Backpacking Sri Lanka 2020
Everything You Need To Know
Updated Jan 2020
Initially, I was reluctant to visit Sri Lanka, because I thought its more like Southern part India. And being an Indian I always thought there’s no point of visiting this island. But I was wrong. I don’t have a deep pocket to spend much in traveling to exotic places and I opted for Sri Lanka. Finally, SriLanka it was and according to the lonely planet it's the best place to travel in 2019, so why not.
My plan was to stay there for a week or two, but I ended up spending the entire month. I only had a VISA for 30 days :( SriLanka is one of the best places for backpackers. It’s cheap (cheap as one can travel in India), it’s friendly, it has lots of activities to offer, it has many places to explore everything. You name it and you can have it.
#SriLankaQuickInfo
* Capital: Colombo
* Currency: Sri Lankan Rupees (SLR)
Get Xe Currency for real-time conversion
* Airport: Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Getting There
Flights!! Yes Yes, Flights. From India, you can get direct flights to Colombo from Kolkata, which takes approx 3 hrs to reach. From other cities, you will get connecting flights mostly via Chennai.
Major companies like Qatar, Jet, Emirates, SriLankan airlines flights are available.
I traveled via SriLankan airlines for the first time and the experience was good. I always use Skyscanner for my tickets.
Accomodations
Surprisingly CouchSurfing works so well. I had great hosts in Colombo, Negombo and in Kandy. Rest I booked hostels.
There are so many hostels in every place cost around $5-$8 per night. you can find cheaper in some places. Most of the hotels and resorts are around $10-$15 per night.
You can always negotiate the price if you can directly go to the place and chat with the owner. I had paid $12 for a $20 room(I am a good negotiator I guess :P ).
Best options to book a hotel or hostel in SriLanka is booking.com.
You can also check WorldPackers for free accommodation in exchange for works.
Getting Around
Bus! Yes, you heard me. Buses are the best. You can get local non-AC buses and also AC buses. Both are really cheap. Non AC local buses are cheaper than AC express buses.
Trains are cheaper than the bus and also slower. Tuktuks are a bit expensive but if you can negotiate well you can get a good price.
Average per day Tuktuk hire is $13-$16. If you want to travel faster opt for the Bus.
Download PickMe it’s like local Uber app on your smartphone, it’s reliable and you don’t get scammed by the Tuktuk drivers.
Street view Kandy
Eating Around
Traditional Rice & Curry
Main SriLankan Cuisine is Rice & Curry and Kottu. You can find lots of restaurants at reasonable prices. Also, you will get street foods like Samosa, Roti Roll, Spring Rolls.
But Street food stalls are not like India that you can get food in every 10 meters.
The best part is when you order only Chicken Curry or Fish Curry you will get additional 2-3 vegetables.
You can get food for less than $1 from the street vendor and in other cost around $1-$5. Unless you want to spend money on big fancy restaurants like Ministry of Crabs :P
Drinking Around
The island is not a party place like Thailand. Only Colombo, Ella, and coastal area have got really good pubs and nightlife. Rest you can find in the liquor shop or in your guest house.
The local Lion Beer is awesome. And The Arrack the local distilled alcohol from coconut is really good.
The pub chain called Machang which has good food and drinks at a reasonable price. You will find Machang in major towns. The drinks are more pricey in beachside pubs.
So if you want to save money just get drinks from the liquor shop and enjoy. Or you can always end up buying food & drink from Keells or Kargil Food City.
The cheap and good beer, Lion Strong is the best
Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka
December-January perfect for visit Sri Lanka.
The Climate in Sri Lanka is tropical and consists of very distinctive dry and wet seasons. The average temperature of Sri Lanka usually ranges from 28 – 32 degrees Celsius.
Monsoon is very tricky due to its location in the equatorial and tropical zones.
The Climate in Sri Lanka is tropical and consists of very distinctive dry and wet seasons. The average temperature of Sri Lanka usually ranges from 28 – 32 degrees Celsius.
Monsoon is very tricky due to its location in the equatorial and tropical zones.
First Inter-monsoon Season (March – April) & Second Inter-monsoon Season (October – November) – Thunderstorm type rainfall with warm and uncomfortable conditions
Southwest-Monsoon Season (May – September) – Rains occur south and west coasts plus the Hill Country
Northeast-Monsoon Season (December – February) – The Hill Country plus west- and south-coast beaches are busiest – and driest.
According to this the best time to visit the west coast and hill country of the island from December to February.
And for east coast & north May to August. Most people travel hill country & west cost which makes December-January perfect to visit Sri Lanka.
Getting VISA for Sri Lanka
Visitors from most of the countries must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) or E-VISA for tourism purpose.
Indian ordinary passport holders can visit the country for 30 days with ETA.
VISA fees and details can be found on Sri Lanka Official VISA site.
