Sri Lanka Travel Guide – transportation, hotels, tips + itineraries for 1 and 2 weeks

Once a remote and mysterious island off the coast of the Indian subcontinent, the way Sri Lanka has managed to transform into one of the hottest travel destinations is nothing short of remarkable. After a violent civil war that lasted decades and got the tiny island nation closed off from the outside world, Sri Lanka was finally allowed to thrive and flourish, earning its nickname “The Pearl of the Indian Ocean”. A fitting title, as few places offer such a rich and varied experience in such a compact space.

While its pristine beaches, lush tea plantations and scenic trails were the ones to draw the country’s very first visitors, Sri Lanka can also be considered a great destination for cultural tourism. From traditional colonial towns to one of the most important Buddhist temples in the world, as well as legendary fortresses and ages-old ruins from ancient Sinhalese civilizations, there is plenty to explore. Add in the chance to see elephants and leopards in their natural habitat, and you have a destination that caters to all kinds of travelers. All of this inside a small island that you can cross from north to south in just 500 kilometers! People who had the chance to experience both destinations claim Sri Lanka today resembles what Bali had 30 years ago, before the surge of mass tourism. Unfortunately, given the growing dependence on tourist dollars, it’s likely heading in the same direction. Sri Lanka – a place to visit before it’s too late!

So, if you’re planning a trip to this stunning destination, our ultimate Sri Lanka travel guide is here to help. In addition to practical information about hotels, restaurants, transportation and local experiences, we’ve also put together two comprehensive itineraries, including all the places you must see and visit in Sri Lanka in 1 or 2 weeks.

Sri Lanka Travel Guide

How to get to Sri Lanka – Flights from the UK

Although the country has several different international airports, most visitors arrive in Sri Lanka through its biggest and most important air hub: the Bandaranaike International Airport, in Colombo.

If you’re coming from the UK, you can fly directly into Colombo from London-Heathrow with Sri Lankan Airlines. However, keep in mind direct flights are always much more expensive than having a layover (or two) somewhere in Europe and/or Asia. For a direct flight, expect to pay upwards of £650,00 (return) for a return flight, while non-direct connections can go as low as £500,00. For passengers departing from the UK, Etihad, Qatar Airways and Swiss Airlines usually have the best rates, with layovers in Abu Dhabi, Doha and Zurich, respectively.

How many days do I need to visit Sri Lanka?

Something that definitely sets Sri Lanka apart from other destinations is just how much it packs in such a small area. After all, it takes just 9 hours to traverse the entire country from north to south, meaning you can make the most of your time without wasting too much of it getting from one place to the next.

That said, and taking the days of the flights out of the equation, a full week would be the bare minimum to experience the essentials in Galle, Ella, Kandy Sigiriya and the southern coast. Nonetheless, this will definitely be too short and rushed, and wouldn’t really allow you to experience Sri Lanka in a meaningful manner. Therefore, we highly recommend extending your stay for as long as possible, ideally setting aside enough time and money for a two-week vacation in the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean”.

Sri Lanka Travel Guide – Best time to visit the country

Located just above the Equator, temperatures in Sri Lanka are usually warm and consistent throughout the year, with a few cooler exceptions in the mountainous regions. However, the same can’t be said for its weather, as the country experiences two distinct monsoon seasons. One affects the north and east (from October to January), while the other impacts the south and west (from May to August). Be that as it may, if you do visit during the monsoon period, it’s better to choose the former, as southern beaches and national parks remain dry and pleasant.

As such, the best time to visit Sri Lanka is from December to March, which is also the peak tourism season. While you might still experience some rain in the north during December and January, the heaviest downpours will have passed by then. Alternatively, if you want to explore the entire country without having to go through extreme weather and scorching temperatures, plan your trip during the months of April or September, which are considered the shoulder-season in Sri Lanka. Not only will you avoid the monsoons, but temperatures will also be milder and less humid than usual, making outdoor activities like hiking and climbing a little less exhausting.

Sri Lanka Travel Guide – Documents needed for your trip

In order to enter Sri Lanka, you’ll need to show your passport. The document should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into the country.

