Is Sri Lanka Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Sri Lanka is generally a safe destination for solo female travelers. The locals are friendly and willing to help, and it's common to encounter many female tourists. However, it's important to be cautious especially in crowded areas to avoid pickpockets or scams. It is also recommended to follow cultural norms, particularly when visiting religious sites. A good practice is to always let someone know your itinerary and keep in regular touch. Night travel is usually considered safe, but as always, vigilance is essential.

Safety rating

Make friends while traveling solo

Meet other female travelers, find travel buddies and stay with local women for free through hospitality exchange.
Download from App StoreDownload from Google Play
Get the Travel Ladies App

How safe is Sri Lanka?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Moderate

Sri Lanka is generally safe for solo female travelers, however caution is advisable, especially at night. While the risk of violent crime is relatively low, petty crime such as pickpocketing or bag snatching can occur, especially in crowded areas. Walking alone late at night in deserted areas or small side streets is not recommended. It's best to stay in well-lit, populated areas and use trusted modes of transportation after dark. Always trust your intuition and follow local guidance on safety measures.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in Sri Lanka is mostly safe, reliable and commonly used by locals and tourists. Buses, trains, and tuk tuks are the main forms of local transport. There might be instances of overcrowding on buses and trains during peak hours. However, taking a tuk tuk at night might need some cautiousness. As a female traveler, it's better to use reputed apps for hailing tuk tuks. Always be vigilant about your belongings on public transport, and avoid traveling alone late at night.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Moderate

While Sri Lanka is renowned for its stunning landscapes and warm hospitality, when it comes to street harassment, it's a bit of a mixed bag. Many solo female travelers report light to moderate instances of unsolicited advances, particularly in heavily touristic areas. This could range from persistent offers of goods and services to unnecessary compliments. However, Sri Lankans are generally respectful and friendly, and severe cases are not widespread. Always be alert, maintain a firm assertiveness, and where possible, align your movements with busier times of the day to blend into the local crowd.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Moderate

Sri Lanka is generally a safe destination for travelers. However, like many tourist destinations, petty crimes such as pick-pocketing and bag-snatching can occur, especially in crowded areas and popular tourist spots. It is suggested to always be vigilant, secure your belongings, and avoid flashy displays of wealth. However, the local people are usually warm and welcoming.

Is Sri Lanka worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.3 /5

based on 38 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.4/5

Safety

3.8/5

Food

4.4/5

Budget-friendly

4.2/5
Sophl

Sophl

Austria

Sri Lanka, Solo travel

Sri Lanka was great. It doesnt matter what kind of person you are - if you like climbing, swimming, surfing, drinking - you can do it! There is something for everyone to do. The only ‚bad‘ thing about this island is tbh that it is kinda dirty.

Posted: February 7, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Colombo, Solo travel

I didn't feel safe. There were a lot of homeless people. Also, people on the street were begging for money, not only children. The bus driver tried to cheat me, and I lost some money. I would not recommend going alone at night.

Posted: January 6, 2025Experienced: November, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Natalia

Natalia

Sri Lanka

Kandy, Solo travel

I stayed in Kandy for a couple of days. There are many accommodation options here: hostels, guest houses and hotels. The people are nice and willing to help. There are many cafes and restaurants there, so the food there is inexpensive. In xmass time the city was full of tourists.

Posted: December 31, 2024Experienced: November, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Sri Lanka, Solo travel

I had an amazing time in Sri Lanka. I went solo & had some recommendations by a lovely lady on this app! The people are incredibly welcoming & they are very proud of their hospitality. The country has something for everyone- nature, hiking, great food, beaches, cultural sights. Maybe not so much for the party girls though!😉 It is a hot & humid place, so be prepared. They have lots of tropical fruit, fresh fish & if you're vegetarian, you'll find it fairly easy to eat here. I would highly recommend you go.

Posted: October 27, 2024Experienced: January, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Mia

Mia

Taiwan

Sri Lanka, Solo travel

It was one of my favourite trip ever. It's my first time doing solo travel but I never felt alone during the travel. The locals are so nice that offer me to love in there home and provide food for free. I feel really thankful and touched in the end of the trip. I travel Sri Lanka mostly through Bus, the Bus system is so good that you can literally travel anywhere there! I'd say except the capital, Sri lanka is quite safe overall, but I would still suggest you to just stay at home at night if you are a female solo traveller!

Posted: July 18, 2024Experienced: July, 2023
favorite_border 3
mode_comment 0
Hila

Hila

Israel

Weligama, Solo travel

Overall I would suggest to stay in other places around weligama It's a comfortable place for surf learning and has the vibe for parties if this is what you are looking for But the villages around are much more beautiful and mich more friendly. Most of the locals are great, but as everywhere there are some to be aware of Girls, DO NOT walk at night there. After 23:00 there is nothing for you our there. I was attacked by a local guy on a scooter that grubbed me and kept on riding. It happened to three other girls that I know. The fourth one was attacked with a knife! She was saved. We are not coming there to change them or educate them. This is a beautiful traditional community that host us, tourists from all over the world. But when girls are walking with their bikinis around the streets they simply don't know how to react to that. Be careful. Be smart. Be aware if you are walking in the dark, by yourself. Other than that - enjoy the island.

Posted: July 10, 2024Experienced: October, 2023
favorite_border 1
mode_comment 0

Is Sri Lanka safe for women?

Safety index

2.9 /5

Based on 4 local experiences

Crime index

1.4 /5

Based on 4 local experiences

Negombo

Negombo is a slow paced, and a relatively safer city. General safety precautions such as avoiding traveling alone at late night hours, or at the beach and being mindful of your belongings and surroundings is advised. Mugging and other crimes are extremely rare.

Posted: May 6, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Jaffna

In day light its safe but people are constantly judging but not rude high recommended modest clothing better avoid short or tank tops (in north side of Sri lanka) Teenage guys are not so good but not all but few Its safe in daylight but at night after 10 I don’t remember to go out alone Other than that people are welcoming and kind they love to interact with foreigners Just like Indian best to protect ourselves Always carry a safety spray for any emergency situation Its a safe place and beautiful place but always better to be alert

Posted: January 28, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Safety in Sri Lanka