Getting around Sri Lanka
General information
Due to the long distances between each of our trips and the heavy traffic on the roads, driving in Sri Lanka can be an adventure in itself. But because we want you to get the most out of your time in the country, we’ve chosen a private car with English-speaking driver and air conditioning as the primary form of transport during your trip. This way, you can see the best of the country at your own pace and stop off whenever and wherever you like en route.
Private car with local driver
When you travel to Sri Lanka with Rickshaw Travel, you will typically travel in comfort, together with your own private driver in an air-conditioned vehicle. This way you can fully enjoy the journey, with no worries about planning routes and stressing about how to get from A to B. Your driver knows the routes well, drives smoothly through the local traffic and ensures that you arrive safely, relaxed and on time at your next destination. Your driver will not only take you from place to place, but will also be happy to make stops en-route. You may wish to grab a coconut at a stall along the way or just want to linger a little longer at a viewpoint. Your driver also speaks English, so feel free to ask them any questions along the way.
Train through the countryside
If you decide to travel to Ella, you’ll most likely get there by train. This train journey is known among travellers as one of the most beautiful in Sri Lanka, so it’s well worth giving up your private car and driver for this part of your trip. We’ll buy you a 2nd class ticket so you’re travelling with the local people. You’ll ride past impressive mountains and spectacular gorges until you arrive at the station where your driver will meet you. Seats are not guaranteed and it’s a popular journey so you may have to stand. But it’s a great way to meet local people and enjoy the spectacular landscape around you.
We can also offer two shorter train rides from Ella: you could travel 1 hour to Badulla, passing over the Nine Arch Bridge, or travel 50 minutes to Haputale with a view of the Ravana Waterfall. These shorter train rides are quieter.
Seaplane to the Maldives
Travelling with meaning
Aside from the train journey to Ella, it’s not particularly easy to get around Sri Lanka by public transport, so you’ll mainly travel by private car. But you can make up for this by eating in local places as much as possible and exploring each destination by foot or bicycle if you can. You never know what you might find. There are some lovely short treks to enjoy in Horton Plains and around Ella, and travelling by foot is always a great way to meet local people. As your driver might not be with you at all times, why not test out those haggling skills and travel by tuk-tuk?
