How Long To Backpack Sri Lanka?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Sri Lanka Backpacking Itinerary (

2-3 Weeks

): The Yala Monsoon, the East Coast, and the Middle. It’s the same deal as before: 2-3 weeks in Sri Lanka seems to be the standard itinerary length. Only this time, the Yala monsoon is ruining peoples’ tanning opportunities in the south. That sends you east and north.

Is Sri Lanka good for backpacking?


Sri Lanka is well on the way to being a new favourite with the backpacker crowd

. The fact that it’s quite easy to get around the island without private transport is a big plus. It might be slow and hot at times.

How long does it take to get around Sri Lanka?

Travel time by car Travel time by bus / train
Unawatuna to Colombo (124 km)


2 hours


3 to 4 hours by bus
Colombo to airport (33 km) 1 hour 2.5 hours by bus

How much does it cost to backpack Sri Lanka?

A realistic daily budget for a backpacker in Sri Lanka is

between 30 and 40 euros per day

. With this budget, you move around by public transport, sometimes by shared taxi. You often eat street food, however, sometimes you spoil yourself by eating at more fancy restaurants.

Is Sri Lanka cheap?

If you’re on a budget,

Sri Lanka can still be fairly inexpensive, so long as you stick to using local transport and staying in cheap guesthouses

– you can still travel by bus from one end of the island to the other for around $25, get a filling meal at local cafés for a couple of dollars, and find a decent double room …

Is it worth going to Sri Lanka?

In answer to your question “Is Sri Lanka worth visiting”,

it is most definitely so

! Sri Lanka is one of the most beautiful countries in the South Asia. Not only is it reasonably affordable to travel to Sri Lanka, but the multitude of experiences you can hope for within just 14-day holiday makes it well worth a visit.

Is Sri Lanka cheaper than Thailand?

Sri Lanka is

45.2% cheaper

than Thailand.

How can I spend 2 weeks in Sri Lanka?

  1. Day 1: Arrive in Colombo.
  2. Day 2: Explore Colombo.
  3. Day 3: On to Dambulla & Sigiriya.
  4. Day 4: Visit Dambulla Rock Cave & Polonnaruwa.
  5. Day 5: Travel to Kandy.
  6. Day 6: Ride the train from Kandy to Ella.
  7. Day 7: Hiking in Ella.
  8. Day 8: Waterfall chasing in Ella.

Is Sri Lanka easy to travel around?

Sri Lanka is a quite small country/ island where the distances between the sights are relatively short, making it

an easy country to travel in

. Getting around Sri Lanka can, however, be a bit frustrating and time-consuming as many roads are narrow, windy, and in bad conditions.

How can I spend 5 days in Sri Lanka?

  1. Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage – Play With The Elephants.
  2. Hikkaduwa – Go Surfing.
  3. Knuckles Mountain Range – Try Trekking.
  4. Trincomalee – Enjoy Scuba Diving.
  5. Nuwara Eliya– Be Part Of The Rail Sojourn.
  6. Dambulla – Go For Hot Air Balloon Flight.
  7. Kaudulla National Park – Get A Safari Experience.

Is Sri Lanka safe to live?


You could encounter violent crime in Sri Lanka, including sexual assault and robbery

. Pickpocketing, bag snatching and other petty crime are risks. Be careful of theft in crowds, and in these locations: markets.

Is Sri Lanka a good country to live?

Sri Lanka often referred to as the ‘pearl of the Indian ocean’, is claimed by both locals and expats alike as

a truly great place to live and work

. A country of many facets, Sri Lanka offers a spectrum of experiences, cultures and places for those who enjoy diversity and variety.

Is Bali cheaper than Sri Lanka?

Bali was nice but we clearly preferred Sri Lanka. Here some more specific differences between both destinations: –

Bali is cheaper overall

. You get amazing hotels/guest houses with a luxury feel, infinity pool, great views, etc.

What is the cheapest country to travel to?

