Traveling Sri Lanka on a budget: 17 tips to stretch your funds
Sri Lanka has long been a cost-effective destination for all types of travelers. Even those on a tight budget can enjoy the island's experiences, from stunning palm-lined golden beaches to thrilling wildlife encounters and ancient temples rich in history. Coupled with the warmth of its hospitality, Sri Lanka is an excellent choice for budget-conscious adventurers.
As the Sri Lankan tourism sector gradually bounces back from the pandemic, numerous affordable hotel options are emerging, alongside beach towns catering to the growing digital nomad community. While tipping is not a common practice, offering a tip can be a nice gesture for servers, cleaners, and drivers.
Here are more tips to help you lower your costs and enjoy Sri Lanka without overspending.
Reserve your flights well in advance
To secure the best airfare to Sri Lanka, make your reservations well in advance. Booking anywhere from three months to two weeks prior to your departure can yield fares below the average. Most travelers will land at Bandaranaike International Airport, situated about 35km (22 miles) north of the capital, Colombo. Major airlines like Qatar Airways and Emirates offer daily flights from North America and Europe, while SriLankan Airlines provides direct flights from Heathrow in the UK. For travelers from Asia and Australia, Singapore Airlines and Malaysia Airlines are excellent options for budget deals.
Look into flights through India
The most economical flights to Sri Lanka often originate from Indian cities such as Chennai, Bangalore, and New Delhi. If you’re interested in experiencing both India and Sri Lanka, traveling from across the Palk Strait could help you save. It's also worth considering whether flying through India, even as a stopover, can cut costs.
Travel during the off-peak season for additional savings
Sri Lanka's peak tourist season spans from December to April. To save on lodging, try to avoid these months, especially December, January, and April when local festivities take place. The northwest monsoon season lasts from May to September, but don't worry—the tropical weather ensures that monsoon rains are usually brief.
The monsoon season is an excellent opportunity to discover the east coast's sandy beaches, lively surf culture, and diverse wildlife. From June to August, Kalpitiya offers exceptional conditions for kitesurfing. October and November see a lull in activity, but you can find more affordable accommodation as the south coast gradually reopens.
Use the airport bus for a budget-friendly ride
Air-conditioned buses, like Bus 187, operate from just outside the airport to downtown Colombo for under Rs 700. The trip takes around 30 minutes, making it a fantastic option for budget travelers with minimal luggage.
Embrace the warmth of Sri Lankan hospitality with a homestay experience © David Sacks / Getty ImagesStay in local homestays and hostels
Sri Lanka offers a variety of clean and cozy homestays priced between Rs 3,000 and Rs 7,000 per night. These can be found on platforms like Booking.com and Airbnb. Not only do they provide budget-friendly accommodation, but they also allow you to enjoy Sri Lanka’s renowned hospitality. Family-run homestays are generally a safe choice for solo women travelers as well.
While many budget hostels across the island closed during the pandemic, you can still find some options in major cities and coastal towns. Hostel beds range from Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,000. During the low season, luxury hotels and villas can drop to approximately Rs 32,000–50,000 per night.
Avoid booking extended stays in advance
Airbnb is a great option in Sri Lanka for finding self-catering apartments and small houses, with prices starting around Rs 6,500 a night and going up to several hundred dollars. If you're considering a long-term stay, you can negotiate a better deal and sidestep extra fees by speaking directly with the owner upon arrival. Most property owners are willing to offer discounts for long-term guests.
Use local buses for travel
Sri Lanka boasts a comprehensive public transport network that links major cities with smaller towns and rural areas. While most local buses lack air conditioning and tend to play loud music, they are very affordable. There are only a few (often inaccurate) timetables available for main routes, and buses may either run late or depart only when full. However, don’t let this deter you—most routes see buses every few minutes, with one-way fares typically costing just a couple of dollars.
While booking apps can be useful, it's significantly cheaper to buy train tickets in advance at major stations © NDStock / ShutterstockPurchase your train tickets ahead of time
Traveling by train in Sri Lanka is both budget-friendly and comfortable, offering a glimpse into the local culture and stunning landscapes. Most long-distance trains provide options for both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned coaches, with air-conditioned tickets priced around Rs 2,000–3,200.
Do note that advance seat reservations are only possible at major railway stations such as Colombo, Kandy, Nanu Oya (close to Nuwara Eliya), Jaffna, and Ella. While you can book through platforms like Bookaway, be aware that the commission can inflate the ticket price by two or three times.
Travelers can also opt to arrive on the day of travel and purchase an inexpensive ticket for a non-reservable compartment, which ranges from Rs 327 to 982. These compartments tend to fill up during peak hours and weekends.
