Sri Lanka Connect Blog
Travel guides and local know-how for Sri Lanka
Common Scams Around Kandy's Temple of the Tooth
Visiting Kandy's Temple of the Tooth? Learn the common scams near this sacred site and how to protect yourself while still enjoying your visit.
29 July 2026
Ella to Colombo: Is the Overnight Train Worth the Hype?
Thinking about the Ella to Colombo overnight train in Sri Lanka? Here's what the journey really involves, from berths to bag safety, before you book.
29 July 2026
Common Scams at Colombo Airport and How to Sidestep Them
Arriving at Bandaranaike Airport? Learn the common Colombo airport scams, from fake taxi meters to SIM card upsells, and how to avoid them.
29 July 2026
Poya Days in Sri Lanka: What Closes and What to Expect
Planning around Sri Lanka's Poya full moon holidays? Here's what actually closes, what stays open, and how to enjoy these quiet monthly public holidays.
28 July 2026
Extending Your Sri Lanka Visa: The ETA Overstay Process
Need more time in Sri Lanka? Here's how ETA visa extensions actually work, where to apply online, and what happens if you overstay.
28 July 2026
Sri Lanka's Train Reservation System: When to Book Ahead
Learn how Sri Lanka train reservations actually work, which routes need advance booking, and how to avoid missing out on seats during peak season.
28 July 2026
Kanneliya Rainforest: A Quieter Alternative to Sinharaja
Discover Kanneliya Rainforest Reserve, a peaceful UNESCO biosphere near Galle offering waterfalls, endemic wildlife and trails without Sinharaja's crowds.
27 July 2026
Koggala Lake: A Half-Day Escape Near the South Coast
Discover Koggala Lake, a peaceful south coast day trip near Hikkaduwa with cinnamon islands, stilt fishermen and mangrove boat rides.
27 July 2026
The Three-Wheeler Meter Trick: Avoiding Tuk-Tuk Overcharges
Learn how tuk-tuk meters work in Sri Lanka, why drivers avoid them, and practical ways to negotiate a fair fare on every ride.
27 July 2026
Off-Peak South Coast: Why September Might Be Your Month
Wondering about the best time to visit Sri Lanka's south coast? September offers calmer crowds, softer rain and better deals between monsoons.
26 July 2026
Hikkaduwa's Lagoon Side: A Quiet Escape from the Surf Crowds
Discover Hikkaduwa Lagoon, a calm alternative to the beach road crowds, with mangroves, birdlife, and easy boat trips just minutes from the surf.
26 July 2026
Kabalana to Ahangama: Chasing Reef Breaks Past Midigama
Explore the surf breaks between Kabalana and Ahangama on Sri Lanka's south coast, a stretch of reef and beach breaks beyond the usual crowds.
26 July 2026
Yala vs Udawalawe: Which Safari Park Suits Your Trip?
Yala vs Udawalawe national park comparison: wildlife, crowds, cost and access, so you can pick the right Sri Lanka safari for your itinerary.
25 July 2026
Sri Lankan Breakfast Dishes to Try Before You Leave
A guide to Sri Lanka's best breakfast dishes, from string hoppers to kiribath, and where to find them as a traveler.
25 July 2026
Yoga Retreats vs DIY Practice: Wellness in Sri Lanka
Thinking about a yoga retreat in Sri Lanka? Compare structured retreats with DIY practice to find the right wellness path for your trip.
25 July 2026
Renting a Room by the Month: Long-Stay Deals on the South Coast
A practical guide to negotiating monthly guesthouse and villa rentals on Sri Lanka's south coast, from timing your search to what to check before paying.
24 July 2026
Currency Exchange in Sri Lanka: Getting the Best Rate
A practical guide to currency exchange in Sri Lanka, covering airport counters, banks and ATMs so you get the best rate for your rupees.
24 July 2026
Sri Lanka SIM Cards Compared: Dialog vs Mobitel vs Hutch vs Airtel
Choosing a Sri Lanka SIM card for travel? Compare Dialog, Mobitel, Hutch and Airtel on coverage, tourist data plans and value to pick the best one.
24 July 2026
Unawatuna's Quiet Cousin: A Day Trip to Talpe Beach
Discover Talpe Beach, a quiet stretch near Unawatuna with tide pools and beach clubs, perfect for a relaxed day trip on Sri Lanka's south coast.
23 July 2026
Galle Fort as a Day Trip from Hikkaduwa: Worth It?
Planning a Galle Fort day trip from Hikkaduwa? Here's how to get there, what to see, and how to make the most of a few hours in this historic town.
23 July 2026
Sri Lanka Waterfalls You Can Hike to Without a Guide
Discover Sri Lanka waterfalls you can hike to solo, from Bambarakanda to Diyaluma, with clear trail notes and safety tips for independent travelers.
