Solo Travel in Sri Lanka: What You NEED to Know As A Woman

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Sri Lanka is one of the most underrated destinations for solo female travelers, with an incredible blend of adventure, culture, nature, wildlife, and beaches. But what is solo travel in Sri Lanka actually like? After exploring it myself, both fully individually and as part of a group trip, I have the insight to set you up for success. Whether you’re hiking through tea country, learning to surf on the southern coast, or exploring ancient cities, Sri Lanka will leave you feeling confident, inspired, and so glad you came solo.

Solo Travel in Sri Lanka: Safety

The big question is: Is solo travel in Sri Lanka safe for women? Sri Lanka is generally safe for solo travelers, including women, as long as you take basic precautions. Like many places, there can be occasional unwanted attention or scams, especially in touristy areas or on public transport, but most solo travelers have overwhelmingly positive experiences. The locals are friendly and helpful, and tourism is a major part of the economy, so visitors are often treated with care. Stick to well-reviewed accommodations, trust your instincts, dress modestly (except when at the beach), and avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas. With situational awareness and cultural sensitivity, solo female travelers can absolutely enjoy a rewarding, inspiring, and empowering trip to Sri Lanka without major safety concerns.

Solo Travel in Sri Lanka: Tips

Dress modestly (when you’re not at the beach)

While beach towns are more relaxed, areas like Kandy, Sigiriya, and temples require that you wear modest clothing. This means covering your shoulders and knees and not wearing anything revealing. A lightweight scarf or sarong comes in handy to protect you from the sun and cover up when necessary.

Plan your transportation in advance

I’ve solo traveled all over the world, and I found getting around Sri Lanka to be more difficult than in most other countries. The public transportation is usually irregular and inefficient, so most travelers hire private drivers or rent a tuk-tuk to drive themselves. I absolutely don’t recommend driving a tuk-tuk alone in Sri Lanka, so your best option is often to hire private transfers between each place you’re going. Luckily, if you’re social and talk to other travelers, you’re likely to find people to ride with and split the cost.

The exception to this is between Kandy and Ella, which is a famous train ride for its spectacular views. Make sure to book your train tickets well in advance, as this train sells out quickly. Third-class seats are the best for taking the iconic Instagram picture, although I don’t suggest hanging outside of the door for safety reasons.

Download the PickMe app

PickMe is like Sri Lankan Uber, where you can easily call tuk-tuks and taxis from your phone. It’s especially great for solo travelers because it leaves a digital footprint of who you’re riding with. It doesn’t cover all parts of Sri Lanka, but it’s slowly expanding across the country.

Get a reliable data plan

As a solo traveler, you’re going to want a reliable data plan so you’re never stuck without connectivity. From calling tuk-tuks on PickMe to looking up directions on Google Maps, it’s essential for safety and smooth sailing while traveling.

My favorite option for accessing the Internet across the world is the Airalo eSIM. An eSIM doesn’t need to be physically put in and taken out; it’s simply installed onto your phone and connects to the Internet anywhere in the world as soon as you land. Instead of wasting time looking for a local plastic SIM, you can activate the eSIM immediately after installation or upon arrival in Sri Lanka. This is the easiest and most convenient option, and it’s reliable. I’ve used Airalo all over the world and I’m always a happy customer.

Keep in mind that eSIMs only provide data service for connecting to the Internet, not calling and texting plans. If you need to make calls or send texts abroad, you can pick up a physical SIM card at the airport upon arrival.

Always carry cash, but not too much or too little

In Sri Lanka, cash is still king. You’ll use it to pay for most purchases, except those at major establishments such as hotels and westernized restaurants. It’s important to always have cash with you, but never take out too much at a time. I usually withdraw about $100 USD worth of local currency at a time, and keep half in my wallet and half in my passport case at the hostel or hotel. This way, in case something happens, I don’t have tons of money in one place.

Read hotel & hostel reviews

Stick to places with solid ratings from other solo travelers, especially hostels, boutique guesthouses, and eco stays that feel secure and social and are in a great location. The best booking platform for finding and reserving great hotels in Sri Lanka is Agoda. It’s owned by the same company as Booking.com but is based in Asia, making it great for finding any hotels you need. There are thousands of trusted reviews, and you can sort by reviews from solo travelers specifically. Book your Sri Lanka accommodations on Agoda today:

If you’re a backpacker staying in hostels, then Hostelworld is consistently the best hostel booking platform worldwide, and Sri Lanka is no exception. There is no shortage of trusted reviews from fellow solo travelers. Book your Sri Lanka hostels on Hostelworld today:

Join organized excursions

Organized day trips and excursions are an easy and safe way to explore Sri Lanka’s highlights with the help of a tour guide and the company of other travelers. There are so many tours to choose from all across the country, so you can easily find tours that will take you to your top choice destinations. You’ll have the guidance of a local, organized transportation, a pre-planned itinerary to the best spots, and the chance to mingle with other travelers.

You can easily book organized activities and excursions through your accommodation or online. The best site for booking excursions, activities, and tours in Sri Lanka is GetYourGuide.

Join a group trip

If all of this sounds like a lot and you’d rather travel with a group where the logistics are fully taken care of and you can stay with the same group of people the whole time, a group trip is perfect for you. I split my time in Sri Lanka between fully solo traveling and traveling with a group. While I had a great experience with both, I had a better time on my group trip knowing I had a local expert leading our group and taking care of everything. Plus, I made some great friends that I got to stick with for a while.

