How to get there?
Sri Lanka lies southeast of the southernmost tip of India, separated from the Indian subcontinent by the Palk Strait. The shortest distance between Sri Lanka and mainland Asia is only 53 km. This tropical island nation is a popular travel destination for visitors from both Asian and European cities.
Travel options are diverse: you can arrive by plane or ship. Several airlines operate flights to Sri Lanka, with the primary entry point being Bandaranaike International Airport near Colombo, which handles most international flights.
Local transportation:
Public transportation in Sri Lanka dates back to the British colonial period (19th century), initially used primarily for freight transport. Nowadays, the public transportation system relies on railways, state and private buses, and three-wheeled vehicles known as tuk-tuks. All are easy to use, although I still don’t know how the locals figure out the timetables. 😀
Railway transport🚂:
Depending on your destination, three classes of train cars are available. It’s important to note that not all trains have all three classes. Reserved seats are available in 1st and 2nd-class carriages, and these tickets should be purchased about a month in advance as they sell out quickly.
In 2nd class, some carriages do not offer reserved seating, so a seat is not guaranteed. 3rd-class carriages are old and dirty, more reminiscent of subway cars, and they lack toilets. Air conditioning is available only in 1st class.
Whichever class you choose, the trains are very slow, traveling at an average speed of 20–50 km/h. You can buy standard tickets on the day of travel at the ticket counter and hand them to ticket collectors at the destination station.
For more information on trains, visit the Sri Lanka Railway website:
https://www.railway.gov.lk/ or use the RDMNS.LK app
Bus transportation🚌:
Both private and state-operated (red) buses are available. Although the space on buses is limited, the fares are very cheap. For example, we paid around 500 LKR per person for 100 km. You can buy tickets on the bus, not from the driver but from a conductor who will approach you after you’ve taken your seat.
Bus travel is a must-try experience for anyone visiting Sri Lanka!
Regardless of where the bus is operating, drivers speed along the roads, stopping only briefly to pick up passengers who signal them to stop. The atmosphere is fun, with music always playing and sometimes colorful disco balls lighting up the bus interior.
Evening or nighttime buses are rare or nonexistent, so it’s best to travel during the day.
Vendors on board:
Both trains and buses often have vendors selling various snacks and drinks.
Taxis🚕:
Local apps like Pick Me or Uber are recommended.
Tuk-tuks:
These can also be booked via Pick Me or Uber. Within cities, you can travel for a few hundred LKR, but they are also used for intercity travel.
We recommend these apps, as other options are significantly more expensive.
Accommodation options
In Sri Lanka, everyone can find accommodations to suit their preferences. The island offers a wide range of options, from luxury resorts to cozy guesthouses and budget-friendly hostels.
Based on our personal experience, hotels are always more expensive and in worse condition compared to individually hosted accommodations, such as homestays.
Weather and the best time to visit
Sri Lanka’s climate is tropical, influenced by two main monsoon systems, leading to varying weather conditions across the country. The climate can generally be divided into three seasons: dry season, rainy season, and transitional periods. The northern and eastern parts of the country, as well as the southern and western regions, exhibit different weather patterns.
Monsoons and Weather☀️:
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Southwest Monsoon: Lasts from May to September, primarily affecting the southern and western coasts, such as Colombo and Galle. These regions are wet during this time, while the northern and eastern parts remain dry.
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Northeast Monsoon: Lasts from October to January, impacting the northern and eastern coasts, such as Trincomalee and Batticaloa, while the southern and western areas are drier.
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Transitional Periods: From February to April and late September to November, the weather is milder with less rainfall.
Best Time to Visit:
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December to March: Ideal for visiting the southern and western coasts during their dry season.
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May to September: The northern and eastern regions are dry, making Trincomalee and Arugam Bay popular destinations for beachgoers and surfers.
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Year-round: The central highlands, such as Nuwara Eliya and Ella, enjoy a more moderate climate and can be visited throughout the year