Sri Lanka is, hands down, my favorite country in Asia. It’s underrated—and even now, you can explore it without the crowds.

It was the first place I ever backpacked for six weeks. I became friends with roadside food stalls, watched elephants roam wild, and lived in a remote jungle village. I even met my partner here.

Sri Lanka made me fall in love with backpacking—and with slow travel.

These guides are filled with the places I loved most, along with tips to help you experience the real Sri Lanka: warm locals, wild landscapes, and stories you won’t find in any itinerary.

Explore Sri Lanka’s Cities & Villages

Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, I earn a small commission if you book through these links, and that helps me keep this blog running. See our Disclosure Policy for more information.


SRI LANKA TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

Best Time to Go

Dec–Apr (south & west) May–Sep (east coast)

How Long

2–3 weeks to see coast, culture & highlands

Daily Budget

Rs 4,000–7,000/day ($12–$20) for budget travelers

Getting There

Fly into Colombo (CMB), main international airport

SRI LaNKA visa

Most nationalities need an e-visa (ETA); apply online

SRI LANKA eSIM

Must-have for navigating. $3 off code: GLADIS1238

travel insurance

Recommended. Medical care is limited in rural areas.

SRI LANKA Custom Itinerary

[Coming Soon]