For SAARC countries fees are discounted.
three countries are exempt from the requirement to obtain a visa for Sri Lanka
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Maldives (30 days, extendable to 150 days)
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Seychelles (60 days, up to 90 days in a single year)
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Singapore (30 days, extendable to 150 days)
Why are you waiting? Apply for VISA now
Where to go in SriLanka
Sri Lanka is such a popular backpacking destination as you can see so much in one island. Sri Lanka is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and beautiful jungles and temples in the north and amazing culture.
I thought 30 days is enough for me to roam around the entire island but again I was wrong. If you are like me, spend most time the places you like then definitely you will lay back at those beautiful beaches.
Just rent a motorbike or a car and explore the beautiful island. You can just chill out at the beach with a Lion Beer, check out the big ancient stupas, surf in the beautiful ocean, hike up in the hills or party all night. There is no limit to what you can do in Sri Lanka!
My personal picks are marked by Red :)
4-5 Days Sri Lanka Itinerary: Explore Hills & West Coast
If you want to see most of the places in a short period it's better to hire a car or a motorbike to roam around the country.
1. Colombo (1N)
2. Kandy (1N)
3. Nuwara Eliya/ Ella (2N)
4. Galle/Hikkadua/Bentota(1-2N)
Starting from Colombo, Capital of Sri Lanka, the party place, the life of Sri Lanka and Casino. Spend a night here and explore the nightlife. If you go one day, check mandatory Things to do in Colombo.
Make your way to the heart of the island Kandy. It was the last capital of the ancient kings' era, surrounded by mountains, which are home to tea plantations and biodiverse rainforest.
If you reach early in the morning and want to move away from the crowded city then you can go to Kandy the same day.
Spend a day there to enjoy the city, visit Temple of Tooth, Tea Plantation, Botanical garden and Kandy Lake. Check out this awesome collection of
Next, from there go to Nuwara Eliya or Ella. Make sure you take the train for this route it's one of the beautiful train rides in the world.
I liked Nuwara Eliya more. Ella is pretty crowded and party place so If you are a party animal don't miss out Ella. Nuwara Eliya, on the other hand, is peaceful.
Hike up to Adam's Peak or Horton Plains.
After so many hiking and traveling, its time for the beach. Head back to West coast of the island and straight land into Galle/Hikkadua/Bentota. My Personal peak Hikkaduwa.
Wondering what to do around?? Check out Top 7 Things to do in Hikkaduwa.
Galle and Bentota are very much touristy.
There is nothing much to see or do in Galle. Make a day trip only. Don't stay overnight at Galle.
10 Days Sri Lanka Itinerary #1: Explore Culture, Hills & Wild Life
1. Colombo
2. Anuradhapura
3. Dambulla/Sigiriya
4. Kandy
5. Nuwara Eliya
6. Tissamara/Yala
7. Mirissa
8. Negombo
Start from the capital city, Colombo move straight up to North Central and land into ancient capital of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura.
It's famous for its well-preserved ruins of an ancient Sri Lankan civilization & now World Heritage site. Grab a bike and roam around the ancient city.
After mesmerized by the civilization and history head to climb up Sigiriya, a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site. Take some amazing Instagram worthy pictures and take the day off. You can stay at Dambulla as well. I stayed at Dumbulla from there visited Sigiriya. Because for me Sigiriya was a bit expensive.
Head to Kandy surrounded by mountains, which are home to tea plantations and biodiverse rainforest. Spend a day there to rest your legs after climbing Sigiriya, also enjoy the city, visit Temple of Tooth, Tea Plantation, Botanical garden and Kandy Lake.
# Quick Tip
* Sigiriya also called Lion Rock or Lion Mountain.
* SAARC Country members will get discount on ticket upon showing their passport at the counter.
* Start Hiking Early it opens at 8 am. if it's crowded you won't be able to enjoy or take Instagram worthy photos :P
* it takes around 1 hr to climb up.
Next, from there go to Nuwara Eliya. Make sure you take the train for this route it's one of the beautiful train rides in the world. Take pictures, shot video. You probably already have seen lots of pictures on Instagram. So make your ride count. :D
That's lots of hiking, climbing now its perfect time to see some wild cats. Make your move towards south to Yala National Park. To visit Yala the best place to sleep is Tissamara.
Why only wildlife? When you can see Dolphins dancing middle of the ocean, Whales like you see on the Discovery channel you shouldn't miss that opportunity. Mirissa is the best place for that. Also, a stunning beach where you can relax after your journey.
End your Journey in Negombo, its nearby airport and perfect to lay low for a day before departure.
10 Days Sri Lanka Itinerary #2: Explore Culture, Beach & Wild Life
1. Anuradhapura (1/2N)
2. Trincomalee (2/1N)
2. Arugam Bay (2N)
4. Yala (2N)
5. Mirissa (2N)
6. Negombo (1N)
This is more of a relaxed travel plan.
Start from the capital city, Colombo move straight up to North Central and land into ancient capital of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura. It's famous for its well-preserved ruins of an ancient Sri Lankan civilization & now World Heritage site. Grab a bike and roam around the ancient city.
