A good trip starts with clear information. When we know how much things cost, when places open, how to move around, and where to stay, planning becomes easy and enjoyable.
In this Sri Lanka travel guide, we focus on real, practical details—ticket prices, opening hours, transport fees, accommodation ranges, and dining costs—so we can travel with confidence and no surprises.
Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka can be visited year-round, but weather differs by region.
- January to March: Best overall season, especially for first-time visitors
- December to April: Ideal for the west coast, south coast, and central highlands
- May to September: Better weather on the east coast
For balanced weather and comfortable travel pace, February and early March are often the best choices.
Arrival Information and Airport Transportation
Most travelers arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) near Colombo.
From airport to Colombo city:
- Taxi or ride service: $20 – $30 USD, 45–60 minutes
- Airport shuttle bus: $2–3, about 90 minutes
- Pre-booked private transfer: $25 – $35 USD one way.
Tip: After a long flight, booking a transfer in advance saves time and avoids price discussions.
Top Attractions: Ticket Prices and Opening Hours
Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Ticket price: $30
- Best time: early morning for cooler weather
Temple of the Tooth, Kandy
- Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Ticket price: LKR 2000 (~USD 10‑11)
- Suggested visit time: 1–1.5 hours
Galle Fort Old Town
- Opening hours: all day
- Ticket price: Free
- Best time: late afternoon before sunset
Yala National Park
- Park entry: $25–30
- Jeep safari fee: Hiring a jeep (independent of entry) often ranges above~USD 40–60 per vehicle / session.
- Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Horton Plains and World’s End
- Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Ticket price: $20–25
- Transport from nearby towns: $60–80
Transportation Costs Inside Sri Lanka
Train Travel
- Colombo to Kandy: $4–7
- Kandy to Ella (scenic route): $5–10
- Travel time (Kandy–Ella): about 6–7 hours
Bus Travel
- Standard intercity buses: $2–7
- Air-conditioned buses: $5–10
Tuk-tuk
- Short city rides: $1–3
- Longer rides: $5–10
Private Driver
- Daily rate: $50–80
- Best for flexible routes or families
Tip: Trains are slow but scenic; private drivers save time when schedules are tight.
Accommodation Prices by Area
Colombo
- Budget guesthouses: $20–30 per night
- Mid-range hotels: $50–90
- High-end hotels: $120–200+
Kandy
- Guesthouses: $15–25
- Boutique hotels: $40–80
Ella and Hill Country
- Guesthouses: $18–30
- View lodges: $50–120
South Coast (Mirissa, Unawatuna)
- Beach guesthouses: $25–40
- Mid-range beachfront stays: $60–150
Tip: December to March is peak season—booking early helps secure better prices.
Dining Costs and Daily Food Budget
Sri Lankan food is affordable and widely available.
- Local rice-based meals: $3–6
- Casual cafés and international food: $8–15
- Fresh juice or tea: $1–3
- Seafood-based meals near the coast: $12–20
Tip: If we prefer lighter flavors, we can ask for mild options—most places are flexible.
Suggested 10-Day Route with Cost Awareness
Day 1–2: Colombo – city walks and markets
Daily spend: meals $10–20, hotel $20–60
Day 3: Kandy – cultural sites
Train + tickets: $15–20
Day 4: Nuwara Eliya – hills and scenery
Train fare: $6–8
Day 5: Ella – viewpoints and walking trails
Daily budget: $25–50
Day 6–7: Yala area – safari experience
Safari cost: $70–90, hotel $40–80
Day 8–9: South Coast – beach time
Hotel: $40–100, meals $15–25
Day 10: Return to Colombo
Useful Tips Before We Go
- Currency: Sri Lanka Rupee, cash is useful in small towns
- Local SIM card: $5–10
- Internet: good coverage in cities and tourist areas
- Clothing: light clothes for lowlands, light jacket for hills
- Drinking water: bottled or filtered water recommended
Why Sri Lanka Is Easy to Love
Lykkers, Sri Lanka is a destination where costs are clear, distances are short, and experiences feel rich. With this practical guide, we can plan smarter, travel lighter, and enjoy more moments without stress. If you were planning this trip, which stop would you choose first—the hills, the wildlife, or the coast? Let’s keep exploring the world together, one well-prepared journey at a time.
