Backpacking Sri Lanka Travel Guide (BUDGET TIPS • 2024)

Why Go Backpacking in Sri Lanka?

Let’s keep to this Sri Lanka is bubble wrap analogy. What’s something pretty much universally agreed on about bubble wrap?

That it’s fucking awesome!

How many hours have you spent red-eye blazed and playing with bubble wrap? (I could have written a baroque opera about smoking joints during that time.)

There are no shortages of truly beautiful places in Sri Lanka – and there are more than enough things to do (provided you like the beach). A long, vibrant, (and violent) history exists in Sri Lanka and backpacking through it very much retains the small island, ‘everyone knows everyone’ feeling (despite having a population of 20+ million).

It’s a South Asia-lite experience. Despite a different religious heritage, the feeling is similar to backpacking in India… but pulled back. Nothing feels so hectic, nothing feels so chaotic, and it’s considerably cleaner too.

Sri Lanka’s tourism sector is fairly set and the stops on the typical tour of the island are pretty well-tread: they’re well-developed and already come with expectations of what a tourist wants. The end result is that visiting Sri Lanka’s typical travel guide locales feels, well, like being in a bubble.

A shelter from the big, scary South Asia outside.

But that Sri Lankan-brand South Asian yumminess between the bubbles? It’s just as delicious as it’s always been! Once you step outside the bubble, you’ll find a country chock full of everything backpacking is supposed to be about: good food, good people, good vibes, and good views.

All in all, it’s still South Asia! Many people I meet backpacking in Sri Lanka – particularly those who are fresher to the game – can still find it overwhelming. Expect uncomfortable stares, moments of utter confusion, and personal boundaries occasionally being crossed.

There will be misadventures and mishaps. And my God, they’re gonna be a blast.

Ok, this is usually the part where I whinge about itineraries, ‘ticking boxes’, and tell you to go slow and never go home. (Na, you should go home sometimes; nothing beats Mum’s salad sandwiches).

I mean, you should still go slow – we’re running on Sri Lanka time here! But I do understand the need for a backpacking Sri Lanka travel itinerary.

Most of the people I meet in Sri Lanka backpacking tend to only be travelling short-term, and I meet very few travellers who extend past the initial 30-day visa.

So, as they always say, quantity over quality! Give the people what they want!

2-3 Week Travel Itinerary for Sri Lanka: The Maha Monsoon and the South Coast

You can check the ‘Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka’ section for more deetz, but there are two distinct monsoon seasons in Sri Lanka that create two distinct tour itineraries. When Maha Monsoon is in, head south.

It’s a ridiculously easy route to follow – courtesy of Sri Lanka’s grungy yet more-than-capable public transport. From Bandaranaike International Airport head to Colombo only for the train or bus.

Head south to Hikkaduwa to start on Sri Lanka’s south coast. I’ll outline some standouts but take your pick from all these impeccable beach towns.

A unique point of interest in Sri Lanka is Galle. It’s an old-timey city with colonial-era architecture and a fusion of cultures. This one isn’t for beach parties.

Follow the coast for smaller beachside stops catering to different levels of surfing and breaks. In order: Unawatuna, Midigama, and Weligama.

Mirissa is a major attraction of Sri Lanka’s south coast. More beaches, more surfing, more coconuts! There’s also a bunch of Sri Lanka’s top yoga retreats too.

Wait, what’s that? We’re leaving the beach now? Yep, we’re going to the mountains.

If you’re planning a safari you’ll be thinking about Yala National Park. However, due to the treatment of animals, I regret to say I don’t recommend this stop. (Check further down for more info.)

The next big stop (and one of my personal highlights of Sri Lanka) is Ella and the hill country. I saved here for last because, if you’re anything like me, mountains help you decompress. It’s a good send-off to Sri Lanka too.

From Ella, catch the famous Kandy to Ella train (making a stopover in Nuwara Eliya to break up the ride if there’s time). Maybe you won’t love Kandy but it’s better than Colombo.

2-3 Week Travel Itinerary for Sri Lanka: The Yala Monsoon, the East Coast, and the Middle

It’s a similar deal as before; only this time, the Yala monsoon is ruining tanning opportunities in the south. That sends you east and north.

Negombo makes a great chill alternative to Colombo for a night when you arrive. Then, cut straight to Kandy. 

Kandy isn’t mindblowing but the route from Kandy is. You’ve probably already guessed what comes next: the train to Ella! Again, Nuwara Eliya makes a good stop on the way.

Ella is one of the coolest places to stay in Sri Lanka. Well, not in Ella – the surrounding area – but we’ll get to that…

If you came to Sri Lanka for the beaches, parties, and surfing, go to Arugam Bay. Give yourself enough time to get stuck for a bit – just in case. 

Heading north on the coast, you won’t find much until Trincomalee. It’s chill but a bit pricier and there’s no surf.

From here, head away from the beach to Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, specifically, Sigiriya town – home of the simply magnificent Lion’s Rock (Sigiriya Fortress).

And now we’re heading north. ‘The North’? (Sounds so mysterious, right?) 

The next stop on your Sri Lanka itinerary is Anuradhapura, home of the sacred Bo tree where Buddha received enlightenment. It’s kinda important. It’s another of Sri Lanka’s famous travel places and also the train runs north from here to Jaffna. Now we’re in The North!

Up here you’ll find a different side of Sri Lanka and a deeper insight into Sri Lanka’s history. When it’s time to call it quits, the train runs all the way back to (near) the airport.

1-Month+ Travel Itinerary for Sri Lanka: I Eat Monsoons for Breakfast

Got a month and zero fucks to give about the rain? You’re my kind of traveller.

Here’s one last itinerary for Sri Lanka – something a bit jackfruit-ier to sink your teeth into. All you’re doing is combining the two previous suggested itineraries for a full circuit. If you want a clean circuit, you’ll need to skip some places, but I have a better idea.

Go south first from Negombo. Follow the previously outlined south coast itinerary but slow it down! Tangalle is a nice bonus stop (with quieter beaches).

Next, Ella. Hang around if you like or move on because you can always come back.

Head east, following the Sri Lanka Itinerary #2: Arugam Bay, Trinco, the inland Cultural Triangle, and then up to Jaffna. Afterwards, catch the train to Kandy and here’s where things differ.

Close to Kandy is the Knuckles Mountain Range, and, oh boy, it’s a goodun. If you’re after hiking in Sri Lanka, it’s the place to go. If hiking isn’t your thing, there’s a place you should go to in the Knuckles Range to really burst the bubble: Meemure village.

When Meemure is all said and done, catch the train: Kandy to Ella. Back to sweet, sticky, and sublime Ella. Go and watch the mountains until it’s time to leave. Yes, there is a direct bus to Colombo from right outside.

Let’s divide Sri Lanka’s backpacking route into four areas. Travelling between these beautiful places to visit in Sri Lanka is easy as kottu.

• North for many cultural things to do in Sri Lanka.
• East for the backpacker beaches.
• South has… well… more beaches (but more touristic than the east).
• And in the middle, mountains.

South coast Sri Lanka – beaches and the most tourist-accommodated areas in Sri Lanka. With year-round swell, it’s the right direction if you’re seeking waves.

The east coast – a similar vibe but fewer destinations. The east coast doesn’t get year-round surf.

The Cultural Triangle is for the cultural goodies: ruins, temples, monuments… Asia stuff! They’re sacred places for the locals; like a smoothie bowl and yoga beach shacks for tourists. 

The hill country, pure yum – I believe in mountains. (Title of my upcoming EP release.)

The North is a different feeling altogether; it’s well off any tourist trail and presents a different side of Sri Lanka’s history and culture.

Backpacking Colombo

Jokes! Colombo is a long, sustained fart in city form. Don’t even bother.

Seriously, if you want somewhere to stay as soon as you leave the airport, just go to Negombo instead. It’s more chill, less sucky, and the beaches are nice. If you do get stuck in Colombo, well… At least the hostels in Colombo are nice, and there’s UberEats!

Backpacking Kandy

I enjoyed my trip(s) to Kandy! I feel it’s a much nicer alternative than staying in Colombo. If you have the spoons after landing, I’d suggest booking a hostel in Kandy and travelling straight from the airport.

Anyhow, you’re probably going to visit Kandy. It’s the starting point of the ultra-famous and mega-pretty Kandy to Ella train ride – considered one of Sri Lanka’s wonders – and most people’s main reason for travelling to Kandy. The train from Kandy runs through some of the most beautiful places in Sri Lanka with majestic sweeps of the hill country.

Most backpackers I talk to aren’t particularly enamoured with their visit to Kandy, and I can see their reasoning. There’s not so much to do in Kandy and what there to see isn’t strictly impressive. There’s no nightlife and the typical places to go kind of top out at “Oh, yah, that’s cool.”

