Welcome to Sri Lanka, a tropical paradise just south of India, offering everything from lush rainforests and ancient temples to stunning beaches and vibrant culture. Known as Ceylon until 1972, this island has a rich history shaped by multiple empires, and today it’s a destination that blends tradition with breathtaking natural beauty.
Whether you’re a couple on a honeymoon, a backpacker on a budget, or an avid surfer, Sri Lanka caters to all kinds of travelers. Tourism here is still growing, so there are plenty of untouched spots waiting for you to explore.
Ready to plan your adventure? Here’s your ultimate guide to Sri Lanka.
Top Sri Lanka Destinations You Can’t Miss
Southern Sri Lanka: Best Beach Towns
The southern coast is home to beach towns like Mirissa, known for its lively nightlife and whale watching, and Unawatuna, where you can enjoy calm waters and the famous Wijaya Beach Swing. Weligama is great for beginner surfers, while Kabalana offers a quieter surf experience.
The Iconic Blue Train Ride
The scenic train ride from Kandy to Ella is a must-do in Sri Lanka. With breathtaking views of tea plantations and misty hills, it’s an experience like no other. For less than a dollar, you can enjoy this world-famous ride.
Sigiriya and Lion’s Rock
Lion’s Rock in Sigiriya is one of the island’s most iconic landmarks. Climb the 1,200 steps for panoramic views of the jungle. For a cheaper and less crowded option, hike Pidurangala Rock and enjoy similar views.
The Iconic Blue Train Ride
The scenic train ride from Kandy to Ella is a must-do in Sri Lanka. With breathtaking views of tea plantations and misty hills, it’s an experience like no other. For less than a dollar, you can enjoy this world-famous ride.
Ella: Hiking and Nightlife
Ella is famous for its hiking trails like Ella’s Rock and Little Adam’s Peak, offering stunning views. The town has a lively nightlife, and don’t miss the picturesque Nine Arches Bridge for the perfect photo op.
Galle: Sri Lanka’s Colonial Gem
Galle is a charming colonial city with narrow streets, Dutch-era architecture, and the historic Galle Fort. The mix of history and tropical vibes makes it a great stop for a day trip.
Nuwara Eliya & Horton Plains
Nuwara Eliya is known for its cool climate and as the gateway to Horton Plains National Park. The hike to World’s End offers beautiful views, but the high entrance fee might make this an optional stop if you’re short on time.
Kandy
Although Kandy can feel overwhelming, it has a lovely botanical garden and some cute temples. If you’re pressed for time, you can skip Kandy, especially if you’ve already visited temples elsewhere in Asia.
For more Instagrammable spots in these destinations, check out my list of the Best Photo Spots in Sri Lanka.
The Perfect 10–14 Day Sri Lanka Itinerary
This itinerary gives you a little bit of everything: stunning landscapes, must-see attractions, and plenty of beach time. In about 10–14 days, you can experience the best of Sri Lanka, from cultural sites to relaxing on the coast.
Day 7–10: Unawatuna & Galle (2–3 nights) – Spend time at Jungle Beach, swing at Wijaya Beach, and explore Galle Fort.
Day 1: Sigiriya (1 night) – Explore Lion’s Rock or hike Pidurangala for a quieter option.
Day 2–3: Kandy to Ella – Take the scenic blue train ride through the lush landscapes.
Day 3–5: Ella (2 nights) – Hike Ella’s Rock, visit Nine Arches Bridge, and enjoy the tea fields.
Day 5–7: Mirissa (2–3 nights) – Relax on the beach, visit Coconut Tree Hill, and surf at Weligama.
Surfing:
If surfing is a priority, you can skip Sigiriya and head straight to the southern beaches. Stay in Weligama, which offers ideal waves for beginner surfers and plenty of surf schools to choose from.
How Much Will Your Sri Lanka Trip Cost?
Sri Lanka is budget-friendly but can also offer a touch of luxury without breaking the bank. Here’s a rough idea of what you can expect:
- Accommodation: Guesthouses with AC cost about $20/night. Upscale hotels start from $100/night.
Click here for the list of the Best Hotels and Guesthouses. - Food: Local meals cost between $3 and $6, while Western meals range from $9 to $12.
