Mmm, yum. Like I said, love it or hate it, it’s Arugam Bay to a tee. We love elephants, so much so that we DO NOT RIDE THEM (hint, hint). You can set yourself up in a few top hotels around Sri Lanka and leave the dorms behind. Pssssst! It’s a normal but pretty city where normal people do normal boring things. Udawalawe National Park (1 day) An elephant we saw on safari in Udawalawe National Park Instead of sending you along Sri Lanka’s south coast, however, I’m going to lay out the beach destinations here for you (southeast to southwest direction) and who they’re good for: You’ll find a bus from Kataragama no sweat. We maaaade it. But our hotel located next to the park, basically in a jungle too, were more than happy for us to drone there (we could take pictures of their camp too), and we got some really cool footage. Negombo Day 1-3. It is not the only spot in Sri Lanka to learn at, but is perhaps the cheapest place to get your official diving certificate. At a push you could squeeze in all the destinations but it’s probably better to skip the last two and end your itinerary at Anuradhapura or perhaps even Dambulla/Sigiriya for a quicker connection back to Colombo. BUT, if you’re more the quick vacation type, say a budget for 2 weeks in Sri Lanka, $60 a day is a cool max. Bandaranaike International Airport 2. It’s very windy up there, but well worth the visit! Wednesdays are also a party night, but it’s a dumb party and no one goes: Where to Stay in Arugam Bay: The Long Hostel. This is a key cultural zone of Sri Lanka and holds high historical importance in the country. There are a variety of religions in Sri Lanka. If you’ve travelled a lot, you may be used to “tourist pricing” for sites and temples. Well, you used to have 2 options: aeroplane and boat. Remember, temperatures reach as high as 40 degrees Celsius in Sri Lanka, so it’s important you protect yourself from the sun. Data is super cheap and you can top it up by buying vouchers from supermarkets all across the country. It’s also considerably quieter than Arugam Bay—like everybody left their mutual chaos behind along with their binge alcoholism. I’ve given you a few extra bonus stops too, but mostly I’ve bumped this up to a 3-week itinerary for Sri Lanka to give you extra time to spend in Arugam Bay. There’s a mall with an ice-cream parlour, a lake for moonlit romantic strolls, and heaps of cheap food around. Security Belt with Hidden Pocket: The sneakiest money belt around! Depending on your style of travel, you’ll either find heaps to do or not much: Where to Stay in Galle Fort: Fort Sky House. 1. Don’t leave your valuables unguarded on the beach (or anywhere for that matter). Whether you love that or not is ultimately up to you. The most common and cheapest food in Sri Lanka is called “Roti”. Which you can book direct here! A two week backpacking itinerary for Sri Lanka could more easily follow the same path outlined above. It will be more expensive to fly during peak season, which is from June to August. One foot off of Sarvodaya Road back into the real Trinco and everything gets a lot cheaper. It’s a great spot to relax, party and surf. Still wondering what to take to Sri Lanka? I’m actually craving it now after writing about it. Also, it’s small and can be conveniently packed away on day trips to waterfalls or the beach. I mean, it’s not perfectly safe, but you can also choke on your toothbrush if you’re not careful so…. The Kindle Fire also lets you browse the internet, so saves you taking a tablet with you as well, if you're that way inclined. You'll find that almost everyone speaks English as well. 10-Day Action Packed Itinerary In Sri Lanka . Headtorch: Every backpacker should have a head torch! Sigiriya is home to the famous world heritage sight of Lion's Rock. Elephant Foundation accepts volunteers too! Generally speaking, buses in Sri Lanka are old, slow, cheap and don’t have aircon. In 2018, we spent almost four weeks in Sri Lanka and instantly fell in love with the entire country. Kottu Roti is the “chopped” up version of Roti and it’s SO delicious. Can you bang in it? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. We've used the same Osprey bag ever since we started backpacking 3 years ago, and it's in perfect condition still. In Yala alone, safaris are overbooked, traffic is frequent, drivers are reckless and endanger the wildlife, and wild animals are (and have been) killed as a result. The YoYo Airport Hostel (which is closer to the airport than the beach) is more setup for one-night stayovers when flying in and out of Sri Lanka. A decent backpack should last you for years, so buy with that in mind. These guys don’t even let you ride the elephants. Like if you do have the licence, that still doesn’t give you the right to drone over religious monuments etc, so don’t even attempt it without a licence. Sri Lanka used to be known as Ceylon, which is why you’ll see the word “Ceylon” everywhere. It may not be as hardcore as some other South Asian adventures (*cough* backpacking Pakistan *cough*), but it’s still the most hardcore thing and hidden place I could unearth on my trip to Sri Lanka. You can also visit here without seeing the “typical sites” that cost money. Hatton - I'm not so much suggesting that you stick Hatton on your Sri Lanka itinerary as what's near it: the mighty and majestic Adam's Peak (AKA Sri Pada AKA Samanalakanda AKA Bob's Your Uncle AKA a million other things). Don’t forget to use 12Go Asia for all your train bookings when helping plan your Sri Lanka itinerary. So pack deet! So if you want you could bring some wine or spirits into the country to save on cash. Thankfully it’s not been “westernised” yet and it’s a lovely place to visit. The Kandy to Ella train is a must-do thing on any and all Sri Lanka itineraries. This Sri Lankan itinerary in this article is our recommendation for what places to see. Ella 11. You can set up Price Alerts in order to stay up to date with when flights are cheaper. You honestly may just be busting to hit the beach after spending a week in the hot, humid, booze-less cultural epicentre of the island. Powerful yet humbling, the supposed tomb of the God-King Ravana himself, it’s also mega-touristic and a tough price to swallow for those travelling Sri Lanka on a budget. Take something from home or, better yet, just buy some Odomos when you arrive. The train ride to Ella 3. The locals loved it and we got to experience so much more than we would have via bus or train. It’s not ultra-flash, but it is home and a good bit of budget accommodation in Jaffna. Breakfast is complimentary, the hosts are mega-chill, and, again, there’s a private plunge pool. Ultimately, the choice is yours, however, I do recommend the latter. Unless you’re like me and will go anywhere there’s cheap food and doobs. …Or if you’re a surfer. You should always have emergency cash hidden on you – pick up this awesome security belt with its hidden pocket before you travel, it’s perfect for hiding money, a passport photocopy. It’s cheap there, and the best damn mosquito repellent I’ve ever used! 2019 update: The bombings in April 2019 were a massive shock to us and we were deeply saddened by this news. All the best parts in fact, plus some sneaky bonus stops you’re probably not going to find out about anywhere else. It’s another place to stay in Sigiriya and a damn cool bit of accommodation in Sri Lanka—a treehouse! You can save money by hooking up with a crew and sharing transport to the next destination; it’s always easy to find peeps in the tourist bubbles. The views from up there are brilliant, as is the historical significance of the place. Once you start heading into Little England, you’ll be greeted by beautiful green surroundings, amazing tea plantations and cold weather. Even on my own personal backpacking trip to Sri Lanka, I saw multiple instances of animal abuse both inside and outside the tourism industry. Watch out for scams but also don’t spit the dummy every time someone overcharges you 20 rupees. Sri Lanka Itinerary Trip Planner | Travel Routes for 2020! A cute little Sri Lankan bed and breakfast with a darling outlook of—yup, you guessed it—rice fields! Just consider this the counter-perspective. If you want, you can also stay in nearby Anuradhapura and get a tuk tuk or organised tour to the safari park. Drinks are served hard, beats are served juicy, and breakfast isn’t served at all (I mean, it probably is, but also probably after noon). In Colombo, you can make use of Uber (which is what we did all the time), and you can take the Uber to any destination in the country. There are lots of options, and in popular Sri Lankan backpacking spots like Ella, there are dedicated vegan restaurants. Or to get a driving licence if you’re going to drive a tuk tuk. It’s still a homestay, however (treehouse or not), so expect some damn good home cooking! Due to its popularity, it’s also a good backpacker town with lots of pubs, clubs and chances to party. But obviously you’ll be carrying it around with you, unless you drink it really quick! From rainforests to tropical beaches, Buddhist and Hindu temples, breath-taking tea plantations, and bountiful wildlife, Sri Lanka travel promises a world of beauty and adventure. Polonnaruwa 5. It gives you an in-depth overview of how to make the most of your time in the country in 21 days. There are also heaps of beautiful feeds to feast upon in Sri Lanka! Good people generally float in, the family feeling is high, and breakfast is a killer. By far the best travel rucksacks we've come across are from Osprey. It’s jam-packed, with only a few nights in each place – but of course, if you prefer to travel more slowly, this itinerary can be adapted to your liking. Unless you’re lucky enough to score a direct bus, chances are it will be one bus to Dambulla (30 mins approx.) Also, it's going to get battered around a lot, so make sure it's built to protect all of your stuff! That’s how I feel about Hipster’s Hideout Lounge. If you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka, and particularly a