Travel in Sri Lanka is generally a slow process. And while going slowly is often a very good idea when you’re on holiday, you do need to take this into account when planning your itinerary. If you need help with arranging transport please contact us.
If you look at Sri Lanka on a map it’s about the same size as Ireland or Tasmania, but don’t be fooled into thinking you can see as much of Sri Lanka in, say, two weeks as you would of those two places. A combination of city and main road traffic congestion, narrow and twisting mountain roads, and an ancient railway system that only serves a few parts of the country is the explanation.
The exceptions are the limited number of expressways, and roads in the north – because it’s generally flatter and also because the main roads have been replaced since 2009, having all been extensively damaged in the war. Getting around easily is one of many reasons we think visitors should consider the north rather than the much busier south of the island.
Each mode of travel has its advantages and disadvantages.
The journey from Kandy up to Nuwara Eliya, Haputale and Ella is one of the most scenic in the world. Even the last half of the Colombo-Kandy route is pretty good, while the line south from Colombo to Galle and beyond runs alongside the Indian Ocean for long stretches. Trains are also cheap and, if you book a seat in advance, reasonably comfortable.
Disadvantages are that they are slow, often overcrowded and the network is very limited with infrequent services outside of the Colombo area.
Contact us for more information about train routes and times.
Great fun, but outside Colombo largely unregulated, so be sure to have a good idea what your journey should cost and to agree the price before you get in. You can use PickMe in several places for a more reliable price. Though tuk-tuks are perhaps best for short trips, a solo traveller or maybe a couple can hire a three wheeler and driver to take them on longer trips or tours, cheaper than hiring a car.
Intercity buses with AC can be an excellent and cheap way to travel. Buses run from everywhere to everywhere in the island and services are usually frequent.
Local and older long-distance buses are often very crowded and best avoided if you have baggage, though they can be good for short day trips.
The advantages are comfort, the ability to go where you want and stop whenever you want and, if you have a good driver, the opportunity to learn as you go along and to have someone to interpret for you and protect you from touts.
The only disadvantage is the cost, but if you’re on a tight budget this can be a big disadvantage.
You can hire a car, van motorcycle, scooter or even a tuk-tuk and drive it yourself provided you have the right documents and insurance.
We don’t recommend self-driving unless you’ve driven before in Sri Lanka or another country with similar lack of obedience to the rules of the road! But if you want to know more, contact us.
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