By Kaylin Bailey

Kaylin Bailey

Hi there! I'm Kaylin, and I am from sunny South Africa. For the past eight years, I've been living abroad and exploring the world. My adventures have taken me to some of the most beautiful places and hidden gems around the globe. I thrive on the island lifestyle, but love exploring the hustle and bustle of city life too. My passion is uncovering the coolest activities, the best places to stay, and the most aesthetic beach bars that offer unforgettable experiences. Whether you're looking for travel tips, stunning destinations, or just a slice of paradise, I’m here to inspire and guide you on your own adventures 🌴✨

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June 25, 2024

The Best Sri Lanka Travel Guide for 2024

Sri Lanka is a less-traveled destination with so much more to offer. If you're looking for your next holiday destination, you might hear a lot about Thailand, Bali, and Vietnam. However, if you enjoy seeing places that aren't the usual, then Sri Lanka is the place for you.

It is known for its gentle Buddhist culture, friendly people, and laid-back island vibes. This tropical paradise is not all about island beach life; you can enjoy forested national parks, temples, and beautiful green highlands.

In this Sri Lanka travel guide, we will point you in the right direction on the best places to stay: the island's best attractions and the vibrant food scene. You will even get insights into budgeting your trip and how much you can expect to spend, and it will give you some tips for traveling there.

Planning Your Sri Lanka Trip with our Sri Lanka Travel Guide

Hold on!

Before you start packing, some planning needs to be done. For your travels to go smoothly, you will need to consider the following:

Visa Requirements

Unfortunately, we cannot just stroll into any country we like without a visa. For Sri Lanka, you will need to obtain an ETA, which stands for Electronic Travel Authorization. While you can get this at your port of entry, it is highly recommended that you do it online before you leave. This will help you skip the lengthy delays upon arrival.

Best Time to Visit

One of the great things about Sri Lanka is its year-round sound weather. This means that at least one coastline or region enjoys sunshine at any time of the year.

However, the peak season is between December and mid-April. Going during this time will allow you to enjoy more coastlines and soak up much-needed holiday rays.

Getting Around

Sri Lanka is relatively small, which cuts down travel times and allows you to visit more places in less time. This is a win if you don't have much time to travel. You can choose between domestic flights (limited), trains, buses, private cars, and tuk-tuks.

• Trains: Sri Lanka's train rides are stunning and a true travel experience. Trains can be slow and frequently delayed; however, it's worth the wait once they get going.
• Buses: This is the primary mode of transport for locals. You can get between towns and cities for very cheap. These bus drivers sometimes think they are in Formula One, so you might find yourself saying a little prayer.
• Tuk-Tuks: For shorter distances, Tuk-Tuks are an absolute must. Feel the fresh ocean air and enjoy! Plus, the drivers are super friendly.
• Private car or taxi: This is by far the most convenient way to travel. It has air conditioning and is more comfortable for going between places.
• Rent a Motorbike: If you are adventurous and love exploring on your own time then you can also rent a motorbike for around $7 a day.

Sri Lanka Internet and eSim

Staying connected on your travels is highly important. While there is Wi-Fi at cafes, hotels, and some restaurants, Sri Lanka's internet is very unreliable. It is possible to purchase a local SIM, but dealing with local SIM vendors can get frustrating and annoying. Never mind topping your data up when it runs out.

It would be recommended to opt for an eSim that will allow you to stay connected from when you land until you depart without the need to physically swap your SIM cards. This is the future of travel connectivity, and you should try it for yourself.

The Benefits of Using an eSim in Sri Lanka

Using an eSim when traveling has numerous benefits. The first one is easy activation, which is perfect for travelers who need immediate connectivity. It also provides the convenience of switching between mobile carriers without needing a physical SIM card. While some companies require you to pay roaming charges, eSimsurf offers no roaming charges and unlimited data!

Where to Stay in Sri Lanka

When visiting Sri Lanka, you will be able to find various accommodation options that suit your needs. Budget stays, hostels, and luxury stays are available in almost all locations. Below are the top five places to go and some accommodation options for when you are there:

Kandy

Kandy is home to the Temple of the Tooth, which is said to house a tooth relic of the Buddha.

