Solo Female Travel in Sri Lanka: my One-month Summer itinerary, budget & safety tips
- Vero
- 6 days ago
- 10 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Sri Lanka is a dream destination for solo female travelers looking for a vibrant mix of adventure, nature, culture, and beaches. I visited this stunning island nation in July–August and spent an unforgettable month exploring different areas, from surf towns and tea plantations to sacred temples and lush jungles. In this blog post, I’ll share my full itinerary, how to get around, how much I spent, how to apply for your tourist visa, and my honest thoughts on safety as a woman traveling solo in Sri Lanka.
Tourist Visa for Sri Lanka
Getting a tourist visa is quite simple and can be done online before your trip.
Type: ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)
Cost: Around $50 USD
Validity: 30 days (can be extended once you're in the country)
Processing Time: 24–48 hours (it took around 10 hours for me)
Getting Around Sri Lanka
Getting around Sri Lanka as a solo traveler is relatively easy and affordable, but you’ll need to be flexible, as transport can sometimes be slow or a little unpredictable.
Tuk-tuks
Perfect for short rides around towns and villages. You can use apps like PickMe or Uber in most touristy areas. Personally, I had some trouble registering with PickMe at the start of my trip while using an e-SIM, so I gave up on it and stuck with Uber instead, which worked seamlessly in cities like Colombo, Negombo, and Ella.
In smaller towns where Uber isn’t available, I simply flagged tuk-tuks down on the street and found drivers to be reliable, friendly, and reasonably priced. If you're heading to the airport or planning a longer trip within a city, Uber is a great, budget-friendly option that lets you avoid negotiating prices every time you will need to book a tuk-tuk.
Trains
Sri Lanka’s trains offer one of the most iconic travel experiences in the country. The scenic ride from Ella to Nuwara Eliya (Nanu Oya station) or Kandy to Ella is absolutely unmissable. Tickets are incredibly affordable, under $1 for third class, but be prepared: these routes get busy, and it’s common not to find a seat if you don’t book in advance.
If you want a guaranteed seat, consider booking first class online, but be aware you'll miss part of the charm: chatting with locals, hanging out at the door, and soaking in the open-window views. I also took a scenic southern coast train from Weligama to Hiriketiya, which cost around 40 cents and offered gorgeous views of lush nature, highly recommended and usually much less crowded!
Buses
Buses are frequent and super cheap, but can be chaotic, especially if you’re carrying luggage. I only used the bus once, on a night route from Colombo to Arugam Bay. It was sold as a “luxury” option, but don’t expect the same standards as in Vietnam or Thailand. That said, it was convenient and affordable.
To make sure you get a seat, I recommend booking in advance through 12goAsia.com, especially during high season or for overnight routes.
Private Drivers and Shared Transfers
This turned out to be my favorite and most convenient way to get around, especially for medium or long distances. I often met other travelers heading in the same direction and we would split the cost of a driver.
You can also find travel buddies through Facebook groups (especially Sri Lanka Travel and Tourism, Sri Lanka Backpackers and Solo Female Traveler Network - Sri Lanka), where people often post ride-share opportunities.
If that doesn’t work, many local travel agencies offer shared transfers in minivans and will arrange everything for you at a reasonable price. It’s reliable, flexible, and a great way to meet fellow travelers along the way. SIM Cards & Internet Access
Staying connected in Sri Lanka is quite easy:
Main providers: Dialog and Mobitel
Where to buy: Airport kiosks or local shops
Cost: ~$10 for 30GB of data
Coverage: Excellent in cities and most towns. Rural areas may have weaker signal.
I used Dialog, and it worked quite well even in places like Arugam Bay and Ella. You can top up data using the Dialog app or physical recharge cards sold everywhere.
I spent most of my working hours in Arugam Bay and along the southern coast, particularly in Weligama and Hiriketiya, and I never had any Wi-Fi issues in those areas. The connection was stable enough for video calls, uploading content, and managing all my tasks without stress.
I intentionally avoided scheduling important work while in Ella and Nuwara Eliya, knowing that connectivity tends to be more limited in the hill country. That said, I did have to jump on a few Zoom calls while in Ella and, surprisingly, found the best Wi-Fi in an ice cream shop, that literally saved my day!
If having strong, reliable Wi-Fi is a priority for you, I highly recommend basing yourself in Arugam Bay (only during the summer season) or along the Southern coast. These areas are much better equipped for remote work and digital nomads.