23 July 2026
Tuk-Tuk Rental in Sri Lanka: Is Driving Yourself Worth It?
Thinking about a self-drive tuk-tuk rental in Sri Lanka? Here's what it really costs, what license you need, and the honest pros and cons.
22 July 2026
Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka's East Coast (Arugam Bay & Beyond)
Planning a trip to Sri Lanka's east coast? Here's the best time to visit Arugam Bay and nearby beaches, from surf season to shoulder-month deals.
22 July 2026
Sri Lanka's ETA Explained: Applying for Your Entry Visa
A clear guide to Sri Lanka's ETA visa: who needs one, how to apply online, common mistakes, and what to do if your application is rejected.
22 July 2026
Weligama to Mirissa by Tuk-Tuk: A Slow Coastal Day Trip
Explore the Weligama to Mirissa tuk-tuk route in Sri Lanka, with tips on stops, timing and costs for a relaxed south coast day trip.
21 July 2026
West Coast Monsoon Deals: What Discounts Are Actually Real
Discover real off-season deals on Sri Lanka's west coast during monsoon, from Hikkaduwa to Negombo, with practical tips on what to expect and book.
21 July 2026
Beyond the Point: Finding Hikkaduwa's Quieter Reef Breaks
Looking beyond Hikkaduwa's main surf point? Here's where to find the quieter reef breaks nearby, how to reach them, and what to expect in the water.
21 July 2026
Rainy Day Remote Work: Colombo's Best Cafes for Wifi and Coffee
Looking for cafes in Colombo good for remote work on a rainy day? Here's where digital nomads and expats plug in when the monsoon rolls through.
20 July 2026
Sri Lanka's Best Street Food Snacks for Curious Travelers
A guide to Sri Lanka's street food snacks, from short eats to kottu, with tips on where and how to try them safely as a traveler.
20 July 2026
Public Bus vs Private Bus in Sri Lanka: What's the Difference?
Public bus vs private bus in Sri Lanka explained: price, comfort, speed and safety, so you can pick the right ride for your next trip.
20 July 2026
Weekly Budgets in Sri Lanka: Backpacker vs Comfort Traveler
Wondering about the cost of living in Sri Lanka as a tourist? Here's a realistic weekly budget breakdown for backpackers and comfort travelers alike.
19 July 2026
Ayurveda in Sri Lanka: How to Spot a Genuine Treatment
Thinking about Ayurveda in Sri Lanka? Learn how to tell genuine treatment centers from tourist gimmicks before you book a massage or retreat.
19 July 2026
A Day Trip to Sinharaja Rainforest from the South Coast
Planning a Sinharaja rainforest day trip from Sri Lanka's south coast? Here's how to get there, what to expect, and tips for a smooth visit.
19 July 2026
Coworking in Sri Lanka: Ella, Hikkaduwa or Colombo?
Comparing coworking spots in Sri Lanka: Ella, Hikkaduwa and Colombo. Find out which base suits your wifi needs, budget and digital nomad lifestyle.
18 July 2026
Midigama vs Hikkaduwa: Which South Coast Surf Town Fits You?
Comparing Midigama and Hikkaduwa for surfing in Sri Lanka: wave types, crowds, vibe and who each town suits best on the south coast.
18 July 2026
The Common Gem Scam in Sri Lanka (and How to Dodge It)
Learn how the gem scam in Sri Lanka works, why tourists fall for it, and practical tips to protect your money and enjoy your trip with confidence.
18 July 2026
Sri Lanka's 30-Day Tourist Visa: Extensions Explained
A clear guide to extending your Sri Lanka tourist visa past 30 days, including where to apply, what documents you need, and common pitfalls.
18 July 2026
Sri Lanka's Train Season: When to Ride the Hill Country Rails
Planning the Kandy to Ella train? Here's when to ride Sri Lanka's hill country railway for clear views, cool weather, and fewer crowds.
18 July 2026
Tap Water in Sri Lanka: What Travelers Need to Know
Is tap water safe to drink in Sri Lanka? Here's what travelers and expats should know about water quality, filtration, and staying hydrated safely.
18 July 2026
Sri Lanka's Sunrise-to-Sunset Coasts: Surfing Both Sides
Discover why Sri Lanka's east and south coasts have opposite surf seasons, and how to plan a trip that chases swell almost year-round.
17 July 2026
Tuk-Tuk Meters vs Haggling: Getting a Fair Price in Sri Lanka
Wondering how to pay a fair tuk-tuk price in Sri Lanka? Here's how metered apps and haggling both work, and when to use each one.
17 July 2026
Colombo Airport to Hikkaduwa: Your First Journey South
A practical guide to getting from Colombo Airport to Hikkaduwa, covering train, taxi and private transfer options, costs and timing tips.
17 July 2026