Travelling to Sri Lanka as a solo traveller is a rewarding and entirely achievable experience. Here are key insights to consider before you embark on your adventure to this vibrant green island.
VISA: I strongly recommend that you apply for your visa well in advance to ensure that it is ready upon your arrival and, most importantly, to guarantee that everything is in perfect order. Here the Link for the Visa application
SIM: You will find numerous kiosks at arrivals. I confidently chose Dialog (€4 for 20GB for 20 days), the best deal available, providing outstanding coverage throughout my travels.
ATM: Numerous ATMs from a variety of banks are conveniently located in the arrivals area. Notably, People’s Bank offers a significant advantage by not charging withdrawal fees for Revolut users.
Public transport in Sri Lanka is an incredibly affordable choice, characterized by bustling crowds, vibrant colors, and lively music that seems designed to keep both the driver and passengers energized. The prices are consistently low, allowing you to travel practically anywhere on the island. While finding timetable information online can be a challenge, every city boasts bus stations where you can easily access information for all routes. Trains offer a similar experience, and the renowned scenic journey from Ella to Kandy is not to be missed; it spans 7 hours and provides reserved seating at a premium—ten times the cost of a basic second-class non-reserved ticket. Your choice ultimately hinges on your preference for comfort versus adventure. Personally, I confidently chose the economical option for just 600 rupees.
IMPORTANT for WOMEN: although my trips have always gone well, isolated incidents can unfortunately happen, so I recommend always keeping your eyes open. I had an experience where a man groped my thigh and I didn’t notice at all until I woke up and moved my backpack. However, if you are travelling alone, keep your eyes open. Unfortunately, I encountered someone who touched my thigh on the bus, in addition to the countless approaches on the street.
Eating and sleeping is incredibly budget-friendly, though it does depend on your location and preferences. While the traditional cuisine may not offer much variety for vegetarians, you can definitely thrive for two weeks. Kotthu, also known as Kottu Roti, is one of Sri Lanka’s most cherished street foods. It’s crafted by chopping roti, a type of flatbread, into small pieces and stir-frying it with vegetables, eggs, and a blend of spices, often incorporating chicken, beef, or seafood. The result is a robust, comforting, and slightly spicy dish that’s both satisfying and utterly delicious. Kotthu with cheese is undeniably my favorite, though it’s definitely not light; quite the opposite, in fact.
APP: Uber and PickMe are undeniably the top choices for getting around. PickMe clearly offers better rates compared to Uber. I frequently use it to secure a tuk-tuk or motorbike, and it’s always advantageous to check the prices beforehand. This way, I have a clear understanding of the fare, allowing me to negotiate confidently with the driver right from the start
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