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

3.9 /5

Based on 17 experiences

3.5 /5

Based on research and crime data

Safety overview

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: 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: 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: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.

Tap water:Unsafe

While tap water in Sri Lanka is technically treated and should be safe to consume, it is still generally recommended for travelers to avoid drinking it due to pollution concerns and different treatment processes that may not remove all potential illness-causing microorganisms. Bottled water or treated water through reliable filters is preferred.

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Travel experiences

Overall rating

4.3 /5

based on 17 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.7/5

Safety

3.9/5

Food

4.7/5

Budget-friendly

4.7/5

Solo travel experience

Sri Lanka was the first country I did solo. I stayed to the south of the island and took public transport when I could as it was so cheap. The people there are the most friendly I have ever met. I felt very safe the whole journey. When I was traveling between cities it was difficult to get to with public transport so I had to ask someone from the hotel I was staying at the drive me to the next place (agree on a price beforehand).

Posted: December 4, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Sally

Sally

Malaysia

Solo travel experience

I love Sri Lanka where lots of wonderful people, beautiful nature and the most important they have magnificent beaches. Having seafood dinner and watching sunsets in front of the beach is the most enjoyable time for me.

Posted: November 23, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I went to Sri Lanka by myself and adored it, never felt unsafe at all. Traveled by train, it was so cheap and super friendly. I booked accommodation one day in advance throughout my trip and did whatever tours I could in the time I had.

Posted: October 31, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I’ve done solo travel in Sri Lanka and I didn’t have any problem there as a solo female. The people were so lovely and it felt so raw and untouched. I cannot describe how beautiful the country was. It was also so cheap. I recommend avoiding Colombo and Negombo.

Posted: October 28, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 4/5
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Solo travel experience

I don't recommend Sri Lanka for solo travel even though the country is absolutely gorgeous. I spent a month there and I’ve never felt so unsafe and uncomfortable, everything was okay while I was with male friends but when I was solo or with female friends it was a whole different experience, we got chased, touched without our consent, and roofied. I recommend going with a tour or a group.

Posted: October 25, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 2/5
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Solo travel experience

I traveled solo to Sri Lanka and would never recommend it to anyone. Every other solo female traveler has said the same. I felt so insecure, harassed everywhere, and disrespected by men. I am a black woman and they treated me like I was trash. This is one country I’ll never go back to even for free.

Posted: October 24, 2023
Things to do: 3/5Food: 3/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 2/5
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Solo travel experience

I have done 25 days solo in Sri Lanka and loved every second. The people were kind and friendly and I felt safe. I met loads of other female solo travelers along the way who said the same thing.

Posted: October 22, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I was in Sri Lanka and it was safe. If you strike up a conversation with someone, you'll always find a guy with a car who will give you a ride for some money wherever you want to go. There aren't bus schedules, and there aren't too many buses running; only the locals know where and when the bus departs. Everyone gets excited about that famous train ride. The truth is, you'll be traveling for 6 hours in the heat without a guaranteed seat, and you might not be able to occupy a seat throughout the journey. Locals stand in the open doors and even before the trip begins, they offer to sell you their seat for money. But the views are beautiful along the way. Generally, when they see a tourist, they treat them like an ATM. It's essential to have cash. Locals are quite helpful and know English. During the day, there are occasional power outages, so it's worth charging your phone in advance and having a good power bank. Among the places, I highly recommend Ella, Tangalle, and Mirissa. I recommend being cautious about bottled water. When you buy it, the opening should have an additional seal with plastic wrap.

Posted: August 21, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 4/5
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Solo travel experience

I wish I had more time in Sri Lanka. I hired a driver as it was my first-time solo traveling which made me feel safe. A few highlights were Millennium elephant sanctuary, AMBA estate, and there were some great snorkeling spots along the coast.

Posted: April 26, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

Sri Lanka is beautiful. I went there on a solo trip to volunteer there for a month and it was amazing. Such a safe and warm culture. Did not feel unsafe at all. It was an amazing experience, and I would recommend it to all solo travellers.

Posted: April 23, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Local discussions

Solo travelHas anyone rented a car in Sri Lanka rather than taking a private tour?

Has anyone rented a car in Sri Lanka rather than taking a private tour? Is it better to go on my own or find a driver for the 10 days that I would be there?

Posted: August 13, 2023
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Safety in Sri Lanka