Sri Lanka is an amazing country located in South Asia. In fact, Sri Lanka is one of the most popular destinations in Asia. It has something for everyone – backpackers, couples, solo travelers, luxury travelers, etc.
Sri Lanka offers several experiences – from tea plantations to jungle safaris, from whale watching to scuba diving, from traditional festivals to relaxing holidays, from beautiful beaches to national parks – you should find something that suits your needs and interests.
If you’re planning your first trip to Sri Lanka, this guide should answer any questions you may have. We’ll talk about travel facts, the best time to visit Sri Lanka, the best destinations, recommended itineraries, travel costs, travel essentials and how to prepare for your trip.
| Information | Sri Lanka |
|---|---|
| Language | Sinhalese |
| English-friendly | Yes |
| Currency | LKR (Sri Lankan rupee) |
| Internet reliability | Great |
Sri Lanka is a year-round destination but you do want to plan your destination based on the monsoon seasons. We decided to split this section into two sections to help you understand the seasons:
| Areas | Season | Months |
|---|---|---|
| North-East |
Dry season Wet season |
May to September December to February |
| South-West |
Dry season Wet season |
December to March May to September |
Planning your trip to Sri Lanka? We created Sri Lanka itineraries to help you. You can pick the length of your stay and follow our recommended itineraries. We created itineraries for up to one month including our favorite Sri Lankan destinations.
South Sri Lanka
North Sri Lanka
South Sri Lanka
North Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
In this section, you’ll find general information on costs and how to prepare for your trip. Finally, you will find a table that will provide an overview of cost and options depending on your travel budget.
In Sri Lanka, you’ll find several options when it comes to accommodation. Whether you’re a budget traveler or not, you won’t have difficulty to find options. You can find dorms starting at $3 per night.
When it comes to food, you can find different types of restaurants. If you eat local food, you can eat for less than LKR 500. Obviously, you may find elegant restaurants around the country and you can pay more if you wish to. The cheapest options are usually in small local restaurants.
Some activities such as hiking or beach bumming are free. Although, if you’re planning on visiting temples or national parks, going for a jungle safari or diving trip, you will have to pay for it. You can browse activities in Sri Lanka here to have an idea of the costs.
In general, it’s pretty easy to get around Sri Lanka, although sometimes time-consuming. You can either take a bus, the train or hire a private driver to reach your destinations. The railway system is continuously upgraded and the gorgeous train rides through Sri Lanka are pretty scenic. To book your transport between destinations, you can book via 12GO or via a travel agency. Most of the time, your hotel and hostel may be able to arrange it for you.
| Travel Cost | Budget travel | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $3-5 per night | $25-70 per night | $70+ |
| Meal | $3-5 per meal | $5-15 per meal | $15+ |
| Activities | Focus on free activities | Mixing free activities & mid-range | $30+ per day |
| Transport | By bus/train | By bus, train, flight, driver | Private driver |
Overall, traveling around Sri Lanka is pretty safe. Of course, you should always lock your valuables especially if you’re staying in a hostel.
Since the civil war ended in 2009, Sri Lanka has become a lot more tourist-friendly and safe to travel to. Some governments still recommend travelers to exercise increased caution when traveling to Sri Lanka. Always remember to use common sense to ensure safety.
Women are advised to take particular care, especially when traveling alone. An increased number of western women have reported verbal or physical assault and drinks being spiked with drugs. Always keep an eye on your drink and walk with someone when it’s getting late.
Apart from the travel essentials, here are the things you should absolutely bring along with you in Sri Lanka. Click on the images to shop on Amazon. You can also check out this list of travel essentials in Asia.
Browse flights on Skyscanner to find deals.
Book your travel insurance for as little as $42/month.
Find accommodation anywhere in the world.
Check the visa requirements and apply for a visa if needed.
Volunteer abroad in exchange for free accommodation.
Book transfers, tours, and activities in advance.
It’s hard to find a good data plan when you’re traveling. You have to research the best deals, go to a store, and hope they have a prepaid SIM card for travelers and tourists.
And if they don’t? You could be without service for the rest of your trip. Not only is that frustrating, but it can also be time-consuming.
eSIMs are the solution to your travel woes. With an eSIM plan, you can stay connected no matter where you go. Plus, there are no contracts or cancellation fees, so you can change your plan whenever you want.
If you’re looking for an eSIM plan while in Sri Lanka, then be sure to check out the providers below. They all offer great plans that will keep you connected while you’re there.
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