Good to know:

COSTS

Compared to Europe, everything in Sri Lanka is generally a bit cheaper: food, accommodation, transportation, and more. At the same time, Sri Lanka is not one of the very cheapest countries in South Asia — especially boutique hotels and stylish eco-lodges can be fairly pricey. That said, there’s something for every budget, from luxurious beachfront resorts costing several hundred euros per night to charming guesthouses starting at around EUR 10–15. And honestly, for what you get, the value for money is excellent.

You can eat extremely well and very affordably in Sri Lanka — especially if you choose small local restaurants or “rice & curry” spots. Traditional dishes like kottu roti or a generous rice & curry often cost as little as EUR 2–4. In more modern cafés or restaurants, you’ll usually pay between EUR 5–10 per dish, which is still cheaper than in most European countries.

Transportation by tuk-tuk or taxi is also relatively inexpensive, although many short rides can add up over time. In addition, you should budget for entrance fees to many attractions — especially temples, historical sites, and national parks — which can sometimes be higher than expected. Safaris and scenic train rides through the highlands can also be significant expenses. My tip: compare prices in advance and avoid booking tours spontaneously at the roadside — this way, you’ll travel more relaxed and without unpleasant surprises.

Getting Around

If you want to get from A to B in Sri Lanka, tuk-tuks are the easiest option for short distances — either by hailing one on the street or booking via apps like PickMe or Uber. For longer distances between cities, traveling by car is much more comfortable, especially due to the winding roads in the highlands and the lively traffic.

While it is possible to rent a car yourself (with an international driving permit and a local permit), hiring a private driver is generally the better option. It’s often not much more expensive, but significantly less stressful — especially for multi-day routes across the country. Many drivers also help organize train tickets, safaris, or transfers and know great hidden stops off the main roads.

I’ve put together a list of drivers you can contact via WhatsApp. Still, it’s a good idea to compare their offers to make sure you’re getting a fair price.

Food & Drinks

From traditional Sri Lankan dishes to stylish cafés serving avocado toast and flat whites, Sri Lanka offers a great mix of authentic and modern food culture. You’ll usually pay significantly less than in Europe, although more upscale restaurants (especially in beach towns or boutique hotels) can be pricier. Vegetarian options are available almost everywhere (the cuisine is very veggie-friendly!), and vegans will also find plenty of choices — just be sure to ask about ghee or dairy in traditional curries.

Most dishes are rice-based, as rice is the number one staple here. Typical dishes include “rice & curry” (a selection of different curries served with rice), kottu roti (chopped flatbread with vegetables, egg, or meat), dhal curry (lentil curry), string hoppers, or hoppers (pancake-like dishes, often served with an egg). Meals are often accompanied by spicy sambols or papadam. My tip: try several different curries—especially the vegetable and dhal varieties, which are incredibly flavorful. I personally loved kottu because it was something completely new to me. For the most authentic (and most affordable) experience, eat at small local restaurants or simple street food spots.

Alcohol is available in Sri Lanka but is more expensive than many people expect (drinks are basically priced similarly to Germany) and not always readily available everywhere. Wine and imported spirits are particularly expensive, while local beer and arrack are more common. Important: avoid any homemade alcohol of unknown origin. If you want to try something local, go for a fresh king coconut or a strong Ceylon tea — both are absolute staples here.

Culture

What makes Sri Lanka especially unique is its cultural and religious diversity. The island is predominantly Buddhist, yet Hindus, Muslims, and Christians have lived side by side here for centuries. Despite modern influences, religion plays a major role in everyday life — small roadside shrines, temple visits on full-moon days, and worshippers dressed in white carrying flower offerings are a natural part of the streetscape. This sense of normalcy is what impressed me most: spirituality doesn’t feel staged here, but deeply woven into daily life.

One thing to keep in mind, though: different culture, different customs. On so-called “Poya Days” — Buddhist full-moon holidays — religious ceremonies take place across the country. On these days, the sale of alcohol is prohibited, many shops close earlier, and temples are especially busy. So if you’re planning a round trip or enjoy having a glass of wine in the evening, it’s worth taking a quick look at the holiday calendar in advance.

Wellness

Another wonderful thing to combine with your trip to Sri Lanka is a bit of a wellness break. Massages, Ayurveda treatments, and beauty services are much more affordable here than in Germany — especially when booked at local spas or smaller Ayurveda centers. In places like Unawatuna, Mirissa, Weligama, or around Ella, you’ll find plenty of beautiful spots offering massages with ocean sounds or mountain views.

Sri Lanka is also well known for Ayurveda — traditional healing practices that include oil massages, herbal treatments, and holistic therapies. If you’d like to dive deeper, you can even book multi-day retreats that combine treatments with yoga and a tailored diet.

By the way, if you’re interested in yoga, meditation, and holistic well-being, it’s worth looking specifically for retreats or special festival periods. Especially along the south coast, there are frequent small yoga events and community gatherings — perfect for combining travel with self-care.

Shopping

Along Sri Lanka’s touristy South Coast, shopping is especially enjoyable — from small souvenir stalls to stylish concept stores, you’ll find it all. In Ella, there are also many shops selling typical souvenirs such as elephant figurines, batik fabrics, or spices. In cities like Colombo or Galle — especially in the historic Galle Fort — you’ll find beautiful boutiques offering high-quality textiles, jewelry, and interior pieces.

If you’re looking for genuine craftsmanship, it’s worth venturing off the main streets. Sri Lanka is known for gemstones (especially sapphires), wood carvings, handwoven textiles, and spices. In less touristy areas, you’ll often find more authentic products at fairer prices — and friendly bargaining is usually expected.

Local markets are another highlight. Whether it’s a spice market, a fruit and vegetable market, or small weekly markets, they offer an honest glimpse into everyday life. It’s best to ask at your accommodation about current market times in the area.

Caution

Sri Lanka (especially along the South and East Coasts) is a true surfer’s paradise. However, where the waves break well, ocean currents can be stronger than they appear. Particularly on open beaches, there can be powerful undercurrents and so-called rip currents.

When swimming, always pay close attention to the beach flags and any instructions from lifeguards. A red flag means you should not enter the water, while a yellow flag indicates caution. Even if the ocean looks calm and beautiful, the power of the Indian Ocean is often underestimated. When in doubt, only go in knee-deep or swim at supervised beach areas.