Travel in Sri Lanka: What To Expect

November 28, 2011 By Mark Wiens

Table of Contents

1. People

Sri Lankan people are extremely friendly. In fact, out of every country I've ever traveled to, Sri Lankans may be the most willing to have a short conversation or just say “hello.” While traveling through the island you'll be asked “You are from?,” countless times.

I have never been to a country where so many people have come out and asked me to take a photo of themselves – pretty cool!

On top of their friendly positive attitudes, many Sri Lankan are also hospitable. They will strive to take care of you and to make you feel welcomed in their country.

One of the best things about Sri Lanka is that you can just walk down the street and say hello to any random stranger passing by.

2. Food

A plate of rice topped with an array of colorful curries is the most popular meal to eat in Sri Lanka.

Fish and chicken are two curry favorites and daal (lentils) is eaten with almost every meal.

Other dishes include various forms of bread like paratha or roti (both flatbreads).

Kottu is a homegrown speciality made with slices of paratha (similar to a Mexican flour tortilla) stir fried into a Sri Lankan version of Chinese fried rice – but with bread instead of rice!

If you are a lover of all things coconut, you will be in heaven when you arrive in Sri Lanka.

All over the country you can grab a coconut to drink its water straight from the shell or enjoy a plate of freshly made pol sambola (blend of shredded coconut, chili and lime juice).

Sri Lankan's, just as many others around the world, love to eat deep fried snacks. Little snacky things are available in abundance throughout the country.

3. Transportation

Though there are many different kinds of transportation to choose from, if you want personal space and comfort you won't find it in Sri Lanka.

Buses don't drive until all seats are full and the aisle is stuffed to maximum capacity. Drivers proceed to accelerate and brake as fast and as jerky as they can.

If you are standing on a Sri Lankan bus, you better hold on for dear life, or you may go flying through the aisle at the next stop.

Trains can be a good way to travel around the country, but routes are limited and it's rather slow. There are a number of different classes, and you may even get your own seat!

Even though transportation is not the most comfortable, it's really cheap.

Normal buses in Colombo cost less than 30 LKR ($0.30) for a ride, and I took the train from Colombo to Kandy (3 hour ride) for just 105 LKR ($0.95).

4. Places to Visit / Things To See

Even though the island of Sri Lanka may seem small, I soon realized that there is so much to do and so many potential places to visit that it could takes months to see the entire country.

From pristine beaches to mountains and tea fields, the diversity of the country is huge. They say when you travel in Sri Lanka you will enter a new landscape every 30 minutes – and that's really true.

Looking out the window while riding a bus I observed as the flora and fauna changed drastically, then out of nowhere we'd come up on a cliff overlooking a valley or a winding jungle river.

Colombo is Sri Lanka's major city and entrance point, but from there it's easy to get all around the country and begin what is sure to be an amazing trip to Sri Lanka!

About Mark Wiens

Mark was raised in central Africa before migrating back to the US for University. After graduating, he decided to continue traveling the world. On Migrationology, he shares the cultural side of travel from a slow paced local perspective that often revolves around his love for eating all forms of food. Join him on Facebook, follow him on Twitter @migrationology, and add him on Google Plus.

Comments

Roy Marvelous says
November 28, 2011 at 10:35 am

Wow, that’s cheap for trains!
- Mark Wiens says
  November 28, 2011 at 10:55 am
  
  Super cheap man, if you are willing to sit wherever!
Traveling Ted says
November 29, 2011 at 12:09 am

I have always been intrigued with Sri Lanka. The intrigue grows after reading this post. Thanks!
- Mark Wiens says
  December 4, 2011 at 1:59 am
  
  Great Ted! Hope you get a chance to visit!
Andi of My Beautiful Adventures says
November 29, 2011 at 12:23 pm

Take me there no please! Looks incredible!!!
Erin says
November 29, 2011 at 9:04 pm

Sri Lanka is one of our favourite countries. I’ve spent 4 months there in total and still haven’t seen it all. Riding the train through the hill country is one of the most relaxing, scenic ways to travel – just hang out of the door for the best views!
- Mark Wiens says
  December 4, 2011 at 2:07 am
  
  I agree! Train travel while hanging out the door is the best way to travel in Sri Lanka!
Natalie says
November 30, 2011 at 4:06 am

Nice summary and your photos are fantastic. I lived in Sri Lanka for six months and the photo of the rice and curry had my mouth watering immediately. Although I’ve never heard of Paratha… Is it just the same thing as roti? Because Kothu is made of roti – hence its full name: kothu roti.
- Mark Wiens says
  December 4, 2011 at 2:08 am
  
  Cool to hear that Natalie. Yah, I think a roti is the same as a paratha…not sure of the difference.
  - Dayan Chinthaka says
    August 4, 2014 at 9:15 am
    
    Rotti and Paratha are the same which is the base for the Kothu rotti..
    