All the same, I like Kandy. Sometimes you just like a place, ya know?

I like how it builds down from the mountains to Kandy Lake in the centre. Or how the people living there still seem to not hate life. I like how, at twilight, thousands of bats cross the sky in a chequered blanket.

There’s cool stuff to see in Kandy, especially some of the Sri Lankan festivals.

Backpacking Ella and the Hill Country

The other end of the Kandy to Ella train. Also, one of the best places in Sri Lanka… sort off.

Sri Lanka’s hill country is a special place. There’s a sleepy little magic there that I adore. Ella itself is a bit crap though.

It’s a one-street town, purely touristic, and noisy from the traffic. That’s ok though because there are plenty of places to stay just outside Ella. In fact, I found the coolest place to stay in Sri Lanka here – where I met special people.

Most of the things to do in Sri Lanka’s hill country and Ella revolve around nature: tea plantations, hikes, stunning panoramas, and waterfalls. To me, it’s Sri Lanka’s most beautiful place and shows a truly unique side of the island that you won’t find along the beaches.

The nine arch bridge and Little Adam’s Peak are really easy to reach from here. They’re free and really make beautiful memories in Sri Lanka.

Places to Visit in Sri Lanka’s Hill Country

So, other than Ella, what other places are there to go in Sri Lanka’s hill country?

• Nuwara Eliya – A Sri Lankan highland city in colonial English form. The architecture of the place makes it one of the more unique places in Sri Lanka to visit.
  Nuwara Eliya is also a gate to hill country. It’s home to some really interesting sightseeing plus some gorgeous nature to boot. Just a heads up, it is one of the coldest and highest places in Sri Lanka (though, that’s not saying much).
• Adam’s Peak/Sri Pada – Plus a whole host of other names. Adam’s Peak is well-known for the sri pada (sacred footprint) rock formation at the top and, depending on who you ask, it’s either the footprint of Buddha, Hanuman, Shiva, Adam, or St. Thomas (God, I love Sri Lanka).  The Adam’s Peak climbing season is December to May and it’s easily accessed from the town of Hatton (also on the train line).
• Haputale – Another gorgeous town in Sri Lanka’s mountains. There are some really beautiful vistas in this area. Lipton’s Seat (yes, as in that Lipton) overlooks the plantations. On clear days, you can see all the way to Sri Lanka’s south coast from Haputale.

Backpacking Arugam Bay

Ahh, Arugam Bay: the number one destination on everyone’s east coast Sri Lanka itinerary. Some people take a holiday in Sri Lanka just to spend an entire surf season in Arugam Bay.

How can I say this… it’s a place where a lot of people slow down their travel, but it’s not mine. I’ll describe the vibe, you decide the rest.

Things to do in Arugam Bay: surfing!

Things to do in Arugam Bay if you’re not surfing: fuck-all! And then the occasional party to break up the fuck-all.

There’s heaps of dope food around and local food at cheap bubble-prices. It’s damn good too!

You’ll find pretty much any drug you want and the parties feel more like a means than an end. The end being to get loose and a lay if you’re lucky.

It’s a beach town for travellers: it’s pretty straightforward, man. Days consist of surfing, food, a joint, a nap, more surfing, more joints, probably a kottu (ok, definitely a kottu).

Am I complaining? Hell no! This is paradise for most people. When you visit Arugam Bay, plan to do a whole lotta nothing!

Places to Eat in Arugam Bay

Well, you already know what to do in Arugam Bay, so instead, I’m going to tell you about my real favourite part… the munchies! Because that’s what I did do a lot of in Arugam: spliffs and food comas.

• Thatha’s Tea Shop – It’s cheap, it’s yummy, and it’s near the beach. Moderate servings that are good for a light breakfast, or at least light for someone that likes to eat two breakfasts.
• Shab’s Corner – Run by a ridiculously friendly man. It’s a shack at the very south edge of town and it’s got good local food at good prices.
• The Blue Van/Truck – There’s actually like three of these in a row on the south side of town and they’re all cracking. It’s the closest thing you’ll get to street food in Arugam Bay.
  The first one specialises in hoppers, the next blue truck has my favourite kottu in town, and then the blue cargo container after has the best ready-made roti and pancakes. Catch them hot!
• Mama’s Restaurant – Two buffets a day keeps the doctor away! I can’t recommend Mama’s enough. For 400 rups (lunch and dinner) you get all-you-can-eat rice and curry (6 types of curry) with the best eggplant curry I had in Sri Lanka. Remember: it’s a dishonour to the buffet gods to not get a second plate.
• Bites – Go to bites and get a brookie. It’s a brownie-cookie. That’s all I’m saying.
• Hello Burger – Ok, one recommendation for Western food. Hello Burger does hella good burgers but they’re hella expensive.

Backpacking Trincomalee

A much, much quieter alternative to Arugam Bay to see some of Sri Lanka’s best beaches. I don’t know if it’s always that quiet; I was there in peak season, however, locals told me that year was especially slow.

There’s no surfing in Trincomalee but there is snorkelling, diving, and long sandy beaches. Also, they have volleyball nets on the beach which is great fun! I didn’t even realise I liked volleyball until visiting Trincomalee!

This is the other beach stop on Sri Lanka’s east coast. There’s not much else except, arguably, Pasikuda, but that’s more local-touristy (it’s actually a premier Sri Lankan honeymoon destination). It’s very quiet, pretty, and a good choice for backpacking in Sri Lanka alone by the beach.

But Trinco, yeah. For where to stay in Trincomalee, there are two good options with very different vibes. Uppuveli is your typical tourist hub featuring Trincomalee’s hostels, restaurants, and beach bars. Nilaveli is a lot quieter and a lot more local; there are resorts and rooms by the beach and then the rest is Sri Lanka.

Snorkelling, diving, beach-beers, and local goodness outside the bubble. Pack for a beach day because that about sums up Trinco in a nutshell!

Backpacking Jaffna

Ok, so now you’re leaving Sri Lanka’s backpacking route. Nowhere is too far off the beaten track in Sri Lanka but Jaffna is off the typical itinerary. Make the trip to Jaffna and the northern islands to see some Sri Lankan temples, architecture, and food in a much different stream: the vibe is much closer to South Indian (and predominantly Tamil-Hindu).

Up in the north, you’re in the area most affected by Sri Lanka’s civil war (see the ‘Sri Lanka in Modern Times’ section). The city of Jaffna is primarily inhabited by Tamils and you’re going to find a different perspective up there. The aftermath of the war still shows.

So, is Jaffna worth visiting? That depends on what you’re after.

Travelling to Jaffna isn’t for backpacking: it’s for culture and history. It’s different people, a different feeling, and a place to travel to in Sri Lanka if the feeling of the backpacking tour is wearing thin.

Backpacking the Cultural Triangle

The Cultural Triangle in Central Sri Lanka. The three points are Kandy, Anuradhapura, and Polonnaruwa with Dambulla and Sigiriya in the middle.

If your trivia knowledge on Sri Lanka’s points of interest is low – that’s a lot of weird names I just dropped on you. Don’t worry though, I’m gonna break this thang down in just a few seconds here, so shake it like a polaroid picture.

Located in the central plains of Sri Lanka (”Rajarata” or King’s Land), it’s also the dry zone. You’ll get spurts of rain but for the most part, it’s humid and hot and the mosquitoes love it. It’s good for both an east and south-coast itinerary for Sri Lanka (depending on how you handle mosquitoes while travelling).

There are still plenty of natural goodies in the region; Jathika Namal Uyan (Rose Quartz Mountain) is definitely a must-see in Sri Lanka’s steamy centre. However, the biggest tourist pulls in the area are definitely the archaeological sites and Old World delights. Most travellers give themselves a whirlwind tour of the region (highlighted by Sigiriya) and move one.

Places to Visit in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka

Now don’t have me break this thang down for nothin’:

• Anuradhapura – The ancient capital of Buddhism within Sri Lanka and arguably its most sacred city. A lot of ruins, a lot of monuments, and, at the centre, you’ll find Sri Maha Bodhi, home of the sacred Bo tree: the tree where Buddha received enlightenment (and the oldest human-planted tree in the world).
• Polonnaruwa – One of the old capitals of Sri Lanka, Polonnaruwa is an extensive area of ancient temples, rock fortresses, and all manners cheeky Buddha grins. The area is pretty big so hiring a tuk-tuk driver, a bicycle, or a scooter for the day is the go-to.
• Dambulla – More temples… Look, there are only so many flourishing words I can use to describe temples, ok? This one is in a cave… woo.
• Sigiriya – Ahhhh, Sigiriya; I like Sigiriya. It’s still a fairly unique place to visit in Sri Lanka despite being in the top 5 on most backpacking itineraries. It also has the highest density of slacklines by area that I found in Sri Lanka. The main attraction (and what a goddamn attraction it is) is Lion’s Rock with Sigiriya Fortress perched atop. Now, you can pay 4500 rupees ($25 – eek) to walk up the stairs to the busy rock… Orr, you could pay 500 rupees to climb the adjacent Pidurangala Rock and see the sunset catch Lion’s Rock. The choice is yours (although I kinda loaded the question).
  Shenadi Restaurant in Sigiriya town does dope local food and Rastarant has bangin’ juices and a slackline!

