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First off, Sri Lanka is a safe destination including for solo travellers who can easily explore this island nation; the people you will encounter are generally genuinely hospitable, friendly, and helpful which makes a big difference as well. Keep in mind that the country has a relatively conservative culture and while you can dress casually when out and about, you need to cover bare shoulders and legs when visiting religious sites.

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Public transport options are ideal for solo travellers unless they want to hire a vehicle and drive themselves which is also worth considering. If not, one can make use of public trains as well as public or private (with air conditioning) busses to reach destinations away from key cities such as Colombo. For travel within a city, you can use tuk-tuks, while ride-hailing apps such as Uber and PickMe are available too.

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When it comes to accommodation, you will find various options ranging from hostels and Airbnb to hotels and resorts. For optimum safety, comfort, and service, consider properties that belong to an international hotel group where you can enjoy more than just rooms or suites with modern features; for example, a resort with onsite dining, water sports, activities, spa treatments and organised excursions will add to the convenience.

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One of the highlights of Sri Lanka is that it features a diverse array of landscapes and experiences in a relatively small land area. With that in mind, plan to experience as much as you can on your solo adventures. You can look to enjoy the best of the south coast at places like Kalutara, Galle and Tangalle as well as explore mountains and tea plantations in Kandy and Nuwara Eliya; also, visit the Cultural Triangle, home to iconic Sigiriya and the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa.

Make time to head to the east coast where the beach town of Pasikudah and the city of Trincomalee have much to offer, while Arugam Bay is perfect for those in search of solo surfing escapades. Don’t forget that the island offers thrilling wildlife encounters too at national parks like Yala and Wilpattu where one can encounter everything from leopards to elephants and more.