{"id":23214,"date":"2019-07-12T14:48:14","date_gmt":"2019-07-12T13:48:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tourradar.com\/days-to-come\/?p=23214"},"modified":"2019-07-17T16:29:55","modified_gmt":"2019-07-17T15:29:55","slug":"solo-female-travel-sri-lanka","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tourradar.com\/days-to-come\/solo-female-travel-sri-lanka\/","title":{"rendered":"Solo Female Travel in Sri Lanka: is it Safe?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

With hospitable locals, flourishing tea fields, and idyllic beaches, Sri Lanka is a common spot on many 2019 top destination lists; and it\u2019s no surprise why. But is Sri Lanka safe for solo female travel? The answer is yes, but of course, there are always a few things you can do to feel safer and more secure during your trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The rolling hills that encompass the island provide a peaceful haven in which travellers are invited to ditch their data roaming and instead find their inner zen. Here, you can experience the true essence of Sri Lanka\u2019s rich Buddhist culture and follow the history back through ancient pilgrimages across some of the oldest cities in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Considering Sri Lanka is so small in size, the amount of fun things there are to do and amazing places to explore is quite remarkable. The long list of must-do activities in Sri Lanka, and the fact that it oozes a safe, welcoming and hospitable ora, makes it an appealing destination for female solo travellers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although it may be safe now, Sri Lanka has had a rocky past, and still struggles with some of the issues involved with being a developing nation. It\u2019s always good to be aware of the risks and follow some safety tips.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Travel to: <\/em>Sri Lanka <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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1. Dress conservatively<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When visiting Sri Lanka, try to pack some slightly more conservative clothes for the days spent exploring the cities and leave bikinis and skimpy pieces for the days spent on the beach. Not only are the locals not used to it, but it can be seen as disrespectful to the Buddhist culture, which is the primary religion in Sri Lanka.<\/p>\n\n\n

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See Also: <\/em>Make Human Connections While Travelling and the World Becomes Your Oyster<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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2. Avoid being alone at night<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although female solo travellers are free to travel wherever they want in the day, nighttime is a different matter. Don\u2019t walk home or catch a tuk-tuk by yourself late at night; instead, travel home in a group and ask to be dropped off first. For extra precaution, you can also tell your accommodation what time you expect to be home so that they know you\u2019re safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Find some tranquility safe and sound in Sri Lanka | \u00a9 Kristy Barnby\/Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

3. Keep your wits about you on public transport<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Public transport in Sri Lanka is both reliable and affordable, but like most cities, peak hours see lots of passengers huddled together. This unfortunately means that touching strangers is unavoidable and sometimes can encourage those who take a liking to you to perhaps act inappropriately. If you feel uncomfortable, change your seat, or sit with local women (who also go through this). Much like the point listed above, try to also avoid taking trains or buses at night and just keep it to daytime use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Wildlife in Sri Lanka | \u00a9 Rajiv Perera\/Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

4. Drink responsibly<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although much like Thailand, Sri Lanka offers the opportunity to take part in all-night beach parties, for a female solo traveller it is important to keep your wits about you and take a pass on some of the big nights out. The last thing you want is to be in a situation where you\u2019re in a foreign country and don\u2019t quite understand where you are or what\u2019s going on. So, perhaps visit the party with friends that you\u2019ve gotten to know well, or alternatively give the drinking a miss in Sri Lanka and instead embrace a spiritual detox like no other (there\u2019s no better place to do it!).<\/p>\n\n\n

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See Also: <\/em>We Rank the Best Beaches in Sri Lanka<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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5. Choose accommodation right in the action<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Staying near all the main attractions not only means that you\u2019ll save heaps of money on transport but you will also avoid being in secluded places where there are not many people around you. Travelling alone can lead to putting yourself in vulnerable situations, and so being in highly populated areas will ensure there will always be people around if you need help at any time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sri Lanka is packed full of amazing cultural experiences | \u00a9 Daniel Klein\/Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

6. Always ask for help when needed<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Never shy away from asking for help! Sri Lankans are extremely hospitable and friendly people and would be happy to help with anything you may need, particularly if you\u2019re feeling unsafe or need directions. Not everyone will speak English, so it\u2019s a good idea to learn a few basic phrases before your trip. There are three official languages in Sri Lanka: English, Sinhala, and Tamil; here are a few phrases to get you started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Important phrases in Sinhala<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n