful for British travellers requiring medical assistance.
