Skip to content 
Complete Travel Guide: Plan Your Perfect Trip | Tips & Tricks
Planning your first trip to Sri Lanka and feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone! Every year, thousands of travelers ask us the same questions about visiting this beautiful island nation. As a local taxi and tour company based in Galle, we’ve helped countless visitors create unforgettable memories. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your perfect Sri Lankan adventure.
What's the Best Way to Get Around Sri Lanka for First-Time Visitors?
Short answer: Book a reliable taxi service with local drivers who know the roads
Here’s the thing – while Sri Lanka has buses and trains, nothing beats having your own transport with a knowledgeable local driver. Why? Google Maps isn’t always accurate here, and what looks like a 2-hour journey can easily become 4 hours with narrow mountain roads, unexpected roadworks, or the occasional elephant crossing!
At BlueSky Galle Taxis, we’ve been helping travelers navigate Sri Lanka’s roads safely for years. Our drivers know the shortcuts, the best photo stops, and how to avoid the tourist traps. Plus, you won’t have to worry about getting lost or dealing with chaotic local buses.
Pro tip: If you’re thinking about renting a tuk-tuk yourself, remember they max out at 40kmph. That “quick” trip between cities will take much longer than you think!
Which Safari Park Should I Choose - Yala or Somewhere Else?
Everyone talks about Yala, but is it really the best choice for safari in Sri Lanka?
Our recommendation? Udawalawe National Park. Why?
- Guaranteed elephant sightings – seriously, we’ve never had a client leave disappointed
- Much less crowded than Yala, especially if you book morning safaris
- Easy access from the south coast – perfect if you’re staying in Galle, Mirissa, or Tangalle
- Better road conditions – you won’t spend half your day just getting there
We can arrange Udawalawe safari tours directly from your hotel in Galle or anywhere along the south coast. Our drivers know the best local operators who avoid the crowds and stick to quieter tracks.
Want something even more special? Ask us about Wilpattu or Kumana National Parks. Less touristy, equally beautiful, but you’ll need proper planning to get there – which is where we come in!
How Long Does It Really Take to Travel Between Cities in Sri Lanka?
This is probably the most underestimated aspect of Sri Lankan travel.
Forget what Google Maps tells you. Here are the realistic travel times from Galle:
- Galle to Colombo: 2-3 hours (depending on traffic)
- Galle to Ella: 4-5 hours (beautiful mountain roads, but winding)
- Galle to Kandy: 4-4.5 hours (scenic route through tea country)
- Galle to Udawalawe Safari: 2.5-3 hours (decent roads)
- Galle to Yala: 3-4 hours (longer than most expect)
Why the extra time? Narrow roads, mountain passes, tea estate workers crossing, the occasional cow blocking traffic, and yes – sometimes even elephants! It’s all part of the Sri Lankan charm.
Our solution: We plan realistic itineraries that don’t rush you from place to place. Want to stop for fresh king coconut? No problem. Spotted a beautiful waterfall? Let’s take photos. This is your holiday, after all.
What's the Deal with Sri Lankan Head Wobbles?
You'll see this everywhere - that distinctive side-to-side head movement.
Don’t worry, it’s not confusion! The Sri Lankan head wobble means “yes,” “okay,” “I understand,” or simply “I’m listening.” It’s our way of acknowledging what you’re saying. Give it a day or two, and you might find yourself doing it too!
Our drivers are fluent in English, so communication is never a problem. But understanding this little cultural quirk helps you connect better with locals throughout your journey.
Should I Buy a Local SIM Card or Rely on Hotel WiFi?
Definitely get a local SIM card - it's a game-changer for your Sri Lankan trip
Best options:
- Dialog: Most reliable coverage, works even in remote areas
- Mobitel: Great alternative with good rates
What to ask for: The “Blaster Unlimited” plan – unlimited social media, YouTube, plus 15GB data for about 4 euros. Perfect for navigation, staying connected, and sharing those incredible sunset photos from Galle Fort!
Pro tip: You can even get an eSIM before arriving if your phone supports it. Our drivers can help you set this up if needed.
How Much Cash Should I Carry in Sri Lanka?
Cash is still king here, especially for local experiences.
Most tuk-tuks, small restaurants, roadside stalls, and fuel stations prefer cash. ATMs are everywhere, but Bank of Ceylon usually doesn’t charge extra fees (though expect longer queues).
Important: We use Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR), not Indian Rupees – completely different currencies!
With BlueSky Galle Taxis: You don’t need to worry about haggling with tuk-tuk drivers or dealing with cash for transport. We provide transparent, fixed pricing for all our tours and transfers.
Where Should I Stay - Hotels or Homestays?
For authentic Sri Lankan experience, homestays win every time.
Here’s why we recommend homestays to our clients:
- Authentic home-cooked curries (hotels often tone down spices for Western palates)
- Local insights from your hosts about hidden gems
- Better value than tourist hotels
- Real cultural connection
How to find good ones: Filter by “breakfast included” on Booking.com or Airbnb. Your BlueSky driver can also recommend family-run places we’ve worked with for years.
