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How to Travel to Sri Lanka on a Budget – Best for Your Bucks

A holiday in Sri Lanka is on the bucket list of every discerning traveller. A tropical island on the Indian Ocean.

By Traveling WorldwidePublished 3 years ago 3 min read
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Terranceensen, Sri Lanka-4, CC BY-SA 4.0

A holiday in Sri Lanka is on the bucket list of every discerning traveller. A tropical island on the Indian Ocean. A tiny nation with the power to amaze and steal your heart. Experience the bio-diverse environs, the exotic wildlife, and culture as old as time on your travels. The best of all Sri Lanka is not that expensive to explore. Read on to discover how to travel to Sri Lanka on a budget.

Make a Budget for Your Trip to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a destination to which you can travel on a budget. But that being said, its expenses aren’t economical as other Asian countries like Nepal or India. While it is possible to travel, eat, and sleep for low costs in Sri Lanka, it is best to set yourself a daily budget. Around $40 to $50 is the general rate but do keep in mind that while food is not that expensive, you may have to pay more for accommodation and travel than places like India. Besides, tourist attractions in Sri Lanka charge foreigners a higher entrance rate than the price of tickets for locals. However, there are many attractions in Sri Lanka to visit for free. For example, if you look for things to do in Kandy, Sri Lanka, a long list of ‘free’ allures will come up.

To set your daily budget, check out these factors. First, explore the variety of accommodation on offer in Sri Lanka. Many five-star hotels in Sri Lanka, like Earl's Regency Kandy, located close to the best attractions in the hill capital, have plenty of budget-friendly offers for you to choose from. Next, explore the range of food and menus to understand pricing. You can look up the official Sri Lanka bus and train websites to understand the cost of travel and how to buy tickets.

Make a List of Free Attractions in Sri Lanka

If you are staying at a Kandy hotel in Sri Lanka, there will be plenty of attractions to explore. Many of the hill capital’s famous sights are free to explore. A walk around the historic Kandy Lake, for example, is something you must experience when visiting Kandy city centre. The sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic is free to explore as well, while other places such as walking trails and mountain treks will cost you nothing in Kandy.

Travel Options in Sri Lanka

Public transport in Sri Lanka is very cheap. The island’s bus and train infrastructure is very good. Buses ply to almost every corner of the country and offer a choice of travel from air-conditioned coaches to less-expensive government-run buses. The train service too is quite extensive and is one of the most scenic ways to travel in Sri Lanka; this is especially true if you are travelling toward the hill country, as you will be rewarded with stunning views. Here too, you have the choice to pre-book your seat on first class, second class, or third class. The comforts on offer vary according to the class you choose – so does the price. Visit the Sri Lanka Railways website for time tables and ticket pricing.

Food in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is home to four main ethnic groups. Hence, the country is a melting pot of culture and traditions, which means the food is amazing. You can savour the culinary delights of traditional Sinhalese, Muslim, Tamil, and Burgher dishes. Then, there is the street food. Come nightfall and a host of little eateries open for business, offering mouth-watering delights for you to choose from. Do make sure to sample the favourites kottu roti, hoppers, vadai, and roti. Best of all the prices are very low and perfect for people travelling on a budget to Sri Lanka.

Rice and curry is a lunchtime staple, which is the least expensive and heartiest meal to get in Sri Lanka. It’s available just about anywhere in the country. And for times you want to splurge, the commercial capital Colombo has many a fine dining option – from Sri Lankan cuisine to the best delicacies from across the globe.

Enjoy your travels in Sri Lanka!

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