Sri Lanka Best Backpacking Guide: Ultimate Tips for an Unforgettable Journey
The island nation of Sri Lanka attracts travelers with its breathtaking beaches, rich history, and verdant scenery. This South Asian treasure, a backpacker‘s dream come true, provides a wide range of experiences, from hiking through foggy mountains to discovering historic temples, seeing wildlife, and relaxing on warm beaches. Sri Lanka has everything you could possibly want, from an intense adventure to a budget trip. We’ll walk you through every detail in this guide to ensure you have the best possible backpacking experience in Sri Lanka.
Why Backpack Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka is an ideal destination for travelers due to its affordability, accessibility, and diverse range of experiences. The island’s compact size enables you to quickly traverse a significant quantity of territory. Sri Lanka’s ecosystems and climates are diverse, despite its diminutive size. Every nook and cranny of Sri Lanka presents a novel opportunity for exploration, from the sun-kissed beaches of the south to the cooler highland country of the center.
Some of the most significant points are listed below:
- Affordable travel: Sri Lanka is an excellent destination for frugal travelers due to its cheap accommodation, food, and transportation options.
- Rich history and culture: Ancient ruins, colonial architecture, and Buddhist temples are abundant in the region’s rich history and culture.
- Stunning natural beauty: wildlife sanctuaries, lush rainforests, and pristine coastlines provide breathtaking vistas.
- Adventure sports: Popular activities include surfing, hiking, and diving.
Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka
The optimal time to visit Sri Lanka is contingent upon the region of the island that you are investigating. The two monsoon seasons, occurring at varying periods, influence the weather in various regions of the country.
- South and West coasts: The optimal period to visit the South and West coasts is from November to April, particularly for seashore enthusiasts.
- East and North coastlines: The months of May through September are optimal for exploring the east and north coastlines, as they are characterized by aridity.
- Hill country: Although the hill country (Kandy, Ella, and Nuwara Eliya) is aesthetically pleasing year-round, it is advisable to visit between December and March to circumvent torrential rainfall.
Essential Backpacking Tips for Sri Lanka
Packing for Sri Lanka
When backpacking in Sri Lanka, pack light but make sure you have the essentials.
- Light, breathable clothing: Wear light, breathable clothing because the tropical temperature can be hot and humid, particularly in the lowlands. Temperatures in the hills can decrease, so carry a light jacket or sweater.
- Comfortable walking shoes: For hiking, temple visits, and city exploring, excellent shoes are essential.
- Swimwear and beach gear: You’ll most likely be spending time at the beach, so swimwear is essential.
- Mosquito repellents are especially helpful in rural settings.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated without adding to plastic garbage.
Budgeting and Costs
Sri Lanka is an affordable destination for travelers. Here’s a breakdown of average daily expenses:
- Accommodation: Budget hostels and guesthouses charge between $5 and $15 per night.
- Food: Local street food dinners can cost as little as $1 to $3, whereas restaurants cost between $5 and $10.
- Transportation: Public buses and trains are extremely affordable, frequently costing only a few bucks for long-distance travel. You can arrange tuk-tuk rides around town for $1-3.
- Entrance fees: Entrance fees for some of Sri Lanka’s main sites, such as Sigiriya and certain national parks, range from $10 to $30.
A daily budget of $20 to $40 can provide a satisfying backpacking adventure.
Getting Around
Sri Lanka provides various simple and economical forms of transportation.
- Trains: The railway network is an iconic mode of transportation, particularly between Kandy and Ella, and provides attractive routes across the hill country. Trains are slow yet inexpensive, with second-class tickets costing between $1 and $3 for longer travels.
- Busses: Local buses are the most cost-effective choice. Despite their potential for crowding, they cover nearly the entire island.
- Tuk-tuks: Tuk-tuks are ideal for short journeys throughout towns and cities. Before you go, negotiate prices.
- Scooters: Renting a scooter is a popular way to move around at your own leisure. Prices normally range between $5 and $10 per day.
Food and Drink
Sri Lankan cuisine is a beautiful blend of flavors and spices, with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian alternatives. The primary meal is rice and curry, often accompanied by a variety of side dishes. Other must-try foods are:
- Hoppers: Hoppers are bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour.
- Kottu Roti: chopped flatbread, veggies, eggs, and/or meat combine to make the delicious stir-fry known as Kottu Roti.
