Is Sri Lanka Safe For Solo Female Travellers? Everything You Need To Know

If you’ve been dreaming of travelling to Sri Lanka but are wondering, “Is Sri Lanka safe for solo female travellers?” then you have come to the right place. 

I have been to Sri Lanka three times in the last eight years, and I can say I’ve felt fairly safe during all my trips here. It’s one of the countries I have felt most safe in out of the 58 I have been to.

Although these trips haven’t been without their minor incidents (which I will delve into later).

Timeout Magazine recently published an article naming Sri Lanka one of the best destinations for solo female travellers, and I agree with it, for the most part.

I understand that If you’ve not done much solo travelling the prospect of travelling here alone can feel quite daunting.

Furthermore, there’s the added challenge of navigating the opinions of family and friends who lack firsthand experience in Sri Lanka, often cautioning you against its safety for travel.

Finally, there are the media reports detailing the lingering economic challenges from 2022 that can also get into your head and make you start doubting your plans.

With its palm-tree-strewn, golden sand beaches and epic surf, Sri Lanka has risen in popularity in the last couple of years.

Backpackers are adding it as an extra stop on the traditional Southeast Asia backpacking route. 

As a result of this increase in popularity, the infrastructure for travel and tourism in Sri Lanka is getting better and better as the years go on. 

Plus, Sri Lankans are among the most welcoming people I have ever encountered.

This is why I am here to talk about all things about solo female travel in Sri Lanka; calm your fears and remove the niggling doubt in your mind so that you can travel to Sri Lanka with confidence, be aware of the drawbacks and fully enjoy your trip. 

So, is Sri Lanka really safe for solo female travellers?

In short, yes, but keep reading below to learn how to keep yourself safe as a female traveller in Sri Lanka and all of my top travel tips for Sri Lanka.

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The subject of safety

I want to preface this blog post by saying that safety is a completely subjective topic and that there is also a big difference between feeling unsafe, and uncomfortable.

Whilst I have found Sri Lanka to be pretty safe I have had a few moments of feeling uncomfortable. There have been also one or two incidents that I have heard of from other women (and also experienced myself) that would lead others to question the true safety of Sri Lanka for women.

However, nine times out of ten, when bad or uncomfortable things happen, it’s a case of the wrong place at the wrong time and completely out of our control (there are both good and bad people in every country in the world). 

For example, the place I have felt most unsafe in all of my travels is Paris, where I nearly got mugged and one of my friends had a very sketchy experience with an Uber driver. Paris is probably a city that most people would deem safer than places like Sri Lanka.

So, whilst I do believe Sri Lanka is safe for solo female travellers, I want to highlight that your experience might not be the same as others.

I’m sure you will have a safe and incredible time in Sri Lanka, but please utilise some of the safety tips I have provided below to help you have as safe a trip as possible.

The Best Saftey Tips For Solo Female Travellers In Sri Lanka

To be completely honest, most of these tips are not exclusive to Sri Lanka, it’s how I practice safety as a solo female traveller no matter where I travel.

However, there are one or two which I have listed below that are specific to Sri Lanka.

Travelling around Sri Lanka

There are three main ways to travel around Sri Lanka: taxi, train, or bus. While taxis are the most convenient form of transport, they are also the most expensive option. Thankfully, taking public transport as a solo female traveller in Sri Lanka is generally a safe and fun way to get around the country. 

Train Travel in Sri Lanka

Train Travel in Sri Lanka is iconic and offers some of the most scenic train rides in the world! Routes like the more famous Kandy to Ella train ride wind through lush tea plantations and others along the palm-tree-studded shores of the coast. The train journeys in Sri Lanka can often be as memorable as the destination you are heading to.

