Sri Lanka is known for its diversity in natural splendour, culture, religion, architectural splendour and its glorious history. It also offers various types of rides for various journeys and experiences each traveller desires to have. From the scenic train rides through terrains and meadows to the adventurous elephant back rides and the fun tuk tuk rides, you can get the best out of your travelling experiences here in Sri Lanka.
Whether you like to travel around Sri Lanka to various destinations with your family, with a group of friends, or even if you like to travel solo, Sri Lanka offers all sorts of rides that suits every traveller and every top destination in Sri Lanka. Travelling through the hustle and bustle of the main roads, the scenic pathways of the countryside, the pristine waters abundant in diverse marine life and travelling through the adventurous trails of the lush woodlands abundant in diverse wildlife will give you a wide variety of experiences.
Train rides in Sri Lanka are one of the most popular ways of travel among a lot of travellers who visit Sri Lanka thanks to almost all the train rides being open-air train rides. It is also one of the greatest ways to experience the natural splendour of the island while getting along with the friendly locals as you share snacks and other meals with each other.
Take yourself on the ultimate train ride from Colombo to Kandy which takes you from experiencing the hustle and bustle of the commercial city to experiencing the tranquil charm of the glorious city renowned as the last kingdom of Sri Lanka. This train ride is a three-hour ride that takes you through the scenic natural splendour that includes the rolling emerald-green terrains, verdant woodlands and the charming village stations. This journey is sure to unveil the dazzlingly picturesque heart of the country with its historically significant pathways that were established in the 1860s during the colonial period of the British which now has become a beautiful passage to the hill country delivering the most enchanting experience to its travellers.
This train ride is one of the bucket-list rides of every traveller that visits Sri Lanka. Udarata Menike, also known as the iron maiden that travels through the mist, is an ocean-blue coloured train that is sure to offer you a train ride that will enchant you as it passes through the rolling verdant tea plantations, misty peaks, gushing white waters, lovely meadows, hollow stone caves, the majestic nine arch bridge, and the stunning views of the dazzling town of Ella. Photography and nature enthusiasts find this ride amusing as it is a 10 hour long ride filled with wonders of nature and architecture in which you can take enough time to dwell on.
This is the best coastal rail trip that you can experience here in Sri Lanka. As you travel by the rails along the coastal line, you can watch the gentle waves of the Indian Ocean play with the rails while delivering a cool maritime feel to the travellers of the train. When the train leaves Colombo, choose a seat from the right side of the train if you would love to enjoy the dazzling panoramic views of the ocean. As the train comes to a charming halt at each station, take a chance to savour the hometown favourites like buttered sweetcorn and curries while admiring the gorgeous coastal views of children having fun, fishermen engaging in fishing with their fishnets, and the whirling ocean waves hitting the coast. Enjoy this enchanting coastal train ride with Ruhunu Kumari.
Yal Devi is a major express train that will take you through the Northern Line and this will be a very mind calming northern-rail-trip for every traveller as they experience the changes of the climate, the landscapes, the people, the culture, the religious sites and the architectural sites. From the bustling vibrant city to the tranquil religious city, you will experience the beauty of the changes with Yal Devi. The train connection of the Yal Devi Express was severed and not repaired for about 25 years due to bombing during the civil war but the rail service was successfully restored back to Jaffna in 2014 while celebrating the comeback of locomotives providing a fresh point of view on Sri Lanka. During the three and a half-hour trip, this less-travelled region of Sri Lanka showcases Buddhist landmarks and colourful Hindu temples. The landscape flattens, and salt pans appear as one crosses Elephant Pass, revealing the entrance to picturesque islands and beaches.
Bus rides are the cheapest means of transportation in Sri Lanka. The bus system in Sri Lanka consists of the government buses which are in red and the private buses which are in blue. The tickets for the bus are sold by bus conductors utilising a machine to collect the payments. Coach buses are more frequent and more expensive than the conventional buses, but they provide more direct routes between large cities and some are even air-conditioned which will provide a much more comfortable ride.
Tuk-tuks are a very efficient and fun method of transportation in Sri Lanka. It is well fit for short distances like within the town or between towns. If you need to travel around the country then the best method is to hire a tuk-tuk or use a tuk-tuk as a taxi by yourself. These rides are very much affordable even though they are not able to take in a lot of people or a lot of baggage. Be aware of tuk-tuk drivers that may trick you into rides that would cost a little more than usual. You can request a tuk-tuk ride through Uber or Pick Me mobile applications here in Sri Lanka as well.
Experience the unique Colombo Jeep ride, taking you on a thrilling journey through the city's bustling streets in a vintage vehicle like a World War II Jeep, Vietnam War Jeep, or former Land Rover Series 1 Jeep. Take in the city's vibrant residential areas, famous landmarks, and untainted 360-degree views of the region. Each place of interest offers a different view of the city's diverse heritage and everyday life, from historical sites to vibrant marketplaces. Capture unforgettable moments and unforgettable photographs to preserve the unforgettable memories of your Colombo Jeep ride.
Looking for a comfy travelling method? Then you should get yourself a private taxi especially if you are up for a long journey because these types of rides provide a more pleasant mode of transportation across Sri Lanka. You can request for a cab by using apps like Uber and Pick Me as well even though most of the vehicles that are available would be tuk-tuks. Private taxis offer enough room for both the passengers and their baggage while also having air conditioning as an added advantage to drive off the tropical heat and deliver a comfortable ride. Furthermore, drivers are usually prepared to stop at the tourist attraction sites along the trip in exchange for a tip.
Travelling solo? Looking for a much lovely way of travelling as a couple? Then a scooter or motorbike ride would be the best for these types of travellers as you can experience the warm embrace of the breezes and get an amazing view of the surroundings. Renting a scooter or motorcycle is also a good option for getting around Sri Lanka as there are so many rental services which can be found in many tourist hotspots. It is much better not to choose this option for full-time travel unless you have extensive experience riding in countries with comparable traffic circumstances because buses, tuk-tuks, and cars can cause a lot of confusion on the roads. However, taking yourself on a scooter ride from your place of accommodation and visiting various locations can be a fun way to travel and explore the nation.
Sri Lanka, being a small island, offers a welcoming and diversified culture. There are beautiful routes that pass through the hill country towns, old cities, national parks, and breathtaking pristine beaches. Cycling is very popular among locals and foreigners alike as it encourages interactions with both the citizens and the gorgeous splendour and vibrant culture of the island. This enjoyable journey enables travellers to interact with the locals and take in the diverse wildlife and tranquil beachfronts.
Do you love boat rides? Well Sri Lanka offers lovely boat rides where travellers can enjoy Sri Lanka's natural beauty and abundant marine life while having an adventurous experience. From the tranquil lake excursions to daring river safaris in the lush green wilderness, there is a boat ride that would suit every traveller. Take yourself on an adventurous yet insightful boat ride down the coast to watch the dolphins, whales, and to take in the stunning vistas of the dazzling ocean. Sri Lanka's boat trips guarantee an amazing experience amidst its gorgeous landscapes and abundant wildlife, whether you're looking for a trip filled with serenity or adventure.