Travelling was quite an expensive task done by people who had money to spare, a few years ago. Yet, now the pack-up-and-travel culture has provided people with ample opportunities to travel with just backpack on them, and their shoes that they cling on for dear life. The life of a backpacker is easy and adventurous, however knowing how to backpack is important, even more important than your passion to backpack.
We compiled an essential guide to backpacking Sri Lanka with the help of a few wayward experiences, and backpacking gone wrong. We hope you will find it useful in planning your trip to Sri Lanka.
#1 Accommodation
We are focusing on accommodation at the top of our list, as you need a place to rest and unwind after a long day of travel. Yes, you definitely need that. With the rising trend of backpackers, places around Sri Lanka now offer affordable BnB options. There are hostels for backpackers, which allows them to cook their own meals. Instead of paying for a room, you can now pay for a single bed in a shared dorm and cut down on the unnecessary expenses.
#2 Food
Food is a priority. Not only because it is food, but also because you will be craving for food after you are done with a day of backpacking. We recommend making your own meals at your hostel. You can carry canned food, instant noodles around with you when you are hiking or trekking. You don’t need to spend eons of time considering how to cook your meals, if you simply break open a can. However, rely on local supermarkets for a uniformity of price in grocery shopping.
#3 Travelling
Backpackers can opt for two forms of public transport. Either buses or trains. Though it is quite time-consuming, trains often offer rather scenic views of the island. Which you is every bit worth the extra time taken to get from one place to another. You can always hire a tuk tuk to travel short distances, but ask to switch on the meter to avoid unnecessary costs.
#4 Befriend Locals
One of the best ways to ensure a well-rounded Sri Lankan trip is to befriend a couple of locals. A simple smile can go a long way as the locals are ever so willing to invite you in for tea, or simply give you tips on traveling. Often you can surprise them with “Sthuthi” which translates as thank you in their local language. You can hitchhike in Sri Lanka, however as in many countries, your safety depends on your street smarts.
#5 Purchase package tickets
The Sri Lankan cultural department have special package tickets for tourists who are interested in visiting a number of cultural locations. For example, if you are interested in traveling to Sigiriya, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, instead of paying at each entrance, you can simply pay and get a singular pass that covers all the places. This may save you from giving into brokers, and unnecessary hidden costs.
Backpackers are a common sight in Sri Lanka. Do take care of your personal belongings, and try to befriend other fellow backpackers iin caseyou need help getting around or are simply craving for company.