Given the fact that the whole region represents thousands and thousands of years of a near-impenetrable cultural history, booking a tour is totally worth the consideration! You can get in, get a bunch of learning into your brain, and be back in Sigiriya for fruit juice by nightfall!

Backpacking Galle

Moving south now but before we start talking about the beaches, let’s cover Galle.

Galle is a small city and it’s a cool city! Much like Nuwara Eliya, it’s an example of the fusion flavours of Sri Lanka only this time it’s Portuguese and Dutch! You’ve got Galle Fort (the old town) which is a prime example of Sri Lankan old-money at its finest and then outside the Fort you have… well… Galle.

Galle (Fort) is interesting to me; not interesting enough to keep me there for more than a night but interesting all the same. The architecture is beautiful (it really feels like a European village that’s been invaded by the tuk-tuk mafia) and it’s not just touristy but also wealthy – like, really wealthy.

Sri Lankans go jogging in the morning in full track gear, finding a local feed is a mission in-of-itself, and it’s the only time in Asia I’ve ever been refused buying a single cigarette (I’m still feeling salty about that one).

Galle’s old city is delightful to stroll through for what it is and another of Sri Lanka’s very beautiful places. I’d say it’s still worth visiting Galle (Fort) but move on quick unless you came to Sri Lanka to sit in Western cafes drinking European coffee and eating chocolate cheesecake. I want my goddamn kottu!

Backpacking Sri Lanka’s South Coast

And now we’re moving south, back to Sri Lanka’s beaches. Same as I got bored of describing temples, expect me to get bored of describing beaches. There’s sand, water, and good butts to look at: it’s all you need in life!

The south coast presents more of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful places, as well as more of its party spots. It’s all the things to do on Sri Lankan beaches that you’d expect: surfing, snorkelling, diving, and Russians. Things to do… Russians… wait, that came out wrong!

The south coast of Sri Lanka is a haven for chilled-out life and stoned surfing. Mirissa and Hikkaduwa are ideal starter towns on a Sri Lanka guide to surfing. But I’ve even broken it down in sexy table format below.

Otherwise, you’re looking at more of Sri Lanka’s best beaches along with some of its best beach hotels. The south coast is more developed than the east in touristic aspects. Tuk-tuk drivers and touts are more lethal and the tourist bubble prices will kick you around more.

There are plenty of affordable yoga retreats in this area too. That’s worth a mention too.

The Best Beaches on Sri Lanka’s South Coast

This is probably why you came here: Sri Lanka’s world-famous beaches! Long stretches of sand decorated by delicious summer bods and stray pooches. Ok, maybe you weren’t expecting stray pooches, but this is beachside-fun South Asia style! Show them some TLC: they need it.

What are the best and most beautiful beaches on Sri Lanka’s south coast? Here’s a sexy table to match that sexy core you’ve been toning in preparation:

Backpacking Yala National Park

Oh yeah, they have jungles!

First, a word on Sri Lanka’s national parks: they’re a bit shit. Not the parks themselves – they’re crazy beautiful – but the rules and regulations around them are a drag. Expensive permits only for “observing flora and fauna”, i.e. by way of safari.

That leads me to the safaris in Sri Lanka. We have a pretty clear-cut stance on animal tourism on The Broke Backpacker. We don’t engage and we don’t condone. After I arrived in Sri Lanka, I was hearing story after story from travellers who had visited Yala National Park about animal abuse.

Unfortunately, it seems the most ethical way to support the animals is to completely avoid any kind of animal tourism. So I hope you’ll consider doing the same.

Even without a trip down the ethical tourism rabbit hole, the safaris in Sri Lanka already have a fairly bad reputation. Not all pieces of animal tourism in Sri Lanka are so highly questionable, however, the evidence is there to suggest it’s better to simply not engage.

Alas, tourists gonna tourist! I get that not everyone feels the same on the matter as me and, considering a wildlife tour to see elephants and leopards is a fan-favourite backpacking activity in Sri Lanka. Ultimately, you do you.

Yala National Park is Sri Lanka’s most popular national park with plenty of jeep safaris and opportunities to see the aforementioned leopards and elephants. Though not as popular, Wilpattu National Park (on the northwestern side) is the largest national park in Sri Lanka with equal wildlife spotting opportunities.

The choice is yours, however, as always, please consider your impact and travel responsibly. Travel is a gift and a privilege.

Getting Off the Beaten Path in Sri Lanka

Can you get off the beaten track while backpacking Sri Lanka? Yeah, but surely you can everywhere?

I’ll reiterate what I’ve already approached: Sri Lanka is bubble wrap. Sri Lanka a small island and there aren’t too many hidden places remaining around it. But there are places off its expected itinerary.

The north and Jaffna is a good start. People still visit Jaffna for sure, but it’s not like other points of interest in Sri Lanka. It’s a historical city with only a handful of travellers.

Heading down the west coast, Mannar Island grabs my interest (though I missed out on visiting it). It’s the location of Adam’s Bridge or Rama Setu (depending on who you ask) which is either a chain of shoals or the remains of a bridge built across the Indian Ocean by an ancient Hindu god (depending on who you ask).

If you’re looking for beaches that are off Sri Lanka’s backpacking route, the southeast between Tangalle and Yala National Park are where things start to open up: wide, expansive, and much quieter.

Knuckles Mountain Range and Meemure are the only place I travelled to in Sri Lanka that really gave me those sweet-sweet-tingly stomach butterflies. There are still areas of this gorgeous spot that remain untouched, and it’s easily the best hiking place in Sri Lanka.

However, the Knuckles Mountains are perfectly capable of slapping you upside the face. They’re not to be trifled with.

Is This the Best Backpack EVER???

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

View on Osprey View on REI

Because travelling to a far and distant land simply isn’t enough, we need some goddamn things to do!

1. Epic Waves and Lotsa Kooks: Go Surfing in Sri Lanka

C’mon, as if this was going to be anywhere but number 1 on the list of things to do in Sri Lanka! Sri Lanka’s beautiful beaches draw in surfers of beginner, intermediate, and veteran status.

Surfing in Sri Lanka is easily the biggest tourist activity on the island. And with good reason; it’s a primo destination for it!

Plenty of surfies bunker down near their favourite break too and just spend an entire season carving. That includes the locals too!

2. Ride the Kandy to Ella Train, South Asian Express

Yep, it’s mega-famous and mega-pretty and you’re almost definitely gonna catch it because the trains in Sri Lanka are excellent Asia-brand fun. Luckily for you, the complete Kandy to Ella Train Travel Guide is right here!

I still recommend catching the train unreserved for the local goodness, but if you’d like to guarantee a seat, you can book using 12Go. Fair warning though – the A/C carriages have locked doors and windows meaning that you don’t give your mum a heart attack with the photo-ops.

3. Rent a Tuk Tuk in Sri Lanka Because Why Bloody Not?

So, this was totally accidental but I lucked into being a German couple’s (love you guys) 3rd-wheel in their 3-wheel rental. We travelled Sri Lanka together by tuk-tuk for a solid 3 weeks and I can say, without a doubt, that I now know way too much about their sex life… Also, that it’s fun as hell!

Check out the section on renting a tuk-tuk in Sri Lanka for price and logistic deetz cause I got the scoop and a little something extra for ya too. (And, also, protip – those surfboard racks are useless and an excellent way to waste $30.)

4. Eat Kottu Everyday

Ok, not every day – I wouldn’t exactly call it good for you. Kottu is a greasy, fried, hot mess of chopped roti and vegetables and it’s the best. It’s basically the fish and chips of Sri Lanka!

If you happen to get into a week-long stoner-munchies bubble and eat kottu every day at the beach, I wouldn’t blame you.

5. Hunt Down Some of Sri Lanka’s Waterfalls

Fun fact: Sri Lanka has the highest density of waterfalls by area of all the countries of the world. Now, I dunno if that’s actually true but a Sri Lankan dude told me that and he seemed pretty stoked about it!