Besides, both British and Irish travelers need a visa to visit the country. Fortunately, you can apply for the evisa online and take care of the whole process from the comfort of your home! It’s usually recommended to apply 1 to 2 months in advance. Once you get the approval, the visa allows for double-entry so as long as you stay in Sri Lanka for a total of 30 days. Currently, the evisa costs $50,00.

Sri Lanka Travel Guide – Internet and SIM Cards

Since there is no special agreement in place between the UK and Sri Lanka regarding international communications and roaming fees, using your regular phone plan is a big no-no!

Therefore, our recommendation is that you get a SIM Card when traveling Sri Lanka, which you can do immediately upon landing. However, keep in mind internet packages at the airport are a bit overpriced when compared to local kiosks or official stores in the cities, though you’ll probably still find them pretty affordable. Currently, there are three major telecom companies in Sri Lanka: Dialog, Airtel and Mobitel.

Dialog SIM Card

• 1225 Data Plan: 20 GB; 1225 LKR
• 2045 Data Plan: 50 GB; 2045 LKR
• 3075 Data Plan: 100 GB; 3075 LKR

Airtel SIM Card

• New Youth Pack
  • Local calls: unlimited
  • Local text messages: 1000
  • Mobile Data: 12GB (unlimited access to Facebook, Instagram and Youtube)
  • Duration: 28 days
  • Price: 1188 LKR

Mobitel SIM Card

• Tourist SIM
  • 15 GB: 7 days; 821 LKR
  • 30 GB: 30 days; 1540 LKR
  • Unlimited: 30 days; 5131 LKR

NOTE: Aside from the plan rates, you still need to factor in the price of the SIM Card + activation fees. Expect to pay between 500 and 1000 LKR for these.

Sri Lanka Travel Guide – Withdrawals, banking fees and travel budget

With the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) as the country’s official currency, any withdrawal using a UK bank card might incur in the payment of several different fees. Besides the percentual fee referring to the currency conversion, some UK banks may also charge a flat commission for withdrawals made outside the UK. In some instances, you may well end up paying 5%-6% of your original withdrawal in banking fees.

On the other hand, exchanging money before your trip is not a viable solution either. Besides not being any cheaper, it’s also not safe or wise to carry so much money on you during your trip. As such, we recommend using the services of online banking fintech companies such as Revolut, N26 or Monzo.

Although each have their own limitations and fees, they allow you to withdraw a certain amount in foreign currency without any fees involved. And even after that threshold is reached, costs are much smaller when compared to traditional banks. Keep in mind, though, this does not apply to fees issued by local banks for withdrawals made with foreign cards. In Sri Lanka, People’s Bank and Bank of Ceylon are the only financial institutions that DO NOT CHARGE any fees for withdrawals made with foreign cards, while other banks take up between 300 and 1000 LKR per transaction. Be that as it may, a message will always pop up every time there is a fee per withdrawal, so you will never be caught unaware. Sign up for Revolut for free >> to get 3 months of Premium.

Regarding payments, Sri Lanka is still very much a cash-based society, so it’s better to always have some money on you. If you prefer to take some of your local currency and exchange money at the destination, you can easily find exchange offices and bureaus in many banks, hotels and airports, although rates are likely to be less favorable when compared to your traditional exchange offices. That said, here are 6 agencies with good reviews in Colombo, Galle and Kandy:

• Prasanna Money Exchange – Colombo
• Royal Money Exchange Pvt Ltd – Colombo
• Galle Money Exchange – Galle
• Lemon – Galle
• Vasanthas Jewellers – Kandy
• Post Office – Kandy

Sri Lanka Travel Guide – Safety and travel scams

Despite enduring a long and bloody civil war that lasted for decades and the occasional isolated terrorist attack (the last being in 2019), Sri Lanka can nowadays be considered an extremely safe destination, with low crime rates and a laid-back atmosphere. Even with the huge recent 2022 protests over the country’s economic crisis, Sri Lanka has remained a peaceful and welcoming destination to visitors (as locals are fully aware of tourism’s importance to the nation’s recovery). However, and much like you would do in any other city, using your common-sense is key. That means no vehicles whose drivers refuse to start the meter, no accepting help from strangers when you’re using an ATM and always keeping an eye out for your stuff when you’re walking through busy areas. Plus, be especially weary of dishonest tuk-tuk drivers (the most common scam in Sri Lanka). To sum up: don’t do anything you wouldn’t feel comfortable doing anywhere else! Also regarding money, if you plan to exchange currency when you get there, compare rates from several offices to ensure you’re getting a fair deal (and don’t even think about exchanging money from strangers on the streets).

