If Sri Lanka is your next travel destination or you’re just considering it, join us! We’ll guide you step by step on how to plan your trip to make the most out of it. With a simple guide, we’ll help ensure that organizing the journey is as enjoyable as the trip itself.
1. Timing: When is the best time to go?
Sri Lanka’s weather is influenced by two main monsoons, so it’s important to align your destinations with the timing of your trip.
What type of holiday are you dreaming of?
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Do you prefer an active vacation, or would you rather relax on the beach?
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Which coastline appeals to you the most?
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How to choose?
If you want to swim or surf, pick the coastline best suited to the weather conditions.
If hiking and mountain adventures are more your style, you can visit any time of the year, although the weather tends to be drier between December and March.
December – March:
This is the ideal time to explore the southern and western coastlines (e.g., Galle, Unawatuna, Mirissa, Bentota) as well as the highlands (e.g., Kandy, Ella, Nuwara Eliya).
May – September:
This is the best period to visit the northeastern coastline (e.g., Trincomalee, Arugam Bay, Pigeon Island).
2. Create Your Budget
A) Determine the duration, purpose, and priorities of your trip.
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How long are you planning to travel?
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What type of trip will it be? (e.g., relaxation, sightseeing, adventure, luxury, or backpacking)
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What do you want to see and do?
Sri Lanka can cater to most budgets, but your travel style will significantly affect your expenses:
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Backpackers: Affordable accommodations (hostels, guesthouses), local restaurants, and public transport.
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Mid-range travelers: Comfortable hotels, private transfers, and restaurants.
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Luxury travelers: High-end resorts, private tours, and premium experiences.
B) Calculate the major expenses.
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Flights: Check flight prices for your planned travel dates using comparison websites.
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Accommodation: Decide if you’ll stay in hotels, hostels, apartments, or Airbnb, and calculate the cost per night.
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Transportation: Consider local transport options such as rental cars, train tickets, bus fares, or taxi costs.
C) Meal Costs
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Research the cost of local meals (e.g., street food, restaurants).
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Plan for three meals a day plus coffee, drinks, or snacks.
D) Activities and Entry Fees
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Look up the costs of planned attractions, activities, or adventures (e.g., national park entry fees, guided tours, diving).
E) Travel Insurance
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Include the cost of travel insurance for essential protection against potential issues.
F) Mobile Phone and Internet
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Check if you’ll need to purchase a local SIM card and include this cost in your budget.
G) Extra Expenses
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Account for souvenirs, shopping, tips, and unexpected costs. It’s wise to have a small “safety buffer” for these cases.
H) Set a Daily Budget
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Once you know the total cost, divide it by the number of days to establish a daily spending limit. This will help you manage your money more easily on-site.
I) Use a Budgeting App or Spreadsheet
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Record your preliminary calculations in a spreadsheet (e.g., Excel, Google Sheets) or a travel planning app. This will make it easier to track your spending.
3. Bookings
Once you know when and how many days you’ll be traveling, the next step is to purchase your flight tickets. (We recommend buying flight tickets first because prices tend to fluctuate much more daily compared to accommodations.)
You’re more likely to find affordable, well-priced tickets if you start checking prices early and have time to dedicate to searching (and, of course, patience 🙂). For international flights, it’s advisable to book your tickets 3–4 months before your trip.
There are websites that compare prices across various airlines, such as Google Flights. These platforms monitor prices, and you can easily filter results by price, date, or airline. If you have time, consider checking connecting flights, as they can often be cheaper than direct ones.
💡 Tip: Book directly on the airline’s website!
You can save yourself a lot of trouble by avoiding third-party booking sites and purchasing directly from the airline. It’s easier to make changes later, and sometimes you’ll receive better terms.
If you feel safer doing so, book an airport transfer to your accommodation as well. Accommodation booking sites often offer transfer services.
The next step is booking your accommodation. The most important thing is to find a place that meets your needs and fits your budget.
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Always use reliable accommodation search platforms! Examples include Google Maps.
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Read reviews about the accommodation. The most recent reviews are the most relevant since the condition and quality of a place can change over time.
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Check if the price includes taxes and other fees. What are the cancellation policies? Until when can you modify your booking free of charge? Also, review the payment options.
After booking, ensure you receive a confirmation email. Note down the contact details of the accommodation and your booking reference number so you can easily reach them in case of any issues.
💡 Tip: Contact the accommodation at least one week before your trip.
Additional considerations:
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Pre-book any programs or activities you’re interested in (though they may not necessarily be cheaper in advance).
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Consider reserving local or intercity transportation as needed.
4. Documents and Insurance
A) Visa:
Most tourists need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) for Sri Lanka. The cost is around 50 USD + a 3 USD convenience fee. It’s valid for 30 days and can be extended once.
