Want an exciting and varied Sri Lanka tour? Today, our travel reporter Barbara takes us around the beautiful and lush island in the Indian Ocean and tells us what to keep in mind on such a tour and which top sights you shouldn’t miss.
We ourselves started our world trip on this very island in 2015, but were completely overwhelmed by the situation and spent our stopover (5 days) in the pouring rain only in the capital, Colombo. Fortunately, we can now at least travel across the island once again in our minds and discover all its beautiful corners virtually.
We definitely want to return one day and explore the island at our leisure. With Barbara’s tips, we are definitely well prepared for a Sri Lanka tour. Enjoy browsing!
- Why Sri Lanka?
- Travel Preparations
- Arrival and Entry
- Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka Route & Duration
- My Sri Lanka Highlights
- Transportation Options in Sri Lanka
- Accommodation in Sri Lanka
- Safety in Sri Lanka
- Currency & Budget
- Food and Drink in Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka Tour – My Conclusion
Why Sri Lanka?
My boyfriend and I had planned a trip to India for the summer of 2018 to see part of the country and visit a friend’s family. Since Sri Lanka had been recommended to us several times and it’s practically just a stone’s throw from the island to India, we decided to spend two weeks in Sri Lanka before our trip to India.
Since my boyfriend’s parents had already been to the island two years previously, they were able to give us some tips and experiences, which we combined with our own ideas for the two-week Sri Lanka tour. We also read a lot of blogs beforehand, especially regarding the route, transportation options, and accommodations.
Travel Preparations
In preparation for Sri Lanka, and especially for India, my boyfriend and I each got vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, as well as against typhoid. However, this varies greatly from person to person; it’s best to talk to your family doctor (or the tropical institute) about what they would recommend or which additional vaccinations are advisable.
We got some tablets from the pharmacy to treat malaria, which you could take if you suspected it. I would definitely recommend international health insurance; you can also find out in advance which one would be appropriate for you.
Arrival and Entry
You can usually get to Sri Lanka by plane. We flew from Munich to Sri Lanka with a stopover via Doha and landed in the capital, Colombo. There are also some direct flights, for example, from Frankfurt. I didn’t find the stopover a problem at all, especially because you can spend a lot of time at Doha Airport and stretch your legs a bit between long flights. The first flight to Doha took about 6 hours, and the connecting flight to Colombo took about 5 hours.
To enter Sri Lanka, you must apply for an e-visa online, which is super easy and explained step by step on the website. You only need to present the visa and your valid passport upon entry at the airport. We also had to provide our first stop and contact details. Otherwise, entering Sri Lanka is very straightforward and usually relatively quick.
Unfortunately, I cannot say whether or how anything has changed due to the COVID pandemic. Currently, according to the Federal Foreign Office, you must have 14 days in a quarantine hotel and a negative PCR test upon entry. But it’s best to look at this page: Austrian Foreign Office.
Best time to travel to Sri Lanka
We were in Sri Lanka for two weeks at the beginning of August, actually in the middle of the rainy season. During our Sri Lanka tour, however, it only rained twice (while eating and on the bus to Dambulla). So the rain didn’t really bother us. In general, we had really great weather with lots of sunshine; sometimes it was even a little cooler, for example, when hiking in Ella, as this place is located in the mountains.
August is also not peak season, as many people avoid the rainy season. However, we also spoke to locals who recommended coming outside of peak season, as restaurants, etc., are not very busy then, and you can also go on a safari, for example, in a more relaxed setting.
It is, of course, possible that some hotels are renovating or partially closed during the low season. For example, in Unawatuna, the upper floor was being renovated, but that didn’t bother us too much, as we were always out and about during the day anyway. More on this here: Best time to travel to Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka route & duration
We planned our rough route in advance, but wanted to remain relatively spontaneous and see where we ended up. Therefore, we only booked the first homestay in Unawatuna in advance, so we could arrive relaxed and be flexible afterward. For our Sri Lanka tour, we limited ourselves to the southern to central parts of Sri Lanka in order to see the highlights there without any stress.
Our route took us from Colombo, first by train to Unawatuna, and from there by bus to Galle for a day trip. We then continued by bus to Tissamaharama for a safari in Yala National Park. From there, we took a bus to Ella in the Sri Lankan highlands for a hike, and then continued by train to Kandy. It was, by the way, the most beautiful train journey I’ve ever experienced. For our cultural finale, we visited Sigiriya and, to relax before our trip to India, we went to the beach in Negombo.
