Sri Lanka : What budget to travel? Money and currency
Sri Lanka remains an affordable destination, although prices have risen considerably in recent years. Hotel categories are generally in line with international standards. You can pay in Sri Lankan rupees and exchange money easily in town. Avoid carrying too much cash because of the flights, pay by credit card instead, especially since it is accepted almost everywhere. Tipping is systematic but varies according to the service.
Sri Lanka : What budget for activities and outings?
Entrance fees to important sites are high, so you'll probably have to choose which ones you want to visit most.
Entry to Sigiriya's Lion Rock costs US$30 per person, while the sacred cities of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura and Horton Plains National Park each cost US$25... Quite a budget if you're traveling with the family! Some Buddhist temples also charge an entrance fee to help with upkeep, but prices remain very reasonable.
Discounts for children. For many sites, including national museums, admission is half-price for children under 13. Admission is often free for children under 6.
Hiking. With its mountain range running from north to south across the center of the island, Sri Lanka is a great place for trekking and enjoying the magnificent scenery. The ascent of Sri Pada (Adam's Peak), the most sacred mountain, is done at night in the company of Hindu, Muslim and Buddhist pilgrims. After 5,550 steps in the legs, the sun rising over "India's tear" is worth every reward. Ella is another top hiking destination. Ella Rock and Little Adam's Peak are among the region's most popular walks. Waterfalls and nature are the order of the day. And for those who prefer to walk at a more leisurely pace, following the railroad line that winds through the tea plantations makes for an exotic and beautiful walk. Hiking in Sri Lanka requires a good level of physical fitness, but no particular aptitude. The highest peaks rise to just over 2,000 meters. All you need is some suitable clothing, including a good fleece for the ascent of Sri Pada.
Choose to buy your tea directly when visiting tea factories or in the stores of major tea brands, to avoid paying the middleman.
Sri Lanka is not really a shopping destination, but you will find excellent quality local handicrafts.
Sri Lanka : What is the budget for eating?
Don't forget to look in the "Accommodation" section of your guidebook, as most hotels and guesthouses have their own restaurants, some of which are well worth a visit!
Prices for an espresso or cappuccino in hotels or beach cafés are much the same as in France. That said, you're in the land of tea, so make the most of it! Prices are considerably lower in street stalls and other small shops.
Sri Lanka : What is the budget for accommodation?
There is a wide range of accommodation options: large hotels, some of which are preferred by tour operators, mid-range establishments and small, unpretentious guesthouses. In the cities and at the main tourist destinations, you'll find large international hotels. Elsewhere, accommodation may be more basic, but you can always find a place to stay in acceptable comfort. Rates are quite high, due to high tourist demand. In fact, rates can go up (by a factor of two or three) or down, depending on whether or not you book during the tourist season. As for the number of stars awarded to establishments, apart from the 5 stars that represent the current top of the range, don't rely on them systematically. They are awarded by the Sri Lankan Tourist Board, but there are disparities between establishments of reputedly identical comfort. Finally, remember that the term hotel is most often used to designate a gargote where you can eat for a few rupees. It's only when a certain category of accommodation is reached that we speak of a hotel proper. Here are the most common types of accommodation in Sri Lanka:
Palaces are found in major cities, along the ocean and near historic sites. This type of establishment, popular with groups, offers impeccable comfort. Naturally, rates are much lower when booked through a tour operator.
Resorts come in a range of comfort levels, so you too can enjoy a comfortable stay. Some are luxurious, particularly on the west and east coasts, and offer top-of-the-range services.
Resthouses are increasingly popular with travelers looking for a friendly setting and cosy interiors. They are generally old colonial houses. They are very popular during the tourist season. Prices and comfort can vary considerably from one to another.
Guesthouses, theoretically cheaper than resthouses, offer rooms in traditional houses and in the homes of local people. Here too, rates and comfort vary widely.
Dormitory beds: you'll find these mainly in seaside resorts popular with young tourists.
Sri Lanka : Travel budget and cost of living
Sri Lanka is not exactly a cheap destination, and prices have risen considerably in recent years. Entrance fees to the major national parks and sites are very high. It's easy to tell the difference by looking at the clearly displayed foreign visitor rates. You'll need to plan your trip carefully, especially if you're traveling with your family. It is also certain that you will often pay a higher price than the locals, whether for transport, hotels or restaurants.
Small budget. Alone, count on a minimum of Rs 16,000 per day, or around €50. For two people in a double room, count on a minimum of Rs 20,000 per day, or around €65. This does not include extras such as entry to a large park, and exclusive use of public transport.
Average budget. For two, expect a minimum of Rs 32,000 per day, i.e. around €100, excluding any car rental with driver and without any special extras.
High budget. For two people, expect a minimum of Rs 64,000 per day, or around €200. This includes a daily rental car with driver and a comfortable hotel.
