Sri Lanka is comparatively a very small country than other countries in the world and each and every tourist destination in Sri Lanka is quite easy to access. The tourists worldwide visit Sri Lanka for this character of the country that they can visit more different places within a small period of time. For every two-hour drive in the country has different geological features and for the travel and transportation, utilising the public transportation the most affordable and easy way.
Sri Lanka currently has developed road system compared to the last two centuries and still on the progress. As a country with an economy based on travel and tourism industry, the road system and the mode of public transportation is in a good level. Public transportation is in different modes as follows.
Buses ( public and private)
Public and private buses come in different forms. Starting from buses with most basic features to more luxurious intercity buses of SLTB (Sri Lanka Transportation Board), there has also varieties with passenger needs in private buses. The only difference is that SLTB buses come in red while private buses usually painted colors with the stickers of those companies they belong to. Some private companies operate slightly faster services, large buses known variously as “semi-express”, “express” or “inter-city”, which make fewer stops en route. SLTB buses when compared to earlier years are now well developed and more modified with the development of highways; so that there is a faster service along with a better passenger services inside. There are also private minibuses or shuttles. These are buses with air-conditioning and tinted, curtained windows, tiny seats and the crowd are lesser. Passengers are only takes for the seats.
Buses are stopped in city centers and in main bus stations to exit and take new passengers. But those intercity and highway buses will only stop in fewer stations other than the main destination. All the buses display their destination in both Sinhala and English. So it’s easy to read and get on to the correct bus of the route. Also the conductor will announce you when it comes closer to the destination.
The time tables are displayed in all the bus stations and you can also inquire from the bus station representatives at the premises. Being right before the time or reserving a seat before it leaves is the best way to occupy a seat. It will be really difficult to take a seat especially on weekends and in public holidays.
Both public and private bus fares are quite affordable and you can pay to the conductor when he comes to collect. It’s better if you can mention the exact destination you board to pay the reasonable fare.
Trains
The train network in Sri Lanka was originally built by the British era in the country and it was first built to transport coffee harvest to Colombo, but now it has been developed as a main transportation mode of the public. Train rides in Sri Lanka is popular all around the world and tourists worldwide loves to enjoy train rides (especially in up country) in Sri Lanka. But there are few things that anyone needs to know about the trains in Sri Lanka, the time tables and specially train routes.
There are main routes of railway, the most historic and major railway route is Colombo – Kandy or the hill country route and is the most incredible train rides you ever going to experience.
The network comprises three principal lines: the coast line, which runs along the west coast from Puttalam in the north, heading south via Negombo, Colombo, Kalutara, Bentota, Beruwala, Aluthgama, Ambalangoda, Hikkaduwa and Galle to Weligama and Matara (with an extension as far as Kataragama now largely complete). The hill country line runs from Colombo to Kandy then on to Hatton (for Adam’s Peak), Nanu Oya (for Nuwara Eliya), Haputale, Bandarawela, Ella and Badulla. The northern line runs from Colombo through Kurunegala to Anuradhapura and Vavuniya before terminating at Jaffna. Three additional branches run off this line: the first to Polonnaruwa and Batticaloa, the second to Trincomalee, and the third to Madhu Road, Mannar and Talaimannar.
Timings for journeys on some routes vary massively between express services (making only a few stops), standard intercity services, which make more stops, and slow services (such as night mail trains), which halt at practically every station en route.
Some intercity services on the hill-country route from Colombo to Kandy and Badulla carry a special carriage, the so-called observation car, usually at the back of the train and with large panoramic windows offering 360-degree views and seating in rather battered armchair-style seats. All seats are reservable, and get snapped up quickly, especially on the popular Colombo to Kandy run.
http://www.railway.gov.lk/web/
https://seatreservation.railway.gov.lk/
Cars and tourists taxis
almost all the travel agencies offer you a car with an English speaking chauffer guide and this would be a more easier and comfortable mode of transportation during your tour. And also you can hire a taxi at the airport where there are a plenty of taxi drivers and chauffer guides to transport you to the destination you prefer. Most of those guides are government-trained and holding a tourist board license, who can double up as guides at all the main tourist sights and field any questions you might have about the country.
If you are travelling with a travel agent, they may introduce your driver before your arrival and they will be there for you during your entire tour. But you can choose a car as your mode of travel if only you travel as a couple or you are maximum three people. A car is always comfortable and calm for a tour but not for a large crowd.
Prices depend more on quality than size of transport – a posh air-conditioned car will cost more than a non-air-conditioned minivan. Discuss these things with the agent before your arrival; so that it would not be troublesome. If you are hiring a car after the arrival, it’s advisable for you to come to the agreement before you start the journey. Rates start from around $50 per day (depends on the fuel price these days) for the smallest cars, plus the driver’s fees and living allowances. Your driver will probably also expect a tip of $5–10 per day, depending on how highly trained they are.
There is another option that you can hire only the car so there would not be a need to pay for a driver.
Three wheelers (Tuk Tuk)
Three wheeler are very popular and just simple and affordable. Tuk Tuk rides are perfect for short distance travels like if you need to explore the city or for shopping. Tuk Tuks are not for your entire tour. earlier the tuk tuk fares were quite low, not the fares has been increased with the fuel crisis. Due to fuel shortages, the three-wheeler fares were revised that the first km was Rs. 100 and the second km was Rs. 90. But the metered three-wheeler used to charge Rs. 120 and Rs. 100 for the first and second km.
Helicopters
Helicopter rides are more famous among tourists even though they are pretty expensive. Most helicopter rides last about 1-2 hours is you are just want to look at the scenery. There are few companies and private owners that allow the travellers to enjoy the helicopter rides in Sri Lanka.
These are some of the air tour operating companies in Sri Lanka.
- https://rukmalairtours.com/
- http://www.iwsaviation.com/
- https://www.helitours.lk/
- http://www.flysrilanka.lk/
- http://richyskylark.com/
- https://www.jetwingtravels.com/
There companies provide air tours to some of the most beautiful destinations in the country. You can enjoy a bird’s view from the above.
Bikes and bicycles
Bikes and bicycles are the most common mode of travel inside Sri Lanka and specially the local use bikes and bicycles to travel. This is also not for long distance journeys, but for a visit of a certain region. There also places where you can take the bicycles for hire. Mostly tourists are fond of travelling in bicycles in some destinations like Anuradhaura, Sigiriya, Jaffna, Ella, Polonnaruwa, down south and so on. Riding a bike or a bicycle is lot of fun because you can visit many more places than when you travel by bus or train. You can stop when you need and it’s quite easy to refresh and shop en route your travel.
Motorbikes are pretty advanced than bicycles that there is the chance to travel long distance for a certain extend. Especially in hill country, there are places that are not accessible by a bigger vehicle so that riding a bike would be pretty smart to explore more hidden areas. It’s more efficient and productive that you can save time to explore more sites. If you travel around the country, you will ride just over 840 km in 9 days of riding. And also the route is designed for you to take in the best of Sri Lanka’s culture, countryside, and wildlife and your tour is going to be a perfect in Sri Lanka.
