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.

SRI LANKA TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

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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]

Explore Sri Lanka’s Cities & Villages

Nainatheevu in Jaffna

The cultural heart of the north

Jaffna

The sacred city in the hills

Kandy

Meemure

Udawalawe National Park

The wild plains of elephants

Udawalawe