Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka feels like South Asia with the volume turned down. It's less hectic than neighbouring India, making it a great introduction to the region. Come for the lush landscapes, incredible food, scenic train rides and laid-back surf vibes.
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Editor's Pick8 INCREDIBLE Hostels in Sri Lanka (Insider Guide!)
Need the short version? Start with these Sri Lanka hostels Let’s deep dive into the best of Sri Lanka’s hostels Now I’ve…
Editor's PickWhere to Stay in Colombo (Best Places)
Where is the Best Place to Stay in Colombo? Colombo has loads of great accommodation options, but after doing a deep dive,…
Editor's PickWhere to Stay in Ella (Best Places)
Where is the Best Place to Stay in Ella? Despite being a relatively small town, there are a lot of hotels, hostels…
Editor's PickWhere to Stay in Galle (Best Places)
Where is the Best Place to Stay in Galle? If you’re a last-minute booker like me, then you might be reading this…
Editor's PickWhere to Stay in Kandy (Best Places)
Where is the Best Place to Stay in Kandy? Haven’t got the time to read the whole article? Consider this your cheat…
Editor's PickWhere to Stay in Sigiriya (Best Places)
Where is the Best Place to Stay For Sigiriya Let’s get straight to the crux of the matter. If you are looking…
Know Before You Go
The no-BS planning guides, prep tips, and field-tested picks we use on the road.
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Hostels
The one we actually use to lock in dorm beds across Sri Lanka.
Hotels
Treat yourself to your own room once in a while.
eSIM
Data the second you land – no SIM hunt at the airport.
Travel Insurance
The cover we trust on every trip – built for backpackers, actually affordable.
Tours
Even on a budget, some experiences are worth paying for.
Transport
Book your trains, planes, buses and ferries across Sri Lanka.
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Sri Lanka Travel FAQs
How long do you need to backpack Sri Lanka?
With 2 – 4 weeks, you’ll have time to see some of the best parts of Sri Lanka and also have some time to make a more flexible itinerary for when you find those magic spots. With anything less, you’ll find yourself very pressed for time.
Is Sri Lanka good for solo travel?
Absolutely! It’s more than good: it’s one of the best places to solo travel. And for female travellers, backpacking Sri Lanka is super accessible and very safe.
What the… is Kottu?
Oh, you’ll find out before long. It’s basically stir-fried roti mixed with… whatever they’re making. It’s cheap, it’s everywhere, and you’ll have a love-hate relationship like every other backpacker in Sri Lanka.
Is backpacking in Sri Lanka cheap?
Yes, Sri Lanka is a cheap country to travel. You can get by on as little as $10 a day if you’re a true dirt bag traveller. With a bigger budget, you’ll find you can travel very well, $30 is high by Sri Lankan standards.