first-time visit, plan to lose track of your holiday itinerary for an indeterminate amount of time. It’s actually illegal for women to purchase alcohol from an off licence. The dry season is a good time to visit. If you still wish to fly a drone in Sri Lanka, then here are a few guidelines you should follow: Top tip: we use Revolut for all our travelling. The climbing season for both pilgrims and tourists runs from December to May, however, it's a much nicer climb … If you’re coming from the UK, you can bring 1 litre of alcohol in with you. In general, Unawatuna is a hugely popular holiday spot. Flights from the UK seem to range from £250 - £500. It’s got a great atmosphere and lots of bars, pubs and coffee shops. Realistically, the best time to visit Sri Lanka depends on where you want to go. Despite the copious amounts of joints being rolled, it definitely doesn’t feel chill. Get around by bus, train, tuk-tuk, motorbike, taxi, or Uber. Or, use Uber to get an accurate idea of what you should be paying. As mentioned earlier, alcohol isn't that cheap to buy in Sri Lanka, and there isn't a massive drinking culture in the country. Calling it a “lodge” is generous—you’re given a tent set up in an old tea picker’s hut, but that’s part of the charm. Finish Sri Lanka with a bang… ? Honestly, there’s zero reason not to drop the cash you were going to spend on booking a safari on this instead. Taxis are faster, but they’re expensive; you’re going to need to haggle like a pro. Up here, things cool off considerably and even get properly cold in the right places. You’re also only 20 minutes from the Dutch fort in Galle. You need to leave super early in the morning in order get there in time for sun rise and it’s 2,243 metres in height. It’s a good way to judge the cost of food if you look at the prices of an American chain like TGI Friday’s and The Hard Rock Cafe! You’’ also find the Temple of the Tooth, which supposedly houses Buddha’s tooth. There are lots of other banks that will charge, but these are two of the biggest banks. Any and all times you can skip Colombo, do it. You also get the chance to see sloth bears, elephants and much more. There’s some good food in town, and some souvenir/Goa-lite shopping, but, otherwise, it’s an over-capacity tourist bubble. © 2021, The Broke Backpacker. Regardless, you need to be aware that there are two monsoon seasons that run throughout the country. Ella Rock is also super close and easy to access. Check out our guide on the best things to do in Sri Lanka for more than 50 awesome ideas! A Lion Strong, a round of beach volleyball, and an escape from the insane midday heat in the sparkling water is a guarantee. The GRAYL GEOPRESS water bottle is the ONLY all-in-one filter water bottle setup you’ll need. In our article, the best places to visit in Trincomalee, we listed this as one of our top things to do. Colombo (2 nights) 2. This Divided Island is an incredibly popular book that has been nominated for, and win, some very highly praised awards. Ella 6. During September to October, when we were there, the average was about 29-30 degrees. Great for when the weather is a bit colder and you’re out for a morning hike. Next up is Sigiriya. It’s excellent and we couldn’t travel without it. Support the site and learn how to travel the world on $10 a day – check out The Broke Backpacker’s bible! If you are looking for party spots, then popular backpacking destinations like Arugam Bay, Mirissa and Unawatuna are your best bets. It’s also famous for its snorkelling opportunities. Just avoid the ‘Sadboi’ season; that shit sucks. This is about as off the beaten path in Sri Lanka as you can probably get. This route tends to fill up quickly due to its popularity. Our Wilpattu National Park Safari with Big Game Camp was certainly one of the highlights of our trip. You can find out if your country is included here. There are so many incredible things to do in Unawatuna. Get your house in order and be an adult before you go be Peter Pan. Arugam Bay in its 30s when it started showering regularly and stopped sleeping with everything with a pulse. And at sunset. You can get here via bus, taxi or tuk-tuk. But you will be eating in a VERY nice place if you’re on the higher end of the budget. We covered a lot of ground in 1 month, but there is still much more to see. Yet, still, I like Blandy. That’s right – you can get up-close-and-personal with some of the most majestic beasts in Sri Lanka and not even feel a drop of moral anxiety about it! These are perfect for keeping cool in the heat. There are a few options for where you can go close to the national park, but Ella to Kataragama is a standard route and base for exploration. That is a bloody long ride though. The historical sites in Sri Lanka are dope, no doubt, but every traveller I met at the beach or in Ella expressed regret over not having gotten there sooner. It’s like a little slice of Europe in Sri Lanka (right down to the narrow alleyways lined with Volkswagens and Portuguese/Dutch-era colonial architecture). Just