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Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, a gem nestled in the Indian Ocean off Southeast India, is a radiant blend of tropical beaches, verdant tea plantations, wildlife-strewn savannah, and intricate sacred relics. Known as the 'Pearl of the Indian Ocean', Sri Lanka boasts eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, the Sigiriya rock fortress, and the sacred city of Kandy. It's globally renowned for its Ceylon Tea, prolific wildlife - featuring elephants, leopards and a myriad of bird species - and vibrant Sinhalese and Tamil cultures. From the Dutch colonial architecture of Galle to the traditional festivals brimming with dances, masks, and fire-walking, and the sun-kissed, palm-fringed beaches of Trincomalee and Unawatuna, Sri Lanka pulses with an irresistible allure for explorers.

Sri Lanka is currently ranked #49 best country for solo female travellers. Check full ranking.

4.3 /5

Based on 23 experiences

3.9 /5

Based on our research

3.8 /5

Based on safety reports

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Safety:Safe

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.

Transport:Moderate

Navigating through Sri Lanka can be of moderate difficulty. While there are many transportation options like buses, taxis, and trains, language barriers might occasionally pose a challenge. Some rural areas may also be less accessible. However, most locals are helpful and friendly, easing the process to some extent. As a solo traveler, it's important to plan your travel well in advance and stay aware of your surroundings.

Things to do:Interesting

Sri Lanka is a paradise filled with natural beauty and historical attractions. Its diverse landscapes offer everything from sandy beaches and high peaks, to dense forests and sprawling tea plantations, sure to satiate any nature lover’s thirst for adventure. Wildlife enthusiasts will relish in the opportunity to see a variety of animals, including elephants and leopards, in their natural habitats. History and architecture buffs will be enticed by ancient Buddhist ruins, colonial-era buildings, and UNESCO world heritage sites. Foodies will find great pleasure in the country’s rich and spicy cuisine, while those seeking relaxation will enjoy pristine beaches and wellness retreats. The country is teeming wildlife safaris, hiking trails, surf spots, and yoga retreats.

Food:Above average

Sri Lanka offers a very diverse and flavorful food palette. The cuisine includes a variety of curries, seafood, and the famous rice and curry. Signature dishes like hoppers, kottu, and sweetmeats like kavum can be tried. However, it might be little spicy for individuals not familiar with South Asian cuisine. Also, vegetarians or vegans might find limited options. Overall, the food experience is quite unique and worth exploring.

Budget:Very affordable

Sri Lanka is very budget-friendly for solo female travelers. Accommodation, food, and transportation are all quite reasonably priced. In addition, Sri Lanka is known for its friendly locals, and stunning landscapes that can be explored for free or at a very low cost. However, it's recommended to always keep some emergency cash as card machines are sometimes out of order.

Overall rating

4.3 /5

based on 23 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

3.8/5

Food

4.5/5

Budget-friendly

4.2/5

Solo travel experience

I was alone in Sri Lanka and felt safe. People really like to talk and offer their hospitality to travelers. But if you don't like to be squeezed or hanged on public transportation then traveling between cities is quite challenging.

Posted: April 7, 2024

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 4/5

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Anna (38)

Spain

Solo travel experience

Wear a ring and say you're married. Even if you say you have a boyfriend, guys are going to insist. Be careful with CouchSurfing. They think it's tinder, so unfortunately I had bad experiences. Be careful. When I was in Mirissa, a touristic beach place, I went out to a bar. Some girls were drunk, completely, and local guys were there trying to take advantage. Thanks to some friends we walked two of them to their hostels. So if you travel solo, try to avoid a man thought apps (like CouchSurfing). Try to find someone to travel Apart from very insistent men, it's a safe place ( well they will try to make you paid like European prices, but apart from that, it's nice)

Posted: March 14, 2024Experienced: November, 2023

Things to do: 3/5Food: 1/5Budget-friendly: 1/5Safety: 2/5

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Solo travel experience

I felt safe travelling alone, people are extremely friendly. However, I was sexually harassed while just walking at daytime at the beach. Also, stuff was stolen from me. I wouldn't recommend walking alone at secluded beaches.

Posted: February 28, 2024

Things to do: 4/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 1/5

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Solo travel experience

I felt perfectly safe solo traveling Sri Lanka for 3 weeks. The people of Sri Lanka are the nicest and most friendly people I ever met. This small country has so much to offer and it's very affordable. Mountains, hiking, temples, history, great wildlife, amazing beaches, beautiful towns, and delicious food.

Posted: February 11, 2024

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Solo travel experience

I traveled alone in Sri Lanka in April and I can only say good things. I spent most of my time on the coasts and in the mountains. I loved this country, its culture, and its food and felt very safe.

Posted: December 27, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5

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Group travel experience

I felt absolutely safe, I spent part of the time with friends, and part traveling alone, my friends wouldn't let me travel if they didn't think I would be safe. I used drivers/cars arranged by my friends or hotels, taxis, Uber and tuk-tuks, both during the day and in the evening, I also went to restaurants in the evening.

Posted: December 18, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Solo travel experience

Sri Lanka was the first country I visited alone. I stayed in the south of the island and used public transportation as much as possible, as it was very cheap. The people there are the friendliest I have ever met. I felt very safe throughout the whole trip. When travelling between cities, it was difficult to get there by public transport, so I had to ask someone from the hotel I was staying at to give me a ride to the next place (agree on the price in advance).

Posted: December 4, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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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 traveled alone to Sri Lanka and I loved it, I never felt unsafe. I traveled by train, it was very cheap and super friendly. I booked accommodation one day ahead during my whole trip and did all the 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 had no problems traveling solo through Sri Lanka as a lone woman. People were so nice, and the place seemed so raw and untouched. I can't describe how beautiful this country was. It was also very cheap there. I advise avoiding Colombo and Negombo.

Posted: October 28, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 4/5

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