When travelling by train in Sri Lanka as a solo female traveller I recommend doing the following:

• Plan Your Tickets: Secure your tickets in advance, especially for more popular routes.
• Stay Vigilant with Belongings: While theft is rare crowded carriages can be a hotspot for pickpocketing. Keep your valuables secure in a crossbody bag or anti-theft backpack.
• Think About Timing: Aim to board trains during the day and arrive at your destination before nighttime. This will give you more flexibility and safety when finding transportation to your accommodation.

Booking Train Tickets

It’s important to know that when travelling by train through Sri Lanka there is a tiered class system and there is a difference in the type of ticket you can get whether you book in advance or book on the day. 

If you would like to secure an assigned seat for the train journey then you must book a reserved ticket which has to be done prior to the day of travel.

You can either go to the train station a day or two before your planned journey, or you can book them online. Alternatively, if you are not precious about where you sit (or even getting a seat) then you can turn up on the day and buy an unreserved ticket. 

The different class systems include:

• First Class
• Second Class unreserved 
• Second Class reserved 
• Third Class unreserved 
• Third Class reserved 

Each class will see you having a different experience. The first class will offer a quiet area with comfortable seating and aircon. The third class will be quite lively, fairly cramped and slightly uncomfortable with wooden seating. 

Bus Travel in Sri Lanka

Local bus travel in Sri Lanka is somewhat of an eventful experience. They tend to be quite lively, with music being played (sometimes passengers even bring their own instruments) and in some cases, you’ll find disco lights installed as one of the features of the bus.

The local buses are super cheap and you will often find that tickets are less than $2, however, one of the downsides to taking the local bus is that they can be extremely crowded which can be quite uncomfortable in the hot temperatures.

Another thing to be wary of when using the local buses is that the drivers tend to drive like maniacs, however, this is usually more of a hazard for pedestrians and mopeds on the road.

If that doesn’t sound appealing to you, you can also book private, air-conditioned coaches however these tend to more a little more expensive at around $5-$15. You can book private buses on 12goasia.com.

When travelling by bus in Sri Lanka I recommend doing the following:

• Board Strategically: If you’re travelling on a local bus be sure to try to sit near the front as this is typically less crowded.
• Respect Cultural Norms: Dress modestly when travelling on local buses, especially in rural or conservative areas to avoid unnecessary attention.
• Night Travel Caution: Avoid travelling on buses late at night. Not only are the roads dark and winding but service frequency is also reduced.

Dealing with starring on public transport

When travelling via public transport in Sri Lanka you may have to deal with a lot of unwanted starring. Sometimes this is purely out of curiosity but other times it can be creepy men being creepy men. Unfortunately, this may be part of your travel experience so I recommend keeping your head down, wearing modest clothing, and moving away from these people if it’s possible for you.

Taxi and Tuk-Tuk Travel in Sri Lanka

Travelling by Taxi and Tuk-Tuk are the most convenient ways to travel around Sri Lanka, but tend to be more expensive. Taxis will cost you around $50-$100 depending on how long the drive is.

For Longer journeys, I recommend hiring a taxi, and for short journeys (under an hour) then I would recommend travelling via Tuk-Tuk.

When travelling by Taxi and Tuk-Tuk I recommend doing the following:

• Use Ride-Hailing Apps: Download Pick Me or Uber for a safer and hassle-free experience. These apps offer upfront pricing which means you don’t have to negotiate fares and you can also share your trip details with someone you trust.
• Negotiate in Advance: For rides not booked through an app be sure to always agree on the fare before starting your journey to avoid disputes at the end of your journey.
• Have the right amount of cash: More specifically for Tuk-Tuk’s be sure to have the right amount of cash on you for the journey. I have experienced many occasions when the driver did not have any change to give me, so I had to give more money than was agreed.
• Choose Trustworthy Drivers: Build a rapport with a reliable driver and use their services for multiple trips. However be cautious about giving out personal information like your phone number, I have made this mistake before and then ended up getting harassed over WhatsApp.
• Be Mindful at Night: While taxis and tuk-tuks are generally safe make sure to always sit in the back seat, lock the doors, and keep your valuables out of sight.

