Guide to Travel in Sri Lanka
There is a remarkable variety of tourist attractions on the small island of Sri Lanka. Charming beaches near the Indian Ocean line the coastline while attracting many. Meanwhile, the mainland presents a diverse range of landscapes encompassing lowland jungles rich in wildlife and the misty highlands of the hills covered in tea plantations. We believe a guide to travel in Sri Lanka is a must!
Ideal Seasons for Sri Lanka Exploration
Two separate monsoon seasons affect differently depending on where you travel in Sri Lanka. The monsoon season in the southwest extends from May to September. It spans from October to February on the north and east coast.
The rest of the year brings dry, bright weather With highs of 18 degrees in the highlands and up to 30 degrees in coastal regions. The popular beach locations to the south and southwest enter their monsoon season in September. If you’re on a tight budget travelling in the shoulder or off-peak seasons is a great way to save money.
Sustainable Tourism in Sri Lanka
While you travel in Sri Lanka there are a few things to be aware of child animals and wealthy tourist exploitation is widespread. Like in many other Asian nations, there are a lot of animal parks and elephant parks that misrepresent themselves as ethical orphanages.
Travel in Sri Lanka – Transport
Use the Pick Me app Sri Lanka’s take on Uber to get from the airport to your guesthouse. Although they will be more expensive and you will have to bargain for your fare there will be buses and taxis available outside of arrivals. If you download Pick Me prior to your trip you can obtain a reasonably priced taxi upon your arrival.
Due to its convenience in accessing both the beaches and the highlands, the most frequently used entry point for tourists is Colombo Bandaranayake International.
Hire a Driver
Many of the travelers encounter a driver for the duration of their trip. Although it’s the priciest option, you can travel in Sri lanka whenever you want. Public transportation is definitely more comfortable and convenient. While in Sri Lanka your driver can also serve as a tour guide as some companies provide this service. You can make arrangements to hire a driver through your login or an online tour operator if you intend to travel in Sri lanka.
Travel in Sri Lanka via Train
The adventure’s high point is the train journey to Sri Lanka. You would rather ride the train, even if it does take longer than hire a driver. There are three classes of train travel and the third class is the least expensive. Third-class tickets come in two varieties: reserved and unreserved. Third-class unreserved tickets are typically the last ones available and can be purchased on the day of travel at a train station. The carriages are typically crammed with passengers. A designated seat in a carriage with no standing room is guaranteed for third-class reserved tickets. This will be extremely beneficial if you’re traveling by train for more than six hours!
Catch a Ride on a local Bus
When you travel in Sri lanka, for trips you can’t complete by train local buses can be utilized in place of trains. These are extremely affordable often costing less than $1 and a great way to meet locals and experience daily life in Sri Lanka. The cost will vary depending on the combination of public and private buses. You may be charged for your bags by certain drivers but not by others. Ask a local if you have any questions about the price as it is common for tourists to receive an inflated price on these buses!
Book a Taxi for Short Distances
A great way to get around cities and towns on a budget is to use the Pick Me app which is Sri Lanka’s version of Uber. Using this app eliminates the hassle of negotiating with cabbies. You can use cash or a card through the app to pay the fixed price for each fare when you arrive at your destination.