Joanna James
Warm weather, beaches, national parks, tea plantations, ancient sites, delicious food, friendly locals, and time-defying colonial buildings are a few reasons to visit Sri Lanka. This tear-drop-shaped island is a year-round destination. Using public transport in Sri Lanka, especially the train service, is an experience in itself, but there are many other ways you can get around this gorgeous island country.
Thinking of adventure tours in Sri Lanka? a train ride might be what you are after. Travelling by train is one of the best things you can do in Sri Lanka. A train ride is much more relaxed and scenic than a bus ride, and the trackside scenery is lovely. The train is one of the best modes of transport you find in Sri Lanka; except for rush hours and holidays, the carriages are never crowded. Sri Lanka’s railway network offers three types of seats: first-class, second-class, and third-class. You find comfortable seating and sleeper berths in first-class carriages; the second-class features comfortable seating with fans, but seats in third-class carriages can be extremely uncomfortable. For first-class and second-class seats, you will have to make reservations; you can book seats a month in advance. One of the most popular train rides in Sri Lanka is the Kandy to Ella Train; the train winds through the verdant tea plantations and the misty mountains of the island.
Bus travel is the most common method of transportation in Sri Lanka. The Sri Lanka bus network is extensive, with routes connecting the remotest parts of the island. You get two types of buses in Sri Lanka: public buses and private buses. Government-owned public buses are no friend to your nerves; the seats are often uncomfortable, but the drivers tend to drive safely as they don’t contend with other buses to get as many passengers as they can. Private buses, on the other hand, are owned by individuals or companies. These buses range from regular buses and air-conditioned buses to extremely comfortable tourist buses. Buying bus tickets can be a hassle; you won’t find a central ticket office; what you get is a small desk at the bus stop, but more often than not, you can buy tickets on board the bus. Also, note that public bus ticket prices are lower than private bus ticket prices.
If you don’t want to use either bus or train, you can hire a vehicle – or you can simply get in touch with a tour operator like Walkers Tours. You can hire a car for you to drive, which is not recommended for those who are not used to driving in a Southeast Asian country. So, hiring a car with a driver is the best option. Drivers usually speak English, so you won’t have any communication problems. Alternatively, you can hire a motorbike. This is a fun and daring way to travel, and it’s safe as long as you avoid the main roads. The hill country and the beautiful coastal side are ideal locations for you to travel by motorbike. You can make stops and enjoy the scenery. The per-day rate for a motorbike rental is usually USD 5, which is nothing compared to all the fun you are going to have. Bear in mind that you need an International Driving Permit to drive in Sri Lanka, and the permit should also be approved by the Automobile Association of Ceylon – don’t worry about the approval; most rental firms take care of that on behalf of tourists.
This is the most expensive way to travel around Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka’s domestic flights connect the international airport with several tourist destinations, including Sigiriya, Jaffna, Batticaloa, and Kandy. Unless you are in a hurry to get to your destination, you should stick to other transport methods, but if you want to travel in luxury, domestic flights are the way to go about it!
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