Is the Ella to Kandy Train Ride Worth the Hype?
Absolutely - but here's how to do it right.
The train journey through tea country is genuinely magical, even with more tourists now. But booking can be tricky:
The reality: Online booking only releases a few reserved seats. Most locals just buy tickets on the day.
Our insider tip: Start from Ella going toward Kandy (reverse direction) – usually less crowded. Go early to the station for non-reserved tickets. First come, first served.
Even better option: Let us drive you along the same route! You’ll see the same incredible scenery, stop whenever you want for photos, and reach your destination much faster. Plus, no crowded train compartments or safety concerns hanging out of doors.
What About Internet and Working Remotely from Sri Lanka?
Hotel WiFi is hit-or-miss, especially in hill country.
If you’re a digital nomad or need reliable internet:
- Get that local SIM card with a good data plan
- Don’t rely solely on hotel WiFi – it’s often capped or slow
- Hill country coverage varies – some areas have excellent 4G,5G others are spotty
Our drivers know which cafes and hotels have the best WiFi if you need to work on the road.
What Should I Eat in Sri Lanka Beyond Hotel Food?
This is where your trip gets really exciting!
Must-try local foods:
- Rice and curry (the real deal, not hotel versions)
- Kottu roti (chopped roti with vegetables/meat)
- Hoppers (bowl-shaped pancakes)
- Jackfruit curry (surprisingly delicious)
- Fresh king coconut (nature’s sports drink)
Warning: Some local curries look innocent but pack serious heat! Start with small tastes.
Best places: Small roadside shops and homestays. If a local family invites you to try their cooking, say yes immediately – it’ll probably be your best meal.
Any Hidden Gems You'd Recommend?
Absolutely! This is where local knowledge really pays off.
Between Ella and the south coast, try:
- Belihul Oya area: Stunning mountain scenery, hardly any tourists
- Bambarakanda Falls: Sri Lanka’s tallest waterfall
- Haputale: Incredible views, authentic hill country life
- Natural pools at Pahanthudawa: Perfect for a refreshing swim
Why most tourists miss these: They’re not on the main tourist trail. But with BlueSky Galle Taxis, we can create custom routes that include these hidden gems while still hitting the must-see spots.
What Should I Know About Temple Etiquette?
Respect goes a long way in Sri Lankan culture.
Essential rules:
- Cover shoulders and knees (carry a sarong – super versatile!)
- Remove shoes before entering any temple
- Never turn your back to Buddha statues when taking photos
- Speak softly and move respectfully
Pro tip: A sarong isn’t just for temples – use it at beaches, as a towel, for privacy when changing, or as a blanket. Pack one!
When Should I Avoid Traveling in Sri Lanka?
Every full moon day (Poya Day) is a public holiday.
What this means:
- No alcohol sales (stock up the day before!)
- Some shops close
- Bigger crowds at religious sites
- Trains and popular attractions get packed
Planning tip: Check the lunar calendar when booking your trip. We can help you plan around these dates or use them to experience authentic religious celebrations.
What Should I Pack for Sri Lanka's Climate?
Light, breathable, modest clothing is key.
Essential items:
- Cotton and linen clothes (it’s hot and humid everywhere except hill country)
- Modest outfits for temples and respectful sightseeing
- Light sweater for hill country (Ella, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya get cool at night)
- Universal adapter (we use Type G – UK-style plugs mostly)
Sarong (seriously, you’ll use it everywhere!)
How Can BlueSky Galle Taxis Make My Trip Better?
We're not just a taxi service - we're your local travel partners.
What makes us different:
- Local drivers who speak excellent English and know the real Sri Lanka
- Flexible itineraries – want to stop for photos or explore an unplanned spot? No problem!
- Honest pricing – no surprises or hidden fees
- Safety first – well-maintained vehicles and experienced drivers
- Insider knowledge – we know the best times to visit attractions, hidden photo spots, and authentic local restaurants
- Custom tours – whether you want safari adventures, cultural experiences, or beach hopping, we’ll create the perfect itinerary
Based in Galle, serving everywhere: From airport pickups in Colombo to multi-day tours covering the entire island, we’ve got you covered.
Ready to Plan Your Perfect Sri Lankan Adventure?
The best Sri Lankan trip is one that's tailored to your interests, pace, and budget.
Don’t stress about complicated logistics or worry about getting lost on unfamiliar roads. Let BlueSky Galle Taxis handle the details while you focus on making memories.
Contact us today to discuss your Sri Lankan dreams. Whether you want heart-pounding safari adventures, peaceful temple visits, stunning mountain railways, or simply the best local food spots – we’ll make it happen.
Your perfect Sri Lankan adventure starts with one message to BlueSky Galle Taxis. Let’s make it unforgettable!
BlueSky Galle Taxis – Your trusted local travel partner in Sri Lanka. Safe, reliable, and always ready for adventure.