• Villa 92, City Stay: This budget-friendly guesthouse offers clean rooms with AC. It is in a central location, making it easy to explore the attractions.
• The Elephant Stables: This gorgeous boutique hotel offers views over Kandy's lush greenery. It has an outdoor pool, and the property is super aesthetic overall.

Ella

It is famous for its stunning views, waterfalls, and hikes, including the iconic Ella Rock.

• Ella Flower Garden Resort: This mid-range option has comfortable rooms and beautiful garden surroundings. The outdoor pool overlooks stunning scenery, making it worth it to just look at the view!
• 98 Acres Resort and Spa: This resort is on the upper end of the budget because of everything it has going for it! This resort offers gorgeous bungalow-style villas, an outdoor swimming pool, and other amenities.

Galle

It is a historic city with beautiful Dutch colonial buildings, a vibrant art scene, and the iconic Galle Fort.

• Siren Galle Fort is a budget-friendly hotel that offers everything you need. The rooms are air-conditioned and standard, but the view is gorgeous, as it overlooks the sea.
• Fort Bazaaris a unique boutique hotel with gorgeous minimalist decor. It offers luxurious amenities and combines modern comforts with colonial charm.

Sigiriya

Home to the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya, offering panoramic views of the surrounding jungle.

• Sat Nam Village Hotel: This hotel is excellent value for money. It offers comfortable accommodation, rustic charm, and an outdoor pool set amidst lush greenery.
• Aliya Resort & Spa: The infinity pool overlooking the greenery is gorgeous. This resort is based in a scenic location. The rooms are pretty standard but come with everything you will need.

Nuwara Eliya

It has a "Little England" feel to it. This is because of its colonial architecture, the cool climate, and the proximity to tea plantations.

• Heritance Tea Factory: This hotel is unique, set around a tea factory. It also offers a tea-picking tour for tea lovers.
• Fort Windshire: This hotel is surrounded by lush mountain views and has all the amenities you need. It is also a popular location for hiking and cycling.

Weligama

It is known for its beautiful beaches, and it is a popular destination for surfing and snorkeling. The surf break here is perfect for beginners.

• Weligama Bay Resort: A middle-price ranged beachfront hotel that offers comfortable rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, and easy access to the beach.
• Hangtime Hostel: This great hostel is super popular with tourists. The location is perfect, right opposite the beach and surf breaks. It has a restaurant on-site, and the food is fantastic!

Hikkaduwa

This place is famous for its colorful coral reefs. It is also an excellent spot for snorkeling and diving. The surf break here is also really good for beginners.

• The Lucky Elephant: This property is located on the beach, which is perfect for surfers. The hotel has a gorgeous swimming pool overlooking the ocean, and the rooms are light and bright.
• Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon: This hotel offers panoramic sea views and is set right on the beach. It has a big swimming pool, and an excellent breakfast is included.

Things to do in Sri Lanka

What makes Sri Lanka so lovely to visit is that it is much less built up than many other tropical places. That doesn't mean that there isn't anything to do. It is the opposite! Here are some fun things to do in Sri Lanka:

Exploring Ancient Cities

You can get a sense of Sri Lanka’s heritage and culture by exploring some ancient cities like Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa.

• Anuradhapura is a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Not only is it beautiful but you will find the oldest planted tree in the world, called the Sri Maha Bodhi.
• Polonnaruwa is a stunning historic site where you can see rock carvings of Buddha and an artificial reservoir built during the reign of King Parakramabahu.

Discovering Sri Lanka National Park and Wildlife

Sri Lanka has many diverse landscapes, which means that there are plenty of different wildlife that live here. If you are a nature lover, then reading this Sri Lanka travel guide and visiting Sri Lanka was meant for you!

The Yala National Park is located near Hambantota. There is a high density of leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and a loads of bird species.

On the other hand, Sinharaja Forest Reserve is another UNESCO World Heritage site. It is the last remaining virgin rainforest in Sri Lanka. In this rainforest, you can see endemic species that are found nowhere else on Earth! Amazing!

