Nestled just south of India, Sri Lanka is an enchanting island brimming with spectacular landscapes, lush forests, and pristine beaches.
Formerly known as Ceylon, the island was renamed Sri Lanka in 1972, meaning “Holy Island.”
Sri Lanka has been through some upheavals and was ruled by 3 different empires. The rich history of the place brought about multiple religions, cultures, food, and architecture.
Whether you’re a couple on a romantic getaway, a group of friends, a budget backpacker, a solo traveler, or a surfer of any level, Sri Lanka offers something for everyone.
The island’s tourism is still relatively untouched, so you can discover less-touristy spots and truly immerse yourself in its beauty.
Ready to explore this unique destination? Discover the best itinerary, budget tips, ideal travel times, and top hotels—all in the ultimate guide to Sri Lanka!
Destinations in Sri Lanka
Southern Beach Town
When you head to the southern coast of Sri Lanka, you’ll discover vibrant beach towns like Mirissa, Unawatuna, Weligama, Kabalana, and more.
This region is perfect for surf enthusiasts, offering lessons for all levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.
If you’re visiting during the opposite season, you’ll likely find yourself in Arugam Bay on the east coast, another hotspot for surf lovers.
The Famous Blue Train Ride
On this iconic train, it’s not about finding a seat—it’s about grabbing a spot by the open doors to take in the breathtaking views.
With lush tea fields rolling by, this ride has become one of Sri Lanka’s top attractions. The best part? Tickets cost just a dollar or less!
Sigiriya and Lion’s Rock
One of Sri Lanka’s most iconic attractions is Lion’s Rock in Sigiriya. Climb 1,200 steps to reach the top of this ancient fortress and take in breathtaking 360-degree views of endless green forests.
For a cheaper (and quieter) option with a view of Sigiriya itself, consider hiking up Pidurangala Rock instead!
Ella
Make sure to add Ella to your itinerary! This charming town offers vibrant nightlife and various attractions like sunrise hikes to Ella’s Rock or Little Adam’s Peak.
Ella is also home to the picturesque Nine Arch Bridge, a hotspot for travelers waiting to catch the perfect shot as the train crosses. It’s a must-see for photo enthusiasts!
Galle
Galle is one of the most striking reminders of Dutch colonial rule in Sri Lanka.
As you stroll through the picturesque streets of this fort city, you might feel as though you’ve been transported to Europe.
Nuwara Eliya and Horton Plains
Nuwara Eliya, a misty and somewhat grey town, is primarily known as the starting point for trips to Horton Plains National Park. While the park is famous for its “World’s End” viewpoint, the entrance fee is steep, and the hike there didn’t quite live up to expectations. If you’re pressed for time, you might consider skipping this area.
However, if you do decide to visit Horton Plains, I recommend staying outside Nuwara Eliya at The Waterfall Villas – a fantastic hotel with equally amazing prices!
Kandy
Kandy can be a bit chaotic, but it does offer a lovely botanical garden and a few temples worth a visit. However, if you’re pressed for time and have already explored stunning temples in Southeast Asia, Kandy can be an easy skip.
Throughout these destinations, you’ll come across some seriously photogenic spots. In fact, I’ve put together a whole list of the most Instagrammable places in Sri Lanka!
Sri Lanka – Itineraries and Costs
How Much Time Do You Need to Travel to Sri Lanka?
The first thing I realized after coming back from my trip is that you can explore Sri Lanka in as little as a week and still cover a lot, or you can easily spend a month relaxing in the beach towns.
The type of trip you want depends on what you’re after.
Sri Lanka can be divided into two main areas:
The Greens – The central part of the island, where you’ll find cities like Kandy and Ella, known for their urban experiences and scenic hikes.
The Blues – The coastal beach towns, perfect for relaxing and surfing, mainly in the south or Arugam Bay, depending on the season.
My itinerary:
Honestly, I would have been happy skipping the 5 days spent in Negombo, Kandy, and Nuwara Eliya. The itinerary felt perfect even without those stops.
We took a 16-day trip combining everything.
- Negombo (2 days)
- Kandy (3 days)
- Nuwara Eliya (2 days)
- Ella (3 days)
- Mirissa (3 days)
- Unawatuna & Galle (3 days)
The Ultimate Sri Lanka Itinerary:
This itinerary gives you a bit of everything—beautiful scenery, must-see attractions, and plenty of beach time. It can be done in about 10–14 days.
- Sigiriya (1 night) – Climb Lion’s Rock and Pidurangala Rock.
- The famous blue train ride.
- Ella (2 nights) – Hike Ella’s Rock, visit the 9 Arches Bridge, explore Lipton’s Tea Fields, and enjoy the nightlife.
- Mirissa (2-3 nights) – Relax on the beach, visit Coconut Tree Hill, Secret Beach, Parrot’s Rock, and surf in Weligama.
- Unawatuna (2-3 nights) – Visit Jungle Beach, take photos at the famous Tree Swing at Wijaya Beach, and explore Galle.
Optional: If you’re more into surfing, you can skip Sigiriya and extend your stay at the beaches. Weligama is perfect for learning to surf, so you may want to stay there.
Arugam Bay:
During the European and American summer months, tourism in Sri Lanka shifts to the east coast, with Arugam Bay being the main destination.
Costs: Accommodation, Food, and Attractions
Sri Lanka is a relatively affordable destination, offering stunning hotels, delicious food, and scenic views at great prices.
A private room in a good guesthouse with AC costs about $20.
A room in a more luxurious hotel is around $100.
A typical Sri Lankan meal costs $3-6, while western-style meals range from $9.
A surfing lesson with a local instructor costs around $17.
My Trip Costs: For my 16-day trip, including good hotels, meals, and some shopping, I spent around $1,600-1,800. Note: Prices are from 2019 and may have changed since then.
Seasons and Useful Information for Sri Lanka
When Should You Visit Sri Lanka?
You can visit Sri Lanka year-round, as different regions are ideal for travel at different times of the year, especially when it comes to beaches.
When should you visit the beaches?
Depending on the season, you can enjoy either Arugam Bay or the southern beaches like Mirissa.
South Beaches (Mirissa and surrounding areas): December–April, or July–September.
Eastern Beaches (Arugam Bay): May–September.
Monsoon Season (Rainy Season):
May–July: Monsoons in the southwest.
October–January: Monsoons in the southeast.
We traveled to Sri Lanka in January, visiting the southwest beach towns (Mirissa, etc.), the central areas like Ella and Nuwara Eliya, as well as Negombo and Colombo. The weather was perfect.
My Recommendation: Visit between December and April to explore most of the island.
If you’re a surfer, you can visit year-round by switching between the south beaches (Weligama) and Arugam Bay.
Visa to Sri Lanka
You can get a visa for $35 through the official website and receive a confirmation email within a day. Alternatively, you can get a visa upon arrival at the airport for $40.
Note: Make sure to use the official website to avoid additional commission fees.
Useful Information
Vaccines to Sri Lanka:
Consult your doctor before your trip for any necessary vaccinations.
Money and ATMs:
If you have US dollars, you can exchange them at various jewelry stores (euros are less commonly accepted). The larger the bill, the lower the commission.
For example, exchanging a $100 bill is better than five $20 bills. Each exchange may result in a loss of 300-500 rupees (~$3). Alternatively, you can withdraw Sri Lankan rupees directly from an ATM.
SIM Card:
One of the most important tips is to buy a SIM card! The Wi-Fi in Sri Lanka is notoriously slow, and you won’t want to rely on it.
You can buy a SIM card from Dialog for around 1000 rupees ($6) and load it with a data plan. Avoid purchasing one at the airport, as prices are higher there.
We bought ours at a shop near our hotel in Negombo. You can find SIM cards almost anywhere—just ask your driver to stop by a shop on the way from the airport.
Local calls can come in handy, especially when you need to contact drivers or make other arrangements.
Useful Vocabulary
Learning a few words in Sinhala can make a big difference, and locals will appreciate the effort.
