Sri Lanka, the most famous beach among the pearls of the Indian ocean, is a tropical island that has many features of it for its tourists. The beaches, tea estates, temples, and wildlife offer this country an action for every person at a very reasonable price. This makes it a paradise for travelers who want to discover without falling into big money. Read on for a detailed budget tour package plan on accommodation, food, and transport to places around Sri Lanka that must be included in your itinerary.
Why Sri Lanka Is Ideal for Budget Travelers
Sri Lanka is a paradise for shoestring travelers to travel on a budget. Flights are affordable to stay and gentle on your pocket but will still keep you comfortable. Here are reasons that make Sri Lanka the perfect destination for budget travel:
1. Inexpensive Accommodation: There are a lot of cheap places to stay in Sri Lanka from guest houses to hostels.
2. Food to Die for and Cheap: Sri Lankan food is delicious and very cheap. Local food and street food costs only $1-$3.
3. Transportation: Railway and bus transport is cheap and effective. If you want something more enjoyable but the same price, you can take a trip with tuk-tuks.
4. Free and Cheap Places: Most of what constitutes the best sites of Sri Lanka, from beaches to temples and treks, are either free or have nominal entrance fees.
Itinerary Budget for Sri Lanka
Here's a 10-day budget itinerary that will help you reap the most from your holiday in Sri Lanka:
Day 1: Arrival in Colombo
Most travelers flock to the capital city. Colombo is on the modern side and has the craziness, but it also has some activities that you can do on a low cost.
Budget Tip: An expensive hotel is not a must; a low-budget guesthouse or hostel is good from Pettah or Fort area.
Things to Do:
- Visit the Gangaramaya Temple (entrance: ~$2).
- Haggling for bargains at the Pettah Market over souvenirs and local sweets.
- Walk the vibrant seaside promenade, Galle Face Green.
Day 2 : 3 - Sigiriya and Dambulla
This is the place where the Lion Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is located. Although an overwhelming entrance fee (~$30), the view makes it worth seeing.
Alternatively, climb up Pidurangala Rock for a small sum (~$3).
Dambulla: The place is also renowned for the Golden Temple and cave temples (entrance fee: ~10 ).
Budget Tip: A guesthouse in Sigiriya or Dambulla will cost you $10 to $15 per night.
Activities
Hike Sigiriya or Pidurangala Rock.
Visit the Dambulla Cave Temples.
Walk around the local villages and have some time with the friendly villagers.
Day 4:5: Kandy.
Kandy is a great cultural hub, and the famous Temple of the Tooth Relic is also located here (admission: ~$10).
Budget Hack: Take the train ride from Colombo or Dambulla to Kandy for a few dollars.
Things to Do:
- Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic.
- Go to the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya (admission: ~$5).
- Attend a traditional Kandyan dance performance (~$5).
Day 6-7: Nuwara Eliya.
"'Little England' is what Nuwara Eliya is also called. It is famous for its tea estates and a comparatively cooler climate."
- Budget Tip: Take the old train ride from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya and relish great views of tea country. It lasts about $5 to $10.
Things to do:
- Tour a tea factory and plantation (either free or with optional donation).
- Hike to Horton National Park and the World's End (~$15 entry to park).
- Visit scenic Gregory Lake (entrance park ~$2).
Days 8-9: Ella
- Ella is known as hill country/flat natural beauty-and-easy-going little town village.
- Budget Tip: Stay in budget guest houses or homestays ($10-$15).
Activities:
- Hike to Ella Rock or Little Adam's Peak (free).
- Pic of Nine Arches Bridge (free).
- Spend a lazy afternoon in a local cafe while day dreaming away.
Day Ten: Mirissa
- Mirissa is a beautiful beach paradise and the place that perhaps best suits winding down after all those journeys around Sri Lanka's natural and cultural attractions.
- Budget Tip: Stay in a cheap beach hut or guesthouse ($15–20/Night).
Activities:
- Sunbathe in Mirissa Beach (free).
- Whale watching (cheapest tours from ~$30).
- Watch the sunset at Coconut Tree Hill (free).
Budget travel tips for Sri Lanka:
1. Accommodation: Hostels, homestays, and guesthouses. The price ranges from $10–20 a night. Try Booking.com and Hostelworld for discounts.
2. Eat: Eat what the locals are eating! These Sri Lankan street food items are very tasty and very cheap. Kottu roti, hoppers, and samosas are a must. Local restaurants provide a full meal costing $1–3.
3. Transport: Public transport is cheap and efficient. Trains and buses will get you wherever you need to go, while tuk-tuks will suffice for short distances (but always negotiate the fare in advance).
4. Attractions: Many attractions charge an entrance fee, but some are free or very cheap
Send options. For example, you can climb Pidurangala Rock instead of Sigiriya. There are many such options. With a guide you can be well informed about them.
5. Bargaining: Bargain with the merchants in bazaars or when hiring tuk-tuks. It is tradition and will save you some money.
You can shop as you wish – on a budget.
Sri Lankan food is a special treat for any tourist visiting the island. Some of the affordable foods you should definitely try include:
1. Kottu Roti: Mouth-watering stir-fry of chopped roti, vegetables, and eggs or meat. Price: ~$1–$2.
2. Hoppers: Bowl-shaped pancake made of rice flour and coconut milk. Price: ~$0.50–$1.
3. String Hoppers: Steamed rice noodles served with curry. Price: ~$1–$2.
4. Samosas: Fried pastry with spiced potato and vegetable filling. Price: ~$0.20 per piece.
5. Curry and Rice: Rice, curry, and side dishes as a normal meal. Price: ~$2–$3.
Budget Souvenirs to Bring Back Home
Sri Lanka is also a suitable destination to search for cheap and unique souvenirs. Some of the suggestions are as follows:
1. Tea: Sri Lanka is renowned for Ceylon tea. A decent packet of tea will cost $2–$5.
2. Spices: You can buy pure local spices like cinnamon, cardamom and curry powder from a local market. Prices start at $1 per pack.
3. Handicrafts: Look for handicraft items such as wooden masks, batik clothing, and accessories. The prices are miscellaneous but not high.
4. Lots of elephant themed products: Sri Lanka is famous for its elephants, so small elephant figurines or key chains
You can buy it as a souvenir.
Final Thoughts
A backpacker's paradise, Sri Lanka, is one of those destinations that offer the very best of stay, cheap food, and great views that this island getaway affords. You name it-Buddhist temple tours, famous shrines, mountain trekking, or simply lying down at the beaches-Sri Lanka has nearly infinite options for sightseeing and adventure. So pack your bags, figure out the budget, and be prepared for an unforgettable blissful experience in the pearl of the Indian Ocean!
The following guide will offer you a wonderful trip to Sri Lanka on a budget.
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