How to Tour Sri Lanka on a Shoestring Budget (Without Losing Comfort)

You can explore Sri Lanka comfortably on $30–$40 per day by combining local meals, low-cost boutique stays, and shared private transport.

Rainbow Holidays specializes in planning affordable yet comfortable routes, with zero hidden costs.

What Are the Best Cheap but Beautiful Hotels?

Rainbow Holidays partners with small, scenic, reliable hotels that stay within a traveler’s budget.

Sigiriya

• Flower Garden Eco Village

• Grand Freedom Resort

  
  

Ella

• Misty Hills Ella

• Ella Alpine Resort

These offer excellent comfort for $20–$30 per night.

How to Eat Well for Under $3

Local meals are delicious and affordable:

• Roti: $1

• Vegetable Kottu: $2

• Rice packet: $2–$3

Rainbow Holidays drivers know local food stops that serve fresh meals without the tourist markup.

Is a Private Driver Possible on a Budget?

Yes. Split between three friends:

• $55 ÷ 3 = $18 per person per day.

  
  

Better than joining a rigid group tour, and far more efficient.

Rainbow Holidays offers budget-friendly driver-only packages starting at $345.

Why Choose Rainbow Holidays for Budget Travel?

• No commission stops

• Affordable hotel recommendations

• Local food guidance

• Routes designed to minimize costs

• Transparent daily transport pricing

FAQ

Q: Is Sri Lanka good for budget travelers? A: Extremely. With smart planning, it’s one of the most affordable destinations in Asia. Q: Can I book only the driver and choose cheap hotels myself? A: Yes. Our Driver-Only option is ideal for backpackers.