➡️ If you’re looking for a safe, reliable and friendly taxi driver for your time in Sri Lanka, then I can personally recommend this company.

Hiring a Scooter In Sri Lanka

If you plan on hanging around a particular area for a while, hiring a scooter can be a really convenient and cost-effective option. This is very easy to do, and there are many scooter rental stores located in the various beach towns in Sri Lanka.

However, as I mentioned earlier in this blog post, riding a scooter in Sri. Lanka can be quite a dangerous endeavour at times, and there are tourists who have lost their lives. Road rules in Sri Lanka are generally non-existent and the erratic and irresponsible driving of buses here poses a genuine threat to scooters on the road.

If you do plan on hiring a scooter, make sure you are a confident rider and are very aware of your surroundings whilst driving. Please make sure you have travel insurance that will cover you for this too.

Respect The Local Culture

One of the most important things to do as a solo female traveller in Sri Lanka is to research the areas you are visiting to understand the culture and customs in those regions. Understanding and respecting local cultures and customs is key to ensuring a smooth time in Sri Lanka.

There are a few different religions in the country, the main ones being Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Christianity.

Buddhist Areas (Southern and Central Sri Lanka)

In the southern beaches region and more central regions, including Kandy and Ella you will find large Buddhist communities. To respect Buddhist cultural practices make sure to cover your shoulders and knees and remove your shoes at religious sites. Also, make sure you do not turn your back to statues of Buddha when taking photos.

Muslim Communities (Eastern Sri Lanka)

Regions like Arugam Bay and Trincomalee have a significant Muslim population where there are additional cultural practices to be mindful of.

Make sure to dress more modestly and also be considerate during prayer times, particularly on Fridays, when many businesses may close temporarily.

I noticed during a month of living in Arugam Bay that tourists would walk through their streets in just their bikinis, which is extremely disrespectful to the Muslim community. Please ensure you’re not one of these tourists and cover up when you are away from the beach.

Hindu Influences (Northern and Eastern Regions)

The northern regions in places such as Jaffna as well as parts of the east are strongly influenced by Hindu traditions. Again please be sure to cover yourself and remove shoes at Hindu Temples.

How to Dress as a Woman in Sri Lanka

How you dress in Sri Lanka depends on where you are and what activities you have planned. The cultural and religious diversity of the country means that expectations around clothing can vary from town to town.

In more conservative areas like Arugam Bay and Trincomalee dressing more modestly is the best way to go. Whilst bikinis on the beach are allowed I recommend always having a cover-up to hand when going into restaurants and shops, and pretty much anywhere that’s away from the beach.

That said, Sri Lanka’s beach towns and southern regions like Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna, and Mirissa tend to be more relaxed and you are free to wear more “holiday” style outfits. I felt completely comfortable here wearing crop tops, shorts, skirts etc during both the days and the evenings and you can see an example of one of the outfits I wore for a night out in Hiriketiya below.

However, I also recommend having a cover-up to hand when popping into shops or walking through town in these regions as well in order to respect the locals.

Don’t walk by yourself at night

As a woman, I think this tip goes without saying, and I haven’t met many women who do this, whether at home or in a foreign country. However, I think it’s important to add to the list.

Although I have felt safe in Sri Lanka 99.9% of the time I definitely think it is best to err on the side of caution when it comes to walking alone at night.

If I need to go somewhere at night in Sri Lanka I will always make sure that I either have someone I trust to walk home with me, or better yet I will arrange for a Tuk-Tuk to pick me up.

If you’re in an area where tuk-tuks aren’t immediately available, apps like Uber or Pick Me are great options. Alternatively, you can always ask your accommodation (or wherever you are) to call a driver for you as they will usually have a preferred and trusted driver.

Be mindful of your alcohol intake.

