31 incredible things to see and do in Sri Lanka, the pearl of the Indian Ocean — The Common Wanderer

Source: Original Story By TheCommonWanderer


Transport in Sri Lanka | How to get around Sri LankaDue to Sri Lanka’s small size and abundance of transport options, getting around the island is easy, if not a little time consuming and uncomfortable. Buses and tuk tuks are the most common form of transport on the island, and service even the most remote corners. Buses, however, are a fraction of the cost of tuk tuks and often times make for a much faster method of getting from A to B. The most picturesque form of transport, however, is Sri Lanka’s train network. The network may be slow, cumbersome, and somewhat unreliable, but it services all the main areas of the island and provides travellers with rich cultural experiences that just aren’t common in western countries. If public transport isn’t your thing or time is of the essence, it is possible to arrange a private transfer, however the cost is often prohibitive for a backpacker budget. BUSLoud, sweaty, chaotic, slow, bumpy, busy… bus rides in Sri Lanka are a real experience. These ever present metal beasts screech around every corner of the Island at what seems like minute intervals throughout the day, meaning locals and tourists alike can get just about anywhere at anytime. On top of that, they’re by far the cheapest mode of transport on the Island, with trips setting you back between LKR 30 – 400 depending on trip length (for example, our seven hour bus ride from Dambulla to Jaffna cost around LKR 350). For those on a budget or looking for some authentic Sri Lankan experiences, this is your best bet. A few tips for bus travel in Sri Lanka: Prices are fixedYou’ll need small change to pay your fareIf you’re backpacking, backpacks can go on the front engine hub next to driver or in the rear luggage compartment… ask the attendant where to put itEXPRESS BUSThere are times when jumping on the local bus is the cheap and fun way to travel about; then there are other times when you just want to sit in a little bit of comfort and get to your destination as quickly as possible. The express bus system that runs in the south is the perfect answer to this; small, air-conditioned mini buses that run regular routes between places like Galle and Colombo (LKR 450) or Kandy to Dambulla (LKR 410). They’re quick, efficient, and comfortable, if not a little splurge compared to other modes of transportTUK TUKIf there’s one mode of transport that always signals adventure in this part of the world, the zippy little tuk tuk is definitely it. These colourful three-wheeled auto rickshaws that weave in and around the traffic are omnipresent around the island, so you can be sure that you jump in one pretty much anywhere you go. The tuk tuk is a great way to get around cities quickly and efficiently, and they’re generally happy to take you just about anywhere. Just be sure that you either negotiate the fare before you jump in – or, if available, ask them to turn on the meter. We actually refused to use any Tuk tuks in Colombo that weren’t running on metered fares thanks to a few ‘tuk tuk mafia’ idiots ruining it for everyone else. It is also possible to take a tuk tuk between cities/destinations, and while it’s not a huge expense, it will obviously cost you more than the local bus would. To give you an idea, we once caught a Tuk tuk from Udawalawe National Park to Mirissa (a 3-hour journey) for USD $30. The tuk tuk is also an awesome way to see the local countryside, with the opportunity to stop at various spots along the way. A few tips for using tuk tuks in Sri Lanka: Always negotiate, unless you’re happy with the feeUse the PICKME app in Colombo or Kandy (essentially uber for tuk tuks)Always get to know your driver – they’re always wonderfully friendly and happy to provide local recommendations for food etc. Tipping isn’t necessary unless the service was great or you thought they were awesome peopleTRAINThis is the method of transport that basically put Sri Lanka on the map; the iconic images of the blue train weaving through the thick jungle of Ella and Horton Plains is almost everywhere you look online now! But, as with most tourist hotspots, there’s a reason for it’s popularity. This is the cheap, slow, and scenic way of getting around the country, and honestly, some of the world’s greatest train journeys happen right here in Sri Lanka, including: Colombo to Kandy, Kandy to Ella, Colombo to Galle.There are three ticket classes with reserved and unreserved seating classifications in each. Our personal favourite is third class (generally reserved), where we could have some awesome local interactions, see some amazing sights with a little less cramping, and of course, get some epic shots out the train window/door. Second class is less busy and slightly more comfortable, but you’re a little more removed from the action, as we found that many of the doors are locked (no hanging out the doorways here!). We absolutely love the train experience in Sri Lanka; from the colour and chaos of it all, to the clacking noise of the trains and the constant energy of chai sellers, local touts hawking their wares, kids singing, families excitedly watching for the next best view, and plenty of people to chat and make new friends with.For timetables, we recommend checking at the station in each destination, but to give you an idea head to the Sri Lankan railways site here