tips and ideas for 10 days in Sri Lanka, train travel, beach options
 

Hi everyone, I've been reading a few of the exchanges on this forum from some who've traveled there, thanks for sharing your experiences.

Is SL set up for an independent solo (female) traveler? Do I need to use a travel agent or can I get around independently (without being a backpacker)? Are there taxis, or other tourist buses or minivans, if the local ones are not suitable or safe enough?

I would like to know the latest information on train travel as transport between towns. It seems everyone hires a car and driver - is car the only way to get around?

I saw some weather tips the southwest and central could be better bets, but also much is unknown in these years.

From what I gather, the places to visit &set up base include: Negombo, Dambulla, Kandy, Hatton, Kogalle, a short visit such as I am toying with (eg 10-12 days) and potentially link to Maldives for a few days of pure (veg out) relaxation. I've seen Yala mentioned (for elephant sightings), which I could skip.

Have I missed anything. Are there some beach spots to consider in SL and so skip Maldives?

Would appreciate any tips, ideas, suggestions, as I am almost booking this trip, yes, at the last minute. Is this a place one can arrive and figure it out along the way, or does one need to have very defined plans before arriving in SL?

I would add a visit to Galle ( although it's only 20/25 minutes or so from Kogalle) , I thought it a lovely city ( especially the old fort bit) I did all the above and wish I had had one less day in Dambulla and one more day in Hatton ( but that could be because we were staying at the wonderful Tea Trails.) and actually another night in Kandy.
We also had our last night in Colombo to avoid the super early departure from Kogalle to Colombo a
airport ... It's a present enough city and I would recommend if your flight out leaves early..
I think it's advisable ( especially as you are solo) to have a driver in advance.... We had a driver for most of the time ( we arranged through Boutique Sri Lanka ) and I am glad we did... However your travel style maybe more spontaneous than mine :)

I think that you will find Sri Lanka a friendly and safe place for the solo female traveller, but if you only have 10 days or so, the logistics of trying to get around by yourself, especially on a last minute trip, might mean that you miss a lot through not being able to get from place to place easily.

certainly there are trains and buses, and lonely planet/Rough guide guides will help you to work out how to do it. There is diving too but you have to be in the right place at the right time - again the guidebook should help.

when are you planning to travel?

Thanks so much, I'll look for a lonely planet/rough guide as those may be the best help. Does anyone know of any package tours I could join as I plan to travel in the next 12 days. thanks