I traveled with Intro Travel and had a great time. Other great group trip providers include Tru Travels and G Adventures. As a travel advisor specializing in solo travel, I help match solo travelers with the right itinerary, whether it’s which group trip to join or supported independent exploration. Reach out to start planning your Sri Lankan adventure today!

Considering Intro Travel as your group tour provider for Sri Lanka? Read my full Intro Travel review here!

Want extra support planning your solo Sri Lanka trip?

I’ve solo traveled all across Asia, so I know firsthand that Sri Lanka, while beautiful, comes with unique challenges for women. That’s why I offer personalized travel planning for solo travelers so you feel confident and supported the entire time.

Let’s create your custom solo Sri Lanka itinerary today!

Solo Travel in Sri Lanka: Where To Go

An essential part of staying safe as a solo female traveler in Sri Lanka is knowing the best spots to go. Not only does this ensure you’ll have an incredible time full of unique sights and activities, but it means that you’ll be around fellow travelers and in tried-and-true places for women to travel alone. Here are the best places to solo travel in Sri Lanka:

Sigiriya

Home to the iconic Lion Rock, Sigiriya is a great place to go if you love history and nature. While hiking Sigiriya Fortress is the most popular thing to do, I highly recommend climbing the nearby Pidurangala Rock for a quieter hike with an even better view of the fortress itself. The area is peaceful and easy to navigate solo, making it a great first stop if you’re looking for both history and adventure.

Kandy

As Sri Lanka’s cultural capital, Kandy blends temple visits with scenic lakeside strolls and bustling local markets. Don’t miss the Temple of the Tooth and a walk around Kandy Lake at sunset. It’s a manageable city with good public transport, friendly locals, and a more relaxed pace, so it’s ideal for solo travelers wanting to embrace local culture without chaos.

Ella

A laid-back town surrounded by tea plantations, waterfalls, and hiking trails, Ella is a solo traveler and backpacker staple. Hike Little Adam’s Peak, visit the Nine Arch Bridge, and unwind with a massage or at a scenic cafe. It’s easy to meet other travelers here, with a safe, social vibe and plenty of hostels and wellness-focused accommodations.

Hiriketiya

This small horseshoe-shaped bay on the south coast is a surf and beach paradise. Known for its chill vibe, beginner-friendly waves, and yoga studios, Hiriketiya is perfect for solo women looking to recharge and try out some surfing. Everything is walkable, the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, and the beach is stunningly beautiful.

Weligama

A great spot to learn to surf, Weligama has a long sandy beach lined with surf schools and casual cafes. It’s more budget-friendly than neighboring beach towns and attracts a mix of solo backpackers and digital nomads. With plenty of social hostels and a laid-back atmosphere, it’s easy to solo travel here.

Mirissa

Known for its long, white sand beach and sea turtles, Mirissa is a popular yet still charming beach town. You can enjoy beachside breakfasts, climb Parrot Rock for sunset, watch baby turtles be released into the ocean, or relax under palm trees with a book. It’s social but not too wild, so it’s ideal for solo travelers wanting a mix of relaxed beach time and social time.

Ahangama

Trendy but still under the radar, Ahangama blends surf culture with boutique stays and aesthetic cafes. It’s a bit more mature and artsy than other surf towns, making it great for solo travelers who want to avoid party scenes and dive into yoga, coffee, and relaxation. Plus, it’s easy to get around by tuk-tuk or scooter.

Unawatuna

Unawatuna is a lively beach town with swimmable waters, beach bars, and easy access to snorkeling and scuba diving. It’s ideal for solo travelers who want beach fun and a social atmosphere without feeling overwhelmed. You can stay in a guesthouse, make friends over sunset drinks, and enjoy day trips to nearby Galle.

Galle

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Galle Fort is a charming colonial-era town filled with cobbled streets, stylish boutiques, and ocean views. It’s a great place for solo exploration because it’s completely walkable and has plenty of historic sights, restaurants, cafes, and shops to explore on your own time. You can soak up history, shop local, and treat yourself to a peaceful, coastal city break.

Check out my 2-week Sri Lanka itinerary for an idea of how to turn these must-visit spots into a seamless plan.

Have more time and want to experience vibrant cities, stunning temples, rich traditions, wild landscapes, and some of the best food in the world? Add a visit to India! This vast and incredibly diverse country is just a few hours from Sri Lanka, depending on where you go, and is a great addition to any trip. Check out my solo female travel in India guide for inspiration and tips.

Solo travel in Sri Lanka comes with a few learning curves, but it’s the kind of trip that stays with you long after you’ve returned home. With a little research and the right mindset, you’ll find it’s empowering, eye-opening, and full of unforgettable memories. Get ready to experience the magic of Sri Lanka on your own terms.

Travel Sri Lanka with confidence, backed by a solo travel expert

As a woman who’s traveled solo through Sri Lanka and the rest of Asia, I get it. I’ll help you plan a thoughtful, empowering trip with the right pacing, vetted accommodations, and personalized experiences, so you don’t have to do it all alone.

Click here to start planning your solo Sri Lanka journey today, together.

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Solo Travel in Sri Lanka: Safety

Solo Travel in Sri Lanka: Tips