How to Find Cheap Hotels in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is home to fabulous beaches, an array of cultural art and the famed annual Perahera Festival in August. For explorers, the Sinharaja Rain Forests and the beautiful waterfalls found around the country offer a paradise that is worth experiencing.

Things You'll Need

• Valid passport and applicable visas
• Computer with Internet access

Instructions

Stay in Sri Lanka

1. Stay at one of the major hotels and resort accommodations in Colombo. You may be able to book your transportation from the airport as well.

2. Find a quaint hotel in Kandy. These are often cheap and allow for easy access to the nearby market.

3. Enjoy a walk around the city of Kandy. It's one of the easiest ways to enjoy the city's ancient architecture.

4. Consider a home stay in Sri Lanka. Home stays are inexpensive and offer a personal touch. If you book far enough in advance, you may be able to arrange home stays throughout your visit.

5. Stay at a lodge or bed and breakfast in Fort Galle for budget prices. For just a few dollars more for meals, you can experience how locals eat and live in this unique Dutch fort.

Get Around Sri Lanka

1. Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport. It is the airport that serves all of Sri Lanka. The airport is about 34 kilometers away from Colombo.

2. Travel to your accommodations in Colombo from the airport via taxi. In the city, choose between trishaws and taxis.

3. Take the train when visiting Kandy from Colombo and get an observation car or seat. You will experience a view of undisturbed natural beauty and enjoy a peaceful journey.

Become Familiar With Sri Lankan Customs

1. Be aware that in many homes it is customary to remove your shoes. This custom also pertains to areas that are considered holy.

2. Understand that the appropriate dress when visiting temples or other holy destinations is long pants for men, and a long skirt or pants for women.

3. Remember to only touch your food with your right hand when eating. The Sri Lankan consider the left hand to be unclean.

Tips & Warnings

• The Web site of the Sri Lanka Tourist Board provides hotel recommendations.

• To find accommodations on the cheap in Colombo, stay a few miles outside of the city.

• U.S. dollars are not accepted in Sri Lanka. The currency is the Sri Lankan rupee.

• Travelers checks are easier to trade for currency than cash.

• The tourist seasons are December to April in the west and April to September in the eastern part of the country.

• The Sinhalese and Tamil do not have a peaceful relationship. When booking your hotel or room, make sure to check the news and travel advisory Web sites for safety statistics.

• Women shouldn't be alone in public at night.

• Don't drink the tap water or beverages made with tap water.