Visa on Arrival (VOA):
If you prefer not to apply for a visa in advance, you can obtain one at the airport (60 USD).
After applying for the online visa, it’s a good idea to print out the confirmation for safety, in case it’s requested at the border.
B) Make sure you have your flight tickets on hand (either printed or in digital form), as this may be asked for when entering the country.
C) It’s also recommended to print your accommodation booking confirmation. Not only might it be requested at the border, but it can also be helpful if you don’t have internet access and need to show the taxi driver the name and address of your accommodation.
D) Travel Insurance:
Although not mandatory, it’s recommended to get travel insurance that covers health care, accidents, and unexpected situations that may arise during your trip.
E) If you plan to rent a car, tuk-tuk, or motorbike, you’ll need an international driving permit, which must also be verified locally in Sri Lanka.
F) Passport Copy:
Make several copies of your passport (both printed and digital versions). NEVER give your original passport away!
💡 Tip: Always check the latest entry requirements before you depart.
5. Planning Your Travel Route
Now that you have fixed dates, you’ll know which region to visit to avoid all-day rainy weather.
The most important thing: What are you in the mood for? What do you want to see and do? Sri Lanka offers countless possibilities:
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Culture and History:
Visit the cultural triangle (Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Kandy). -
Beaches and Water Sports:
Southwest (Unawatuna, Mirissa) or northeast (Trincomalee, Arugam Bay). -
Wildlife and Safaris:
Yala, Udawalawe, Minneriya, and Wilpattu National Parks are ideal for observing elephants, leopards, and birds. -
Hiking and Nature:
Ella, Adam’s Peak, Horton Plains, and the tea plantations offer beautiful hiking spots. -
Ayurveda and Wellness:
Many resorts offer traditional Ayurvedic treatments.
If you're considering a round trip, here are some popular itineraries:
7-Day Itinerary
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Day 1: Arrival in Colombo → Kandy
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Day 2: Kandy → Sigiriya (Lion’s Rock)
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Day 3: Sigiriya → Dambulla (Golden Temple) → Ella
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Day 4-5: Ella and hiking
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Day 6-7: Southern coast (Mirissa, Galle)
10-14 Day Itinerary
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Day 1-3: Colombo → Sigiriya → Polonnaruwa
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Day 4-6: Kandy → Nuwara Eliya → Horton Plains
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Day 7-10: Ella → Southern coast (Tangalle, Mirissa)
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Day 11-14: Yala National Park → Galle → Colombo
(These are just examples, and you can stay longer in any city since this amount of time only allows you to visit the main attractions.)
💡 Tip: Plan flexibly! It’s difficult to predict whether you'll spend 2 or 4 hours at a specific place, so it’s important not to over-schedule a day. The goal is to enjoy the journey! 😊 And leave time for spontaneous adventures.
6. Local and Intercity Transportation
Here, it's important to reconsider your budget. How much will you allocate for transportation? How do you want to travel? Transportation in Sri Lanka is diverse, so you have many options to choose from.
Train
Train travel in Sri Lanka is both cheap and scenic, especially on the famous Kandy-Ella route. During peak seasons (December-March, July-August), it's a popular mode of transport.
Booking: You can buy tickets online in advance, for example, on the official website, or locally at train stations. It’s recommended to book first and second-class seats around 30 days in advance because tickets sell out quickly.
💡 Tip: Try the panoramic cars like the "Expo Rail" or "Viceroy Special" for a unique experience.
Bus
Local buses can take you to almost every village, and they’re very cheap.
Disadvantages: They can be crowded and slow.
💡 Tip: If you're looking for a faster and more comfortable option, choose the express intercity buses.
Tuk-Tuk
Tuk-tuks are a flexible form of transport and are available almost everywhere, including for travel between cities. You can also rent your own tuk-tuk to travel around the island. Many people enjoy this mode of transport. 🙂
Price: Always negotiate the fare in advance!
💡 Tip: Download tuk-tuk apps like PickMe or Bolt to get an accurate price and avoid misunderstandings.
Driver-Driven Car
Comfortable and ideal for long-distance or group travel, but expensive!
Booking: You can book a driver-driven car in advance online or through local travel agencies.
We requested a quote from the Colombo train station, and eventually, we traveled around Sri Lanka for a third of the price they quoted.
Scooter
Scooters provide freedom of movement but can be challenging to drive due to traffic.
Rental: You can easily rent from local agencies, but you will need an international driving license.
Use Local Travel Apps
The following apps make organizing transportation easier:
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PickMe: For tuk-tuk, taxi, and driver-driven car bookings.
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Bolt: Similar to PickMe, but often with cheaper rates.
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SLTB Bus Tracker: For information on state bus schedules.