That being said, the biggest risk tourists often encounter in Sri Lanka comes from road traffic.  Whether it’s due to drivers being overly relaxed about rules or the poor state of roads in certain regions of the country, accidents are worryingly common. This is also true within city limits, so it’s important to exercise caution (well, as much as you can) when relying on tuk-tuks or motorcycles for transportation. Speaking of the devil, if you decide to rent a tuk-tuk during your travels, make sure you have the experience (or responsibility) needed to navigate the country’s terrain and traffic safely. Lastly, a few key – albeit obvious – tips: tap water (and ice made from it) is unsafe for drinking, and be mindful of strong currents in the southern beaches, which are popular with surfers. Plus, if visiting Yala National Park or other wildlife reserves, always follow your guide’s instructions. Remember you’re sharing the space with wild, dangerous animals, and a single misstep can be deadly.

Where to sleep in Sri Lanka – Hotels and Accommodation

If you’re looking out for a place to stay on our Sri Lanka travel guide, then we got you covered!

While inflation in the country has spiraled out of control – which caused the aforementioned protests in 2022 – Sri Lanka remains an extremely affordable tourist destination for visitors hailing from the West, allowing you to enjoy meals, hotel stays and tourist experiences that could easily cost triple (or more) back home. And when it comes to accommodations, though infrastructure isn’t quite on pair with what you’d find in South America or Southeast Asia, you will still certainly feel spoilt for choice! From modern apartments to hostels, chain hotels, family-owned places, guesthouses or beachfront bungalows, you can be sure that your money will stretch further than you might expect here!

That being said, here are some options based on the cities we recommend you to stay at:

Sri Lanka Travel Guide – Hotels in Colombo

• € – Silvikris Villa
• €€ – C 1 Colombo Fort
• €€€ – Fairway Colombo
• €€€€ – Residence on Park Street

Sri Lanka Travel Guide – Hotels in Galle

• € – Jayaa Beach
• €€ – Shamaz Galle
• €€€ – Ginganga Lodge
• €€€€ – The Heritage Hotel Galle Fort

Sri Lanka Travel Guide – Hotels in Tangalle

• € – Sea View Tourist Inn
• €€ – Heaven in Satinwoods
• €€€ – Lagoon gate Tangalle Resort
• €€€€ – Ananya Beach Resort

Sri Lanka Travel Guide – Hotels in Ella

• € – Villa Eden Paradise
• €€ – Inspira ella
• €€€ – BBQ HUB Ella
• €€€€ – Tip Top Boutique hotel

Sri Lanka Travel Guide – Hotels in Kandy

• € – Hotel Kandyan View
• €€ – Sevana City Hotel
• €€€ – Serene Kandy
• €€€€ – The Radh Hotel

Sri Lanka Travel Guide – Hotels in Dambulla

• € – Heritage Rangiri Villa
• €€ – Hotel Golden Ray
• €€€ – Mind Body and Soul
• €€€€ – Jetwing Lake

Sri Lanka Travel Guide – Transportation from Bandaranaike Airport and Colombo city center

Located about 30 km away from the downtown area, the best way to travel between the Bandaranaike Airport and Colombo’s city center is through the Express Bus, a bus line that connects the country’s main airport to the Colombo Central Terminal in about 60 minutes. These vehicles run every day between 05h30 and 20h30, with a new bus leaving every 30 minutes. You can find the bus stop immediately outside the arrivals’ terminal and buy your ticket directly from the driver for 500 LKR. Aside from the express service, you may also use public bus number 187. Despite being cheaper (300 LKR), the journey will take way longer – between 1h30 to 2h00 – and you’ll have to walk about 1km from the terminal since the bus stop in located outside the airport.

Alternatively, you may always rely on one of the official taxi stands inside the arrivals’ terminal. Evidently, the total cost will depend on your destination, though you can expect to pay anywhere between 6000 and 8500 LKR per vehicle.

