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When travelling on the roads of Sri Lanka, you need to be patient. Take your time and don’t be in a hurry. While the big cities of the country are connected by excellent roads, often dual carriageway, you will quickly realize that outside the main roads, the situation is rather chaotic and the sound of the horn is omnipresent. There is heavy traffic with permanent obstacles: dogs, cows, buses, trucks, and tuk-tuks, however there is a desire from the government to modernize the island with new road infrastructure. In Sri Lanka, we drive on the left, but the rules of the road are often not respected, so be careful! The scenic roads are worth taking a detour for, as the landscapes can be magical. Getting around in Sri Lanka is not as scary as it seems - as long as you are vigilant and cautious on the road, you can avoid unpleasant situations.
These sparkling and colourful motorized tricycles are present in many Asian countries. Tuk-tuks are a part of the Sri Lankan landscape. Used as taxis, they are ubiquitous throughout the country. In Colombo, they are mostly equipped with meters, elsewhere, they are not, and you will have to negotiate the price of the routes. Put yourself on Sri Lankan time and try! The experience is unusual, even if it is noisy; it gives you a feeling of freedom, with hair blowing in the wind and is a must-try mode of transport when getting around in Sri Lanka. By speaking a few words of Sinhalese or Tamil, you will establish a more pleasant relationship with your driver. A trip to the tea plantations in a tuk-tuk is an unforgettable experience!
Sri Lanka inherited a dense railway network from the period of British colonization. The train, an extremely convenient and economical means of transportation is also a unique experience, to be included in the program of your trip. Local trains have 3 classes, and Exporail wagons allow you to travel in optimum comfort with air conditioning, at a higher price. Two railway routes are particularly attractive: that of Colombo to Galle along the west coast and that of Nuwara Eliya in Ella, surrounded by mountains and tea plantations. It can definitely be considered one of the most scenic ways of getting around in Sri Lanka
Our tip: book in advance!
Discovering Sri Lanka in a private car with a driver is ideal for getting off the main roads and going on an adventure. Drivers are familiar with the routes, know the traffic rules and generally speak English. You will have the opportunity to cross the heart of Sri Lanka, through small villages, and meet the inhabitants of the island. Many hotels, located away from the main tourist attractions, are not served by public transportation. With a private driver, getting around in Sri Lanka and exploring off-the-beaten-path will be much easier. One of your first encounters in Sri Lanka is with your driver; the key to a successful trip! Sit back and let your driver take care of getting around in Sri Lanka!
Walking through Sri Lanka is an extraordinary experience. You are closer to nature and you can take the time to discover the country differently. If you want to add adventure to your program, it is possible to do several days of trekking in some stunning areas of the island or a one-day trek in the heart of tea plantations. For more challenging treks, Adam's Peak is a sacred peak that will offer you one of the most beautiful treks you can do in Sri Lanka. The Knuckles Range and the Sinharaja Forest also offer great trekking possibilities in the heart of a nature reserve, surrounded by lush greenery.
Horseback riding along the coast of Sri Lanka, is an unusual way to discover the country. Riding along the beautiful beaches is an amazing experience! We offer you different itineraries for an original discovery of the most beautiful sites of the island: beach, jungle, tea plantations, and historical sites. With some horseback rides lasting several hours from the north to the south of the island, you will have the opportunity to combine your passion for horseback riding and the chance to discover the sites accessible only to your mount!
You like adventure and nature and want to combine your discovery of Sri Lanka with your passion for cycling? Hop on your bicycle for unusual excursions in the green countryside of Kandy or in the rice fields near Galle. You ride off the beaten path, in the forests of the island, where the cold water of the waterfalls will refresh you. You can also discover the archaeological sites of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa on a bicycle. While cycling, you are the master of your trip and decide at which pace you want to discover Sri Lanka.
Royal Enfield, a brand of mythical Indian motorbikes, have recently appeared in Sri Lanka. This single-cylinder bike does not go unnoticed, you will hear it arrive and leave with its unique roar. A symbol of freedom, this vintage machine takes you on the most beautiful roads of Sri Lanka. For a discovery trip or an adventure trip, we reveal the secret paths and routes of the island, in small groups, throughout the year. Be the first to cross the Knuckles Mountain Range, reach remote tea plantations or cultural sites on the island on two wheels. If you want a different and unusual experience, go for a motorcycle trip to Sri Lanka - a memorable way of getting around in Sri Lanka!
With so many different ways of getting around in Sri Lanka, which do you prefer? Contact your local Shanti Travel Expert to discuss what suits you best!
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