5 Things you should know before travelling to Sri Lanka – Plan a trip like no other

A common misconception among foreigners is that Sri Lanka is an unsafe country, however, this cannot be far from the truth. The country as a whole is largely safe, although for a number of years Sri Lanka was riddled with a brutal civil war. Nevertheless, the country has risen from the ashes since 2009 and built a great name for itself, especially in the tourism sector. As with any destination, one must take precautions to ensure safety in Sri Lanka. If you're a solo female traveller, avoid roaming empty streets late at night and always have an emergency contact ready – in Sri Lanka and abroad. It's also advised that travellers inform their hotels or guest houses as to where they will be heading to in a given day and when to expect their return – this way the hotel is always in the loop about your plans and can reach out if you ever need it.

In comparison to its other Asian counterparts such as Vietnam or Thailand, Sri Lanka makes for a more expensive visit, although this largely depends on what you plan to do. Sri Lanka is known to be a destination for all budgets, but it can also get quite expensive during holiday seasons and high-end resorts aren't the cheapest! However, if you ask around, you're sure to find accommodation, food and travel options more in line with your budget – but remember to always have extra cash in hand as you never know when it'll come in handy.

Do keep in mind that tourism is still a developing sector in Sri Lanka, so some areas may not look like what you've imagined. However, several high-end properties dot the country such as Anantara Kalutara Resort, considered one of the best among hotels in Kalutara. Certain roads outside of the main cities may be unpaved and quite a bumpy ride, but for some travellers, this is part of what they are looking forward to!

If you're going to travel from one city to another which might take a couple of hours, always opt for a train ride over a bus ride. The reason being it gifts you with very scenic views! You can reserve seats weeks in advance and the ride is fairly comfortable. Buses fill up fast and the drivers are notorious for driving recklessly.

Sri Lankan specialities are loved all over the world, such as fresh crab curry, coconut sambol, koththu and egg hoppers! When in Sri Lanka, you'll come to learn that the cuisine is extremely versatile and cheap. Embrace the local culture and food when you get the chance! However, if you're also craving burgers or pasta – Colombo has a plethora of restaurants and cafes offering these delicacies and more.