Sri Lanka: A travel guide for first-time solo travelers

My travel tips section is usually hella long, but as I popped by Sri Lanka from Pakistan – I’m opting out of my usual “How to get to Sri Lanka” and “When’s the best time to go to Sri Lanka” section. Instead, I’ll keep this quick and dirty

• How do I obtain a Sri Lanka visa?
• What’s the best way to get around Sri Lanka?
• Do I need data (3G/4G/LTE) while in Sri Lanka?
• Do I need to bring local cash?
• How safe is Sri Lanka for travelers?
• What should I pack when heading to Sri Lanka?

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How do I obtain a Sri Lanka visa?

Getting a visa to Sri Lanka is SUPER easy. I did mine while in Pakistan, via this online link. You just fill up all the pertinent details, pay the fee, and voila! You receive your visa via email in ~3 days. Incredible, wish all other visa applications were this easy

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What’s the best way to get around Sri Lanka?

Uber in Colombo is hella cheap. I don’t know why I bothered using the tuktuks (except for the cultural experience, of course!). Of course, prices may have gone up by the time you head to Colombo, but for now – Uber is the way to go! ❤

If you’re traveling alone from the airport and wary of costs, you can also opt to take the bus (Bus 187, to be exact) from the airport to Colombo Fort. When you exit the airport, just turn left, keep walking to the end and then go right. When in doubt, just ask – most people in Sri Lanka speak English, which is AMAZING (and also the reason why I chose to do my solo travel here). The bus costs LKR 150, which is super cheap considering it’s a ~45 minutes trip, and is pretty comfy. The conductor also provides change (such a difference from the Philippines)

To book your train tickets from and to Colombo (e.g. to Ella, Galle, Kandy), I suggest you book online beforehand (although you can only do this if it’s >30 days). As I decided to go to Sri Lanka one week before (hello last minute planning), I didn’t have this luxury. If you’re the same as me, I suggest you head straight to the Colombo train station as soon as you enter the city (it’s walking distance from Colombo Fort bus station) to buy tickets for reserved seats cars (tickets sell out fast!!!). Just go to the reservations office (labelled counter 17), and inform them which route you want to take. The operating hours are from 06:00 – 14:00, but they can potentially be closed for lunch

Unsolicited suggestion from me – when buying train tickets, folks usually recommend buying the 2^nd class reserved (which essentially means you’ve got reserved seating – SUPER important, else you may end up standing for the majority of your train journey). Why 2^nd class? Because it’s cheaper and you get to open the windows and doors to take a close up view of the outside world (1^st class is air-conditioned and swanky, do this if that’s what makes you happy!)

For my trip to Ella though, the reserved tickets had run out, so I was forced to take a 3^rdclass seat (hella cheaper, but also gasp! No reserved seating!!!). It was perhaps the best thing that could’ve happened to me. I made lots of new friends on the train (Sri Lankans are so incredibly friendly, and eager to test their English with you), and got to take the MOST AMAZING photos – will share more on my Ella blog post (coming up next!)

So basically, the key takeaway from my long-winded paragraph is this – sometimes you don’t know what’s best for you until you’ve taken the leap and tried it for yourself 😉 So if those 2^nd class reserved seats aren’t available? Take the 3^rd class! You won’t regret it (just make sure to be at the train station bright and early, start running when the train arrives, and scramble to get a seat!!!!)

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Do I need data while in Sri Lanka?

Even the best-laid plans can go awry, so I suggest you grab yourself a local SIM with data while here. At the airport, there should be Dialog booths (I recommend going with Dialog, although there are other brands) selling a simcard with data options. Note that for foreigners, you can only buy a simcard in two places: (1) at the airport, and (2) at the main Dialog office in Union Place (central Colombo). The airport prices are more expensive, and they don’t provide a lot of options – BUT if you’re not headed to Colombo / you’re not willing to spend time buying simcards when you’re supposed to be travelling, then do buy at the airport

Otherwise, head to Union Place and buy a simcard from the Dialog office there – don’t forget to bring your passport as well! I can’t remember how much I paid, but I got the 4GB sim card – which lasted me the entire 7 days (spent on Facebook, Messenger, Whatsapp, Instagram, and Google Maps!)

Also, the other thing I learned while in Sri Lanka was… Sri Lanka mobile data speeds are INCREDIBLE. Apparently, Japan uses the island to test their latest technologies – which accounts for their advanced technologies. Even during my train rides through the mountains, I still had really strong 4G / LTE signal, which is crazy – it’s even better than the data strength at my home

If you’re already at Dialog office in Union Place, check out Arpico Supermarket and load up with snacks and drinks to bring with you on your train ride (Colombo to Ella takes 9 hours… you’ll need it!)

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Do I need to bring local cash?

Most upscale Colombo restaurants accept credit cards, but once you leave Colombo, cash becomes king. Would highly suggest you either bring cash (LKR) or bring an international-compatible ATM card

There are ATMs at the airport – although the amount of cash you can withdraw from the ATM is limited (think I was stuck withdrawing up to LKR 25,000 only) If you think you’ll need more, just use another ATM – there should be two (of different banks) side-by-side

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How safe is Sri Lanka for travelers?

As with all places, nowhere is truly safe (#pessimistic), but Sri Lanka definitely feels safer compared to most! During my initial research, folks really commended the country for its largely safe environs, and I can attest to this. As a solo female traveler, I never felt threatened or unsafe during my one-week stay – all while taking public transport (trains, bus) and walking the streets alone, at all times of the day. I found most locals to be extremely friendly, and eager to lend a helping hand. There are certain instances where you can be made uncomfortable, but a firm no and a gentle reprimand can go a long way!

Having said that, for your own peace of mind, do bring some pepper spray – you can never be too sure. Plus, no matter how safe, always keep an eye on your belongings and don’t just randomly trust strangers. A trusting nature is good, but stupidity is not.

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What should I pack when heading to Sri Lanka?

Pack light, especially if you plan to take public transport (trains, buses). It’s extremely difficult to lug stuff around… So. bring a bag with wheelies / backpacker backpack (the one with proper supports) instead. Don’t be like me! I brought a duffel bag and SUFFERED

Check the weather – e.g. if you’re headed to Ella or Nuwara Eliya, bring sweaters / light jackets. If you’re sticking to the beaches, then pack beach attire. If it’s rainy season, don’t forget your cap or umbrella

Regardless of where you go, bring mosquito repellents, sunblock, and a trusty pair of shades!

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And that, my friends – concludes the Sri Lanka travel tips! Hope this blog post helps. If you wish to follow me on my 10-day Sri Lanka solo female backpacker journey, do check out my other blog posts as well:

• Start and end of trip: Colombo (includes day trip suggestions)
• Hill country: Ella
• Former capital of Sri Lanka: Kandy
• Cultural Triangle: Sigiriya and Dambulla
• Beach-y wonder: Trincomalee

My schedule over the entire 10 days was essentially as follows: