Joanna James
Sri Lanka is known as the 'pearl of the Indian Ocean' for several reasons; one of them being the beauty the island possesses. If you're planning on heading down to Sri Lanka as a solo traveller, there isn't too much to worry about. Nevertheless, it is best to take some precaution!
If you ever find yourself in a scary or uneasy situation, do not hesitate to ask for help. Sri Lankans are known to be helpful and kind, therefore, if they see someone in distress, they are likely to lend a helping hand. Even if you are lost and looking for directions and cannot understand, ask for help – Sri Lankans will at least use their hands to direct you. Sri Lankans living in and around large cities can converse in perfect English, but the further you move from the city, the number of those who can speak English decreases – however, when you are in need of help, do ask!
While Sri Lanka doesn't have strict rules on clothing, it is best to stick to more conservative clothing unless you are near the beach. This will prevent any sort of unnecessary attention and staring from occurring. Make sure to not expose too much skin there, in order to not be subjected to uncomfortable stares.
In order to truly live the local life, make sure you always travel on buses and trains! You are sure to find plenty of taxis and tuktuks, but they are relatively more expensive than travelling by buses and trains. If you are travelling short distances within the same city, a tuktuk would be ideal. For longer distances, buses and trains are the best modes of transportation! You can reserve train tickets in advance and check out the bus routes before deciding which one you'd like to use.
It is best to keep all your exploring and adventures, mostly to secluded areas, before nightfall. It isn't the safest thing to do if you are travelling alone, in Sri Lanka. Roaming late at night in quiet areas is a big no-no. In Colombo however, the night is alive and people are always around – so this may be an exception but always be safe and on the lookout!
The best part about travelling to Sri Lanka is that you're likely to find accommodation almost everywhere! There are several top hotels in Sri Lanka, the likes of Amagi Aria and other guest houses dotted around the island, therefore, you're not going to have to worry too much about a bed for the night. However, it is best to stay in reputed/ well-known places as these spots provide extra security and are known to make their guests safety a priority.
The best way to stay safe is to always keep someone informed about your whereabouts – even simply dropping a text would do. Keep your location switched on at all times and if you are going to areas with little or no signal, remember to send the message while you still have a signal. Let your accommodation staff or host know where you are off to and what time for them to expect you back. This is essential as they will be able to help you out if you ever need it.
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