Is Sri Lanka Worth Visiting? My Honest Review in 2025

Sri Lanka is honestly one of my favorite countries to visit, full stop. I’ve been a couple of times now, and every time I’m reminded just how beautiful it is. The culture, the food, the landscapes, it’s all just so good.

And I do feel like Sri Lanka is having a bit of a moment right now. More and more people are talking about it, planning trips, or at least thinking about adding it to their list.

So I figured it’s time I put together a few more travel guides to help you plan. And one of the first questions that comes up is: Is Sri Lanka worth visiting? (Hint: you can probably guess my answer already.)

But in this guide, I’ll break down exactly why I love it, what I didn’t love so much, what to do while you’re there, and a few tips from my own experience.

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Is Sri Lanka Worth Visiting? My Honest Review in 2025

Is Sri Lanka Worth Visiting? – My Quick Answer

Alright, here’s the quick answer: yes, Sri Lanka is 100% worth visiting, no doubt about it. I’ve been twice now and loved it both times.

The first time, I mostly stuck to the south coast, to places like Mirissa, Ahangama, and Hiriketiya. But on my second trip, I also explored the east coast, including Arugam Bay and Trincomalee, and I’m so glad I did.

From my experience, Sri Lanka is fantastic for all kinds of travelers. The beach towns are perfect for surfing and have loads of great cafes, hostels, and coworking spaces. It’s super popular with the whole surfer–backpacker–digital nomad crowd, which is basically the kind of traveler I am too.

But there’s so much more to do than just surf and chill. You’ve got safaris in Yala National Park where you can spot elephants and leopards, tea plantations up in the hills, ancient temples, scenic train rides, hikes and the list goes on. Even if you’re coming for a two-week adventure trip, you’ll have no problem filling your itinerary.

So yes, I absolutely love Sri Lanka and I think it’s the perfect destination for this upcoming season, whether that’s later in 2025 or already into 2026. If it’s on your radar, it’s time to start planning.

What is Sri Lanka like to Visit?

This is one of those questions people ask me all the time, what’s it like? And I get it, it’s a pretty broad question, but I’ll try to give you my honest take.

I think Sri Lanka is an amazing starting point for anyone who wants to explore Asia but hasn’t been yet. It’s technically in South Asia, so not Southeast Asia and overall, it just feels a lot more relaxed. That chaotic energy you get in places like Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh City doesn’t really happen here, at least not in the same way.

The main towns and cities most tourists go to have great infrastructure, lots of buses, decent roads, plenty of hostels and hotels, and so many cute little cafés and restaurants. Add that to the stunning green landscapes, amazing local food, super friendly locals, beautiful beaches, and a bunch of fun things to do and you’ve got a destination that feels very Asia, but without it being overwhelming.

So if you’re looking for something that’s a bit more low-key than Thailand and less hectic than Vietnam, I honestly think Sri Lanka is the perfect place to ease yourself into the region.

Also, I’ve had a few people reach out and ask me, “Is Sri Lanka like India?” And while I haven’t been to India myself yet, if what you’re imagining is getting haggled all day, being stuck in huge crowds, or seeing plastic trash everywhere, then no, at least from my experience, Sri Lanka isn’t like that at all. Hopefully that puts your mind at ease a bit.

What I Like About Sri Lanka

The Food is Ridiculously Good: Whether it’s a simple veggie kottu from a roadside stall or a flat white and smoothie bowl at a trendy cafe, Sri Lanka really has some great food.

Beach Towns That Don’t Feel Overhyped: Hiriketiya was my personal favorite, it’s laid-back, clean, not overcrowded. But honestly, most of the coast is beautiful. Soft sand, palm trees, and clear water pretty much everywhere.

Surfing for All Levels: So many surf spots, from beginner beaches with mellow waves to more advanced reef breaks. Loads of surf camps too, so if you’re thinking about learning or just want to get back into it, this is a great place to do that.

Safari – Without the Africa Price Tag: I did a safari in Yala National Park and absolutely loved it. Seeing elephants and even a leopard in the wild was so cool, and it’s such an underrated experience here. Way more budget-friendly than safaris in Africa too.

Still Very Affordable: Accommodation, food, transport, it’s all really budget-friendly. I could eat out every day, travel around the country, stay in nice places, and it still felt way cheaper than other places I’ve been.

Backpackers, Surfers, and Digital Nomads Unite: The community here is great. You meet a mix of people, from solo travellers, remote workers, long-term backpackers and there’s just a nice social vibe in most towns without it feeling too party-heavy or chaotic.

Luxury is Definitely an Option Too: There are some stunning boutique hotels and resorts if you want something more high-end. So whether you’re splurging or saving, Sri Lanka can really do both.

Traveling Here is Just Easy: Pretty much everyone speaks English, transport is simple (buses, trains, or cheap private drivers), and locals are incredibly helpful. I never felt overwhelmed or lost trying to figure things out.

What I Don’t Like About Sri Lanka

I really do love Sri Lanka, but of course there are some things that I don’t love quite as much.

Overdevelopment in Some Beach Towns: Places like Ahangama, which I genuinely enjoy, are changing fast. More and more beach clubs, Bali-style restaurants, and Instagram-friendly restaurants and cafes are popping up.

It’s not necessarily bad, but it’s definitely turning into a different kind of destination. And depending on what you’re looking for, that might not be your vibe.

