So you want to check out Sri Lanka? With an incredibly unique culture, golden sands, awesome wildlife and some of the happiest, friendliest people on Earth, who doesn’t? And that’s not to mention the food. Here, you’ll find everything you need to know for travelling to Sri Lanka on a budget, from what to do and how much it’ll cost to where to stay and how to get around. We have a lot to get through, so let’s dive in.
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Best Time of Year to Visit Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has two distinct seasons. For the East Coast (Arugam Bay), head there between April and October; for the Southwest region (Hikkaduwa), visit between November and March. There is no bad time to visit Sri Lanka as the country enjoys a tropical climate year-round, with the hottest month being April.
Getting to Sri Lanka
Getting to Sri Lanka is straightforward and you can find relatively cheap flights from most major cities around the world. Check out Skyscanner for the cheapest fares. For example, we found flights for £800 to return from London in November 2023. Onviuosuly from further afield such as Sydney or LA, you’re going to pay a lot more, but check out current prices using the search bar below.
Getting Around Sri Lanka on a Budget
One of our favourite things about travelling in Sri Lanka on a budget is just how easy and affordable getting around is. When it comes to moving between towns and cities, you’ve got a few options.
Public Transport
First, you’ve got every budget venturer’s best friend–public transport. You can take buses and trains almost everywhere in Sri Lanka.
Buses
Buses cost just a couple of dollars and while they’re sweaty and crowded, you can get between major destinations for less than $3.
Trains
Trains are the best and cheapest way to get around Sri Lanka. Most services offer third, second and first-class tickets, which vary slightly in how comfortable and spacious they are. Prices range depending on how far you go, but first-class tickets can start around $0.50, whereas first-class tickets can go up to $4. Check out the table below for train ticket prices throughout Sri Lanka.
Private Taxis
If your dollars can stretch that little bit further, the most comfortable and convenient way to get around is via private taxis. Not only will you have AC and be able to ride door to door (and not have to lug your bags through the sweaty tropical heat), but it’s not stupidly expensive. For example, we took a private taxi from Colombo to Arugam Bay (a 9-hour journey), for $150, not bad when split between 2 of us. Can you imagine taking a taxi for that length of time in the US or Europe? Yep, exactly.
What to do in Sri Lanka on a Budget?
Colombo
As a tourist destination, Colombo is often overlooked as just a fly-in, fly-out spot. But if you’ve got the time, the city boasts colonial history, culture and some of the best-preserved architecture from the former British empire. Check out Colombo National Museum (Rs 1000/£2.54 for adults and Rs 500/£1.27 for children).
Sigiriya
Sigiriya is a rock formation featuring an ancient fortress. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most popular attractions in the country. Although entry is a little pricey (£24 for foreigners). The centuries-old Mirror Wall and Lion’s Paws are nothing short of mystical. But bring your lungs with you, it’s a 350-meter walk to the summit.
Ella
Because of its higher elevation, Ella is known for its cooler climate, which is a refreshing break from the otherwise stiflingly hot lower ground. With cloud-covered hills, waterfalls and tea plantations, this part of the country is a world away from the tropical beaches further south.
It is one of Sri Lanka’s most popular destinations due to its laid-back atmosphere and beautiful picturesque hiking trails. From Ella, take a tuk-tuk (Rs200) out to the famous Nine Arch Bridge (cue Insta-worthy photo opportunity), which is built entirely from rocks, bricks and cement without metal or steel. Ella is also a wicked place to hike the famous Adam’s Peak, an arduous night-time hike, but rewarding in equal measure. Best of all, it’s free!
Kandy
Kandy combines both ancient history and natural beauty; boasting temples, shrines and palaces amid beautiful nature. The iconic train ride from Colombo is a thing to do in itself! Check out Temple of the Tooth, where monkeys roam the grounds and you can catch a glimpse of the relic, said to be from the Buddha himself.
Galle
Galle feels like a prestigious Mediterranean seaside resort, its architecture and atmosphere have a distinctly European feel, from the lighthouse to the churches. Gone are the laid-back surfer vibes of Weligama and Marisa, replaced by fashionable boutiques, and candlelit dinners. You can explore the well-preserved fort and walk along the tranquil lanes and avenues of the town itself. The seafood food is amazing and it has nice bars too.
Arugam Bay
Sri Lanka isn’t short of beaches. The crescent-moon sands of Arugam Bay are among the best and the waves at Main Point are some of the best in Sri Lanka. There are lots of little shops and nice places to eat whatever your budget is and you can hire a surfboard for Rs500 or get a massage for Rs5000.
Hikkaduwa
Famous for its long sandy beach, west-coast Hikkaduwa also has good waves for surfers (can hire boards and get lessons for around 1000 Sri Lankan Rupee), reefs for snorkelers and divers, plus sand-side hotels, restaurants, and bars (some of these can end up costing more if they’re in prime beach-view locations). Add an island temple, tsunami museum, and turtle sanctuary (500 Sri Lankan Rupees each- money goes to helping the turtle sanctuary), and you’ve got one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka on a budget.
Weligama & Mirissa
Weligama is a fishing village with a long sandy beach perfect for surfing. There are many things to do here including the ancient temples, natural sanctuaries, snake farms, diving and snorkelling. Mirissa also has a beautiful beach and is a great place to watch sunsets or whales depending on the season. You can also learn how to surf which is very cheap as you can rent a board for 500 Sri Lankan rupee (£1.27).
Udawalawe
The national park has herds of elephants, wild buffalos, leopards and more, this Sri Lankan national park is one of the nation’s best. In fact, for elephant watching, Uda Walawe often surpasses many of the most famous East African national parks. The park, which centres on the 308.2-sq-km Udawalawe Reservoir, is very beautiful and the lack of dense vegetation makes animal watching easy. The price of a safari is around 9000 Sri Lankan Rupees (£23).
Eating in Sri Lanka on a Budget?
One of the best things about travelling in Sri Lanka is the incredible food. Seriously, the food is fantastic throughout Sri Lanka, as long as you don’t mind a little spice. Better still, is that you can eat for less than $5 per meal. However, in major tourist towns, you still need to hunt down the cheaper places, as many more “western style” restaurants have a huge markup and charge closer to $10-15 per meal. But if you eat at only local establishments, you can eat for $2-3. We’d recommend the buffet-style curry places common in all towns and cities.
Final Words
If you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka, but don’t have that much cash to spare, you’re in luck because even here in 2024, Sri Lanka remains one of the most budget-friendly destinations in the world. With cheap food, affordable dormitory rooms and heaps of free things to do, you really can’t go wrong. For more information on travelling to Sri Lanka on a budget, please get in touch via email, or comment down below.