Sri Lanka Travel Guide – Transportation and how to move around in the country

Though it may not be the most modern or well-developed, especially considering the country’s convoluted recent past, Sri Lanka boasts a surprisingly reliable transport infrastructure. Obviously, expect old vehicles and the not-so-occasional delay, but rest assured there’s always a way to get from point A to point B, whether you wish to take the bus or the train, hire a private driver or rent a tuk-tuk.

As such, and for those heading to Sri Lanka soon, here’s a little overview of how you can move around in the country!

Buses in Sri Lanka

Perhaps the most popular form of public transport among locals, offering a more extensive network than trains and far more affordable fares than tuk-tuks, Sri Lanka’s bus network is surprisingly vast, with both public and private operators. These buses connect the entire country, linking the busiest cities to remote villages, located both along the coastline and high up in the mountains. Naturally, buses aren’t exactly known for their utmost comfort, especially when it comes to longer journeys. Besides, roads are often in poor condition, meaning journeys are often longer than what you’d expect when looking at the map (though the train is even slower). However, buses certainly make up for that with their affordable prices, making them one of the best ways to travel across Sri Lanka for those flying be the seed of their pants. Plus, vehicles are generally very safe.

In Sri Lanka, each city features at least one major terminal, where you can buy your tickets in person and board the bus. However, for those who prefer to plan ahead and secure their seats in advance, you can buy tickets online directly from the SLTB website. However, keep in mind this platform will only display connections managed by the public enterprise, meaning you have to go through aggregators like 12GoAsia or CheckMyBus to find buses from other companies or private transfers. Still, there are many routes/services that you won’t be able to find online. For those, you can rely on Google Maps, as the platform will show you exactly what bus to hop on, where and when.

As we usually do in all other travel guides, here is a brief overview of some of the most popular bus routes in Sri Lanka:

• Colombo – Galle: 1h30-3h30; 700-1000 LKR (depending on the provider)
• Galle – Tangalle: 2h30; 500 LKR
• Tangalle – Tissamaharama: 2h30; 500 LKR
• Tissamaharama – Ella: 2h00; 300 LKR
• Kandy – Dambulla: 2h30; 300 LKR
• Dambulla – Polonnaruwa: 2h30; 300 LKR
• Dambulla – Anuradhapura: 3h00; 400 LKR

Trains in Sri Lanka

There’s nothing quite like a scenic train journey. Especially in Sri Lanka, where 19th-century British carriages wind through lush landscapes and sprawling tea plantations, traveling by train is a must. In fact, the island is even famous for hosting what many consider the most beautiful train journey in the world: the route between Kandy and Ella! However, unlike buses, not all towns are accessible by train, as the railway system is divided into three main lines: the Northern Line, running from Colombo to Jaffna via Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa; the Southern Line, from Colombo to Matara via Galle and Mirissa; and the Eastern Line, from Colombo to Badulla via Kandy and Ella. While undeniably charming, train journeys are usually slower than bus rides, and delays or disruptions are more common.

As for the types of carriages, it’s important to know that – except in rare cases – tickets never sell out. This is because standing is allowed on trains, meaning there’s no maximum capacity (similar to metro systems in Europe). Keep that in mind if you’d like to sit down during the trip, as you’ll need to get a ticket with a reserved seat rather than just a standard ticket. This rule doesn’t apply to first-class carriages, as only passengers with reserved seats are allowed (all first class tickets come with a seat). If you prefer to book online in advance, you’ll automatically receive a reserved seat (probably in first or second class), as non-reserved tickets aren’t available for online purchase. On the other hand, if standing doesn’t bother you, you can buy your ticket at the station up to an hour before departure without worrying about pre-booking.

For online reservations, you can use the official Sri Lanka Railways website. If that doesn’t work, third-party platforms like 12GoAsia are good alternatives.