Take the southern expressway bus
If your destination is southern Sri Lanka, consider taking the expressway bus. These air-conditioned buses depart from Makumbura bus station in Colombo, heading to Galle, Matara, Tangalle, and Hambantota (near Yala National Park). For a journey of 1 to 2 hours, a one-way ticket costs under Rs 1,600, and these buses are generally quicker than local trains.
Utilize ride-hailing apps in Colombo and Kandy
While ride-hailing apps are only available in Colombo and Kandy, they provide a convenient and cost-effective way to navigate these cities. You can choose from options like bikes, tuk-tuks, basic cars, and luxury vehicles.
For a more comfortable journey outside Colombo, consider using the local app PickMe to book taxis for longer distances. This service is typically 20–30% cheaper than pre-arranged taxis through hotels or tour companies.
When ride-hailing apps aren't available, opt for scooter rentals
In areas beyond Colombo and Kandy where ride-hailing services don’t operate, tuk-tuk fares can quickly accumulate. Since most drivers lack a meter, ensure you agree on a price before getting in. Alternatively, renting a scooter is a popular choice for beach hopping along the south coast, costing between Rs 1,600 and Rs 3,200 per day.
Dine at local 'hotels'
To enjoy budget-friendly meals, visit small, local eateries known as 'hotels.' Here, you can indulge in a hearty plate of rice and curry for just Rs 600–1,300. These spots also offer snacks, often referred to as 'shorties' or 'short-eats,' including deep-fried fish cutlets, vegetable patties, and sweet tea buns for under a dollar.
In tourist hotspots like Unawatuna and Ella, food prices are slightly higher, but many trendy cafes, restaurants, and beach shacks still provide excellent value. A meal for two, including a couple of beers, typically costs between Rs 5,000 and Rs 8,000.
Local markets and roadside stalls offer affordable options for fresh fruits and vegetables © Alex Potemkin / Getty ImagesVisit the local market for groceries
If you're planning an extended stay in Sri Lanka, remember that imported items like chocolates, biscuits, cheese, and cosmetics can be pricey and hard to find. Opt for local brands at supermarkets and grocery stores instead. Fresh vegetables, fruits, and cooking essentials are always cheaper when purchased from roadside stalls or local markets.
Look for women-operated health food shops for vegan and vegetarian options
Keep an eye out for Hela Bojun outlets, known as Ammachchi in the north. If you spot an open-air kitchen with female chefs in green aprons and hair covers, you’ve found the right spot. These establishments, run entirely by local women, were initiated by the Ministry of Agriculture to promote regional ingredients and healthy eating while supporting women's entrepreneurship. They offer delicious vegan and vegetarian meals, often accompanied by fresh fruit juice or herbal tea for under a dollar.
Team up with fellow travelers to cut costs on wildlife safaris
Sri Lanka’s national parks are excellent for spotting wild Asian elephants, leopards, and various rare native and migratory birds in their natural settings. A safari for two, including entrance fees, taxes, and 4WD costs, ranges from Rs 23,000 to Rs 33,000. Since a 4WD can accommodate six people, consider teaming up with fellow travelers to share the expenses. To minimize extra transport costs, stay close to the parks, which also applies to whale and dolphin-watching tours.
Explore lesser-known tourist attractions
While the entry fee for the ancient cities of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura is Rs 8,200, there are equally intriguing sites that are more budget-friendly. Temples and historical locations such as Dambulla Cave Temple, Yapahuwa in Kurunegala, Embekke near Kandy, and Mulkirigala Rock Temple near Tangalle provide cultural richness at a much lower cost.
Choose to climb Pidurangala instead of Lion Rock
The cost to visit Lion Rock in Sigiriya is Rs 9,900. For budget travelers, Pidurangala is the better option, offering stunning views of the impressive 180m (590ft) rock for under Rs 1,000 to reach the summit.
Daily expenses in Sri Lanka
Hostel room: Rs 2,000–5,000 (US$7–15)
Basic room for two in a homestay: Rs 3,200–6,500 (US$10–20)
Basic hotel room: Rs 6,500–13,000 (US$20–40)
Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): Rs 6,500–33,000 (US$20–100)
Public transport ticket (local buses): Rs 325–1,000 one way (US$1–3)
Public transport ticket (air-conditioned reserved trains): Rs 2,000–3,300 (US$6–10)
Coffee: Rs 650–1,300 (US$2–4)
Sandwich: Rs 325–1,600 (US$1–5)
Dinner for two in a mid-range restaurant: Rs 5,000–7,200 (US$15–22)
Dinner for two in a fine-dining restaurant: Rs 13,000–23,000 (US$40–70)
Beer at the bar (local Lion beer can 330ml): Rs 325 (US$1)
Rice and curry: Rs 650–1,600 (US$2–5)
A plate of kottu roti: Rs 1,000–1,600 (US$3–5)
Deep-fried vegetable roll: Less than Rs 325 (US$1)
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