A First Timer’s Guide to Sri Lanka

Is Sri Lanka good for solo travel?  

Absolutely! While the classic destinations – aka, Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand – remain go-to places for solo travellers, Sri Lanka is quickly emerging as the next big thing! And, what’s better than solo travel? Solo group travel in Sri Lanka. Like most Asian countries, it’s possible to travel around Sri Lanka independently. But travelling solo with a group tour to Sri Lanka offers incredible benefits.  

Hassle-free planning: If there’s one thing to spoil a trip, it’s the planning. Nobody needs that stress! On a group tour to Sri Lanka, your itinerary is pre-planned to ensure you see all the best bits of Sri Lanka from the famous sights to the hidden gems. All you’ve got to do is show up, ready and willing to have the time of your life!  

New friends: Group tours to Sri Lanka are an incredible chance to meet new people and build meaningful relationships with people you’d never meet otherwise, in some of the most amazing places on Earth. Like you, they’ll all be passionate travellers with a zest for seeking new adventures.  

Safety in numbers: A must-have for those jet-setting off to unfamiliar destinations! Travelling as part of a group to Sri Lanka will ensure a collective sense of security, with a well-planned itinerary to follow, and a knowledgeable local guide on hand for 24/7 support.  

Which is the best month to visit Sri Lanka?  

The best months to visit Sri Lanka are generally January-March. During this time, the weather is ideal with warm temperatures, minimal rainfall, and plenty of sunshine, making it perfect for exploring the island’s diverse landscapes. November and December are similar, but you’ll likely experience some rain from time to time.  

It’s important to note that Sri Lanka experiences two main seasons: the Maha season, a northeast monsoon occurring from September to March, and the Yala season, a southwest monsoon from May to August. If you can avoid these areas during their respective monsoon periods, you’re golden! 

How much time should I spend in Sri Lanka?  

The ideal duration for a group tour to Sri Lanka can vary depending on your interests, the places you want to explore, your travel style, and, of course, your annual leave allowance. If forever isn’t an option (which will likely be your desire after visiting), then here’s our guidelines:  

• 5-7 Days: If you have limited time, Sri Lanka is still doable! Simply, focus on specific regions such as the Cultural Triangle (Sigiriya, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa), Kandy, Ella, and perhaps a beach destination like Unawatuna. This duration allows for a taste of Sri Lanka’s highlights but may feel rushed.  

• 10-14 Days – AKA, the sweet spot: This timeframe allows time to explore Sri Lanka’s main regions, including Colombo Dambulla, Ella, Sigiriya, Udawalawe National Park, as well as some southern beach towns like Galle, Unawatuna, and Weligama.  

• 2-3 Weeks or more: Like with any holiday, the more time you have, the more you can delve deeper into each region, exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, engage in activities like hiking or wildlife safaris, and truly immersing yourself in local culture and cuisine.  

Is it easy to get around Sri Lanka?  

The short answer – yes. Sri Lanka is home to great public transport links including trains, buses, taxis, and the good ol’ trusty tuk-tuk.  

• Trains: Sri Lanka is home to a comprehensive rail network that connects most of the prime tourist spots. It allows for easy travel in most parts in the west, south, north and central Sri Lanka including the famous journey from Hatton to Ella – more commonly known as the most beautiful train journey in the world. This journey is renowned for showing the best of rural Sri Lanka, passing through local tea plantations, verdant forests, misty mountains, and picturesque valleys.  

• Bus routes: Buses connect most of Sri Lanka’s main tourist attractions and are incredibly cheap, but it comes with a warning – BRACE YOURSELF. If you’d rather steer clear of a bumpy ride, Sri Lanka’s highway buses are a great alternative – available from Colombo to the most popular areas in the south.  

• Tuk-tuks: Available in popular areas, particularly along the south coast, tuk-tuks are a great option for shorter distances – from Unawatuna to Galle, for example. They’re also just a super fun way of getting around! 

• Taxis: Most cities and substantial towns in Sri Lanka, taxis are available and are usually metered. However, if you’re headed on a longer route – from the South coast to Ella for example – it’s likely that you’ll need to arrange a price with your driver beforehand.  Before visiting, we’d recommend downloading Uber and Sri Lanka’s local taxi app, Pick Me, for use in most towns and cities.