Sri Lanka, also known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, offers travellers beautiful beaches, the best surf spots, great coral reefs, famous tea, misty mountains and most importantly friendly and welcoming people. Irina visited Sri Lanka for more than a month and showed that backpacking here is relatively cheap. Take a look at her overview and Sri Lanka budget tips!

Costs 38-day Sri Lanka trip*: 700 EURO (948 USD)
Daily travel expenses*: 18 EURO (25 USD)

*These daily travel expenses are per one person per day. Excluding international flights.
Including all tours, souvenirs, lodging, food, drinks, entrance fees, domestic flights, tips etc.

EXAMPLES OF PRICES IN SRI LANKA:

Sigiriya rock entrance: 14,8 euro (20 USD)
Taxi from Mirissa to the airport: 33 euro (45 USD)
A bed in a 6p dorm: 11 euro (15 USD)
One night in a double room in a simple guesthouse: 7-14 euro (10-20 USD)
A short 10-minute taxi ride: 2,1 euro (3 USD)
A bottle of water (0,5L) at the store: 0,2 euro (0,3 USD)
A local beer at a bar/restaurants: 0,7-1,4 euro (1-2 USD)
A glass of coca cola in a restaurant: 0,7 euro (1 USD)
Lunch at a local restaurant: 0,7-1,4 euro (1-2 USD)
Dinner at a local restaurant: 1,8 euro (2,5 USD)

Sri Lanka Bunch of Backpackers-4824

SOME DETAILS ON THIS TRIP:

About the backpacker(s): A 25-year old female travelling with friends
Destination and travel period: Sri Lanka in December 2013 for 38 days.
Visited places:
Colombo, Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, Kandy, Adam’s Peak, Nuwara Elliya, Ella, Hikkaduwa, Galle, Weligama, Mirissa, Matara, Tangalle, Udawalawe National Park
Type of trip: Independently
Accommodation: budget (mainly hostels / guesthouses)
Transportation: standard (mix of transportation)
Food: budget (local places and cheap western places)
Exchange rate at the time of travel: 1 euro is 178 Sri Lankan rupees

Book your Sri Lanka hotel through Hostelworld.com or Booking.com

SOME FINAL BUDGET TIPS FOR SRI LANKA!

1. Travelling with a friend / partner is a lot cheaper because there are very few hostels/dorm rooms in Sri Lanka, which means you will always be paying the price for a double room in a guesthouse, even if you are alone.

2. Go to local restaurants, they are much cheaper than Western restaurants and the food is better! Food is only spicy in local restaurants, not at all in the Western restaurants.

3. Surfboard hire is very cheap (2 USD per hour) and there are many rental shops so don’t bother to bring your own board.

4. Trains are very cheap and comfortable in 1st class, tuktuks / threeweelers are cheap as well so take these for short distances.

5. When it comes to important Sri Lanka tips, the weather is another thing to keep in mind, because of two rain seasons that each affect a different part of Sri Lanka. The east coast is good for visits from April to October. The South / West coast is good from October – April. Prices for accommodation go up in Dec/Jan because of high season.

Check out my favorite snapshots of Sri Lanka!

6 COMMENTS

  1. Very useful info. I’m sure prices have changed in the couple years since this was posted but it’s good to get an idea of what i should expect to pay on my visit. Thanks!

  2. Your information on your blog is very helpful. Good tips about Sri Lanka. I learn something new which makes me prepare better for my future trips. Thanks. Good Luck in your travel. Take Care.

  3. I found the very informative. I want one infoemation. I am travelling to Sri Lanka on a 4 days trip starting from Dambulla. I explored ways to reach Dambulla from CMB airport but could not find something substantial. Can you guide me how can I travel to Dambulla (to see Sigiriya rock) from CMB airport ?

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