Which means of transport to use au Sri Lanka?

Trains. It's easy to get around the island, which has a dense rail network inherited from the colonial period. The trains are a little outdated and slow, but very practical, and cross the magnificent landscapes in the center of the country.

Three main lines cross the country from Colombo: the first, southwards to Matara station; the second, towards the center to Nanu Oya station (7 km from Nuwara Eliya); this is the most picturesque route you'll take by train, especially from Kandy to Ella and Nanu Oya. A must-do! Finally, the third train heads north to Jaffna, via the historic city of Anuradhapura.

Buses are more chaotic (crowded, slow, sporty, etc.), but some are air-conditioned and faster than trains. With over 23,000 buses (18,000 of them privately owned) criss-crossing the country, you'll be spoilt for choice. On the same route, you can use the buses of the Ceylon Transport Board (CTB), the national company, in which you'll enjoy rudimentary comfort, or those of private companies, which are faster, more comfortable, generally air-conditioned and therefore more expensive. But the same rule applies to all companies: first come, first served. Fares are very affordable and can be consulted, along with timetables, on the National Transport Commission website.

Always allow time to recuperate between journeys, otherwise you'll feel as if you've spent your whole holiday on transport.

The three-wheeler. Also called tuk-tuk as in Thailand, or auto-rickshaw as in India, the three-wheeler is the best way to reach a destination up to 10 km away. They are very practical for short trips in the countryside or in big cities. Always negotiate the fare before you get on board. You can also book a three-wheeler via the PickMe app. In practice, it's difficult to find drivers in some cities, as they prefer to charge tourists a much higher rate than the official one. In Colombo, only choose drivers equipped with a meter. Ask for the meter to be switched on, if available. If not, don't take a seat without first discussing the price.

Hitchhiking is not a Sri Lankan custom, so don't try it.

Cycling. It's the ideal mode of transport for criss-crossing the coastal roads of the south-west or visiting sprawling towns like Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura or Jaffna. You can rent bicycles for a day or a week in the small villages along the road from Colombo to Galle. Expect to pay around Rs. 350 per day at tourist sites.

Motorcycles. Motorcycles are a pleasant way to discover the country. However, it requires the same adaptation to traffic as a car, if not more. Motorcycles are available for hire everywhere. Prices fluctuate enormously according to the exchange rate of the Sri Lankan rupee. Rates are negotiable and vary considerably depending on where you are. As a general rule, you'll need to leave a deposit and a photocopy of your passport or flight ticket. Find out about licensing and insurance requirements. A Temporary Driving Permit issued on the basis of your driving license is compulsory for motorized two-wheelers, including those under 100 cc. It's a good idea to have an international permit with you, as it's also in English. The cost of this provisional permit is Rs. 1,000. Your rental company can sometimes take care of these formalities.

In Sri Lanka, you drive on the left, and speed limits are set at 40 km/h in towns and 70 km/h in rural areas. Given the configuration of some roads, it is difficult to reach these limits. Roads are not congested, except when leaving Colombo towards Galle in the south, Negombo or Kandy in the east. However, it's best to be an experienced driver if you don't know your way around the country.

If you intend to rent a car and drive yourself, get an international driving license before you leave. Even for short stays, both French and international driving licenses need to be converted. A Sri Lankan driving license is then issued. You should contact theAutomobile Association of Ceylon (AAC) or the Department of Motor Traffic.

Expressways: