Getting Around Sri Lanka: My Journey Through the Island
By Arif
When I first planned my trip to Sri Lanka, I was filled with excitement. The idea of exploring the beaches, ancient temples, and vibrant cities was a dream come true. But one question lingered in my mind: How do I get around in Sri Lanka? Should I rent a car, hop on a bus, or take a tuk-tuk? Little did I know, the way I traveled across this beautiful island would become an unforgettable part of my experience.
I started my journey by hiring a private car with a driver for the longer trips. It seemed like the easiest and most comfortable choice, especially since I wasn’t sure how to navigate the roads or the local traffic. And let me tell you, it turned out to be one of the best decisions I made.
My driver, Sanjay, was a local, and he quickly became a friend. As we drove from Colombo to Kandy, he shared stories about his life, the history of the places we passed, and even gave me tips on the best places to visit. During our journey, we stopped at a small roadside tea shop for a cup of traditional Sri Lankan tea. As we sat there, sipping the warm tea, Sanjay told me how this tea shop had been serving travelers for decades. I felt like I was part of something bigger, like I was tapping into the heart of Sri Lankan culture.
One moment that stands out was when we pulled over to the side of the road to watch the sunset. We were on a high hill, overlooking lush green valleys, and the colors in the sky were unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Sanjay smiled and said, “This is why I love this country. The beauty is in the little moments.” It was a simple stop, but it felt magical.
I knew I had to try the local public buses to truly experience Sri Lanka. So, I decided to take the bus from Colombo to Galle, and let me tell you, it was an adventure!
The bus was packed with locals, and at first, I felt a little out of place. But then, a friendly woman sitting next to me noticed I was a tourist and started chatting. She offered me some sweet local fruit—something called “wood apple,” which was unlike anything I had ever tasted. The ride was bumpy, and at times, I thought we might tip over, but the views along the way were breathtaking. As we passed by coconut trees, rice fields, and busy markets, I couldn’t help but feel like I was experiencing Sri Lanka in its truest form.
There was a moment when the bus stopped at a small village. People got off, greeted the locals, and even shared snacks with one another. It felt like a family, all going to the same destination, no matter how far apart their homes were. It was such a humbling experience that I’ll never forget.
Of course, I had to take a tuk-tuk. They’re practically a symbol of Sri Lanka, and I couldn’t leave without hopping into one. I caught a tuk-tuk to go from my hotel to the beach in Colombo, and it was an absolute blast. The driver, a guy named Nimal, was full of energy and kept cracking jokes along the way.
The ride was wild—scooting in and out of traffic, dodging other vehicles, and weaving through narrow streets. But despite the madness, there was something exhilarating about it. I remember laughing the whole way, even though I had no idea where we were going! Nimal even pointed out a small street vendor selling freshly fried samosas. Without missing a beat, he stopped, grabbed a few for us, and handed them to me. “You must try this, it’s the best in town!” he said. Those crispy, warm samosas are still one of my favorite food memories from the trip.
Tuk-tuks aren’t just a mode of transport—they’re part of the adventure, and every ride comes with its own story.
If you’re ever in Sri Lanka, I highly recommend taking a train ride, especially if you’re traveling from Colombo to the hill country. I took the train to Kandy, and the experience was magical. The train chugged along, passing through green hills, tea plantations, and sparkling rivers. The misty mountains in the distance looked like something from a painting.
I remember sitting by the window, watching the landscape change as we climbed higher and higher into the mountains. A local man sitting next to me noticed I was enjoying the view and started chatting. He told me about his village, where he had been born and raised. He said the best part of living in the hills was the morning mist that rolled in every day like a thick blanket. “It’s like living in the clouds,” he said with a smile. It was such a peaceful conversation, and it gave me a deeper appreciation for the beauty of Sri Lanka’s countryside.
The train ride was slow and relaxed, and I really enjoyed the time to reflect and take in the beauty of the island. It was one of those moments when I thought, “This is why I travel—to witness the world in all its raw, untouched glory.”
While in Bentota, I decided to take a boat ride on the river. The boat ride was quiet and serene. As we cruised through the mangroves, I spotted herons, kingfishers, and even a few crocodiles basking in the sun. It was the kind of place where time seemed to slow down, and I could just breathe in the fresh air.
The boat captain, a local fisherman, pointed out some of the plants along the river, telling me about how they used to make natural medicines from them. I was amazed at how connected he was to the land. It wasn’t just a boat ride; it was a lesson in nature and local life.
One of my favorite ways to explore Sri Lanka was simply by walking. I spent an entire afternoon wandering around Galle Fort, a historic site that’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The old streets, with their colonial-era buildings and cobblestone paths, felt like they were frozen in time. I spent hours just strolling around, soaking in the history, chatting with the locals, and trying street food from tiny vendors.
At one point, I sat on the old stone wall, overlooking the Indian Ocean, and it felt like I was in my own little world. I watched the waves crash against the rocks and thought about how lucky I was to be here, experiencing a place like no other.
Getting around Sri Lanka was an adventure in itself. Each mode of transport—from the smooth private car rides to the wild tuk-tuk journeys—offered a different way to connect with the island. But what really made the experience unforgettable were the people I met along the way. Whether it was chatting with a local on the train or sharing fruit on a bus, it was the moments of connection that made my trip truly special.
Sri Lanka isn’t just a destination; it’s a journey. And as you travel around this beautiful island, every ride, every conversation, and every stop will leave you with a story to tell.