- Sambol: Chili, onion, and coconut combine to create the spicy condiment known as sambol.
If you’re not used to spicy cuisine, use caution and always request a milder version if necessary.
Top Backpacking Destinations in Sri Lanka
1. Colombo
Travelers coming by plane generally make their initial stop in the capital city. While many backpackers prefer to leave fast, Colombo has a lot to offer if you take the time to explore. Visit the lively Pettah Market, stroll along Galle Face Green, and discover the old Fort district.
2. Kandy
Kandy, located in the island’s center, is a cultural hub best known for the Temple of the Tooth, a revered Buddhist shrine. The city is also the gateway to the hill country, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
3. Ella
Ella, a little hamlet tucked in the hills, is a popular destination for travelers. The iconic Nine Arches Bridge, Ella Rock, and Little Adam’s Peak provide excellent hiking possibilities with stunning views.
4. Sigiriya
Sigiriya, also known as Lion’s Rock, is a historic rock stronghold that rises spectacularly above the plains. Climbing to the peak provides sweeping vistas and insights into Sri Lanka’s past. The neighboring Dambulla Cave Temple is also worth visiting.
5. Arugam Bay
Arugam Bay, on the east coast, is a popular surfing destination as well as a relaxed beach town. If you’re surfing or just relaxing, this is the place to go after a day of exploring.
6. Galle
Galle is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a well-preserved colonial town. Walking around the alleys of Galle Fort, you’ll notice a combination of Dutch, Portuguese, and British influences. The neighboring beaches, like Unawatuna and Hikkaduwa, are ideal for snorkeling and diving.
7. Yala National Park
For wildlife fans, Yala National Park is a must-see. Yala is well-known for its leopard population, but it also has elephants, crocodiles, and a diverse range of bird species. You can book safaris for as little as $40 per person.
Cultural Etiquette and Safety
Respecting Religious Sites
Sri Lanka is primarily a Buddhist country, and a significant number of its temples are considered holy places of worship. When visiting places of worship, you should always dress modestly, using clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Before you enter temples, you should be sure to remove your shoes thoroughly.
Interacting with Locals
The majority of Sri Lankans are warm and inviting to visitors from other countries. A kind grin and cordial greeting can go a long way. However, you should always be cautious when approached by touts or overly friendly individuals who offer assistance without requesting it.
Safety Tips
- Crime: It is uncommon for visitors to be victims of violent crime; nonetheless, they may be victims of minor theft and scams. Always be vigilant about your valuables, particularly in crowded environments.
- Health: If you are concerned about your health, you should avoid drinking tap water and instead consume bottled or filtered water. Because the sun in the tropics can be very strong, it is important to remember to use sunscreen and drink plenty of water.
- For female travelers: While women traveling alone in Sri Lanka are generally safe, it’s advisable for them to dress modestly and avoid isolated areas at night.
Top Experiences for Backpackers in Sri Lanka
- Walk up to Adam’s Peak.
The holy peak, also known as Adam’s Peak or Sri Pada, is a popular destination for hikers and pilgrims alike. We recommend completing the hike at night to ensure you reach the peak in time for the breathtaking sunrise. - The train journey between Kandy and Ella.
As you travel past tea plantations, waterfalls, and misty mountains on this scenic train excursion, you will experience some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. Take care to secure a seat by the window! - Enjoy a safari in the Udawalawe National Park.
For individuals who have a passion for wildlife, Udawalawe provides the opportunity to get up close and personal with elephants. Compared to Yala, this park is significantly less busy, making it an ideal location for a more personal safari experience.
Conclusion
Sri Lanka is a traveler’s paradise, providing an amazing range of experiences, from hiking through verdant highlands and discovering ancient ruins to lounging on immaculate beaches and seeing wildlife. Budget travelers attribute the island’s accessibility and ease of navigation to its reasonable prices, amiable residents, and well-established transit network. Whatever your interests—nature lovers, history buffs, or thrill seekers—Sri Lanka has something to offer everyone. Your backpacking trip in Sri Lanka will surely be unforgettable if you approach it with the right preparation, a spirit of adventure, and consideration for the local way of life.
Follow this guide’s advice and you’ll be ready to enjoy this island paradise’s beauty, excitement, and charm. Prepare yourself for the trip of a lifetime to Sri Lanka by packing light and keeping an open mind.