remember, though they are used to human, they are still wild, so could attack if you give them reason to. To sum up, you should visit these places (these are the exact same places that we have in this article): 1. Again, check the guide. For the sake of transparency, some of the links in our content are affiliate links. Cross the whole damn thing in your own mighty three-wheeling steed! But if you’re wondering where to stay in Sri Lanka for 2-3 days after a whirlwind highlight itinerary route, it’s a very beautiful place to tie it all up with some fine-dining and a romantic moonlit stroll. If you want to visit the West and South coasts plus the hill country (Ella/Nuwara Eliya), then you should head the some time around December to March. There are lots of hiking spots in Sri Lanka for you to try. Though starting as something of a sleepy secret, it’s taken off as a digital nomad/smoothie bowl/mason jar destination jar over the last few years. With such a high concentration of travellers, there’s the level of madness that you’d expect from other similar bubbles in the world like Pai, Pokhara, or Goa (though nothing competes with Goa). Mostly, you’ll be concerned with checking out some (more) temples and finding a soulful spot in the ocean to cool off during the midday heat. Bodyboarding is possible in most seaside destinations. It’s also a necessary place to be if you need to extend your visa. Alcohol isn’t that cheap in Sri Lanka, due to the fact it’s a strongly Buddhist country and the government taxes alcohol a lot to try and deter people from drinking. I’m not sure that applies to tourist women as I managed to buy alcohol whilst with Brad. And, of course, they’ll set you up for all your safari shenanigans. 90% will say yes. More information. It gives you an in-depth overview of how to make the most of your time in the country in 21 days. Whenever you visit a new country, it's always great to have a book or two with you that you plan to work through during your time there. 1. Thought to be the oldest-living human-planted tree in the world, the tree started as a cutting from the original tree that Lord Buddha gained enlightenment beneath. Besides, Sigiriya, Ella, and the train are absolutely necessary things to do in Sri Lanka even in just seven days. Share. This makes it harder to detect. It’s a travel card that offers the best exchange rate on the market, and you get fee-free withdrawals up to £200 each month. Then it’s kickass for a week. Plus, how many people get to say they’ve driven their own tuk tuk around an entire country? 1. That said, with two different Sri Lanka itineraries, two different monsoon seasons, and two different routes, this your alternative place to go if your heart is really just that set on a safari. Negombo is just under an hour’s drive from the capital city, Colombo. And now…? And… it’s super cheap: Taxis are, otherwise, going to be the main form of tourist transport services in Sri Lanka to utilise. Well, that’s a lie—there is one thing that’s pretty dope: Sri Maha Bohdi. They don’t own any of the tuk tuks they rent, they belong to the tuk tuk drivers, so half of what you pay goes to the tuk tuk driver. Once you get to Ella town itself and feel how touristy and packed it is, you’ll be glad you booked this peaceful place outta town in the mountains. Without a doubt, the best part about backpacking Sri Lanka was the freedom offered by driving our own tuk tuk. You’ve also got free breakfast here saving you the trek into town (although walking the train tracks into town is always a blast). Lonely Planet have long been the go-to provider of travel guide books for all countries around the world. Arugam Bay is one of those places. Travelling to Meemure is one of those things where it’s about the journey. I’ve got a breakdown of our costs at the end where I split it into Euro and Sterling too. Two months in Sri Lanka will allow you to take it slow and spend more time in quaint beach hamlets and stunning hill country towns. In that sense, Sri Lanka is also a year-round monsoon destination! There is a tranquil majesty to Sri Lanka’s hill country (outside of Ella town) that will make even the most crushing wipeout a gentle ride to shore. Whether you need to purify the water from a hostel sink in Kathmandu or a stream trickle in the Andes, the Geopress has got you covered. I can’t necessarily blame them. This is hands-down the best way to hide your cash while travelling around Sri Lanka. If you want to surf, the beginner and moderate waves here are also brilliant. Still the hill country 3. Past that, you’re looking at a similar concept to exploring Polonnaruwa, albeit slightly different in the execution. The surf is tight though crowded, and there are plenty of activities, resorts, and beachfront developments. You could, however, potentially smush it all into a 3-week trip to Sri Lanka. This is the most popular spot in Sri Lanka for backpackers, and it’s no surprise why. It depends on the “officer” whether they’ll let you drone or not. There are