We were on the island for exactly 2 weeks and can recommend this length of travel. It was the perfect length to combine a few of the main sights with a bit of time on the beach. As already mentioned, we mainly traveled in the south and central parts of Sri Lanka. If you want to go north or east to Trincomalee (good for surfing and snorkeling), for example, I would recommend 3 weeks.
My Sri Lanka Highlights
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Swimming, relaxing, and a festival feeling in Unawatuna
Our first stop after landing in Colombo was Unawatuna on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. We had already booked a room in a small homestay with breakfast there from Germany. After a warm welcome with freshly squeezed juice and a brief chat with our hosts, we immediately noticed the friendliness of the locals and spontaneously decided to extend our stay from 2 to 3 nights.
First, we explored the Jungle Beach, which, as the name suggests, can only be reached by walking through a small patch of jungle. We also got to know Sri Lanka’s diverse nature and almost stumbled upon a monitor lizard that crossed our path. The beach itself is located in a small bay and is surrounded by palm trees. The water is relatively shallow, making it a great place to cool off.
During our time in Unawatuna, a religious Buddhist festival was taking place on the beach with many different stalls selling things like snacks and clothing. This gave us another opportunity to gain insight into the country’s culture.
I was particularly impressed by the visit to the local pagoda, a Buddhist temple, from where you have a beautiful view over Unawatuna Bay and are given an insight into the religious culture. We had no problem getting in; just make sure your shoulders are covered and you’re not wearing a hat.
On our last day there, we visited Dalawella Beach, a little off the beaten track. With a bit of luck, you might see turtles here, but unfortunately, we didn’t. But we were able to observe lots of monkeys at our accommodation.
Galle – old colonial town by the sea
You can easily take a day trip to Galle from Unawatuna by bus. Galle is an old colonial town surrounded by a city wall, which you can walk along. This allows for truly beautiful views of the city, the sea, and the surrounding area.
The old lighthouse is particularly impressive and also makes for a great photo opportunity. In Galle itself, you can visit various museums, but we skipped those and instead wandered around the city a bit. We also visited the local market and stocked up on spices and fruit.
- From Colombo/Negombo: Galle, Bentota & Hikkaduwa Day Trip*
- Galle Fort and Fish Massage from Negombo*
- Kalutara: Turtles, Boat Tour and Colonial Town of Galle*
On Safari in Yala National Park
We were initially unsure whether we wanted to go on a safari in Yala National Park. However, since we found a really beautiful homestay right in the middle of nature, we ultimately decided to go for it. Our host had created his own private paradise by a small lake. The hammock was already strung between two trees for us, and with binoculars we were able to observe numerous birds and even crocodiles around the lake.
The next day, we set off on a safari to Yala National Park at 5 a.m. Our host had organized a jeep with a driver for us and four other people, who would guide us through the park’s natural beauty for seven hours.
I can definitely recommend starting as early as possible and booking a longer tour, as this increases the chance of a beautiful sunset and gives you longer to see different animals. We saw, among other things, monkeys, elephants, water buffalo, and many birds. It’s best to ask for binoculars so you can observe the animals even better.
- All-inclusive Afternoon Yala Safari with Beach BBQ Dinner*
- Yala National Park: Leopard Safari Day Tour & Lunch*
- Udawalawe National Park & Yala National Park: Day Tour*
I highly recommend sharing a jeep with several people. This saves you the cost of an extra driver and allows you to split the safari costs. We paid a total of only €70 for two people. However, if you take a jeep alone, the price can easily double.
Hiking in the Mountains of Ella
After our time in the south of Sri Lanka, we took a two-hour bus ride to the cooler highlands of Ella. Since our accommodation was quite close to Little Adams Peak, we headed toward the mountain immediately after arriving at the hotel. Many stairs lead up through tea fields, but the climb is worth it just for the view of the mountainous highlands and the many tea fields all around.
Off to Ellas Rock
The next morning, after breakfast, we set off straight away, as we wanted to climb Ellas Rock. The path there initially leads along or on the railway tracks, where you have to turn left and come to a small waterfall where you can cool off for a bit. The turnoff isn’t very obvious, though, and we only found it with the help of locals. So don’t be shy and just ask if you can’t find the way.
- From Ella: Lipton Seat & Dambatenne Tea Factory Day Tour*
- Horton Plains National Park: Tour & Beautiful train ride*
- Sri Lanka: 4-hour guided bike tour through Ella*
The trail then continues through tea fields. For a small fee, you can also have a local guide guide you, but we decided to explore the area on our own.