It’s Getting More Popular (and I Know I’m Part of That): Sri Lanka still feels under the radar compared to places like Thailand or Bali, but it’s changing quickly. During high season, prices can spike, and some of the more famous places can get pretty busy. Not unbearable, but you’ll definitely notice the difference if you’re coming for peace and quiet.

Things to Do in Sri Lanka

Surfing in Sri Lanka: Surfing is a huge part of the Sri Lanka experience. I took about 10 lessons here and had so much fun. Whether you’re a total beginner or already pretty decent, you’ll find waves for your level. Weligama and Hiriketiya are probably the best spots to learn, and there are tons of great surf camps like Kima Surf if you want to go all in.
Safari in Sri Lanka: One of my favorite things I did here was a safari in Yala National Park. I saw loads of elephants and even a leopard. It’s honestly such a cool alternative to the African safari experience and way more affordable too.
The Famous Scenic Train Ride: The train from Ella to Kandy (or the other way around) is kind of iconic at this point and I think for good reason. You roll past tea plantations, hills, jungle, and villages for hours, and it really is as beautiful as everyone says.
Tea Plantations & Colonial Towns: Nuwara Eliya is a bit of a change of pace. It’s cooler up there, with beautiful tea fields, misty weather, and some English colonial-style buildings like the Grand Hotel which are so beautiful. It’s a cool little detour from the beaches and surf towns and I highly recommend visiting!
Hiking in Ella: I really liked Ella. After spending time at the beach, it was such a nice change of scenery, lush, green, cooler air, and plenty to do without feeling hectic. I did a few hikes here and thought Little Adam’s Peak was super easy but still had amazing sunrise views. The walk to Nine Arch Bridge was also fun. It’s a popular spot, but I still thought it was worth it.
Explore Sri Lanka’s Culture: Sri Lanka also has a lot of history and culture if you’re into that. You can visit ancient sites like Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the cave temples in Dambulla, or the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. I didn’t do all of them, but if you’ve got time and want to mix it up from the beach, they’re worth checking out.

Sri Lanka or South East Asia (Sri Lanka vs Bali)

If you’ve been to other parts of Asia or are deciding between Sri Lanka and somewhere else, here’s how I personally think Sri Lanka compares with other countries.

I keep hearing people say “Sri Lanka is the new Bali,” and honestly, ugh. I already wrote a whole post about that, but in short, I really hope it doesn’t turn into the next Bali. That said, I get why people are making the comparison.

Places like Ahangama are developing fast, with spots like Thileni’s or Kai Ahangama popping up alongside coworking spaces, smoothie bowls, and beachfront bars. It’s attracting a similar crowd, for sure.

But right now, I still think Sri Lanka feels way quieter and less built up. Recently, I spent some time in Kuta Lombok in Indonesia, and that actually reminded me more of Ahangama with laid-back surf town vibes, slowly getting more polished but still pretty raw.

Compared to places like Thailand, Vietnam, or the Philippines, Sri Lanka just feels less crowded overall. I don’t know the official numbers, but it never felt like there was as much resort tourism here, none of that “two weeks at a beachfront resort” energy you get in places like Phuket or El Nido. It also doesn’t feel as hectic or fast-paced as Vietnam.

Right now, Sri Lanka still sits in that perfect in-between spot, somewhere between under-the-radar and on-the-rise. But I honestly think these next few years might be the last ones that feel that way.

FAQs About Visiting Sri Lanka

When is the best time to visit Sri Lanka?

It depends on which coast you’re heading to. The east coast (so places like Trincomalee and Arugam Bay) is in season from May to September. The south coast, so Ahangama, Weligama, Mirissa, Hiriketiya, is best from December to April.

Is Sri Lanka safe?

Totally. At least in my experience. I’ve never felt unsafe there, and everyone I met was super friendly. I also haven’t heard of any horror stories from people I know. That said, just be smart, like you would anywhere else.

Where is Sri Lanka?

It’s in South Asia, not Southeast Asia. Don’t mix that up. It’s just off the coast of India and has a lot in common with South India, especially in terms of food and culture.

Is Sri Lanka expensive?

Not really. You can get a proper hotel room for around $40 a night, and a good breakfast with coffee at a nice café will run you less than $10 per person. So yeah, for what you get, it’s a great spot if you’re traveling on a budget.

What is Sri Lanka famous for?

Honestly, loads of things. Among travelers, I’d say it’s mostly known for the surf towns and surf camps. But also the elephant safaris at Yala National Park and that stunning scenic train ride from Ella to Kandy.

Final Thoughts on Is Sri Lanka Worth Visiting

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Sri Lanka is amazing and absolutely worth visiting. But it’s definitely on the rise. Every year, it gets more built up and more popular. I already know the next time I go back to Ahangama, Mirissa, Hiriketiya, or wherever, there’ll be even more boutique hotels, coworking spaces, gyms, restaurants, cafés, you name it.

And honestly, I feel a bit hypocritical complaining about it because I’m part of the problem. I love a good coffee shop and a nice coworking space and a cute boutique hotel. But I just wish there was a bit more of a balance. It’s the over-construction and nonstop building that risks killing the vibe, both for travelers and for locals. I’ve already seen it happen in Bali, and I really hope it doesn’t go the same way here.