Sri Lanka
Ancient kingdoms, tea-covered hills and the warmest welcome in South Asia.
Why Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka is one of travel's great surprises — a small island that packs in temples, wildlife, colonial forts, tea hills and beautiful beaches without ever feeling rushed if you plan the route well.
For a solo traveller, the combination of genuine warmth, a rich food culture and relatively affordable luxury makes Sri Lanka one of South Asia's most rewarding independent destinations.
Why it works.
Sri Lanka is welcoming and safe for solo female travellers, particularly in the main tourist areas. The tuk-tuk and train culture makes moving between places easy and characterful. Guesthouses and small boutique hotels have a warmth that suits solo travel particularly well.
Best areas.
Galle Fort
A UNESCO-listed Dutch colonial fort on the southern coast, walkable, beautiful and with excellent restaurants and boutique hotels.
The Cultural Triangle
Sigiriya rock fortress, Dambulla cave temples and Polonnaruwa's ancient city — the heartland of Sri Lankan history.
Ella & the hill country
The most scenic train journey in Asia, tea plantations, waterfalls and cool highland air.
December to March for the west and south coast. April to September for the east coast. The hill country and Cultural Triangle are good year-round. Alma will plan the route around the best conditions for your travel dates.
The train network is scenic and useful for the main route; tuk-tuks handle local travel everywhere. Private drivers are worth it for the Cultural Triangle. Alma will map the transfers so the journey between places is as enjoyable as the destinations.
Ready to make Sri Lanka your own?
Tell us how you like to travel and we'll build a personalised plan for Sri Lanka — the right neighbourhoods, stays and experiences for you.
Plan My Sri Lanka Trip