1) How do I get a Sri Lankan visa?
Luckily, it's pretty straight forward. Click on this link and apply for a tourist visa. You will probably get an approval email for your application in a few hours.
2) How can I extend my visa?
When in the country, you can extend for an additional 2 months (after your initial month is over), for a total of 3 months. After this you can extend again for 3 more months, giving you a total of 6 months. So in the end, you will have to visit the office of the Department of Immigration and Emigration twice.
If you want to extend your visa yourself you will have to make your way to the office of the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Battaramulla, Colombo. This is the official government office where you can get your visa extended in Sri Lanka. The office is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm with an hour long break for lunch in the middle. There are usually some people around who have already done this that you can talk to, if not feel free to ask our staff for more info :)
If you have short of time, don’t want to lose a day for a visa extension; there are agencies who can take care of this for you. Ask our staff for more detail!
3) What is the best way to get to Mellow?
We work with great drivers who can pick you up from the airport and take you directly to Mellow (in a car with AC - woohoo!). Just message us or book airport transfer from our book now page.
You can also choose our soft landing package to start your stress free trip from the moment you arrive. You get your own SIM card, ready with internet and calls, and a 20 dollar exchange of rupees with the daily rate which will save you from the hassle at the airport. All this will be provided by our drivers when they pick you up from the airport.
4) What is the smoothest way to start my journey?
We care about comfort and we don’t like hassle here. So we created Soft Landing Package for you!
Choose our soft landing package to start your trip from the very first moment. ? You get your own SIM card, ready with internet and calls, and a 20 dollar exchange of rupees with the daily rate which will save you from the hassle at the airport. All this will be provided by our drivers when they pick you up from the airport.
We know how tiring it can be after a long flight :)
5) When should I travel to Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka is a great destination all year round with a tropical climate and sea and air temperatures constant throughout the year at 27-31ºC (80ºF). Sri Lanka has two distinct climate zones with two different wet and dry seasons.
Winter season (December-April) Sunny blue skies with offshore wind and waves in the 2-6ft range. This is considered the high season. Most spots can get fairly crowded, but less known spots off the beaten track have less crowds. Good season for surfers in levels 1 to 4.
Summer season (April-October) We normally get really good swells with waves in the 2-8ft range. Most advanced surf spots get onshore winds; whereas, some of the best beginner spots still get offshore winds. This is considered the low season, so most spots in our area get little to no crowd. This season is great for surfers in levels 1 and 2. The summer is considered monsoon season, so we have occasional rains and thunderstorms in morning or evening which means our garden is beautifully lush and green.
Shoulder seasons (October/November & April) The winds normally change mid-October with the swells in the 4-8ft range. It is a great season with big swells and offshore winds at all the spots in our area. November and October are affected by an inter-monsoonal period with occasional heavy rains. When people ask about October and November, we normally answer, “the jungle is super green and lush, not too hot, crowds are low, and surf is pumping! It’s one of our favorite seasons.” In April the bigger swells start to kick in again. April is not affected by the monsoon, and it’s also a great period with few crowds and waves in the 2-8ft range. It’s a good season for surfers in levels 1 to 4.
6) What are the activities if I’m not surfing?
Well you can always start, we have one of the best instructors to provide you with the smoothest class.
We do have plenty to do although if you are not surfing. Kabalana beach is awesome to chill, enjoy the sun and swim. White sands and turquoise water!
If also you are not a beach person then check our day trips. There is something for everyone in the beautiful country of Sri Lanka.
7) Do you have a place to work quietly?
Yes we do! Check our coworking page. We have launched the first coworking space in the Southern Province.
8) Can I do a retreat here?
Yes we do host many retreats. Some are yoga groups, some are for nomads. We have our coworking space, yoga shala, an amazing cafe, a mellow garden and a terrace with a beautiful view. So we have something for everyone and we can host up to 26 people.
9) Do you have laundry facilities?
Yes ask our staff, they will help you.
10) Do you have lockers?
Yes. We have lockers in the dorms and each room has its own locker. Additional lockers are available outside for daily use. Ask our staff to rent one.
11) Can we rent scooter or bikes in Mellow?
Yes ask our staff for more detail. They will arrange it for you right away.