    In Sri Lanka “Pol Rotti” means small hard ones made with flour and scraped coconut. It may contain small pieces of green chilies and onion. Mostly available in the mornings.
    Also the paratha or rotti is available in another version as “gothamba rotti or Veechchu rotti”. It is 6 inches X 6 inches, single layer as a square paper. You can tear it and eat with available curries or can put salad and cheese and roll it and eat like Arabic sandwich.
Anji says
December 2, 2011 at 6:39 am

One of the things I’ve enjoyed the most when I have visited India is drinking cocunut water. It is so cooling and enjoyable. I’ve even seen local people climb all the way up the tree to bring the cocunuts down. I’ve not been to Sri Lanka but I’ve heard that it’s very similar to India!
- Mark Wiens says
  December 4, 2011 at 2:09 am
  
  Yes, I bet south India is quite similar to Sri Lanka…and I fully agree about drinking coconut water – so naturally cooling and refreshing!
Lenia Evangelinou says
December 2, 2011 at 9:17 am

Hi I have never been there but I would like to. Beautiful pictures anyway. If people are such friendly as you say it will be a unique opportunity to communicate and understand better their culture.
Thank you!
- Mark Wiens says
  December 4, 2011 at 2:11 am
  
  Thanks Lenia. Yes, just like you said, since the people are so very friendly it is easier than some other countries to really get to know their culture more and to chat with basically as many people as you want. It’s really an amazing country with a lot of very friendly people.
Red Hunt says
December 2, 2011 at 1:55 pm

I loved Sri Lanka and this is a great summary of what makes the country tick. I’ll add that my favourite fun food there was string hoppers….and if you love wildlife, go to Yala National Park – amazing!
- Mark Wiens says
  December 4, 2011 at 2:12 am
  
  I didn’t get a chance to visit Yala National Park, but I really would have loved too! Thanks for adding your tips too!
Narushan says
June 26, 2012 at 10:48 am

just amazing
Charith Saranga says
August 9, 2012 at 10:57 pm

Yeah, Sri Lankan people are friendly. And the food is delicious. Never forget to taste different kinds of food varieties if you are in Sri Lanka. From all those food, be sure to taste a kottu – of course from a clean and hygienic food outlet.. :))

Interesting article, Mark. :)
MJK GUNASEKARA says
August 29, 2012 at 7:20 am

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Alexander Mastin says
January 27, 2013 at 11:08 am

Mark, thank you for such an inspiring article. I’ve never been to Sri Lanka, but some of my college mates were from there, so I’m thinking to give it a try. On pictures it look quite similar to Goa, India. Once again, great job, keep on writing!
thisara says
March 25, 2013 at 2:47 am

thanks my friend for everything about our country and remember we welcome you any time to srilanka. we dont care where from,we always loves you guys.
Jomar says
April 5, 2013 at 5:42 am

Wow….I would love to visit this place soon….
Damian Macalpine says
July 17, 2013 at 2:59 pm

Hi Mark…I’m not really into organised tours so do you think that just landing at Colombo with a good idea of where you want to visit around the country in say a 3 week trip is OK? I mean just jumping on buses, taxis, trains and making more of an adventure of it?
Adil Nawaz says
September 10, 2013 at 7:05 am

Sri Lanka truly is a magical island. Its my last day here, and I had an amazing time. The mixture of people, culture, Cuisine, Heritage, and natural beauty is beyond very good! Well done Mark on a well written article.

By the way Damian, regarding organized tours, you are correct about them being fun without a particular structure. But, I would advice you to get hold of a good local travel agency for the best deals and tips. I traveled with cSrilanka and they have been tremendous although its a young company. Ill leave their site link below for anyone interested.

http://www.csrilanka.com/
Rebecca says
February 15, 2014 at 3:30 am

I’m in Sri Lanka right now and I couldn’t agree more with this article. It’s a fantastic, friendly country. Bus transportation is absolutely nuts – you definitely need to hold on and whatever you do, DON’T sit in the front seat!! :-)
- Dayan Chinthaka says
  August 4, 2014 at 9:26 am
  
  Behind the driver seat is reserved for clergies. If it is empty you can use it, if any of them comes in, then you have to give that seat to them.
  Seating on the front – left side, hold your seat arm or window well, and be firm on your legs. Other wise every time the driver put a sudden brake you will have a small flight.
  On the last raw seats, better wear a helmet, if the bus is half empty.