Be that as it may, here’s a quick look at some of the most popular train routes for tourists in Sri Lanka:

• Colombo – Galle: 2h20; 1100 LKR
• Colombo – Kandy: 2h30; 1000 LKR
• Ella – Kandy: 6h30; 1200 LKR

Renting a tuk-tuk in Sri Lanka

Here’s a relatively new option that has been gaining traction thanks to social media. A classic of South and Southeast Asia, tuk-tuks (or rickshaws) are three-wheeled motorized vehicles often used for inexpensive and informal taxi services. However, considering the amount of places to visit and Sri Lanka’s small size, many tourists are increasingly opting to rent these vehicles and drive around the island nation. Aside from offering total flexibility and autonomy, and despite the modest speed limit (40 km/h), renting a tuk-tuk will actually allow you to save time since you won’t be bound by train or bus schedules. However, it’s important to note that tuk-tuks are not allowed on highways! To avoid any mishaps, make sure to tick off “Avoid Highways” when using Google Maps.

When it comes to safety, it’s essential to drive responsibly, adhering to traffic regulations and always giving way to larger vehicles like cars and buses. Additionally, try to avoid driving in the rain (unless it’s for short distances) and at night, as visibility can be significantly affected. Furthermore, before renting a tuk-tuk, thoroughly inspect the vehicle and ask the rental company to show you the basics, such as how to change the oil and refuel. Speaking of fuel, and considering you may have heard some unfortunate stories from other travelers, it’s important to mention that the fuel scarcity that hit the country hard in 2023 has in the meantime been resolved. While previously tourists needed to obtain a special permission card to refuel, that requirement has been lifted. Tuk-tuk tanks are pretty small (about 9 liters on average), but fuel consumption is quite low, so a full deposit can often cover over 200 km, depending on road conditions and your driving style.

We still have to discuss the necessary documentation and rental prices. Regarding the former, in addition to the International Driving Permit that you need to obtain before your trip, you’ll also need a special license issued by the Automobile Association of Ceylon, whose offices can be found in Colombo. Be sure to bring your passport and a photo. The cost for this local license is 7500 LKR. However, if you’d like to save time you can pay the rental company to take care of this for you (expect to pay an extra 15.000 LKR for this service). Finally, tuk-tuk rental prices at reputable companies typically range from $15,00 to $20,00 per day. Truth be told, you might get a better deal if you simply approach random drivers on the street and ask if they’d like to rent their tuk-tuk. However, this option is definitely not without its risks, as you won’t be able to verify the condition of the vehicle or its insurance coverage – the choice is yours!

To wrap things up, here are some tuk-tuk rental companies in Sri Lanka with good reviews:

• Tuktuk Rental
• TukTuk Sri Lanka
• TukTuk Ceylon Ride

Hiring a private driver in Sri Lanka

If you don’t want to deal with buses/trains and renting a tuk-tuk is entirely out of the equation, then you’ll need to spend a bit more and hire a private driver to get you from point A to point B. In this category we can include private transfers, shuttles or organized tours.

Unsurprisingly, this is also the most expensive option. There are several ways you can hire a driver for the day. First, you can start by asking at your place of accommodation, as hotels and villas often have agreements with trusted local drivers. Alternatively, just walk around any tourist area and there’s a good chance you’ll be approached by drivers and/or come across agencies offering these services. On the other hand, if you happen to take a tuk-tuk and you really like the driver, you may ask for their private number and ask if they’d like to guide you around the island, negotiating a fair price for both parties. Finally, if you prefer to have everything organized in advance, you can easily hire a private driver online. These services are usually paid by the day, and you can 100% customize your plans, choosing where to go and when. Expect to pay between €20,00 to €40,00 per day, depending on the company/individual, distances and time required.

Sri Lanka Travel Guide – Local food and traditional dishes

Given the geographical proximity to India, it’s no surprise that Sri Lanka shares many culinary traditions and flavors with its giant neighbor. Unfortunately, due to its island status and (much) smaller size, the variety of dishes is far more limited compared to India, meaning a lot of travelers often complain that Sri Lankan food – though tasty – can get quite repetitive after a few days eating curry and rice. Nevertheless, one can’t deny the intensity of South Asian spices and seasonings, so there are several curries that you simply must try when in Sri Lanka, like Ambulthiyal, the country’s most famous fish curry; Parippu, the Sri Lankan version of the classic Indian Dhal made with red lentils; Polos, a jackfruit curry (perfect for vegetarians); and Kukul Mas, the local name for chicken curry. Typical side dishes often include Wambatu Moju, small fried eggplant pieces that are then pickled with lots of spices; and Gotu Kola Sambola, a salad made with pennywort, grated coconut, tomatoes and chili peppers.