- Surf lessons: Around $17 for a session with a local instructor.
For a 16-day trip with comfortable hotels, good food, and some shopping, expect to spend around $1,600–$1,800.
Note: Prices may vary depending on the season and inflation.
When to Go: Seasons and Weather in Sri Lanka:
The best time to visit Sri Lanka depends on the region:
- Southwest coast (Mirissa, Unawatuna): The ideal time to visit is from December to April, when the weather is dry and perfect for beach activities. July to September can also be good, though there’s a higher chance of occasional rain as it approaches the monsoon.
- East coast (Arugam Bay): The best time to visit the east coast is from April/May to September, especially if you’re into surfing. During this period, the weather is sunny with minimal rainfall, making it ideal for water sports and beach lounging.
Monsoon seasons:
- Southwest monsoon (Yala): From May to September, bringing rain primarily to the southwest, including Galle and Colombo.
- Northeast monsoon (Maha): From October to January, affecting the northeastern regions such as Trincomalee and Jaffna.
Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka
If you want to explore multiple regions, the period between December and April is ideal, as you can cover both the beaches and the cultural heart of the island.
Getting Around Sri Lanka
- Tuk-tuks: The go-to for short distances. Always negotiate the price before starting your ride.
- Taxis & Drivers: For long distances, hiring a driver for $50/day is convenient, especially in the hill country.
- Buses: The cheapest way to travel between towns, with fares as low as a few cents (e.g., a 15-minute ride from Mirissa to Weligama costs around 20 rupees).
- Pick Me: Sri Lanka’s version of Uber, offering affordable rides in the cities.
Safety Tips for Travelers
Overall, Sri Lanka is quite safe, especially compared to other regions like Latin America. Petty theft and pickpocketing are relatively uncommon.
Solo Female Travelers in Sri Lanka
For female travelers, it’s advisable to take extra caution at night. Avoid long tuk-tuk rides through deserted areas after dark. If you don’t feel safe, it’s better to rely on a recommended driver for long distances.
While Sri Lanka feels safer than countries like India in terms of catcalling, it’s still essential to remain vigilant. Personally, I felt safer here compared to my travels in Latin America, but as always, it’s better to be cautious.
If you’re planning longer trips, consider booking with trusted drivers, like Sanjaya in Kandy or Wasanta in Ella, who both come highly recommended for their reliability and kindness.
Recommended Drivers in Sri Lanka
- Sanjaya – Ideal for rides around Kandy or for your entire trip. He has a spacious car and offers great service.
Phone number: +94 779025303 - Eddi – A fantastic guide for Nuwara Eliya. He speaks perfect English, travels with a driver, and has a large van—essential for the cold weather.
Phone number: 0776326663 - Wasanta – Known for rides around Ella, Wasanta has a large van and offers excellent service.
Phone number: +94 774283386 (Note: He doesn’t use WhatsApp)
Travel Tips for Sri Lanka
Visa to Sri Lanka
Getting a visa for Sri Lanka is straightforward. You can apply online through the official website for $35, and you’ll receive a confirmation email within a day. Alternatively, you can get a visa on arrival at the airport for $40.
Pro Tip: Make sure to apply through the official website, as third-party sites often charge extra commission.SIM Cards & Internet
Converting Money and ATMs
If you have US dollars, you can easily exchange them at various jewelry stores across Sri Lanka (Euros are less commonly accepted). Keep in mind that the bigger the bill, the less commission you’ll be charged—exchanging a $100 bill is more cost-effective than smaller denominations. On average, we lost about 300–500 rupees (around $3) with each exchange.
For convenience, you can also withdraw Sri Lankan rupees directly from ATMs throughout the country.
SIM Cards & Internet
Buy a Dialog SIM card for around $6 to stay connected, as WiFi in most places is slow. Avoid buying SIM cards at the airport—prices are higher.
Useful Phrases
Learning a few words of Sinhala can go a long way with the locals. Here are some handy phrases:
- Stuti – Thank you
- Meke – Dude (use for tuk-tuk drivers or waiters)
- Buda Amado – OMG! (Great for those wild tuk-tuk rides!)