Regardless, what I do know is that there is a near-infinite amount of spectacular waterfall wonders in Sri Lanka so get out there and, most definitely, go chasing waterfalls!

6. Party Down, Hook Up, and Get High

In the right spots, there is a party scene in Sri Lanka for sure. What’s the vibe like? What delicious treats can I put in my body?

Check out the appropriate section to examine my well-collected “research” (wink-wink-wink-wink).

7. Little Hikes and Big Hikes in Sri Lanka

Many of the natural attractions in Sri Lanka require something of a small hike to reach. It’s never really anything too strenuous – one to two hours of walking suited for a beginner hiker – and it usually results in a pretty badass view or waterfall.

For more serious hiking places in Sri Lanka, you’re going to want to check out that sexy, sexy Knuckles Mountain Range. There are plenty of multi-day trekking opportunities there, and the feeling of being lost isn’t hard to find. It’s no Nepal, but the mountains in Sri Lanka still carry their own special kind of magic.

8. Meditate on the Spiritual Consciousness after the Party Comedown

Sri Lanka is primarily a Buddhist country and Buddhism and meditation go together like kottu and my mouth. There are places you can pay out the ass for meditation retreats or monasteries hidden on mountaintops that will adopt wayward travellers.

There are also vipassana retreats in Sri Lanka for when you’re ready to get really hardcore about your suffering and impermanence.

9. Play Carom

Maybe you’ve seen carom before depending on where your travels have taken you; it’s extremely popular around South Asia. To sum it up in a nutshell, it’s basically finger-pool. There’s a board at most of the hostels in Sri Lanka that I’ve recommended, so find a teacher, roll up, and git gud!

10. See Some Beasties at Millennium Elephant Foundation

Right, so The Broke Backpacker doesn’t condone animal tourism nor do I peddle the wares of Sri Lanka’s hyperactive Safari culture. However, we do support reputable elephant orphanages and ethical elephant tourism. And there is one particular elephant sanctuary in Sri Lanka that we do stand behind.

Seeing elephants in Sri Lanka

These guys don’t let you ride the elephants. They used to let you ride them bareback, but now they’ve exchanged that program for their much more whimsical and respectable Elephant Walk Experience. It’s kinda like a first date: you get to hang out, go for a romantic stroll with your partner elephant, and even help them bathe at the end if you’re lucky. 😉

Was the first date divine? Then it’s time to commit because the Elephant Foundation accepts volunteers too! Not only will you get to hang out, care for, and bathe with the lovelies, but you’ll help out around the property too with farming, veterinary work, and teaching!

Honestly, there’s zero reason not to drop the cash you were going to spend on booking a safari on this instead. It’s 1000 times more of an authentic experience, 1000 times less morally reprehensible, and 100,000 times better than sitting in a jeep staring slackjawed at wild animals that really just wish you’d piss off…

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Continuing the trend of being well-accommodated for both the frugal adventurer and the looser-pocketed holidayer alike, Sri Lanka’s cheap accommodation options are plentiful and numerous. Prices aren’t quite as low as other places across Asia, but there are some really cool places to stay around Sri Lanka

There are a few choice picks of Sri Lanka’s coolest hostels in particular which come with a little bit of a grungier vibe… The good type of grungy!

Depending on what kind of accommodation in Sri Lanka you’re after, the prices and amanities do vary:

• Hostels and guest houses in Sri Lanka are pretty much anywhere that the whiteys go and usually range from the $5-$9 price range. You’ll nearly always find a social vibe too.
• For travelling duos (or trios, you saucy minx) there are plenty of cheap rooms in Sri Lanka too. A decent room costing $14-$19 split two ways (or three-ways, wink-wink) will usually net you something better than a dorm room for roughly the same price.
• Hotels are a thing in Sri Lanka too and they come in many flavours. Sri Lanka’s cheap hotels offer some light luxury at a good price ($27-$44) while the best hotels… Well, let’s just say Sri Lanka’s best hotels go wayyy outside my budget and area of expertise.

Travelling by Couchsurfing is also definitely a thing here, and it’s an excellent way to both get a local’s perspective of the country and save some rups in the process! Also, considering the size and connectivity of Sri Lanka, Couchsurfing at one local’s house starts the chain of being hooked up across the island.

Finally, Airbnb in Sri Lanka is another sweet option and there are some sweet pads around: treehouses, bungalows, and rooms-with-a-view. Prices vary depending on the level of dope-ness, but there are some super cheap choices too.

The Airbnbs in Sri Lanka offer a nice respite if the constant flow of people is growing a bit tiresome, however, it’s never quite as fun as sitting around the common area in the hostel beating cute Israeli girls in shesh-besh.

The Best Places to Stay in Sri Lanka

All my favourite places to stay in Sri Lanka from all the backpacking destinations I mentioned. I really am making it too easy for you!

An Update on the Best Hostel in Sri Lanka

I am pleased to announce a happy update for my absolute favourite hostel in Sri Lanka (and one of the most wonderful, homey, hippy-dirtbag sticky places I’ve ever found in my travels): Tomorrowland Hostel, Ella. After a rough period being under shady management, it finally has a new owner. 

I literally calculated my travel costs for the last 6 weeks in Sri Lanka a few days ago (to see if more smoke was in the budget), so I’m well-equipped to answer this.

Backpacking in Sri Lanka is not too cheap but not too expensive. It’s one of the more expensive places to travel in cheap Asia – let’s say falling between India and Thailand. Budget travel in Sri Lanka also depends on what type of travel you’re after.

Sri Lanka is well-used to tourism: they’re not as ferocious as the Thais but they still know what they can charge more for. Prices go up once you’re in the bubble (as always) and proper tourist activities in Sri Lanka (safaris, snorkelling, major attractions, etc.) are priced accordingly. There are definitely cheaper places in the world you can do them.

Before I give you my daily spending I’ll give you a rundown of how I backpacked through Sri Lanka:

• Initially, I followed a pretty typical backpacking route and itinerary in Sri Lanka.
• I tend to pass on expensive touristic things like safaris and snorkelling unless they really pique my curiosity.
• There were a couple of parties, but it’s not why I travel.
• I pretty much always sleep cheap and eat local in the bubbles.
• This wasn’t nearly as rough as my previous journeys; I only slept out once and I lucked into that tuk-tuk rental.
• I don’t drink.
• I don’t really buy cigarettes.
• Clearly, I smoke.

Ok, now that you have a point of comparison, the final total for my backpacking Sri Lanka budget: $20 a day (rounded up). You could take it lower and I’d say, on average, most travellers here spend in excess of that.

A Daily Budget in Sri Lanka

Money in Sri Lanka

The currency of Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR) and they have pretty birds and pictures on them. No closeups of some old dude looking unsettlingly at you. Currently, 1 USD = 181 LKR so I’ve just been mathing it out as 2:1 for the sake of efficiency.

ATMs in Sri Lanka are frequent and aplenty and most (pretty much all) are going to charge you a fee. I haven’t encountered any issues using them though I do remember one local woman having her card eaten.

Most accommodation and hostels in Sri Lanka take card as do restaurants in the touristy places (or just if they’re fancy). Outside of that, I’d stick to cash, especially for local areas.

Sri Lanka is also haggling country, so brush up on your bartering skills. I never tried at a hostel but tuk-tuks, private rooms, souvenir shopping… test your might!

Travel Tips – Sri Lanka on a Budget

Sri Lanka is not so expensive but it ain’t strictly cheap either. After completing my backpacking route, I’ve quite comfortably settled into a routine of less than $10 a day. That covers my bed, an all-you-can-eat breakfast, and an all-you-can-eat dinner. Jai buffets!

But as I mentioned, I haven’t taken my travels here quite as rough as I have in the past. If you want to keep your budget for backpacking Sri Lanka at the real cheap-ass level, there’s a few standard budget backpacking tips and Sri-Lanka specific tricks you can utilise:

• Camp in Sri Lanka – The big one that’s really gonna save you some swagaliscious-casharoonies. It’s not common in Sri Lanka but it’s still Asia; as long as your not on someone’s porch, no one is gonna chase you off. Of course, for this, you’re going to need the right backpacking gear…
• Haggle – And do it like a goddamn warrior!
• Overeat – Rice and curry buffets are numerous and a dirtbag’s best friend. Space those meals wisely!
• Leave the tourist bubble – Once you take a stroll out of the dedicated one-or-two tourist streets, you’ll start finding things closer to the local prices. Also, generally, the shopkeepers are pretty stoked to see you.
• MRRP – Maximum retail rupee price: it’s nearly always printed on supermarket goods in Sri Lanka’s shops. Keep an eye on it and calculate your bill because it’s not uncommon (especially in the tourist areas) for the shopkeepers to charge a little extra tea money. Count your change too.

