Sri Lanka Holiday Packages

A Comprehensive Guide to Backpacking Sri Lanka

When we think about Sri Lanka, we think about its vast sunny beaches, extended coastlines, clear blue water, and palm-lined stretches. However, the country has a plethora of other attractions to explore. From the incredible central mountains, to the cultural capital of Anuradhapura and Kandy, a Sri Lankan vacation is incomplete without exploring the far ends of the land.

Although you will find numerous sri lanka tours and travel packages, the terrain is ideal for backpacking. However, traveling with an agent has its perks. If you plan on a DIY vacation, here is a list of factors that you need to keep in mind.

Figure Out the Budget

Unlike other popular Southeast Asian countries, Sri Lanka is not very cheap. You need to plan your accommodation and food expenses carefully before carrying on with the rest of the itinerary. Foreigners also have to shell out considerably more than the locals when visiting popular tourist sites.

An average backpacker will need to spend close to $60 daily on accommodation, food, and transport. All entry fees and leisure expenses will further add to the cost. You will find guesthouses and homestays throughout Sri Lanka. Luxury hotels and hostels are a rare sight found only in the major cities.

If you are traveling alone, check with a local travel planner if they can set you up with a group. That way you end up saving a few extra bucks on transport and accommodation by sharing. Stick to the local cuisine as it is cheaper. Western food is pretty expensive and is not up to the mark.

Staying in Sri Lanka

While most sri lanka holiday packages include staying at expensive hotels whenever possible, along with a chauffeured ride. Traveling on a budget means foregoing such luxuries. If you are unwilling to travel like a backpacker, you could always book a Sri Lanka tour package. Merganser Holidays offers an extensive list of destinations, packages, and sightseeing options across a wide price bracket. Follow the link to check out some of the best offers.

If you do plan on traveling solo, opting for local transportation is the best way to travel the country. Sri Lanka is well-connected by a network of roadways and railways. Traveling to some of the remote corners will require hiring a cab. If you want to keep costs further down avoid visiting every tourist destination on your first visit. Prepare a travel itinerary covering the must-visit places, and stick to those activities. The Sri Lankan cuisine closely resembles Indian cuisine with a twist. Travelers are encouraged to stick to the local cuisine to further cut down on travel expenses.