Yes, it is safe to travel to Sri Lanka as a female solo traveller. Sri Lanka is one of the most beautiful places on earth, with stunning beaches, amazing views, and some of the best food in the world; it’s definitely not one to skip. As with anywhere, though, there are ways to travel more safely, reduce your risks, and have a less stressful time overall. If you’re looking to visit Sri Lanka and want to make it the best experience possible, here are a few of our top tips for staying safe and thriving whilst you’re in the Teardrop of India.
Sri Lanka is an amazing place to travel to, but it is not as well-known as places such as Thailand and Bali, which sometimes makes people nervous. That is why having a guide and group to show you around makes it stress-free and allows you to relax as you take in all the views. Sri Lanka's transport is also not super easy to navigate, so having Gals Who Travel sort out the logistics makes all the difference. Bus tickets? We've got them sorted! Taxis? Booked! Hotels? Chosen and reserved! Gals Who Travel have everything organised, allowing you to sit back and enjoy!
Joining a group tour is a great way to explore a country, like Sri Lanka, where you might be nervous to go alone. Gals Who Travel makes exploring the world safer and stress-free. Gals Who Travel is an amazing community that provides a safe space for female travellers to explore the world together. These trips are all designed to bring gals together and let them travel the world in a supportive, safe, and positive environment. Each Gals Who Travel itinerary, including our Sri Lanka trip, is created to help you make the most of your time in each destination, and all our accommodation is top-tier, meaning you’ll be thriving whilst exploring the world.
Gals Who Travel trips are guided and run by locals, which means you’ll be in safe hands and get to see the hidden gems only locals know about. One of the best parts of Sri Lanka is the cultural traditions and local moments. From the family-run restaurants serving up incredible curries to night markets and quiet, locally known viewpoints, you're guide will be your key to these unique and truly magical moments on tour! Our brand new Gals Who Travel Sri Lanka trip is a perfect 10-day adventure where we'll visit the beaches, the cities, the National Parks and everything in between!
If you want to explore the world, make new best friends, tick off your travel bucket list, and experience magical moments - Gals Who Travel is the community for you.
1. All your accommodation is pre-booked (no stressing on Booking.com, hoping you picked a good place).
2. You’ll make friends for life (most of our gals arrive solo and leave with new friendship circles and memories to last a lifetime!).
3. Your local guide is there for everything you might need (from finding the nearest market to a great food recommendation, they’re always on hand to help.)
4. Our itineraries are incredible! The Gals Who Sri Lanka adventure takes you through Negombo, Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella, Udawalawe and Unawatuna. The incredible activities include climbing the Sigiriya Rock, the amazing Train to Ella,
Little Adams Peak Hike, an Elephant Safari, Local Farming Village Dinner, Tea Plantation Tour, Nine Arch Bridge and Jungle Beach Days. You can find out more about the Gals Who Travel Sri Lanka trip here!
It goes without saying, but staying connected while travelling is so important and will give you peace of mind throughout your trip. Always make sure you have a signal and data whenever you go abroad, it’ll help you if you need directions, want to translate something, or just want to update your friends and family on the amazing things you’ve been up to.
Although it’s possible to rely on Wi-Fi in cafés and hotels, eSIMs are an amazing and affordable way to stay connected wherever you go. We recommend Airalo, and you can get a discount on your next eSIM by using the code GALS.
When travelling in Sri Lanka, it’s important not to drink or brush your teeth using tap water. Instead, use bottled water or water from tanks that your guide recommends. Your local guide will always make sure you have access to water during journeys and can point you toward a shop if you need it. As with many South East Asian countries, drinking from the tap is a big no-no, you could end up getting sick if you do.
Sri Lankan culture is deeply rooted in Buddhism, and while visiting, it’s highly likely you’ll spend time at temples and religious sites. When visiting these, dress modestly and remove your shoes if required. As with anywhere you travel, it’s important to respect the local culture and learn the customs you’ll be experiencing. On a Gals Who Travel trip, your local guide will fill you in on everything you need to know, adding extra context that makes your interactions with locals even more meaningful and special.
Petty crime isn’t super common in Sri Lanka, but as with anywhere, it’s important to stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. When visiting busy areas or tourist sites, bring a small bag with a zipper and avoid keeping valuables in your back pockets. Leaving valuables stored away in your hotel reduces the risk of theft or misplacing something while exploring.
Packing light is also a great idea, you’ll be less likely to forget something, and you’ll have more room for souvenirs you pick up along the way!
1. Be cautious on the roads - Traffic in Sri Lanka can be busy and unpredictable, especially in cities. Always use pedestrian crossings when available, and if you’re hiring a scooter, make sure you wear a helmet and have a valid international driving permit.
2. Protect yourself from the sun and insects - Sri Lanka is tropical, so pack sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent. Even if it’s cloudy, UV levels can be high, and mosquitoes are active year-round, especially near water.
3. Trust your instincts and ask questions - If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Always trust your gut, ask your guide or group leader for advice, and don’t be afraid to say no to situations that make you uncomfortable. You’re there to have fun and feel safe doing it!
Absolutely! With friendly locals, breathtaking scenery, and so much culture to soak up, Sri Lanka is a dream destination for solo female travellers. As long as you take normal safety precautions and travel smart, you’ll be in for an incredible experience.
And if you’d rather explore with other amazing girls by your side every step of the way, join one of our Gals Who Travel Sri Lanka adventures. We’ve got destinations running from April 2026, and spots are going fast!