Why Should You Travel to Sri Lanka with a Water Bottle?

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Right, strap yourself in because I’m about to tell you about the weather in Sri Lanka! Is it complicated? Na – only a bit – but it’s complicated enough to warrant saying “strap yourself in”.

As I mentioned, there are two distinct monsoon seasons in Sri Lanka. That leaves the question of when to go to Sri Lanka a bit more open-ended… like a choose-your-own-adventure book!

The northeast monsoon (which shuts down Arugam and Trinco and soaks the hills as well) hangs about from November to March. This means that the peak season for Sri Lanka’s south coast is in the winter and it gets busy.

The southwest monsoon – with the heaviest rainfall of Sri Lanka’s weather – hits the south coast from April to September. This makes summer and the surrounding months the time to visit Sri Lanka’s east coast and the hill country. During this time… oh, dude, it’s so hot. A humid inescapable heat; wherever you are, you want to be near water.

October and November are the slowest months for Sri Lanka. Pretty much everywhere gets hit by rainfall regularly and thunderstorms scatter across the island.

The rain is the main thing you’re going to tussle with during your travels within Sri Lanka. Past that, temperatures are consistent. At higher elevations it gets colder but, otherwise, Sri Lanka is humid and it’s hot and there are no other real surprises.

What to Pack for Sri Lanka

The six things no adventure is truly complete without. Don’t forget to pack them while backpacking Sri Lanka:

Product

Description

Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!

Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!

Ear Plugs

Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.

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Keep your laundry organized and stink free

Keep your laundry organized and stink free

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

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Stay Dry With a Micro Towel

Stay Dry With a Micro Towel

Sea To Summit Micro Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

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Make Some New Buddies…

Make Some New Buddies…

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

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Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!

Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!

Grayl Geopress Water Bottle

Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!

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For plenty more inspiration on what to pack, check out the full backpacking packing list!

Ok, so this is an important section to get right considering its chaotic history (and especially the terrorist attacks back of April 2019 which changed much of the official safety and travel advice for Sri Lanka). Despite a history of internal violence, Sri Lanka is a safe country to travel.

There’s still some levels of unrest here and the wounds of the past have not yet fully healed but there are no currently ongoing conflicts. That stuff generally stays away from the tourist bubbles and, as a whole, the Sri Lankan people just want to move forward. Forward and away from old divisions and away from a still exceedingly corrupt government.

So what do you need to look out for:

• Stick to metered tuk-tuks only in Colombo (or better yet Uber/Pick Me) and generally just keep a healthy level of distrust with tuk-tuk drivers. Make sure that they’re driving in the right direction.
• Watch out for the typical scams if you’re shopping around Sri Lanka. Sapphires, in particular, are sketchy to buy.
• Some of the stilt fishermen down south aren’t so much fishing as sitting. Snap a photo and you’ll be accosted for cash. I’ve seen tea pickers try and pull the same stunt.
• Watch your pockets in touristy areas and your stuff at the beaches. Pack a secure travel money belt to protect your valuables!
• Similarly, stick to filtered water (or, better yet, bring a filtered water bottle). I never got sick while backpacking in Sri Lanka, however, my constitution seems to have toughened up ever since that sunrise dip in the Ganga.
• Avoid being coerced into taking a guide when around Sri Lanka’s tourist attractions. Pre-organise that stuff.
• If you see a wild elephant or leopard, lucky you but keep your distance, yeah?

Overall, this is run-of-the-mill ‘how to travel safely‘ stuff. Jerks are everywhere. Most locals I’ve met aren’t out to screw you over; just to rip you off a bit.

Oh, and it’s sad that I have to mention this, but don’t ride the chained elephants. Hell, don’t ride an unchained elephant. Please, just don’t be part of the problem.

 An interlude from Laura – Is Sri Lanka good for solo female travel?

You know, I was the person who told Ziggy to find his dirtbag home in Sri Lanka in the first place. It’s one of my favourite countries – easily. So how is backpacking Sri Lanka as a solo female traveller?

I mean, really, it’s a perfectly packaged country. Excellent transport services, making friends at the drop of a hat, and it’s pretty damn safe as destinations go.  It’s certainly tamer than the likes of India.

Actually, Sri Lanka has one of the highest numbers of solo female travellers. That really says something.

Of course, you’re a woman and you’re alone so – like most places in the world – there are some things we have to consider. But in the depths of Asia, women’s rights still have a way to go. Sometimes you may experience awkward stares, an inappropriate comment – though it rarely goes further than that.

Walking around alone at night is a no-go… (Though please, don’t do that anywhere.)

That said, my memories of backpacking Sri Lanka are all rainbows and unicorns. In many ways, I was actually treated better because I am a female. 

Always remember you’re a strong woman and you can do this! So yes, backpacking Sri Lanka is awesome for solo female travellers! Actually, it’s one of the best things you can ever do.

Sex, Drugs, and Rock ‘n’ Roll in Sri Lanka

Alright, now we get to talk about the good stuff! Why stay safe when you can get fucked up?

How’s the meaningless sex scene in Sri Lanka? Alive and kicking, same as anywhere! The beachside party spots in Sri Lanka are as rife with drunken one-night-stands as anywhere and – outside of poor decisions made under impaired cognitive functions – Tinder appears to be the gold standard with travellers these days (I feel so old).

I experimented with swiping (briefly) and I can tell you that I matched with way more locals than white chicks mostly centred in Colombo. I can also tell you that if it was a choice between getting laid in Colombo or not being in Colombo, I would choose the latter every time.

Summary of findings: Tinder still eats farts for breakfast.

Right, now for the good stuff: the things you’re putting inside your body! (There was a spectacularly inappropriate segue there too but my editor said it had to go…)

Starting at the bottom, booze is easily available and fairly cheap though, as always, the real killer for anyone backpacking Sri Lanka on a budget.

Lion is your go-to beer and the Lion Strongs are gonna give you the most bang for your buck (if getting royally shitfaced is the goal). Arrack is the local distilled option and the cheap swill tastes fairly close to rum.

How much is a beer in Sri Lanka? Usually around the $1.50 mark, a bit more at your hostel, and pricey at the tourist traps. Outside of beer and arrack, booze is expensive.

It also bears mentioning that cigarettes are expensive (which is very weird for Asia). A pack of cigarettes costs the same as in Germany ($7ish) and rolling tobacco is damn hard to find (though possible).

What about the real goodies? Teehee.

The Party Scene In Sri Lanka

Drugs first because some would say that’s my area of expertise (sorry, Mum).

I can confirm that you can get pretty much anything your heart desires (mushrooms being a notable absence). The prices are a lot higher than India or Nepal (honestly, some stuff can approach Australian price-levels) and the quality isn’t as high (pharmaceuticals notwithstanding) but they definitely do the job.

Now, on the topic of smoke, you have weed and you have hash. Ganja is cheaper, but it gets messed with – chemicals and the like. The locals call it KG (Kerala Gold but my hairy ass it’s Kerala Gold) and most local stoners won’t touch it except on the odd occasion.

Hash is yummy but pricey. You can get crap hash and you can get good hash; that depends on you. Also, expensive or not, this is still South Asia so get used to rolling big spliffs and sharing them around. Forget the puff-puff-pass BS; sharing is caring.

As for the party scene in Sri Lanka? Sri Lanka’s nightlife is not my vibe, but you’ll find lotsa parties at the beach towns (Arugam Bay, Mirissa, and Hikkaduwa in particular). Think Thailand party vibes with more head wobbles: house and techno, dudes in fruit-print shirts, and hostel hookups navigating shared dorm spaces. (The dude I saw in Arugam that got out of bed and waited outside while his mate got a root is an absolute legend of time and space.)

Are there any good parties in Sri Lanka? You know the ones I’m talking about; with the good drugs and the weirdos. There aren’t many hippie places in Sri Lanka and disappointingly you’re not going to find the psy-hippy scene of (old) Goa but Tomorrowland in Ella is a very good start and also happens to be my absolute favourite place to stay in Sri Lanka. You’ll find some normal people there.

Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Sri Lanka

Leopards, elephants, severe indigestion from rice and curry buffet overloads – a lot can happen in Sri Lanka! That’s why it’s always better to have full travel insurance when you’re moving.

Because shit happens.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

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Well, it wouldn’t be much of a travel guide for Sri Lanka if I didn’t tell you how to travel it! How you’re getting in, how you’re getting around Sri Lanka, and, then, how you’re getting out again.

Some might say that’s incredibly crucial information. At the very least, I’d be shit at my job if I didn’t tell you.

Entry Requirements for Sri Lanka

Ok, this is a weird one. Prior to the COVID shutdowns, there were none (for the usual First-World players). A visa waiver program was initiated in Sri Lanka in response to the flagging tourism numbers following the 2019 terrorist attacks.

