Solo backpacking to Sri Lanka is something not many will consider since the country is known as a honeymoon destination back home in India. But travelling solo to this island country is a great way to tick off Sri Lanka from your Bucket List without the fuss of having someone around to tell you what to do and what not. When you’re backpacking solo you’re free to travel on your own terms. It is a great place for rookie solo travellers.

Sri Lanka

Backpacker friendly 

The minute you step out of the airport in Sri Lanka you will get the vibe. It’s all about the backpacking culture, similar to what we have become accustomed to in Thailand. The country on a whole has a thriving backpacker culture around the southern coastal belt of Galle. 

Public transportation is excellent 

The bus or the train are the two options if you’re planning on traveling solo on a budget. Both are safe but depending on where you plan on going you’ll have to decide which one is the best suited for your journey. Sri Lanka has excellent local bus connectivity, the government bus is the best way to get around Sri Lanka if your traveling solo and on a budget. 

Hostels and Home stays

No matter which part of the country you are in. Be it the towns of Colombo and Kandy or the beach towns of Marissa and Hikkaduwa you’ll find plenty of hostels and homestays which will definitely fit the budget of a person traveling solo. If you want privacy opt for a home stay and if you want to make friends then the obvious choice is a hostel. Post Covid 19, home stays are a better option than hostels.  

Safe country to wander solo 

The crime rate in Sri Lanka is relatively low and you won’t really hear about any crimes with the locals and tourists. Everyone in Sri Lanka you come across is pro tourism. When you’re backpacking solo you’ll come across countless locals who will go out of their way to help. So if safety is your concern, put that behind you. The Easter Sunday blast of 2019 was a one off and the country is extremely safe to travel. 

Great network and WiFi 

A major concern for anyone who travels solo is the need to have good network and internet connectivity. Sri Lanka has both in terms of network on the cell phone is excellent and you’ll get connectivity in nearly every nook and corner of the country and every place has great WiFi connectivity so you can always stay in touch with you loved ones.  Make sure you get a prepaid sim when you land in the country.  

Meet backpackers from around the world

Over the last 4-5 years Sri Lanka has transformed itself into what some can call the last hippie island on earth. The hippie culture, even though it’s not accepted it’s pretty much something which draws heaps of young travellers from different parts of the globe.  You’ll find a lot of Australians & Europeans who have now started adding Sri Lanka into their Bucket List while Enroute either India or Nepal. If your traveling solo be assured that you’ll meet a lot of people from the world all backpacking this beautiful beach island. 

Street food and bakeries 

When you travel solo the biggest issue is food, which that’s where you end up spending the most. But Sri Lanka has that covered with its street food options and bakeries. The bakery options are unlimited in Sri Lanka and you’ll get very very good things to eat in these bakery’s. When it comes to street food in Sri Lanka. Kuttu and hoppers is one thing which can easily keep you going all through your solo journey in Sri Lanka. 

Super Markets 

Under the brand name Cargills food city this is a chain of supermarkets which you will find all over the tourist belt. These super markets are pretty much your one stop to everything you will need while on the road in Sri Lanka. So while traveling solo in Sri Lanka cargills will be your lifeline for everything you need to get for your joinery. 

Excellent conversion rate 

Yes the country offers a great conversion rate. It’s one of the few countries which makes you feel rich, with INR 100 = LKR 260. And if you’re solo and one a budget you can definitely make money traveling a long way in Sri Lanka. But that’s provided you manage to stick to the budget and keep it tight.  You’ll find money conversion centres all over the country. 

Sun, sand and waves 

Beach is without doubt the single most drawing factor in Sri Lanka since your backpacking solo. It’s always good to make friends at the beach who will be willing to keep a tab of your belongings while you take a dip in the ocean. Again the locals in Sri Lanka are extremely friendly and any shack employee will be more than happy to help you keep you stuff safe.