The last bit involves a slightly steeper climb, but with a little fitness and good footwear (the locals even climbed in flip-flops), it’s no problem at all. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with a superb 360° view.
After a successful day, we enjoyed Kottu Rotti, a typical local dish consisting of finely chopped flatbreads mixed with vegetables and/or meat, on one of Ella’s many rooftop terraces that evening.
Time Out in Kandy
From Ella, we left for Kandy at 6 a.m. What awaited us was probably the most beautiful train route, without much hustle and bustle (although this also depends on the season). The train winds its way through tea plantations from Badulla to Kandy in about 7 hours.
We boarded in Ella and were able to experience a journey of about 6 hours. I would recommend paying attention to which side you get a seat on, as the most beautiful views are usually only from one side; in our case, that was the direction of travel towards Kandy.
- From Bentota: Kandy Tour with Visit to the Temple of the Tooth and Gardens*
- Kandy: Temples, Gardens, Cultural Show & Highlights Tour*
- From Kandy: Panduwasnuwara & Yapahuwa Guided Tour*
In Kandy itself, we only looked at the famous Temple of the Tooth, where a tooth of Buddha is said to be kept, from the outside, as it was too busy and we were very tired from the long train ride. While we were strolling along the lake, locals tried to persuade us to watch the famous dance show in Kandy.
Due to our exhaustion, we decided against it. If you’re interested, you can find plenty of information about the dance shows and the times they take place from the locals.
For the next day, we decided to visit the botanical garden in Peradeniya , which is easily accessible by bus from Kandy. Admission is very inexpensive, and students can get an additional discount. The garden is truly a paradise; you could spend hours there.
My personal highlights were the bamboo forest with its XXL bamboos, the orchid house, the many fruit bats in the trees, and the playful monkeys that were spread throughout the park. It’s definitely worth taking plenty of time, as there’s so much to discover.
The Cultural City of Sigiriya
In Sigiriya, we again booked a homestay with half board, which was located a bit remote from the village by a lake. We were able to explore the area very easily on foot. However, our host advised us not to go out at night, as you might run into elephants.
Of course, Lions Rock was also on our to-do list. So we decided to climb the neighboring rock, Pidurangala Rock, to catch a glimpse of the famous Lions Rock.
The price difference is enormous: for the Pidurangala you only pay 1.50€, but for the Lions Rock you pay 30€. The view from the top is truly spectacular; in good weather, you can see quite far, and we could even see the lake where our guesthouse was.
- Colombo: Day Tour to Sigiriya Rock with Village Visit*
- From Dambulla: Sigiriya Rock, Village, and Minneriya Tour*
- From Kandy: Private Day Tour to Sigiriya and Dambulla*
It is also recommended to climb up at sunrise or sunset and enjoy the view. Otherwise, you can also take day trips from Sigiriya to Dambulla, the Golden Temple, or Kaudulla National Park.
Last Stop: Negombo
Before continuing our journey to India, we made a final stop in Negombo to relax and reflect on the events. Negombo is only about 20 minutes from the airport, making it a great place for a first, or in our case, last, stay. Since our previous days were pretty packed with highlights and sights, it was important to us to spend a lot of time on the beach.
The waves in the sea were really strong, which is why I can’t recommend swimming there. But pay attention to the local information. From here, you can also take a boat tour through the mangrove forests or travel to Minneriya National Park*. As already mentioned, we just wanted to relax and spend the rest of our time on the beach.
Transportation Options in Sri Lanka
During our trip, we traveled either by bus or train, which is super relaxing and allows you to interact well with the locals. We also met a couple from Germany who rented a tuk-tuk for $10 a day, which allowed them to travel very flexibly. They both definitely recommend it, but you should have some driving experience, as the roads can sometimes be a bit chaotic.
Sri Lanka is also great to travel by scooter, as you can spontaneously stop at beautiful beaches or other Sri Lankan highlights, and you usually don’t pay very much per day for scooter rental. Please be aware, if you decide to use your own tuk-tuk, scooter, or car, that Sri Lanka still drives on the left, and you’ll have to get used to it.
Sri Lanka is very well developed, and getting from A to B is very easy. You can simply park on the side of the road near the bus stop and the bus will pick you up. The prices are very low; you usually pay only cents or a few euros for longer journeys. The train ride is also super relaxing, although the main routes, for example, from Ella to Kandy, can sometimes be overcrowded; it depends on the time of day and the season.
