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Sri Lanka

What can you expect from Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is an island nation bursting with diversity. Expect lush tea plantations, golden beaches, dense wildlife reserves, ancient ruins, and a deep-rooted cultural heritage. Whether you’re hiking the misty hills of Ella, spotting leopards in Yala National Park, or exploring colonial Galle Fort, Sri Lanka delivers a rich travel experience in every corner. The warmth of the locals and the sheer beauty of its landscapes make it a destination that’s hard to forget.

For adventurous travelers, Sri Lanka also offers world-class surf breaks, colorful festivals, flavorful street food, and scenic train rides through the highlands. It’s an ideal country for slow travel, allowing you to connect with nature, immerse in spirituality, and indulge in Ayurvedic treatments.

With affordable costs, good transport options, and ever-changing landscapes, it’s a traveler’s dream that combines tropical escape with cultural depth.

Things to See and Do in Sri Lanka

Take the scenic train ride from Kandy to Ella
Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress at sunrise
Go on safari in Yala or Udawalawe National Park
Surf the waves in Arugam Bay and Mirissa
Wander through the colonial streets of Galle Fort
Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth in Kandy
Relax on the beaches of Mirissa or Unawatuna
Hike Little Adam’s Peak and Diyaluma Falls
Explore the tea plantations and factories in Nuwara Eliya

Typical Costs When Traveling

Accommodation: Budget guesthouses and hostels range from €8–€20 / $9–$22 per night. On the other hand, mid-range hotels start at €25 / $27, and upscale stays can be €60+ / $65+.

Food: Street food and local restaurants are very affordable. Expect to spend €2–€5 / $2–$6 per meal. Western-style dining will cost more, around €7–€15 / $8–$17.

Transportation: Local buses and trains are cheap (€0.50–€3 / $0.60–$3.50 per ride). Tuk-tuks are everywhere and cost a bit more depending on the distance.

Suggested Daily Budget

€25–€40 / $28–$45

(Note: This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a hostel or budget guesthouse, eating out a little, cooking most of your meals, and using local transportation. Following the budget tips below, you can always lower this number. However, if you stay in fancier accommodation or eat out more often, expect this to be higher!)

Money-Saving Tips

1
Eat like a local Stick to rice and curry at local eateries. They're delicious and extremely budget-friendly.
2
Use public transport Trains and buses are cheap and a great way to see the country.
3
Travel off-season Visit during shoulder seasons (May–June or September–October) to save on accommodation.
4
Negotiate tuk-tuk fares Always agree on the price beforehand.

MY MUST HAVE GUIDES FOR SRI LANKA

Everything you need to know.

Travel Tools & Resources for Sri Lanka

Book domestic train rides in advance on 12Go Asia, especially for popular routes like Kandy to Ella.

For travel insurance, choose Heymondo (-5%) which offers solid coverage, including for adventure activities.

Stay connected easily with a Holafly eSIM (-5%) ideal for remote towns.

For accommodation, use Booking.com, and explore tours or experiences via GetYourGuide.

Don’t forget offline maps like Maps.me for trekking and remote areas.

These are the platforms I trust and use on my travels, and some include exclusive discounts for my readers!

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05/27/2025

Marlene is the creator of Marlene On The Move. A journalist by profession, she created the blog to share her adventures around the world. It is not unusual for her to set off to discover new countries and cultures with a surfboard as luggage.

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