Aside from sit-down restaurants, street food plays a fundamental role in the country’s culinary culture. Found at virtually every street food stall, Kottu Roti is the most iconic dish, consisting of small pieces of fried flatbread stir-fried with a mixture of meat and vegetables and doused in a spicy curry sauce. Other street food classics include Hoppers, Sri Lankan pancakes made with rice flour and coconut milk, served with eggs or curry; Kiribath, rice cooked in coconut milk and served with a special paste made with chilies and salt (called Lunu Miris); Pani Puri, a traditional Indian snack made of crispy hollow shells (round in shape) filled with a mixture of potatoes and lentils and drizzled with aromatic “water”; and Bael fruit (also known as Wood Apple), a local fruit that can be eaten raw or blended into a smoothie.

As usual, we wrap up this section with desserts! However, keep in mind Sri Lankan sweets are quite different from the sugary, chocolatey and creamy desserts we’re used to in the West. They’re delicious, sure, but definitely different! That said, you can cap off your meal with treats such as Aluwa, a cashew nougat made with palm treacle; Aasmi, a fried dough made from rice flour, coconut and sugar; Wattalapam, a pudding made of coconut, nuts and palm sugar, spiced up with cardamom and cloves; or Love Cake, little cakes made with semolina, almond and cashew, dating back to the Portuguese era on the island.

Best Beaches in Sri Lanka

Unawatuna Beach: One of Sri Lanka’s top beach destinations, just 6 km from Galle’s historic fort, this beach is famous for its palm trees and coral reefs, where you can swim and, if you’re lucky enough, even spot sea turtles.

Dalawella Beach: Home of the iconic Rope Swing, a giant swing that hangs over the ocean and went viral on social media. In fact, a significant portion of Sri Lanka’s current tourism surge is owed to just how overwhelmingly widespread this image became, so it’s worth stopping by just to see it firsthand.

Koggala Beach: Just do a quick google search for “Sri Lanka” and you’re likely to come across photos of the iconic local fishermen perched on wooden stilts. Though this tradition is now mostly kept alive by tourism, Koggala Beach is still one of the best spots to observe these fishermen in action.

Mirissa Beach: A beach that is known for catering to all sorts of visitors! While one side is perfect for swimming and snorkeling, the other is ideal for surfing and trying to catch some waves. In between, you can explore Parrot Rock and hike up Coconut Tree Hill for “THE” classic photo of Mirissa.

Hiriketiya Beach: Another favorite on the southern coast, this beach is extremely popular with surfers and water sports enthusiasts. For what it’s worth, it’s also one of the most westernized places in Sri Lanka, making it a good spot to find familiar food if you’re craving a break from rice and curry.

Tangalle Beach: Regarded as one of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful beaches. Unfortunately, its location and terrain create big waves and strong currents, so this may not be the best place for swimming. Still, the scenery alone makes it well worth the pitstop!

Trincomalee Beach: While most of Sri Lanka’s famous beaches can be found along the southern coast between Galle and the Yala National Park, the truth is that there are many hidden gems scattered throughout the island. Trincomalee, located in the northeast, is just one of the most flagrant examples.

Arugam Bay: The ultimate surfing Mecca in Sri Lanka. If you’re passionate about this sport, then this beach – situated on the eastern coast – has got to be on your bucket list. On the other hand, if surfing isn’t really your thing, then you might be better off visiting other places in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka Travel Guide – Full itineraries for 1 and 2 weeks

So that this blog post doesn’t turn into an encyclopedia, we’ve decided to create separate articles for each itinerary.

You can check them through the following links:

• Sri Lanka 1-Week Itinerary – What to See and Do in 8 days
• Sri Lanka 2-Week Itinerary – Highlights of 14 Days in Sri Lanka

 

https://www.irelandtraveldeals.com/sri-lanka-1-week-itinerary

https://www.irelandtraveldeals.com/sri-lanka-2-week-itinerary