Accommodation in Sri Lanka
We mostly stayed in smaller homestays because we wanted to interact with the locals and get to know the culture better. This is definitely highly recommended and a fantastic experience. We always booked breakfast and also half board twice, which is also highly recommended, as you get to enjoy local food and can also chat with the locals about how it’s prepared.
My tip: Pay attention to mosquito nets and fans or air conditioning; these are usually included in the price and are great, especially during the hot months.
Safety in Sri Lanka
I always felt safe during the entire two weeks in Sri Lanka and never once had a bad experience or a strange feeling about a situation. Sri Lanka is very tourist-oriented; everyone is very friendly, speaks English, and is happy to help.
I can’t personally assess what it’s like in the north, for example, where there was a civil war for a time. However, this part of Sri Lanka was recommended to me by locals and rated as safe, as the civil war ended several years ago. I would definitely travel to Sri Lanka again to gain new experiences.
Currency & Budget
You pay with Sri Lankan rupees (SLR); one euro is currently equivalent to approximately 240 SLR. When we were there, the currency was a bit stronger; we had an exchange rate of 1 euro to 180 SLR. Sri Lanka is a relatively inexpensive country, although you can also enjoy luxury beach holidays there.
Since we wanted to interact with the locals, we mostly ate in local restaurants or in our homestays with half board. Bus and train travel is extremely cheap, but you can also cover longer distances by tuk-tuk or car. Of course, you pay a little more for this (still a fraction of the price compared to Germany).
Food and Drink in Sri Lanka
What is there to eat in Sri Lanka? That’s not actually an easy question to answer, as there are so many different dishes and typical snacks. The most well-known are, of course, the super delicious curries, which I highly recommend. There are different varieties, and you usually get lots of small plates with different delicacies on them.
This could be lentil dal or other vegetables, for example. You usually get rice and poppadoms, small crispy breads, with it. You can also opt for just one curry, for example, seafood curry with rice.
I can definitely recommend the typical snacks available in Sri Lanka. Try the dried chickpeas, samosas, or small fried corn cakes. You can usually find these snacks either on the side of the road or they are sold on buses or trains. Don’t worry about your health; we never had any problems or issues, but you should of course be careful where and from whom you buy your snacks.
The delicious fruits
Be sure to try the fruits in Sri Lanka, as they are hardly comparable to the fruit in Germany or Europe, and are also hard to come by. Bananas and mangoes, for example, taste much sweeter, and papayas are rarely available in German supermarkets. We practically received fruit with every breakfast, but you can also buy them at any market for just a few cents.
You can find coconuts on practically every corner and at every market stall, and they cost barely more than 1 euro. You usually get them with a straw, and you can drink the milk straight from the coconut. In one homestay, we even saw our host pluck a welcoming coconut straight from the palm tree.
My tip: Try as much as possible and ask the locals for recommendations and cooking tips. Restaurants are on every corner, especially in the tourist regions and cities. So you have a wide variety of dishes to choose from.
Since I’m a vegetarian, I didn’t try any meat or fish dishes, but the locals recommended that I definitely try seafood in the coastal areas, as the quality and freshness are said to be particularly good there.
My packing list for Sri Lanka
I definitely recommend packing light and warm clothing, as it can get relatively cool depending on the region (in the mountains in Ella). Otherwise, I highly recommend that all women bring a scarf that you can tie over your shoulders or head. This is very important if you want to visit a temple. In some places (e.g., in Sigiriya), you’ll even get one for free.
During our Sri Lanka tour, I wore long clothes, but I quickly realized that the locals are very open-minded, so I was able to wear short dresses or pants as well. But that probably also depends on where you are and how comfortable you feel. I also definitely pack mosquito spray, sunscreen, and caps. Otherwise, I packed my backpack relatively practically. Be sure to leave a little room for souvenirs, such as the many wonderful spices.
Sri Lanka Tour – My Conclusion
For me, Sri Lanka was my first destination in Asia and only my second backpacking trip. I boarded the plane with high expectations and can only say that I was not disappointed. Sri Lanka is a great country to travel to; most locals speak perfect English and can always help you.
Be open to new experiences and impressions, interact with the people, and sample Sri Lanka’s spices and cuisine, especially the curries and street food! Be impressed by this diverse and exciting country. I would fly again in a heartbeat and would probably fall in love with the country all over again.