If you like to drink, I don’t want to stop you from having a good time. However, I would avoid drinking alcohol in excess, especially if you’re on your own and not part of a group.

Staying in control and being completely aware of your surroundings is paramount for safety when you are travelling solo as a woman and can help avoid potentially risky situations.

Unfortunately, I have heard of one or two instances in Sri Lanka where assaults and attempted assaults have taken place on women who have been intoxicated.

Let me be clear: the blame for these incidents lies entirely with the perpetrator. Women should never have to worry about their safety, regardless of whether they’ve been drinking or not. But unfortunately, this is one of those harsh realities we face as women all over the world!

To best protect yourself be sure to drink responsibly, stick to places you feel secure in and if you can, go out as part of a group with people you are comfortable with.

Healthcare in Sri Lanka

As a tourist in Sri Lanka, I would recommend going to a private hospital where possible should you need medical attention. I would really recommend using a company called “Health Aid”. They have clinics dotted along the south coast, as well as Arugam Bay and I can personally recommend them.

I had a situation where I had to get a doctor to look at my upper, inner thigh which was obviously very close to my intimate area, the doctor was male and they made sure to wait until a female nurse was in the room to supervise before he examined me. This made me feel so much more comfortable and at ease.

Just make sure that you have travel insurance to cover the cost of any expenses. I had SafetyWing travel insurance during my most recent trip to Sri Lanka, and I had to claim on it not once but 3 times (I was in Sri Lanka for two months). The claims process was super straightforward, and I got paid out almost immediately.

Be cautious of giving your number to Tuk-tuk drivers

When you find a friendly, helpful and, most importantly, trustworthy tuk-tuk driver, it makes complete sense to use them again. However, I would be cautious about what ones you give your number to. 

While most are harmless, they will probably start texting you and it can get annoying. I had one driver message me constantly asking whether I needed to go anywhere and another one message me out of the blue asking me if I was on my period?! I know there are some religious places women are not allowed to visit on their period, but I hadn’t asked this driver to take us anywhere, and he was located in a town that I had left a week prior.

Something I noticed about some of the tuk-tuk drivers in Sri Lanka and many of the men, in general, is that they can sometimes mistake friendliness for flirtation.

Stay connected – download an eSIM or get a local SIM

I NEVER EVER EVER travel to a foreign country solo without ensuring I have some access to data. It’s extremely helpful if you are ever lost or are caught in a sticky situation. 

If I am in a taxi or a tuk-tuk, I will always check on my Google Maps that the driver is going towards the correct destination. It’s not because I have ever felt truly in danger; it’s just more of a peace of mind thing for me. 

If your phone is unlocked, it will probably be cheaper for you to get a local sim (Dialog being the best network), however, if that’s not an option for you, there are plenty of eSIM companies out there now for you to download an eSIM. The ones I’ve found work best in Sri Lanka are Airalo and Holafly.

Don’t tell strangers where you are staying (or post it on socials until you have gone) 

Whilst it’s highly unlikely that someone is going to hunt you down at your hotel because you mentioned it at a coffee shop or tagged your location on Instagram, it’s not beyond the realms of possibility, and it has happened to women before. 

Make sure you are extra careful about who you share important and private information with.

Let your family and friends know of your whereabouts

Make sure that you let your family and friends know where you are and where you are staying, and keep them posted each time you move to a new location. Not only will this give your family peace of mind, but it will also be super helpful information for them if anything bad does unfortunately happen.

Google Translate offline

I’ve found that a lot of people in Sri Lanka speak English. However, it’s good to have Google Translate (or a similar app) downloaded onto your phone to help if you ever encounter a situation where communication is difficult.

Be Mindful of the economic struggles in Sri Lanka.

This point goes for everyone, and not just solo female travellers in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka is a beautiful country with a rich culture, but it has faced significant economic challenges in recent years. In 2022 the country experienced a severe economic crisis due to a combination of factors.

