Just now, it came to me conveniently, as I was staring at a super-dope mountain. Sri Lanka is a land of bubbles and all the spaces between. Places the fruit-shirt clad backpacker-men dare not tread. The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. How many hours have you spent red-eye blazed and playing with bubble wrap? I could have written a baroque opera about smoking joints during that time. There are no shortages of truly beautiful places in Sri Lanka — and there are more than enough things to do provided you like the beach.
Despite a different religious heritage, the feeling is similar to backpacking in India… but pulled back. But that Sri Lankan-brand South Asian yumminess between the bubbles? Many people I meet backpacking in Sri Lanka — particularly those who are fresher to the game — can still find it overwhelming.
Expect uncomfortable stares, moments of utter confusion, and personal boundaries occasionally being crossed. But I do understand the need for a backpacking Sri Lanka travel itinerary. Most of the people I meet in Sri Lanka backpacking tend to only be travelling short-term, and I meet very few travellers who extend past the initial day visa.
When Maha Monsoon is in, head south. From Bandaranaike International Airport head to Colombo only for the train or bus. A unique point of interest in Sri Lanka is Galle. Follow the coast for smaller beachside stops catering to different levels of surfing and breaks. In order: Unawatuna , Midigama , and Weligama.
More beaches, more surfing, more coconuts! Check further down for more info. The next big stop and one of my personal highlights of Sri Lanka is Ella and the hill country. That sends you east and north. Negombo makes a great chill alternative to Colombo for a night when you arrive.