actually two YoYo sister hostels in Negombo—this one and the airport hostel. Then it’s time to commit because the Elephant Foundation accepts volunteers too! Itinerary two is for 3 weeks of backpacking in Sri Lanka including a useful day planning and travel times. It is the perfect spot, however, to round off your southern Sri Lanka tour. Don’t be afraid to drone. I recommend checking out the detailed 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary post we wrote. All you’ll need to take with you is a passport. I get a little blast of candy-nostalgia every time I return in my mind’s eye to that gorgeous island. There’s no good swell in Trincomalee if you’re chasing the ultimate surfing holiday in Sri Lanka, however, everything else is on point! As such, there are some things to do in Mullaitivu, but not a lot. A decent head torch could save your life. There are lots of incredible things to do in Nuwara Eliya. Those are some blessed Sri Lanka travel itineraries. This budget also included drinks as we enjoyed cocktails on occasion too. When you do catch the train to Kandy, there are a few extra stops you can consider to break up the trip, provided you have the time: When you do arrive in Kandy, and since you’ll be departing shortly, forget the dorms! Whether you’re a pro, or you just want to learn, there will be waves for you. I wish you a lot of fun in Sri Lanka! Smack-bang right in the middle of the emerald sea of the hill country, Ella is surrounded by gorgeous tea plantations, stunning valley panoramas, and plenty of aimless wandering opportunities. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. We used Booking.com allover Sri Lanka as they always offer the lowest prices and have the biggest range to choose from. With regards to your health, don’t drink the tap water, it can make you very ill. And if you’re not used to spicy food, then start off with little spice to let your stomach get used to it. Oh, and for the love of God, please, do not ride the elephants. It’s a perfect spot to just relax and catch a tan. Tuk tuks in cities are cheap. Well, we already talked about Sigiriya, so instead, I’m mentioning a few other notable places to travel to in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. Some countries are significantly cheaper than others, but you can find your country and price on this list here. That said, I like the vibes, and it’s always my go-to place every time I stay in Kandy. So you’ll find that they oftentimes don’t expect money. Mihintale peak is supposedly where Buddha flew over from India and landed in Sri Lanka, thus bringing the religion to the country. If you want to get your pictures without anyone in them, then head up in the morning at sunrise (Having a tuk-tuk makes this possible!). One-month itinerary. Remember if you want to try a different safari experience other than Wilpattu you’ve got lots of choices including Udawalawe National Park near Mirissa area, and Yala National Park near Arugam Bay. Organising a tour once your there is always easy; there’s always a bare minimum of 36 touts lurking in the bushes at any given time. The first stop on our backpacking itinerary around Sri Lanka is Negombo. I’ll be covering the coolest destinations in Sri Lanka, what to do there, and, of course, the best and brightest places to stay. It’s so good, that a number of Red Bull surfing competitions are held here as well. Just head out early in the morning in order to beat the crowds. If you are visiting Arugam Bay, however, you can’t wear a bikini on the street. As you can see, Sri Lanka is a great destination and with my Sri Lanka travel tips you should be well prepared for your backpacking trip! The Petzl Actik Core rechargeable headlamp is an awesome piece of kit! Here is a quick list of some important things to take to Sri Lanka. Another archaeological park with a $25 entrance fee and another archaic kingdom, however, this time it’s the cradle of Buddhism in ancient (Sinhala) Sri Lankan civilisation. Galle is an oddball. Kids will too! However, it’s certainly not cheap and there aren't many airports to choose from. On the southeastern side, Tangalle presents much less touristic beaches with much wider and more open spaces but not much swell. Microfibre Towel: I literally never hit the road without a microfibre towel—I adore these things. You can book surf lessons in Weligama online here- the perfect spot for beginner waves! There are a few crossovers between this suggested Sri Lanka itinerary and the last, however, I’ll elaborate further on a few areas. We go into more depth below about eating and drinking in Sri Lanka. So, if you’re planning on backpacking Sri Lanka soon and are bursting with questions, then sit back, relax and discover everything you need to know about planning your trip right here. Never trust a tuk-tuk driver—GPS out and money is exchanged, Travellers of the feminine disposition won’t have. Perfect for us as we hunt these out everywhere we go! There are literally hundreds of fantastic things to do in Sri Lanka!