The government was trialling a 1-month-free visa-on-arrival for Sri Lanka, and it was stupidly easy to get. Show up with that stunning smile you’ve been perfecting, acquire the appropriate stamp, and then go receive your first “Tuk-tuk?” from the tuk-tuk mafia.

The trial period for the zero requirements Sri Lanka visa was set to end on the 31st of January 2020, then the program was extended, and then COVID happened. What will happen next is anyone’s guess, however, you can expect this section to be updated when we know. Regardless, when tourism reopens, you can expect the Sri Lankan government to want to make it as simple a process as possible.

I’m linking the official site for Sri Lanka visas so you can check everything yourself. If you are from somewhere that isn’t blessed with free entry, you’ll need to apply online before arriving or get a visa-on-arrival at the airport. It should be $35 for a visa online or $40 for a visa-on-arrival.

For the record, I had no onward ticket but that’s obviously very case-by-case. I haven’t needed one in my travels yet; it must be that winning smile!

Sri Lanka Visa Extension

Continuing on, extensions on your Sri Lankan visa are easy too! They’re also considerably more excruciating. The classic red-tape bureaucracy flavour with a South Asian twist!

Option one is to go to Sri Lanka’s Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. Things to do in Colombo:

1. Get your visa extended.
2. Leave.

The process is pretty painful, not gonna lie, although that may have been courtesy of the whopping ear infection I had at the time. Expect to be waiting a minimum of 4 hours among several different waiting areas so bring a Rubik’s Cube and snackos.

The fees for a Sri Lanka visa extension are cheap too. I paid $30 USD (as an Australian) for two extra months (3 months total) and a further 3-month renewal on your Sri Lanka visa is possible (for another $30). The process is convoluted but easy and there’s a useful guide on Sri Lanka visa extensions here in case you’re confused.

Option two, however, means you won’t even have to visit Colombo, and that’s a pretty damn good option! Not many people know this but you can renew a visa from anywhere in Sri Lanka via courier (and, yeah, that means giving the courier your passport). I’ve got this on good standing from an ex-pat living in Sri Lanka who’s used the service multiple times.

Get the ball rolling by emailing [email protected] and start the process by correspondence. It’s easy but it means you’ll miss out on the joys of Sri Lankan bureaucracy.

Have you sorted your accommodation yet?

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Well, the good news is that it’s ridiculously easy: it’s almost too easy! The public transport in Sri Lanka is distinctly South Asian but also extremely capable. It helps that it’s a small island.

Something beautiful is never too far away!

Travelling by Train and Bus in Sri Lanka

The trains in Sri Lanka are tight! They run to a number of major points across the island and Sri Lanka Railway’s ticket prices are cheap. The rides are bumpy, slow, and teeming with local goodness.

The buses in Sri Lanka are also ridiculously cheap! Will you get a seat? I dunno, guess you’ll just have to show up to find out!

Bus ticket prices in Sri Lanka are based on the grade/type of the bus and that topic is a hot mess. Let’s just summarise it as cheap, local, unreserved buses vs. expensive, AC, reserved ones  Again you’re looking at bumpy rides and the local buses tend to play loud music so settle in with favourite pair of travel headphones and watch the sky.

Travelling by Tourist Transport Services in Sri Lanka

If you’re happy to pay more, the going only gets easier. Tuk-tuks, share taxis, vans, probably hot-air balloons: there’s plenty of tourist transport services in Sri Lanka! Sri Lanka has magic tuk-tuks; they just always seem to appear.

Booking is as easy as going into town and haggling a good price. Option two is to just ask through your accommodation but probs-defs at a higher price than your devilish silver tongue can acquire.

Honestly, dude, getting around Sri Lanka is a piece of cake. Even at the bottom-rung of dirtbag style, it’s easy. Uncomfortable and unpredictable at times but still the best I’ve seen this side of Myanmar.

In terms of buying tickets for the trains and buses in Sri Lanka, it’s a matter of showing up and saying the name of your destination (perhaps with that dazzling grin again). That’s for the el cheapo unreserved seating. The fancier classes require more pre-thought.

In terms of booking the fancy-pants classes, go to the station, talk to your appointed legal guardian at your hostel, or, option three, book online. Check out 12Go.asia for booking trains and buses in Sri Lanka because Sri Lanka is in Asia. Couldn’t be simpler!

Tuk Tuk Rental in Sri Lanka

How about the absolute best way to travel Sri Lanka? Well, that’s probably still a motorbike. The runner-up is definitely a tuk-tuk though… unless you find that hot-air balloon.

Ok, so I promised I’d spill the deetz on what a tuk-tuk rental in Sri Lanka is like. First things first, it’s more expensive than public transport, no doubt. Between fuel costs and rental prices (20 bucks a day), it’s not even a competition. So why is it the second-best way to travel Sri Lanka?

You’re paying a premium to drive a goddamn tuk-tuk in Sri Lanka! Think about it: this (wonderful) couple rolls into the most – potentially only – hippie place in Sri Lanka – and recruited yours truly… They basically paid to travel with me!

And what an adventure! There were joints and middle-of-nowhere-rotis. There were wrong turns and elephants. There was actually driving to the dealer’s house – instead of waiting for him to come back – and smoking up with him beneath the watchful benevolence of a giant Buddha statue! It was dope (heh).

Have I piqued your curiosity? Good, then check out tuktukrental.com. These guys run a real tight ship on the whole operation.

They’ll figure out your Sri Lankan driver’s licence (it’s a lot easier than you may have heard), sort out your insurance, and give you a jam-packed instruction booklet on… well… everything! That thing is stacked – discounts and all!

So, what do you do? You follow the link, scope out if renting a tuk-tuk in Sri Lanka is for you, and then enter the code brokebackpacker at the checkout for a discount. And remember:

Drive Shanti; we’re running on Sri Lanka time.

Plus… those buses will smoke ya.

Hitchhiking in Sri Lanka

Well, this is definitely the cheapest way to get around Sri Lanka provided you don’t accidentally hail an unmarked taxi. Locals will tell you it’s “not possible” but it is. The best part is you’ll definitely end up in some of Sri Lanka’s more uncommon places to visit!

There’s no ‘Hitching Sri Lanka Guidebook’ (although we do have this sweet Hitchhiking 101 Guide), but here are a few tips specific on grabbing a ride in this part of the world:

• Wave your hand, signal the direction you’re going, wobble your head (seriously, try it): a thumb may still work but it’s not a universal symbol here.
• Get someone to write you a sign in Sinhalese and Tamil if possible. It’ll grab attention at the very least.
• If the communication levels are there, remember to explain you only need to go in the direction of ‘X’.
• In smaller towns and areas (Ella comes to mind), you can grab local hitches pretty easily. Truck drivers are super chill about you just sitting in the trailer.

Even with the dirt-cheap public transport, hitchhiking will bring your cost of travel for Sri Lanka down quite nicely. It does, however, come with the caveats of hitching in South Asia.

It’s just, like… exhausting, man. Tuk-tuk drivers stop and linger thirstily, locals constantly question you and argue the feasibility of what you’re doing, and deciphering potential rides from unmarked taxis takes a developed hitcher’s second-sight. If you do get a ride, more times than not you’ll be asked for money at the end (giving a tip is alright but there’s a line).

For the challenge and adventure, yeah it’s definitely worth it! Otherwise, considering the stupidly cheap transport, it’s not. I’ll just tell you what I always tell people about my long-distance hitch across India.

“I’m so goddamn glad I did it, and I’d never do it again.”

Onwards Travel from Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is an island so unless you happen to be a polar bear, you’re catching a plane. There’s no ferry from Sri Lanka to India (which pains my overlander’s heart). There is, however, an underwater bridge built by ancient gods, but I’ve heard it’s kinda hard to find.

Actually, I’m going to be serious for a second. Considering most travellers I meet here are either short-term, relatively fresh, or travelling from Southeast Asia, I’m giving some sincere, genuine advice (as opposed to all that false advice I give you to maliciously mislead you… muahahahah).

If you haven’t yet explored South Asia, fly to Nepal. Go see the giants, roll some joints with them, and then, when you’re feeling appropriately levelled-up, cross the border to Mama India. That’s a nice progression.

Hell, if you still got some spoons after that, head travel west to Pakistan – now we’re cooking with crazy! Why stop there? Go to Afghanistan! (No, jokes, don’t do that)

All I’m saying is up the ante after your trip to Sri Lanka (if it’s calling you). Major airports in Asia are relatively cheap to reach (Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Incheon, etc.) but you’ve come this far. May as well go earn your Shiva Stripes!