  • Cheap countries in and near Europe: Baltic States, Romania, Georgia, Albania, Bosnia, Turkey, Armenia.
  • Cheap countries in Asia: Vietnam, Nepal, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, Philippines.
  • Cheap countries in the Americas: Mexico, Colombia, Guatemala, Argentina, Cuba, Bolivia.

How can I spend a month in Sri Lanka?

  1. Day 1: arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport in Negombo.
  2. Day 2-3: go sightseeing in Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka.
  3. Day 4-5: explore Galle and around.
  4. Day 6-8: go diving, surfing or just relax in Weligama.
  5. Day 9: snorkel in Talalla.
  6. Day 10-11: go on safari at Udawalawe National Park.

Does it ever get cold in Sri Lanka?


Winter frost is likely in the high mountains

, which receive the least sunshine. The average yearly temperature in Sri Lanka ranges between a warm 27.8°C (82°F) to 30°C (86°F). Temperatures vary from -13.9°C (7°F) to -11.1°C (12°F) between day and night and seasons.

Is alcohol expensive in Sri Lanka?

7) Is alcohol expensive in Sri Lanka?

Local spirits are not expensive

. However, imported brands can be a bit more expensive than in your home country. Pro tips – It will be less expensive to buy spirits and expensive wines from the duty free shops at the airport.

What is Sri Lankan money called?

Sri Lankan rupee

What should I avoid in Sri Lanka?

  • Don’t disrespect religion. …
  • Don’t turn your back on a Buddha statue. …
  • Don’t compare Sri Lanka to India. …
  • Don’t get carried away in public. …
  • Don’t take snaps without asking first. …
  • Don’t try to check into a hotel with no beds. …
  • Don’t take ‘no’ for an answer.

Why Sri Lanka is so beautiful?

Sri Lanka is not only beautiful

because of the amazing beaches or the rolling, perfect tea hills

. Sri Lanka is not only beautiful because of the exotic wildlife that roams much of the island. Sri Lanka is not only beautiful because of the breath taking waterfalls and temples.

Is Sri Lanka a beautiful country?

Full of romantic landscapes, stirring mountains, lush green tea gardens and golden beaches,

the island nation of Sri Lanka is nothing short of magnificent

. The country has no shortage of beautiful awe-inspiring spots, natural, historic and cultural, each more picture-perfect than the next.

Is 3 weeks too long in Sri Lanka?

You could easily stay longer, but if you have only 2 weeks in Sri Lanka, then it’s best to stick to just one region, such as the South East, don’t try and squeeze everything in. There are of course other places to stop, but this 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary takes you through the best.

Should I go to Sri Lanka or Thailand?


Sri Lanka deserves your vote if it’s authentic experiences and a holiday that you won’t easily replicate elsewhere in Southeast Asia

. But for the world’s best beaches and unrivaled variety, Thailand always steals the win.

Is December a good time to go to Sri Lanka?

DECEMBER.

December is generally a great time to travel to Sri Lanka

, with hot, dry weather following the end of the monsoon in the beach resorts of the south west coast.

Can you do Sri Lanka in 10 days?

The tropical island has an enormous variety to offer and you can perfectly combine culture, adventure and relaxation.

Sri Lanka in 10 days is possible

. Here’s how you get the most out of it.

Can you do safari in Sri Lanka?


Sri Lanka has become one the most desired safari destinations in the world

thanks to its abundance of national parks, diverse wildlife – including elephants and leopards – and sustainable approach to conservation.

What is the most popular food in Sri Lanka?

  • Kottu roti. It’s common to hear the rhythmic clank of the kottu maker on the streets – it’s the ultimate Sri Lankan street food. …
  • Lamprais. …
  • Dhal curry. …
  • Gotu kola mallung (salad) …
  • Eggplant (wambatu) moju. …
  • Egg hoppers with sambol (appa) …
  • Wood apple juice. …
  • Green jackfruit curry (polos)
Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.