This is more of a relaxed travel plan.
Start from the capital city, Colombo move straight up to North Central and land into ancient capital of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura. It's famous for its well-preserved ruins of an ancient Sri Lankan civilization & now World Heritage site. Grab a bike and roam around the ancient city.
After roaming around the ancient city lay back at Trincomalee at the east coast. It offers beautiful white sand and is one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka. Explore the town or just enjoy the beach.
Head to Arugam Bay, one of the best surfing beaches on the island. Enjoy the beach parties, ride a bike or just do nothing.
Make your move towards south to Yala National Park. To visit Yala the best place to sleep is Tissamara. Yala is the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka.
Why only wildlife? When you can see dolphin dancing middle of the ocean, Whales like you see on the Discovery channel you shouldn't miss that opportunity. Mirissa is the best place for that. Also, a stunning beach where you can relax after your journey.
End your Journey in Negombo, its nearby airport and perfect to lay low for a day before departure.
Chilling at Tangalle beach. A quiet beach less traveled.
I spend 5 days only laying in the sand, having drinks, listing music, reading and doing nothing.
Not even productive thinking
Pure bliss isn't it?
Other Places to Visit in Sri Lanka
I have listed some other places you might check out which are also worth a visit. Among them, Tangalle is my favorite. I liked this place so much that I spend 5 days there.
Capital of northern Sri Lanka and the Hindu culture hub. You can see Indian influence in this region. Here is the list of Top 7 Things to do in Jaffna
Jaffna
Less touristy, peaceful, and beautiful beach. Perfect for surfers. Lay in the beach and relax. Pubs are really nice.
Tangalle
The ‘city of gems’.
Many gemstones mines are here including Sapphires and Rubies. You can see 9 Stunning Waterfalls.
Ratnapura
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Amazed by ancient architecture tombs and temples, statues and stupas. If you like history then this is for you.
Polonnaruwa
Where To Stay in Sri Lanka
There are plenty of Hotels, Hostels and luxury resorts the entire island. I mostly stayed in the hostels which have all the basic amenities like fan/AC, Bed, Mosquito net, etc. Hostels are not that fancy but they are cheap.
Anuradhapura
Nuwara Eliya
Mirissa
Hikkadua
Tissamara
How Much Does it Cost?
Sri Lanka is cheap. I would say you don't need more than a budget of INR 2000-2500 (USD $30-$40) per day. Stick to local food, avoid the overpriced fancy restaurants, travel second class and on buses, and stay in hostels.
Here is a list of prices to help you get an idea of costs in Sri Lanka:
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Airport taxi – 2,500 rupees
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Bottle of water – 70 rupees
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Bus from Anuradhapura to Dambulla – 340 rupees
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Tuk-tuk from Dambulla to Sigiriya – 1,000 rupees
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Chicken Curry & Rice – 350 rupees
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Tuk-tuk – 300 rupees
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Bus from Dambulla to Kandy – 98 rupees
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Hostel in Kandy – 600 rupees
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Temple of the Tooth in Kandy – 1000 rupees
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Dosai dinner in Kandy – 200 rupees
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Beer – 500 rupees
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Bus to Tissamaharama (Tissa) – 240 rupees
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Bus Mirissa To Colombo – 150 rupee
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Train from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya Second Class – 210 rupee
Sri Lanka Travel Tips
Travel Tip #1: Take the Airport Bus:
Tuk Tuk or Taxi taxi takes around INR 1000-2000 ($20 USD) while the Airport bus takes only INR 50 ($.65 USD/ SLR 110). It takes around 1 hour to reach Colombo Fort bus station. It gets stuck in traffic only when entering Colombo city. Else the road is smooth.
Travel Tip #2: Careful with Drinking Water:
You need to be hydrated while roaming around Sri Lanka as its get really hot during the day time. A 1-liter bottle of package water cost SLR 70 (INR 30). You would probably spend 300 rupees (INR 150/$2 USD) per day. I suggest you use Purified Waterbottle (My personal favorite) which cost around INR 600 and that's a one-time investment. This way I have saved around INR 4500 only on water :D Smart huh!!!
Travel Tip #3: Skip the tickets in Anuradhapura:
In Anuradhapura, Mihintale, Polonnaruwa you have to get tickets to visit the sites which cost $25 USD. You can skip if you are not going inside. Its get never checked unless you are entering the museum.
I did not pay a single penny on these places as I have complexion and face look like Sri Lankan (Indian has that advantage) and my Sri Lankan friend was with me.
Travel Tip #4: Dress Codes:
Cover shoulder & legs before entering the temples. Shorts and sleeveless dress are not allowed in the temples. Also, You’ll have to take your socks and shoes off before visiting temples. So bring your flip-flops.
Travel Tip #5: Travel by train:
Train travel, while often slower, are the cheapest way to get around. If you are taking the most scenic train ride from Kandy to Ella or vice versa and want a seat book early. Check out How to Book Kandy to Ella Train.
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