I certainly did meet other travellers working in Sri Lanka, and it’s certainly a country I would consider fit for the digital nomad lifestyle (I enjoyed it anyhow). The WiFi is fairly tosh in most places you’ll stay, however, it does have its moments. There is some good WiFi in Sri Lanka if you’re willing to pay extra for a nicer bit of accommodation (or hunt around).

You’re also not looking at India-level mobile data, but again, it’s serviceable. I would definitely advise getting a local SIM card in Sri Lanka and to go with Dialog as your provider; they never caused me any grief. I’d also stay away from the tourist SIM cards you can buy at Bandaranaike Airport when you arrive.

Head to an official store once you’re in town. Take your passport, specify that you want data only (unless you do want phone credit), and top it up without any SIM purchasing fees. I got enough to last me nearly a month of travelling at medium-ish usage for $3.

Sri Lanka is also a solid choice of country for teaching English abroad. Between a colonial history and an increased reliance on English in both administrative positions and the tourism industry, people (and their kids) are definitely seeking English teachers!

All in all, for people looking to extend their travels through working means, Sri Lanka may not be as obvious a destination as Thailand or Vietnam, but it still as a lot to offer. Bar moments of severe Jungle WiFi-induced frustration.

The Future of the SIM Card is HERE!

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and ditch the plastic.

Grab an eSIM!

Volunteering in Sri Lanka

Or, if you’re looking for a way to extend your travels (or just be a ten-outta-ten human), volunteering is definitely a thing there too! It comes with the necessary disclaimers about volunteering in developing countries – both concerning doing your research and not letting your guard down too much – but using a reputable platform for volunteering abroad is a great way to connect with local communities AND travel for longer.

There’s a decent chance you might sniff out a cool gig just backpacking around Sri Lanka. Some hostels are keen for a helper in exchange for a bed and daily curry and rice buffet! If you got the gift of the gab (or know like five yoga poses), you can probably hustle something up.

Alternatively, scooch on over to Workaway’s online platform or give our favourite volunteering organisation a shot – Worldpackers!

Worldpackers is another group connecting the well-intentioned dirtbag sorts to meaningful and rewarding volunteering opportunities. They tend to run a bit lower on actual gigs available, however, quality not quantity!

What gigs are available on Worldpackers are personally vetted by their hardworking crew and you can expect a whole host of the nifty community features to come along. PLUS, as a Broke Backpacker reader, you get a yummy discount! There’s a fat 20% off your signup fee if you use the code BROKEBACKPACKER at the checkout or, alternatively, just click the button below.

This is the part where I attempt to respectfully generalise a group of 20+ million people… fun!

As much as Sri Lankans hate the comparison, lines can be drawn to Indians – South India in particular – but with the unique Indian intensity considerably turned down. The head wobbles and rapid hand gestures are still in full force but the flow feels slower.

There are some key differences that I’ve felt while visiting Sri Lanka but please remember that this a very broad brush. It’s also worth mentioning that this is the experience of a white man backpacking around Sri Lanka (and, yes, that sadly makes a very big difference):

• Sri Lankans smile a lot more and more often smile first.
• They’ve still got the classic South Asia soul-burning stare but, generally, they come across as a bit shier.
• The vibes are just… friendlier.

I don’t feel well-equipped enough to make pointed comparisons between the Sinhala and the Tamil peoples but, as a whole, the people are very inquisitive, friendly, and happy to help a traveller in need (even, sometimes, the tuk-tuk drivers).

Less-traditional Sri Lankans also tend to be super-chill with good vibes. Once you’ve got a crew, get used to sharing. Everything is passed around from cups of tea to cigarettes and the feeling of brotherhood runs very strong between friends here.

It is worth noting, however, that this is the experience of a traveller accustomed to this part of the world. Many greener travellers that I’ve met (usually just on a short trip to Sri Lanka) often still struggle with connecting with the local people. You can expect a cultural adjustment period and the odd moment of wanting to throw someone off the nearest overpass; that’s just called ‘travelling Asia’.

On a final note, I’ve heard traveller-reports that Sri Lankans aren’t nearly as concerned with squeezing your cash from you as in Indians. I can’t say I agree. White person tax is still in full effect here, and I’ve met no shortage of people who almost have Scrooge McDuck dollar signs explode in their eyes when they see a foreigner approach. As always, that stuff depends on the person; not on their race.

The Language in Sri Lanka

So, I’ll admit I haven’t put as much effort into the language here as previous places I’ve visited. I still, however, have picked up some phrases and a minimal understanding of the grammar of Sinhala (Sinhalese). Not enough to discuss the metaphysical quandaries of the universe or the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, mind you, but enough to make a Sri Lankan grin appropriately.

Attempting to master the Sinhala language means you’ll need to wrap your head around the first thing necessary when learning a new language for travel: the grammar. Sinhalese’s grammar is typically similar to that of many Asian countries: sentences end with verbs and unnecessary exposition is often omitted contingent on context. Friends are generally casual with each other and even strangers prefer a subtle movement of the head than the word for ‘thank you’.

Learning to talk with your hands and head-wobbles and bobbles while backpacking Sri Lanka will go almost as far as learning the language itself. It’s no different to mastering your slight-bow and affirmative ‘un’  for those backpacking Japan.

It’s worth noting that there are two major languages here: Sinhala is the most widely spread (spoken by the Sinhalese people) with Tamil spoken by the Tamils. Minimal-to-competent English is also common in the cities and most of the top travel places in Sri Lanka but the further out in the sticks you head, the less you’ll find.

Useful Travel Phrases for Sri Lanka

If speaking conversational Sinhala is the goal, I wish you luck. They talk hard and they talk fast.

After hanging out smoking with Sri Lankan dudes, I can tell you they like to talk a lot of shit and all at the same time. It reminds me of the boys back home. Cultural differences aside, people really ain’t so different.

I’ve got a few practical phrases I’ve picked up that may net you a lower price if you use them right. Otherwise, just a few words to use when you make some mates:

• Pronunciation is tough and has those airy voiced-sounds of Sanskrit/Brahmi-based languages (that’s only for the language nerds; if you don’t know/care what I mean, don’t worry).
• ‘Nehe’ is good for saying something does not exist (eg., Vathura nehe – No water) and also for seeking agreement (eg., Hondai, nehe? – Good, no?).

What to Eat in Sri Lanka

I’d say you’re going to go one of two ways with the food in Sri Lanka:

1. Either you love curry and every new curry is a whole new world; therefore, the food in Sri Lanka is so varied!
2. All curries are the bloody same; therefore, the food in Sri Lanka is boring.

Truthfully, you’re not going to find the massive spread in Sri Lanka that many other Asian destinations (like Thailand, for example) offer. Sri Lankan cuisine is very similar to Indian – including a number of shared dishes – with the differences only being noticeable for those with more nuanced spice palettes.

Expect plenty of dahl, fried snacks, heaps of coconut, and to consume more rice daily than you ever have in your entire life. Oh, and chilli! Things are gonna get spicy.

If you can’t handle chilli, remember to always tell the chef “no chilli” and to still expect your food to be kinda spicy when it arrives regardless. If you love your heat, remember to specify in the tourist bubbles that you like your food “Sri Lankan spicy” or you’ll be eating bland dahl for din-dins!

Must-Try Dishes in Sri Lankan

Kottu!

…

Oh, you want more. Fine… Here’s the best-of-the-best Sri Lankan food! (Minus kottu because I think you’ve got the idea already.)

Books to Read About Sri Lanka

“Today I’m going to stay in the hostel and read.” Six hours and three joints later, two pages were read. All the same, here are some books about Sri Lanka to read when you find the time…

• Trainspotting – This is in no way a book about Sri Lanka whatsoever, but it’s the book I was reading while backpacking around the island and it’s damn good! Junkies in Scotland glassing each other and injecting skag into their Willy Wonkas. What’s not to love?
• Elephant Complex: Travels in Sri Lanka – A travelogue written by a traveller – like you! Elephant Complex documents John Gimlettes journey and all the people he met along the way. This dude didn’t backpack through Sri Lanka; he travelled it.
• Chinaman: The Legend of Pradeep Mathew – Yeah, it’s backdropped against cricket but don’t tune out yet! Chinaman follows one alcoholic sports-journalist attempts to uncover the truth of Sri Lanka’s lost legend of the field and in doing so presents a humourous yet a sobering journey through the turmoil of Sri Lanka’s politics. You had me at alcoholic sports-journalist.
• This Divided Island: Stories from the Sri Lankan War – Something concerning the topic of Sri Lanka’s violent and troubled history. The Divided Island is not a straight historical recount of the war but rather a collected oral history through the eyes and experiences of many Sri Lankans from many walks of life. A very good read on the civil war.

