With its status as a paradise getaway in the heart of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is every traveller’s dream vacation spot. Whether you’re scaling lush mountains, sunbathing on golden sands, or visiting awe-inspiring religious shrines, there’s an adventure to be had regardless of what you choose.
Travelling, however, isn’t always cheap. What makes Sri Lanka such a compelling destination, in this regard, is that it can be experienced on just about any budget. From hopping aboard public transport to trying out exciting street food, find out what it’s like to holiday in the country on a budget!
Travel
As any budget traveller knows, public transport is your number one friend on a sojourn abroad.
In Sri Lanka, there are a range of services you can choose to get about in the country. While travelling about in cab services is an option, this isn’t the most budget friendly option especially if you plan on travelling extensively. The country’s premier taxi service, PickMe, offers users the options to hire three-wheeler (tuk tuk) rides. This is a perfect way to get to where you want as fast as possible, without incurring too much expense.
If you’re looking for cheaper options still, buses and trains are good options. Bus routes can be found on routemaster.lk, enabling you to plan your trips in advance. Bear in mind, however, that if you’re in a rush or after luxuriously comfortable rides, choosing the bus might fail to live up to your expectations.
Train timetables and routes can be found on the Sri Lanka Railways website.
Food
In a land with wide-ranging and delectable cuisines like Sri Lanka, eating on a budget does not mean you have to miss out on local delicacies.
The streets of Colombo (and just about any other area you visit), are full of shops that offer traditional Lankan dishes at next-to-nothing prices. Feast on hoppers (bowl shaped flakey pancakes), string hoppers, a range of meat curries, and Kottu at a local Pilawoos. Your taste buds will never be the same. While these may appear to be mildly dubious from the outside, there’s no better place to feast on a budget.
Popular sweetmeats are also widely available and should not be missed out on. Make sure you get yourself some local cotton candy, bombai muttai, and you’ll never want any other variety again!
If you’re not feeling particularly adventurous, you can always hit up international fast-food franchises such as McDonald’s, KFC, Pizza Hut, and Domino’s. These are only freely available in Colombo and a few other cities though, so do you research before you venture out!
Shopping
Shopping is generally a popular activity for all those who find themselves on holiday in Sri Lanka. Many international brands have a presence in the country and this is only set to increase in the future.
If you’re travelling on a budget and are not looking to spend too much on shopping, however, there’s still plenty of options available. Hit up malls such as
Majestic City and Liberty Plaza for shopping that won’t break the bank. If you’re after local crafts and ornaments,
Lakpahana and
Laksala are the perfect places to hit up.
If you’re interested, instead, in high-quality clothing at prices that won’t make you sweat, Cotton Collection, House of Fashion, Mondy, and Romafour, are stores you ought to visit.
Accomodation
With the spread of AirBnB to just about every corner of the world, travelling has never been so budget-friendly or as immersive as it is today. Lay your head to rest in a truly affordable manner, without compromising on comfort or convenience, at the numerous properties and rooms up for grabs on this platform.
Apart from these, the country also hosts a vast number of budget hotels, hostels, and motels all of which can be booked online, eliminating any stress or hassle for you. If you’re still after the buffet and pool experience without dishing out the cash, you can always enjoy these services as an external guests at the range of multi-star hotels and resorts in just about every corner of the country!
Key Takeaways
Having the holiday of a lifetime in Sri Lanka is an almost effortless endeavour, even if you’re on a budget. Visiting every corner of the country and immersing yourself in local customs and experiences has never been as accessible and affordable as it is now. Set forth and visit the island of your dreams today!
At Fernando Travels, we’ve got what it takes to give you an experience you’ll never forget. Contact us and experience the best of service for your next holiday!