This included political instability, rising debt and a decline in tourism as a result of the pandemic. This led to widespread power outages, fuel shortages, and soaring inflation. This unfortunately left many locals struggling to make ends meet.

These struggles continue to affect Sri Lanka despite a couple of years passing. Power outages are still very common and the rising cost of living is making life even harder for locals.

As travellers, it’s super important to be mindful of these issues that affect the country especially when it comes to things such as negotiating a price with your Tuk-Tuk driver (what might be a small amount for you, could be significant for someone else). I also recommend supporting locally run businesses and restaurants as much as you can.

Scams In Sri Lanka

In my experience, Sri Lanka isn’t a very “scammy” place (and definitely not in comparison to its next-door neighbour, India).

However, I would say there is one “mild” scam you need to be aware of. This one will apply to you if you plan on doing a Tuk-Tuk tour in the city of Kandy during your time in Sri Lanka.

You might find that your Tuk-Tuk driver will randomly take you to a “Spice Farm” as part of the tour. When you enter the Spice Farm there will be a “Homeopathic Doctor” (or something of the kind) who will sit you down and ask you about what ailments you have. They’ll then launch into a pitch about natural remedies supposedly made from spices grown on the farm and how these magical cures can help you.

It’s all very strange and awkward, and the end goal is to get you into their shop to buy something. So if you plan on doing a Tuk-Tuk tour of Kandy, tell your driver that you do not want to go to the spice farm (unless of course, you are curious to see what it’s all about).

Bad experiences in Sri Lanka

So, have I had any bad experiences in Sri Lanka? I have had a few uncomfortable experiences, yes, but on very rare occasions.

However, I think it’s important to make you aware of the drawbacks of being a solo female traveller in Sri Lanka. Based on each year I have visited, I have broken these incidents down below.

2016

In 2016, on my very first visit to Sri Lanka, on a train from Colombo to Kandy, a man came up to me and proceeded to talk about how he was circumcised and then showed me a picture.

This was in very broken English, so I didn’t pick up what he was really saying until he whipped out a picture of his penis. I simply moved to another part of the train, which ended the encounter.

2023

While this didn’t happen to me, it did happen to my best friend, who was in Sri Lanka solo for a few months. She had a man slap her bum as he was riding past her on a motorbike. This definitely shook her up, but by the sounds of it, she got her payback and rightly so. 

2024

More recently (although I wasn’t solo), my best friend and I were walking home, and a man parked up in front of us and proceeded to pleasure himself.

The funny thing is my best friend’s boyfriend was also travelling with us, and it was one of the only times he wasn’t walking with us (I can guarantee it wouldn’t have happened if he had been there).

This experience obviously made us feel the most uneasy and quite jumpy for a few days.

Other issues

As I also mentioned earlier, I have heard some 1st and 2nd hand accounts of a few bad apples trying to take advantage of women in vulnerable states.

Finally, there are definitely times when the starring has been too much. However, I noticed this far more in the east in places like Arugam Bay and Trincomalee vs the southern or central regions. 

BUT, with all this being said, I do not want this to tarnish your view of the rest of this beautiful and very friendly population, as, unfortunately, this happens in all countries in the world.

It certainly does not reflect the country as a whole! Sri Lanka still is and will always be one of my favourite countries in the world and I will continue to go back as much as I can.

Prepare for your trip as a solo female traveller in Sri Lanka

In Conclusion

You might also enjoy…

• 16 Of The Best Things To Do In Sri Lanka
• 23 Awesome Things To Do In Ahangama, Sri Lanka
• 14 Incredible Things To Do In Hiriketiya, Sri Lanka
• 15 Of The Best Coworking Spaces In Sri Lanka For Digital Nomads

Happy Travelling

I hope that this post has answered the question, “Is Sri Lanka safe for solo female travellers?” and I hope you have found benefit from all of the Sri Lanka safety tips I have shared. If you have any more questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.