My 1-Month Sri Lanka Itinerary (Summer Season)
Colombo – 1 Day
Colombo is a bustling and somewhat chaotic city, interesting to explore briefly, but not my personal favorite. If you're curious to get a feel for it and plan to spend a day here, I recommend booking a tuk-tuk guided tour. It’s a fun and efficient way to discover the city’s main highlights in just a few hours before continuing your journey.
If you're staying overnight, I can definitely recommend this guesthouse: the rooms are spacious, air-conditioned, and super comfortable, perfect for resting after a long flight or bus ride. The location is perfect and the owners were some of the kindest people I met during my time in Sri Lanka, which made the experience even more special.
📍 Arugam Bay – 2 Weeks
Without a doubt, Arugam Bay was my favorite coastal destination in Sri Lanka during the summer! This laid-back beach town has the perfect mix of surf, yoga, coworking spots, and a vibrant social scene. It’s incredibly easy to meet other travelers, and I made some lifelong friends during my stay.
Whether you're into catching waves, working remotely by the beach, or just enjoying the relaxed vibe, Arugam Bay has something for everyone. If you’re curious to learn more, I wrote a dedicated blog post with all my top tips for solo travelers and digital nomads based on my experience there.
📍 South Coast – 1 Week (Weligama, Mirissa, Hiriketiya)
I spent a week exploring the Southern coast of Sri Lanka in August, which is the off-season for this region. As expected, I encountered quite a bit of rain and many towns were quieter than usual, but each place still had its own charm.
Weligama
This was probably my least favorite stop. The town felt too quiet, and while I did meet a few people thanks to some yoga classes, it wasn’t the most social or vibrant place. After 8:00 PM, it was surprisingly difficult to find open restaurants, and the dark, empty streets at night made me feel a bit uneasy as a solo female traveler. That said, accommodation is super affordable during off season, and there are a couple of good coworking options like Plan B and Outpost. If you're hoping to meet more people, consider staying at Outpost or at the Plan B Coliving, which tend to attract a more social crowd.
Mirissa
I enjoyed Mirissa more, it's livelier and has a more inviting vibe. The beach is gorgeous, and the area felt bit busier without being overwhelming. I’d personally choose it over Weligama as a base, especially during the off-season. I recommend this lovely hostel surrounded by nature, just a short walk from the beach that also offers daily yoga classes.
Hiriketiya
Despite being off-season, Hiriketiya had a magical feel to it. The beach is absolutely stunning, and it was super easy to meet fellow travelers. I’ve heard it can get very crowded during peak season, so visiting in summer might actually be the sweet spot. For accommodation, check out Gold Ocean House, a peaceful spot with cozy rooms just a minute from the ocean.
📍 Ella – A Few Days
Ella is an absolute gem surrounded by lush mountains, tea plantations, and waterfalls, it’s one of the most scenic places you can visit in Sri Lanka, but it’s also one of the most touristy. The vibe is relaxed, and there’s a great mix of hiking, cozy cafés, and breathtaking viewpoints like Little Adam’s Peak and the Nine Arches Bridge.
If you’re looking to stay immersed in nature but still within walking distance of the center, I can wholeheartedly recommend the guesthouse Mum Jungle Inn. The owners are incredibly kind, the breakfast was hands-down the best I had in Sri Lanka, and the views from the terrace are unforgettable.
📍 Nuwara Eliya - 2 Days
A cool, misty escape nestled among endless tea plantations, Nuwara Eliya feels like a completely different world compared to the rest of Sri Lanka. Its colonial-era architecture and cool climate at 1,400 meters above sea level give it a unique charm you wouldn’t expect to find on a tropical island.
The train ride from Ella to Nuwara Eliya is absolutely breathtaking, expect to pass through lush forests, open valleys, and vibrant green hills. It’s one of the most scenic journeys in the country and a highlight of my trip.
While here, you can explore some of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful tea estates, learn about the tea-making process, and dive into the fascinating history behind one of the country’s biggest exports.
For accommodation, I highly recommend B&B Nuwara Eliya. I paid just €10 for a lovely double room with breakfast included, and the views were stunning. The staff was super friendly and always willing to help, making my stay even more enjoyable.
📍 Kandy – 3 Days
I absolutely loved Kandy, a vibrant city packed with culture, surrounded by lush hills and nature. I spent three days here and had an amazing time exploring ancient temples, walking around the scenic lake, and soaking in the local atmosphere.
