Who says budget travel in Sri Lanka means missing out on experiences? With smart planning, you can enjoy the true excitement of all your Sri Lanka vacations at budget prices.
Here are some budget travel ideas when planning your Sri Lanka vacations from Australia:
1. Budget-Friendly Local Transport
Train Rides are the most budgetary transportation method in Sri Lanka
The mode of transport plays a huge part in your Sri Lanka tours. Being a country with diverse terrains and landscapes, locals use various modes of transport.
Find out the best transport modes to reduce your transport costs during your stay:
Scenic Train Rides – The Best Views for the Lowest Cost
Sri Lanka’s train network is one of the cheapest and most scenic ways to travel. Especially if you are travelling to the central highlands of the island, the train is the most cost-effective mode of transport.
Opt for train rides like the Calypso Train Tour. Unlike other rides, this budget-friendly option focuses only on the most scenic railway stations in the Kandy to Ella route. This ride provides you with a great price without lessening your experience.
Tip for Budget travel in Sri Lanka: Book tickets early and opt for second-class seats to save money while still getting a fantastic view.
Rent a Tuk-Tuk or Bike
If you plan to stay in Sri Lanka for some time, renting a tuk-tuk or a scooter is a great choice to explore the country at your own pace. This travel option gives you the freedom to travel shortcuts and your routes, allowing you to save both money and time.
Tuk-tuks and bikes can be rented for around $10–$15 per day.Tip for Budget Travel in Sri Lanka: Rent your tuk-tuk from platforms like TukTukSL or TukTuk Rental to book tuk-tuks at local prices.
2. Affordable Local Stays
Forget expensive resorts and hotel rooms – many local families open their beloved homes to travellers. These homes will make you feel at home while saving up a huge amount of your accommodation costs.
Here’s how local homestays help you budget travel in Sri Lanka:
- Local families offer comfortable rooms and hygienic meals without high prices.
- Having locals by your side may help you be safe from any scammers and fraudsters you meet during your Sri Lanka vacations.
- Learn important phrases in the local language that might be useful during your journey.
- Eliminate the need for a guide and get free insider travel tips for your Sri Lanka vacations.
3. Off-Season Travel
Off-season for Sri Lanka travelling refers to the monsoon rainy season in Sri Lanka. Many travellers avoid this season as they cannot enjoy the country’s sunny beaches and mesmerizing nature. Due to this low demand, hotels and resorts in Sri Lanka lower their prices to attract more customers.
Explore famous local hotel chains in Sri Lanka like Cinnamon and Jetwing. These hotel chains offer early-bird discounts for travellers who book 30 days in advance. They even offer last-minute bookings and long stays, making them ideal for budget travel in Sri Lanka.
Hotel Chains like Cinnamon even take their offers to the next level by offering an additional 15% discount on your accommodation if you find a lower rate than them.
And let’s not worry about the quality of your vacation to save your budget. Sri Lanka vacations during this season offer destinations like Nuwara Eliya, Sinharaja, and Knuckles, which offer the best sceneries during the rainy season.
4. Street Food & Local Food Spots
Kottu Roti – A famous street food in Sri Lanka
Why dine in expensive restaurants when you can enjoy all the rich-flavoured local dishes for a fraction of the price? Consider local street food hubs that offer many unique dishes and snacks that carry the authenticity of Sri Lanka.
Here are the top budget dishes for you to enjoy in Sri Lanka:
Egg Hoppers
If you miss your pancakes back in Australia, Egg hoppers are the dish you should try. This bowl-shaped pancake is made from a crispy thin edge and a soft-plushy middle, often with a delicious egg yolk. Food spots serve this with a spicy chilli and onion paste and a cup of freshly brewed Ceylon tea. This lightweight dish provides a high-calorie meal for a relatively low cost.
King Coconut Drinks
Save up the money you plan on spending on electrolyte drinks while travelling. Instead, opt for options like king coconut stalls beside Sri Lankan roads. They are a famous hydration drink among travellers opting for budget travel in Sri Lanka.
Budget Food Spots in Sri Lanka:
Kimbulawala and Aluthkade Street Food Joints: Offer many budget food stalls and food trucks, famous for shawarma, submarines, and burgers for local prices.
Galle Face Green: Enjoy the famous prawn fritters(Isso Wade) with spicy chilli sauce, while looking at the ocean.
Kandy Central Market: The central market of Kandy offers supplies directly from the farmers. Obtain fresh fruits, vegetables, and spices for very affordable prices without having to pay distributor charges.
For an even deeper experience, join a budget-friendly cooking workshop with our Sri Lanka Unveiled 14-Day Classic Package, where locals teach you how to prepare these traditional dishes!
5. Low-Cost Experiences
Temple of Tooth Relic
Not all amazing experiences in Sri Lanka come with a price tag. There are plenty of activities for travellers to experience that don’t cost them anything.
Here are some of the best free and low-cost activities to consider for budget travel in Sri Lanka:
Religious Site Visits
Visit major religious sites in Sri Lanka, like the Temple of the Tooth Relic and Thirukoneswaram Kovil. These destinations don’t require any ticket purchases or pre-bookings to enter. The different religions and traditions are a must-study aspect for every traveller.
Hiking & Nature Explorations
Horton’s Plain and Pidurangala Rock are iconic destinations for travellers to hike without the need for a guide. These places include properly made hiking trails and pathways for you to find the way up all by yourself and complete the journey.
Final Thoughts: Travel Smart & Save More!
Budget travel in Sri Lanka is all about being smart about your expenses. Experience the best of Sri Lanka without overspending by considering the above-mentioned tips.Would you like help with budget travel in Sri Lanka? Let us help you find the best Sri Lanka holiday packages from Australia that fit your travel style and budget!
