Sri Lanka is an alluring destination for travelers due to its captivating blend of natural beauty and culture. It is braided with lush forests, golden sandy beaches, and ancient ruins. But getting around this paradise poses a special challenge for the environmentally conscious traveler: how can you experience its charm while leaving as little of an environmental footprint as possible? No need to search any further! With a strong public transit system, you may travel to Sri Lanka and have an amazing experience while leaving a little carbon imprint.
Your Gateway to Local Culture- travel by bus
The backbone of public transportation in Sri Lanka is buses. With rates for shorter trips that vary from LKR 20 to LKR 150 (about $0.10 to $0.75 USD), they are extremely reasonably priced. Picture yourself crammed inside a brightly colored bus, the engine’s steady hum your constant companion. This is your opportunity to really immerse yourself in Sri Lankan culture, greeting and chatting with residents as they travel to work, the market, or the temple.
Here are some tips if you are traveling by bus
Preparation is Crucial: download offline maps such as Google Maps (be sure to download Sri Lanka, especially for offline use). For advice, you can also speak with your accommodation or friendly locals.
- Get to Know the Routes: Sri Lankan bus routes can be complicated, with numerous stops and changes. Do some study on the routes and bus numbers you’ll be traveling before you leave.
- The timing of buses is crucial since they can be infamously late or on time in Sri Lanka. It’s best to get to the bus stop a few minutes early, particularly for well-traveled routes.
- Be Ready for Crowds: Buses can get overcrowded during peak hours, especially those that travel between big cities. Prepare to stand and grasp grab handles or overhead rails.
- Embrace the Adventure: Many buses only have Sinhala signage, however, some include English destination displays. Asking for assistance is not something to be ashamed of; locals will be more than willing to direct you.
- Keep Small Change: Although bus prices in Sri Lanka are generally inexpensive, drivers frequently want exact change. To prevent any inconvenience, it is a good idea to carry small denominations of Sri Lankan rupees.
The Scenic Escape: An Entire Train Travel Experience
The train routes in Sri Lanka provide a unique experience. Picture rolling through your window, verdant tea plantations, and tumbling waterfalls that provide a look into another time period. If you want to see breathtakingly expansive views, take the observation carriage. Compared to buses, trains provide a more leisurely experience, with plenty of legroom and separate luggage compartments.
Here are some tips if you plan to travel by train while in Sri Lanka
- Plan Ahead: Although rail tickets can be bought on the day of travel, busy lines tend to sell out quickly. Consider making a reservation in advance on the official Sri Lanka Railways website or at train stations to guarantee your seat, particularly for long-distance travel or observation cars.
- Choose Scenic Routes: There are a number of scenic rail routes in Sri Lanka, including the coastline route from Colombo to Galle and the Kandy to Ella line. Give these beautiful trips top priority if you have the time for an amazing experience.
- Safeguard Your Valuables: When using a train, like with any other public transit, it’s critical to keep your possessions safe. Keep your belongings close to hand and watch out for pickpockets, especially on crowded trains.
The trains in Sri Lanka have different classes.
- First Class: Providing the highest level of comfort, first-class cabins have air conditioning, plenty of legroom, soft chairs, and occasionally even free refreshments. Ideal for enjoying a sumptuous trip, particularly on longer journeys like Colombo-Ella.
- Second Class: The most well-liked option for both residents and visitors, second-class carriages offer most passengers comfortable bench seating with plenty of legroom. There are fans for ventilation, and some trains may even have running water. Second-class tickets are quite reasonably priced.
- Third Class: The least expensive choice, third-class carriages are infamous for being packed, particularly in the summer months. But this is the place where you’ll really get a taste of Sri Lankan train travel. You will never forget the experience of riding in a carriage with amiable locals and taking in the energetic atmosphere. Third-class rail travel is a genuine and reasonably priced option for the daring tourist on a short budget to explore Sri Lanka.
Reservations and Recommendation
- Popular Routes: It is strongly advised to purchase tickets in advance for popular routes such as Colombo-Kandy or Kandy-Ella, particularly during the busiest travel months of December through February. Reservations can be made at train stations or online.
- Second-Class Value: For the majority of trips, second-class tickets offer a decent compromise between price and comfort.
- Bring Snacks and Drinks: Keep yourself hydrated on long train rides by bringing snacks and a reusable water bottle.
Iconic Tuk Tuks
The famous three-wheeled taxis of Sri Lanka, known as tuk-tuks, are an exciting and lively way to move around, particularly for short trips within towns. Even though they’re not the greenest option by themselves, think about riding in a tuk-tuk with other tourists who are going in the same direction. This lowers expenses and your personal impact! Don’t forget to haggle over the rate with the driver before boarding and settle on a price to prevent any miscommunications thereafter.
Tips for tuk tuk:
Study a Little Basic Sinhala: Some important expressions, such as “Ayubowan” (Hello) and “Kiyada”, which means how much ? and “isthuthi” thank you can help to guarantee a comfortable journey.
Get Offline Maps Here: When traveling in a language you don’t speak well, having offline maps downloaded to your phone might be really helpful.
Ride-Hailing Applications: Instant Convenience
Even though Sri Lanka has a well-developed public transit system, there may be occasions when you want for a little more convenience. This is the role of ride-hailing applications such as Uber and Pick Me.
Pick Me: With cheap pricing and an easy-to-use design, Pick Me is the most popular ride-hailing app in Sri Lanka. It is generally accessible in big cities like Kandy and Colombo, however, availability may be restricted in more rural locations.
Uber: Uber is available in Colombo and Kandy, albeit it is not as widely used as Pick Me. If you’re already familiar with the app, it might be a good substitute.
Using the public transportation system in Sri Lanka is a great way to see the island nation while leaving as little of an environmental impact as possible. Whether you’re taking an eco-friendly ride with PickMe or Uber, hopping on a packed bus, or taking in beautiful scenery from a train window, adopting sustainable transportation options improves your trip experience and protects Sri Lanka’s natural beauty for future generations. So gather your belongings, set out on your environmentally conscious journey, and enjoy the ride!