I was lucky enough to visit during the Esala Perahera, one of the most important religious festivals in Sri Lanka. Held annually in July or August, the festival honors the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha housed at the Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth). The celebration features mesmerizing fire dancers, traditional drummers, and costumed performers in an epic nighttime procession. It was a powerful way to connect with the island’s spiritual traditions, and I highly recommend timing your visit around the festival if you're in Sri Lanka during that period.
For accommodation, I stayed at Sky Heaven Hotel, which was an absolute gem for the price. If you’re traveling on a budget, it’s a fantastic option, clean, comfortable, and well-located. I wish I would had more time to visit Dambulla and Sigiriya, but I ended up running out of time, just one of the many reasons why I'll definitely return to Sri Lanka.
📍 Negombo – 1 Day/Night
A quieter alternative to Colombo, perfect for relaxing by the beach before your flight. Just 20 minutes from the airport. I stayed here and I found it a very convenient option for a hotel with pool and beach views close to many restaurants.
My 1-Month Budget Breakdown
Here’s a rough breakdown of what I spent traveling solo in Sri Lanka:
Category | Cost (USD) | Notes |
Accommodation | $450 | Guesthouses, hostels, private rooms |
Food & Drinks | $250–300 | Local food is cheap & delicious |
Transportation | $100 | Trains, buses, tuk-tuks, a few taxis |
SIM card & data | $10 | 30GB from Dialog, great coverage |
Activities & entrance fees | $100 | Safari, temples, cooking classes, hikes |
Total | ~$900–1,100 | For 4 weeks of travel |
You can easily travel around Sri Lanka on a budget, especially if you're flexible with your choices. I always opted for private rooms, which were still very affordable, but if you’re comfortable staying in dorms, you can spend even less. Getting around with local buses, shared taxis, and tuk-tuks kept my transportation costs low. For food, sticking to local eateries and street food is both delicious and budget-friendly. Of course, if you prefer a bit more comfort, like air-conditioned rooms in popular tourist spots during high season, you can still upgrade without breaking the bank.
Safety Tips for Solo Female Travelers in Sri Lanka
Traveling solo in Sri Lanka as a woman is generally safe, but like in many places, it's important to stay aware and trust your instincts. Here are my top safety tips based on personal experience:
Dress modestly: especially when visiting inland areas or religious sites. Cover your shoulders and knees to show respect for local customs and avoid unwanted attention.
Avoid walking alone at night in quiet or poorly lit areas: I personally felt uneasy walking alone in dark, empty streets, especially in Weligama, where I had a few uncomfortable encounters. When in doubt, take a tuk-tuk or stay in well-lit, busier areas.
Get a local SIM card: staying connected is essential. It allows you to call drivers, navigate easily, and reach out for help if needed.
Be cautious with overly friendly men: most locals are kind and welcoming, but I did experience a few uncomfortable situations, especially with tuk-tuk drivers or at some guesthouses where friendliness turned into persistent attention. Trust your gut and don’t hesitate to remove yourself from situations that feel off.
Join tours or group activities: this is not only a fun way to explore but also a great way to meet other travelers. I met most people through coworking spaces, yoga classes, and surf lessons, definitely worth allocating part of your budget to!
Use apps like PickMe, or ask your accommodation to book a trusted tuk-tuk: if you find a reliable tuk-tuk driver, save their WhatsApp number for future rides. It’s much safer and more convenient.
Join Facebook and WhatsApp groups: these are super helpful for finding travel buddies, local tips, and staying informed. The most useful Facebook groups for me were: Solo Female Traveler Network - Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka Travel and Tourism while for Whatsapp I recommend: DN Sri Lanka Main Group and Sri Lanka Yoga.
Coworking spaces and beach cafés with Wi-Fi are great hubs for remote workers: they’re ideal if you’re working while traveling and also perfect for meeting other like-minded travelers.
Don’t let a few awkward moments stop you, Sri Lanka is a breathtaking country filled with warm people, rich culture, and unforgettable experiences. Be mindful, stay open, and enjoy every moment of your journey.
Final Thoughts
Sri Lanka stole my heart. It’s a country where you can hike misty mountains, enjoy amazing food and watch unforgettable sunsets from palm-lined beaches. The people I met, the food I tasted, and the places I explored made this one of the most rewarding solo adventures I’ve ever had. If you're considering visiting Sri Lanka solo, go for it. Yes, be aware and prepared, but don’t let fear hold you back. The magic of this country is worth it. I’m already dreaming about my return.
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