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RDMNS.LK Train Tracker
💡 Tip: The most important thing is to be flexible and patient. Delays and unexpected changes, including cancellations, can occur in Sri Lanka. It's a good idea to leave some extra time between trips to ensure you catch your connections. But if things don’t work out, tuk-tuk drivers or taxis will always be available to get you to your destination.
Distance-Based Planning:
It’s best to plan your travels based on travel time between cities, as the roads are narrow, winding, and traffic can slow things down. Below are the approximate driving times between some major cities:
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Colombo → Kandy
Distance: approx. 115 km
Travel time: 3-4 hours
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Colombo → Galle
Distance: approx. 120 km
Travel time: 2-2.5 hours (using the highway)
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Colombo → Anuradhapura
Distance: approx. 205 km
Travel time: 4-5 hours
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Kandy → Ella
Distance: approx. 135 km
Travel time: 4-5 hours
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Kandy → Nuwara Eliya
Distance: approx. 75 km
Travel time: 2.5-3 hours
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Ella → Mirissa
Distance: approx. 185 km
Travel time: 4-5 hours
Transportation in Sri Lanka is an exciting part of discovering the island – sometimes the journey itself is just as enjoyable as the destination!
7. Packing Tips
Packing for Sri Lanka depends mostly on the type of trip you're planning. If you plan to visit multiple locations and use public transport or tuk-tuks, a backpack is more practical as it's easier to carry and more manageable in tight spaces. However, if you plan to stay in one or two places and use a car with a driver or taxis, a suitcase can also be a comfortable choice.
💡 Tips:
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Don’t overpack: You can find almost anything you need in Sri Lanka.
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Organized packing: Use packing cubes to help find your things more easily.
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Check the weather: The rainy season requires different packing needs.
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Leave space: Keep some space in your bag for souvenirs.
Useful items to bring that you might not think of:
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Hand sanitizer, wet wipes
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A small first-aid kit (band-aids, fever medicine, medication for stomach issues, travel sickness tablets, essential medications)
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Universal adapter: Sri Lanka uses type D, M, and G plugs.
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Offline maps
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Small backpack or shoulder bag: For daily excursions.
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Small lock: For hotel safes or backpacks.
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Fan
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Hat/cap
8. How to Prepare for Unexpected Events While Traveling
Unexpected situations can always arise during travel—delays, lost luggage, health problems, or even bad weather. Proper preparation can help you handle these events and maintain your peace of mind.
1. Get Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is essential:
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Health coverage: Choose insurance that covers medical care, medication, and repatriation if necessary.
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Flight delays or cancellations: Check if the insurance covers these costs.
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Lost luggage: A good insurance policy will cover lost or damaged luggage.
2. Make Copies of Important Documents
Create both digital and physical copies of the essential travel documents:
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Passport
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Visa
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Flight tickets
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Reservations (accommodation, transfers, tickets)
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Travel insurance details
Store them online, for example in a cloud storage service (Google Drive), and keep a printed copy with you.
3. Financial Security
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Cash: Carry small denominations of the local currency, as not all places accept cards.
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Bank cards: Take at least two bank cards and store them in different places.
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Set a daily limit: Set a daily spending limit on your cards to minimize potential losses in case of theft.
4. Basic First Aid Kit
Pack basic medications and health supplies:
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Pain and fever relievers
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Medication for diarrhea
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Band-aids and disinfectants
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Antihistamines
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Mosquito repellent
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Electrolyte powders or tablets
5. Offline Maps and Useful Information
Download offline maps, such as with Google Maps or the MAPS.ME app.
Note the contact numbers for your local embassy and emergency services.
Familiarize yourself with local transportation options and schedules.
6. Luggage Security
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Key items in your carry-on: Keep your passport, money, and valuable electronics in your carry-on.
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Luggage tags: A tag with your name and contact information will help if your luggage gets lost.
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Lock or TSA lock: Secure your luggage to protect it from theft.
7. Flexibility in Your Itinerary
Leave time for spontaneous events and unexpected changes:
If you miss a flight or tour, always have a "Plan B" ready.
Don’t overcrowd your itinerary; leave room for rest and potential delays.
8. Communication Tools
Buy a local SIM card to stay connected.
Download essential apps (PickMe, Bolt, Google Translate).
Carry a power bank to ensure your phone doesn’t run out of battery.
Unexpected situations are bound to happen, but with the right preparation, they’ll be easier to handle. Don’t overthink it. Think of your trip as an adventure where the experience is not just about the destination, but also the journey!
Do You Need Help Organizing Your Trip?
If you're stuck with putting together your itinerary, have questions about accommodation or transportation, or just want to make sure everything is in order, feel free to reach out to us! We're happy to assist you in making your trip stress-free and unforgettable. 📩
Contact us, and let's start planning together!
Rebeka & Jeno