Backpacking Across Super Sri Lanka: A Complete Guide
Backpacking Across Super Sri Lanka is a backpacker’s paradise, offering a mix of stunning landscapes, cultural heritage, wildlife encounters, and budget-friendly travel options. From pristine beaches and lush mountains to ancient ruins and bustling cities, this island nation provides an unforgettable experience for adventurers.
Table of Contents
This complete guide will help you plan your budget-friendly backpacking trip across Sri Lanka, covering everything from visa requirements to the best routes, transportation, accommodation, and must-visit places.
1. Pre-Trip Essentials Backpacking Across Super Sri Lanka
Visa Requirements
Most travelers can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online before arrival. The standard tourist visa allows a stay of 30 days, with options to extend.
Best Time to Visit
Sri Lanka has two monsoon seasons:
West & South Coast + Hill Country – Best from December to April
East Coast & North – Best from May to September
To maximize your trip, plan according to the weather in different regions.
Budgeting for Your Trip
Sri Lanka is a budget-friendly destination. Here’s a rough breakdown of daily backpacking costs:
Budget accommodation: $5 – $15
Street food & local restaurants: $2 – $5 per meal
Public transport (trains & buses): $0.50 – $5
Entry fees for attractions: $5 – $30 (Sigiriya being the most expensive)
Total daily budget: $20 – $50
For the TLOW backpacking experience click on this link
What to Pack
Light and breathable clothing (Sri Lanka is hot and humid)
A rain jacket (for sudden tropical showers)
A good pair of walking shoes
A backpack (preferably 40-50L)
Sunscreen, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle
Power adapter (Sri Lanka uses Type D, M, and G plugs)
2. The Ultimate Backpacking Route
Sri Lanka can be explored in 2–4 weeks, depending on your pace. Here’s a recommended route Backpacking Across Super Sri Lanka:
Week 1: South & West Coast
Colombo (1-2 Days)
Explore Pettah Market for a local shopping experience
Visit Gangaramaya Temple and Independence Square
Enjoy sunset at Galle Face Green
Negombo (Optional Alternative to Colombo)
If you land in Colombo but prefer a more relaxed start, head to Negombo, just 20 minutes from the airport. It has beaches and a laid-back vibe.
Hikkaduwa & Unawatuna (2 Days)
Hikkaduwa: Surfing, snorkeling with turtles, and beach parties
Unawatuna: Chill on Jungle Beach and visit Japanese Peace Pagoda
Galle (1 Day)
Walk along Galle Fort, a UNESCO site
Visit Dutch Hospital for great food and ocean views
Mirissa (2 Days)
Whale watching (best from November to April)
Enjoy the famous Coconut Tree Hill viewpoint
Try fresh seafood and enjoy beach bars
Tangalle (1 Day)
Visit Silent Beach or Goyambokka Beach for solitude
Go on a Mulgirigala Rock Temple hike
Week 2 Backpacking Across Super Sri Lanka: Central & Hill Country
Udawalawe or Yala National Park (1-2 Days)
Spot elephants at Udawalawe (best for elephants)
Visit Yala National Park for leopards and diverse wildlife
Ella (2-3 Days)
Hike Little Adam’s Peak (easy) or Ella Rock (challenging)
Walk across the Nine Arches Bridge
Ride the famous Kandy to Ella train (one of the most scenic train journeys in the world)
Nuwara Eliya (1-2 Days)
Visit Gregory Lake for boat rides
Tour a tea plantation and sip fresh Ceylon tea
Hike to Horton Plains National Park and World’s End viewpoint
Kandy (1-2 Days)
Visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic
Walk around Kandy Lake
Explore the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens
Week 3: Cultural Triangle & North
Sigiriya & Dambulla (1-2 Days)
Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress (or Pidurangala for a budget-friendly alternative)
Explore Dambulla Cave Temple, Sri Lanka’s largest cave temple complex
Polonnaruwa (1 Day) Backpacking Across Super Sri Lanka
Rent a bike and explore ancient ruins, including Gal Vihara
Anuradhapura (1-2 Days)
Visit the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree
See the massive Ruwanwelisaya Stupa
Jaffna & North (Optional – 2 Days)
Explore Nallur Kovil and Jaffna Fort
Visit Casuarina Beach, one of Sri Lanka’s most untouched beaches
Week 4: East Coast (Optional Alternative to South)
If you’re traveling between May and September, the east coast is better than the south due to weather conditions.
Trincomalee (2-3 Days)
Visit Nilaveli Beach & Pigeon Island for snorkeling
Explore Koneswaram Temple with scenic ocean views
Arugam Bay (2-3 Days) Backpacking Across Super Sri Lanka
Surfing paradise with budget-friendly hostels
Visit Elephant Rock for stunning sunsets
3. Getting Around Sri Lanka
Trains – Best for scenic routes like Kandy to Ella
Buses – Cheapest way to travel but can be crowded
Tuk-tuks – Great for short distances (use PickMe app for fair prices)
Scooter Rentals – Available in coastal towns for around $7–$10 per day
4. Best Budget Accommodation Options
Hostels – Budget options like Hangover Hostels or Hiriketiya Beach Hostels Backpacking Across Super Sri Lanka
Guesthouses – Family-run places that offer a more authentic experience
Eco-Lodges – Budget-friendly stays in nature, like Ella Eco Lodge
5. Food & Drinks on a Budget
Rice & Curry – The staple meal, costs around $2–$5
Kottu Roti – A must-try Sri Lankan street food
Hoppers & String Hoppers – Budget-friendly and delicious
King Coconut – Cheap and refreshing drink for less than $1 Backpacking Across Super Sri Lanka
6. Essential Travel Tips for Backpacking Across Super Sri Lankas
✅ Use public transport – It’s cheap and connects almost every part of the country.
✅ Bargain when needed – Tuk-tuks and markets expect some negotiation.
✅ Respect local customs – Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples.
✅ Carry cash – ATMs are available, but small towns prefer cash transactions.
✅ Stay hydrated – Sri Lanka is hot; drink plenty of water.
Final Thoughts
Backpacking Across Super Sri Lanka is an adventure filled with breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and budget-friendly experiences. Whether you love beaches, mountains, wildlife, or ancient ruins, this island offers it all.
Plan your route, pack light, and get ready for an unforgettable backpacking trip across Sri Lanka!