Beautiful Birds are not scarce in Sri Lanka. Bird watching is a serious hobby, and if you enjoy it, you can visit Bundala National Park to view a range of migratory birds, such as flamingos, pelicans, and painted storks.

Beach Bliss and Surfing

Sri Lanka's coastline is what surfing dreams are made of. It has world-class waves and less crowded waters, which are great for beginners or pros. There is a wave for everyone!

Go to the southern beaches of Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna, and Mirissa. If you're a beginner, there's a wave. If you're a pro, there's a wave.

Season surfers often find themselves in Arugam Bay, where the breaks are slightly more challenging. There are more reef point breaks here, and the best conditions are from May to September.

While these beaches are good for surfing, they are also excellent for relaxing and soaking up the sun. You can also go to the west and south coasts to places like Negombo, Bentota, and Unawatuna for long stretches of golden sand and crystal-clear waters.

Cultural and Spiritual Experiences

Your experience of Sri Lanka's culture will be woven from their Buddhist traditions, colorful festivals, and ancient temples.

Visit places like the Temple of the Tooth Relic, where you can find one of Sri Lanka's most sacred Buddha Relics - a tooth of the Buddha.

For something a little more exciting, you can witness the Esala Perahera, a grand Buddhist festival held in July or August. You can see decorated elephants, drummers, and dancers.

Go Hiking Through Tea Plantations or Take a Train Ride

Another fantastic thing to do in Sri Lanka is visit the Nuwara, otherwise known as the Tea County.

Here, you can hike Adam's Peak and see the fantastic green views or walk through amazing tea plantations and see the locals working their crops.

Sri Lanka Travel Guide: Money and Budget

Considering money and budgets can make or break any trip you are going on. Here is what you can expect to pay in Sri Lanka regarding accommodation, transport, food/drinks, and activities:

Accommodation Cost

Sri Lanka offers accommodation options for every budget. For example, budget-conscious travelers can get rooms at Aribnbs, homestays, and guest houses for around $30 a night.

For those who like to travel in luxury, many decadent hotels and private villas are available for $80-150 per night.

Transportation Costs

• Tuk-Tuks: A very cost-effective way of traveling in Sri Lanka. A one-way ride ranges between $0.35 per kilometer, but you can hire a driver for about $ 25.
• Trains: Expect to pay about $5 to $20, depending on the class you choose and your route.
• Buses: A short city trip costs around $0.20.

Food and Drink Costs

Sticking to street food and local restaurants, you can easily spend around $10 daily on food. For a mix of local and Western-style meals with a few drinks, expect to pay around $20 per day.

Activity and Entrance Fees

Activities and entrance fees are reasonably priced depending on the season. Here are some costs; please note they may change slightly depending on your time of visit:

• Sigiriya Rock / Pidurangala Rock: $30 / $3
• Surf Lessons: $12-20 per hour
• Scuba Diving: $75 for two dives
• Whale watching in Mirissa: $71
• Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Kandy): Around $6
• Nine Arch Bridge (Ella): FREE
• Little Adam's Peak (Ella): FREE
• Private safari with an experienced guide (Udawalawe National Park): Around $80
• Half-day safari at Yala National Park: Around $150

Overall Budget Estimate

Taking into consideration all the costs mentioned above. Here is an estimate of what you might spend per day in Sri Lanka:

• Accommodation: $44 per day for two people ($22 per person)
• Transportation: $7 per day
• Food: $21 per day
• Activities/Entrance Fees: $24 per day

The average amount spent in Sri Lanka could be around $74 daily!

Conclusion

In conclusion, Sri Lanka is a truly captivating country to visit. Here, you can experience things that many won't be able to. You will get to immerse yourself in a truly beautiful culture, learn to surf or surf some world-class surf spots, visit lush jungles, and encounter wildlife.

Sri Lanka has something to offer every type of traveler, whether you prefer luxury or simple accommodation. The budget breakdown will help you plan and give you a good understanding of what you can expect to spend on your trip to Sri Lanka.

Get packing and enjoy your exciting trip to Sri Lanka.