- Thank you: Stuti
- Little bro/dude: Mache (used for addressing a waiter or tuk-tuk driver; ask a local for the correct pronunciation)
- OMG: Buda Amado (used frequently during wild tuk-tuk rides; check with locals for proper pronunciation)
Transportation and Getting Around in Sri Lanka
In the cities, tuk-tuks are the primary mode of transport.
Keep in mind that the initial price often starts at double or triple what it should be, so it’s wise to negotiate, but not excessively. Remember, while it may be just a dollar for you, it’s more significant for them. For traveling between cities, taxis and buses are your best options.
Taxi fares were surprisingly low, and we even met people who rented drivers for $50 a day, which is ideal for long trips, especially in the central part of the island.
On the southeast beaches, buses and tuk-tuks suffice for getting from one beach town to another. In some areas, you can use the Sri Lankan Uber equivalent, Pick Me, which offers great rates.
Tip: we used the app from Negombo to Sigiriya but found out the app doesn’t work in Sigiriya. We also forgot to get the driver’s number. I advice you to book a driver for your way back from Sigiriya to avoid such issues.
Once we reached the south, we started using buses to travel between beach towns. For instance, a 15-minute ride from Mirissa to Weligama costs around 20 rupees (a few cents). Buses are efficient and fast, though some may say too fast. They’re highly recommended in these areas.
Safety in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka felt relatively safe compared to Latin America, especially regarding theft and pickpocketing.
Solo Female Travelers in Sri Lanka
If you’re a female traveler, exercise extra caution at night. If you feel uneasy, it’s better to avoid long tuk-tuk rides through deserted areas at night.
For long-distance taxi rides, consider booking with recommended drivers. Here are a few:
- Sanjaya – For rides around Kandy or for your entire trip. He has a spacious car.
Phone number: +94 779 025 303 - Eddi – For rides around Nuwara Eliya. He’s an excellent tour guide with a driver, speaks perfect English, and has a large van, which is important in cold Nuwara Eliya.
Phone number: 077 632 6663 - Wasanta – For rides around Ella. He drives a big van.
Phone number: +94 774 283 386 (doesn’t have WhatsApp as far as I know)
Accommodation in Sri Lanka
Accommodation in Sri Lanka is relatively affordable, but you might find yourself tempted to spend a bit more for better comfort.
Unlike Thailand, Sri Lanka is less touristy and, consequently, less expensive. This means you should manage your expectations when it comes to hotels.
During our trip, we alternated between budget guesthouses and more luxurious hotels. Here’s a general overview of what you can expect:
Budget Guesthouses: Nice, affordable guesthouses with air conditioning typically cost between 2,500-3,500 rupees ($14-$20). Some can be even cheaper.
Great Hotels: Higher-end hotels range from 15,000-25,000 rupees ($90-$140).
Many travelers who were disappointed with their accommodations in Sri Lanka might not have done their homework. From my experience and what I found on booking.com, most places matched their reviews well.
Whether you’re planning a weekend splurge or looking to save by staying in guesthouses, you can find my list of recommended hotels and guesthouses in Sri Lanka.
For larger groups or families, renting a villa, especially in beach areas, is a great option.
Vegan and Vegetarian Food in Sri Lanka
If you’re vegan or vegetarian, you’re in luck! Sri Lankan cuisine, with its rich Indian influences, offers plenty of options. However, you might need to manage the spiciness of some dishes.
Here’s a guide to some must-try local dishes and food options:
- Rotti: Typically vegan, this flatbread is made from flour, water, and oil. Occasionally, it might contain butter, so be sure to ask. You can enjoy it with banana and honey if you consume them.
- Hoppers: These are thin crepes made from rice flour, fried in a round pan to form a bowl shape. They are often served with savory or sweet toppings.
- String Hoppers: Steamed rice noodles that are quite plain on their own. They’re usually eaten with curry or a dip for added flavor.
- Samble: Fried coconut crumbs, sometimes sweetened with sugar.
- Non-Dairy Milk: Finding non-dairy milk can be challenging, but coconut milk is a readily available and tasty alternative. In Sri Lanka, vegetarian and vegan options are plentiful, so you’ll have plenty to choose from!