A Brief History of Sri Lanka

Right, I’m about to attempt to summarise the entire history of Sri Lanka in 600-words-or-less… Yamu!

The division between the Sinhala and Tamil people only becomes more apparent once you start examing the ancient history of Sri Lanka. Every sacred site, village, and piece of history carries a different story and name attached to it.

Even the great epic of Ramayana carries two versions. The fable tells of the Hindu god Rama building a bridge of rocks (Adam’s Bridge) across the Indian Ocean from Deep South India to Sri Lanka to rescue his beloved Sita from the clutches of Ravana. Ask the Sinhala people and they’ll tell you that Ravana was a real upstanding dude; ask the Tamils and they’ll tell you he was a total dick.

In truth, the Tamils and Sinhala may not be so different after all. Sri Lanka has long-standing historical evidence of immigration from South India, Southeast and East Asia, and the Middle-East. In time, the people have intermarried and assimilated.

Regardless of this, the ethnic division became a mainstay of the Sri Lanka isle. As South Indian Tamil kingdoms solidified power in the northern region of Jaffna and below, Sinhala and Buddhist power increased further south initially in the capital of Anuradhapura before moving to Polonnaruwa and then later heading further southwest.

Centuries past and the separation of the Sinhala people and the Tamils only increased. A large buffer zone through the jungles of central Sri Lanka further divided the two people and the two kingdoms developed relatively isolated from each other.

And then the white man came.

Sri Lanka in Modern Times

We’re fast-tracking through the colonialism stuff. Suffice to say, first, the Portuguese did their damage followed by the Dutch and ending with the British. The advent of colonialism in Sri Lanka further upset the already unstable natural divides of the country. By the time Ceylon (Sri Lanka’s name at the time) achieved independence, Jaffna had lost it’s considerable power and Tamils had spread throughout all of the island.

That set the stage for what happened next.

In the wake of the British, a corrupt – and now independent – government (it’s usually the way) repeatedly enforced legislation that served to bolster the Sinhala and subjugate the Tamil people. The government of mid-20th-century Sri Lanka crafted an assault of fear-mongering against the Tamils.

Twenty-six years: that’s how long the civil war lasted, and it was bloody. The mid-70s saw the rise of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE or colloquially the ‘Tamil Tigers’); terrorists or revolutionaries depending on who you talk to. In 1983, the Tigers ambushed and killed 13 Sinhala soldiers and hell broke loose.

‘Black July’, the event of the Tamil massacres in Colombo; 400 to 3000 Tamils were murdered and brutalised – beaten, clubbed, burned, raped, shot, hacked apart… The resulting flood of Tamil war refugees migrating to other countries caused the world to start taking notice of the events occurring in Sri Lanka.

The following 20+ years were marked by bloodshed. At a civilian level, the people just wanted peace but extremists from both sides and a petulant government perpetuated the conflict. Despite the half-hearted calls from the global community to cease the violence, they didn’t…

Until April 2009 when the Sri Lankan military confined remaining LTTE fighters and tens of thousands of Tamil civilians to a single beach in northeastern Sri Lanka. What ensued was a massacre. LTTE fighters shot Tamil citizens attempting to flee, government officials murdered and raped many who surrendered, and what is truth and fiction remains impossible to separate.

What I do feel comfortable saying is that the world failed Sri Lanka. Throughout the war, countless Sinhala and Tamil people needlessly died while the world watched apathetically.

Despite the recent bomb attacks, Sri Lanka is now a peaceful country. The government still sucks (big surprise) and assholes still exist (even bigger surprise), but that is not representative of the people. The people just want peace.

Here’s a relevant quote I found from a Sri Lankan:

“Everyone agrees they’d rather die than live through the war again.”

You’ve got questions and rightly so. So here are some answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about backpacking Sri Lanka.

Hey, mate, got any tips?

Yeah, I got a tip… buy your own tips! Na, I’m just kidding; tips are for everyone. Roll that sucker up.

Have some Sri Lanka backpacking tips in your travel guide! But just the tip. Aww… maybe a little bit more.

A Few Final Tips of the Sri Lanka Backpacking Travel Guide

Consider this section your little guide book for Sri Lanka. A few miscellaneous tips I wanted to mention to keep you operating smoothly when you’re on the island.

• For Shiva’s sake, please do not ride the elephants. If you do, I’ll come find you, put chains on your feet, and ride you through town while someone stabs you repeatedly in the ankles with a bullhook. Guys, let’s be better, please.
• Similarly, animal abuse is a sad cultural truth in this part of the world. You’re gonna see a lot of unloved and diseased pooches and you’re probably going to see them struck. I really, truly do hate saying this but you gotta keep your cool: you’re not the Batman for Asian canines.
• Although demonisation of LGBTQ locals is common, reports from LGBTQ travellers is quite positive. The foreigner card trumps your sexuality here.
• Don’t even bother with hailing tuk-tuks in Colombo: stick to Uber. UberEats is also a thing in the capital and it kicks ass!
• It’s customary (and respectful) to exchange money (or anything for that matter) with the right hand only. Nobody wants your left hand; we all know what you’ve been doing with it.
• When sharing drinks from bottles, it’s also customary to air-sip.
• Respect for Buddha is taken seriously in Sri Lanka; people have been deported for displaying tattoos of Buddha. Don’t turn your back to Buddha and no.. no selfies.
• Try to keep your knees and shoulders covered – especially at temples. There are some more touristy spots where you can get away with more skin showing. Just try to be respectful. 

One of the best lines I’ve seen was written by a hostel in Sri Lanka (about themselves) and I feel it summarises South Asia perfectly:
We know we are not perfect. Sometimes things work and sometimes they don’t.
Expect confusion and when it’s not going right, understand that there’s probably a reason for it even if you don’t know it. If your laundry doesn’t arrive “on schedule” take a chill pill and remember that you paid the same price as a large cappuccino.

Be Good to Yourself and Sri Lanka

Be good: nothing summarises it better. I’ll tell you what a wizard in New Zealand told me.

Have fun on your backpacking trip to Sri Lanka. Drink the Lions, smoke the fineries, gorge on Sri Lanka’s street food, and let loose! Just don’t lose yourself.

I’m not gonna lie: sometimes travelling over this way is fucking infuriating. Try being stranded in a leech-infested jungle in a storm, tripping dicks, shoe-less, and still being asked for money by a local to be guided out. Take a breath and remember that one shitbag is not representative of the whole; blame will be the cause of World War III.

He didn’t represent the local people and you don’t represent the tourists. That wall will always be there no matter what you do. You represent yourself.

Don’t be a holidayer, don’t be a tourist, and don’t be an ‘influencer‘.

Be a traveller. Be a visitor. Be respectful and be good.

If I have to explain to you how to not be a jerk, it’s probably time to drop a tab of acid, go back to the drawing board, and figure out what the hell went wrong. I will say, however, I don’t think it’s just about being polite.

It’s about showing an interest and a willingness to partake: a sincere desire to learn about the culture you’re in. To walk the land and be amongst the people you’ve chosen to enter the home of.

Don’t let Sri Lanka be the means to an end; the end being your no-filter-needed beach-holiday bender. You’re there for Sri Lanka. Be a damn traveller.

And remember to smile.

And we are done! Man, oh man, that is a hella full-power travel guide for Sri Lanka! We had some twists, we had some turns, we got too political at points, and now we’re bringing it full circle.

Yeah, at times I felt jaded; I grew up in a tourist bubble, so I’ve got a chip on my shoulder for the bubble wrap. But what’s the universal truth of bubble wrap?

It’s downright sick! Absolutely vassi, man. Sri Lanka has something for most people. Not everyone, mind you, but most people.

It’s not a hard country to travel and that suits a lot of people just fine. It’s also considered a step above the ‘easy’ Asian countries in the backpacker hierarchy. Consider it your warm-up to where things get really crazy.

Initially, backpacking Sri Lanka’s typical tourist trail burnt me out somewhat. It left me with a sour taste in my mouth over the vibe of the travellers here.

And then I stopped somewhere and I planted my feet; I travelled the way that I like to travel. I spent time somewhere and truly began to know the people that surrounded me. And through them, I started to see the nuances of the culture.

Not the old temples, and famous rocks, and pretty beaches, but the people; the real people. The people that call Sri Lanka their home. I found my boys to boogie with, and I started to see the little bit of magic flowing through the wonders of Sri Lanka. I saw it reflected in the smiles of my friends.

So, should you travel to Sri Lanka? I dunno, I just wrote a mammoth backpacking Sri Lanka travel guide; read it and make up your own damn mind! I’ll tell you it’s an exquisite country though and I’ll tell you that I miss it.

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