Sri Lanka is a small island with a lot packed into it: beaches and surf, wildlife, misty mountains, temples, tea country, incredible food and one of the most famous train rides in the world. It's a brilliant place for solo travellers, because in one trip you can hike in the hills, go on safari and learn to surf on the south coast.
Here's everything you need to know about when to go, where to go, what to do and what to eat, plus the practical bits before you land.
Variety. The cooler hill country around Kandy and Ella, elephant safaris in Udawalawe National Park, surf towns like Weligama, the beaches around Mirissa, temples, tea plantations and great food. The scenery and activities change every few days, which is exactly why it works so well as a group trip.
You can visit year-round because the weather changes by region. December to April is generally the best time for Kandy, Ella and the south coast. November is still warm and tropical, with more showers. The lowlands are hot, while the hill country is noticeably cooler, so pack a layer.
Yes, it's touristy. Do it anyway. The line winds past mountains, villages and tea plantations, and it takes several hours, which is half the fun. We use reserved seats on our trip.
A favourite stop: a small mountain town surrounded by tea, hills and jungle, with great cafés and bars. Little Adam's Peak and the Nine Arch Bridge can both be done in the same day.
You don't need to go to Africa for a safari. Udawalawe is famous for elephants, and you might also spot crocodiles, jackals and plenty of birdlife.
The pace slows right down: beaches, surf, cafés and sunsets. Weligama is one of the best places to learn to surf, and the southwest coast is usually calmer and sunnier from about November to March.
Rice and curry, kottu roti, hoppers, fresh seafood, sambols and anything with coconut. Food can be very spicy, so ease in if you're not used to heat. A cooking class is a great way to understand the cuisine.
Very. There's accommodation all along the main route and lots of travellers on the same circuit. The hard part is organising transport, activities and accommodation, which is why we run a group trip for solo travellers in their 20s and 30s that takes care of the logistics without feeling like a big coach tour.
Absolutely. Mountains, a legendary train ride, wildlife, surf, food and beach time, all in one trip.
Ready to see Sri Lanka? Check out our Sri Lanka Surf & Safari group trip for upcoming dates.
