Sri Lanka Government has crack down several illegal and Unauthorized constructions in Ahangama, including several foreign owned businesses which have violated the laws as beach is public property in Sri Lanka.
Cactus, Ceylon Sliders, Crust Ahangama illegal construction are demolished.
Hello everyone. Reaching Colombo airport at 11 pm with family, is it possible to take the private taxi and reach Rambukkana at that time? Are the roads safe for night journey. Thanks
I was checking 5starhotels.lk and it lists only 33 five-star hotels in Sri Lanka.
That actually surprised me. I always thought we had somewhere close to 100, especially with how many luxury hotels there are around Colombo and the tourist areas.
Is 33 actually correct?
I'm posting this because a group of us a completely stuck and honestly furious, and we advice on what steps we can take.
We were supposed to travel to Sri Lanka on 22 August 2026 through d trave
agent.
People started making payments in June.
One ₹10,000 indian ruppee for the land package. Other people paid significantly more for land + flight packages:
Couple - 50,000
Couple - 66,000
Solo traveller - ₹27,000
Solo traveller - 35,000
And several other people paid different amounts according to the state they were travelling from.
The payments from people in India were made through Google Pay/UPI and bank transfers to people/accounts based in India, who were apparently handling the Indian-side collections and were supposed to transfer the money to the Sri ankan agent.
o we have transaction records and payment trails.
round 20 days ago, we all started asking for the flight tickets over groups & dm, he's responding to no one. Then, on a single message he mentioned-
would be is would be shared soon (no it'd b shared).
then NOTHING.
Days and days of trying to contact him. Calls, whatsApp messages, Group messages, Individual messages. No respon
We kept trying to reach him because the travel date was getting closer and closer, and people understandably wanted confirmation that their their visas, flights and arrangements were actually sorted
But we were basically talking to a wall.
After getting no proper response for days despite his previous assurance that the trip was definitely appening, people understandably started getting nappening, people understandably stal worried and began requesting refunds.
Some of us formally requested refunds by email as well.
And this is when he finally responded saying that the refund would be credited within 14 days. We have been asking for a transaction ID, refund receipt, proof that the refund was actually initiated. receipt, proof that the refund was actually initiated, or literally any evidence that our money is being returned. Again. NOTHING.
I’m Indian but born raised in Saudi I look Arab I happened to visit a cafe in La playa Hiriketiya
The staff outright asked me whether am I here to eat food or just stroll around.
This caught me off guard because I was there for food and vibe
I am a foreigner planning to come to Sri Lanka soon. I have activated a Dialog eSIM. Is it possible to buy a regular local Dialog package, or do I need to buy a tourist package? Are there any restrictions for foreigners?
Hi everyone!
We’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka and we are looking for recommendations for interesting activities and places that are worth visiting. We’ll be staying in Dambulla and Trincomalee, which will be our bases but we can drive a bit further if something is really worth it.
What would you recommend doing in and around Dambulla and Trincomalee besides Safari, snorkeling, causal walking around the city and beaches? Any hidden gems or must-see places we shouldn’t miss?
Thanks!
I am heading to Ella from Negombo! Anyone who is heading the same way? Can take a pick me and split the cost?
hi, I'm a traveller from India planning to visit Sri Lanka
so I am planning to come to SL with my parents - me & mom got the eta approval automatically online, but my dad's eta was flagged for some manual process. It's been more than 72 hrs and the authorities are not responding.
We have not booked our travel yet, but do you think it will be possible for us to fill the eta for dad at the port of entry (Bandaranaike)? We would of course be willing pay any processing fee if required.
TL;DR: ETA processing taking too long, eminent travel, possibility of completion at Bandaranaike
Hey everyone! We’re landing in Colombo on Monday, 28th September around 2 PM and staying there for one night before heading down south.
What are the best places to visit in Colombo for an afternoon/evening? We’re a group of 9 and would love recommendations for sightseeing, food, cafés, sunset spots and nightlife.
Also, is there anything good happening on Monday night — parties, live music, clubs, etc.?
Would love recommendations from locals or anyone who’s recently been!
Hi all - I am planning to visit Sri Lanka with my parents in 8th - 13th October.
Currently thinking of doing Colombo, Galle, Weligama, Ahangama, Mirissa, Hriketiya, and maybe Tangalle too. I understand October isn’t the most ideal month but this is in extension of a conference.
Wanted to see if this weather is doable for the beaches? Will I be able to even go to the beach and maybe step/ play in the water? Do we get sunsets or is it cloudy mostly? Any guidance on locations of choice, activities, weather etc is super helpful. Thanks!
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I’m here for the next three months...I’m enjoying the experience. I look happy in these photos ... and I am ... but I think I’d be even happier sharing some of these experiences with other people inbetween. I would love to meet people, learn, explore and sometimes just tag along with a group or someone who has plans.
If anyone would like some company for their plans, feel free to include me. I’d be happy to join and share the experience... exploring places, group trips, random adventures, volunteering, meditation retreat .... anything.
Just looking for a win-win situation and some good human connection.
I have plenty of time, energy and things to contribute... so if having me around could be useful or enjoyable for you, I’d be happy to join. I’m just looking for genuine company, friendship and shared experiences.
Until I find some good company, I’ll keep myself busy with important things…
like eating jackfruit curry 😉
I’m planning a motorcycle loop around Sri Lanka and would love some advice from people who have traveled there.
My main goals are adventure, relaxing, experiencing the local culture, and meeting locals and other travelers. I don’t want the trip to feel rushed.
My current plan is:
Colombo – 1 day
Negombo – only for the beach/bay, possibly just a stop
Sigiriya – 2 days
Kandy – 2 days
Nuwara Eliya – 2 days
Ella – 2 days
Udawalawe National Park – undecided whether to stay or just pass through
Mirissa – 2 days
Galle – 2 days
Colombo – 1 day
I’ll be traveling by motorcycle, so I’m also interested in scenic roads and places where I can stop and explore rather than just visiting the main tourist attractions.
Would you add more days to any of these places?
Which places would you skip or reduce?
Consigli itinerario Sri Lanka
Ciao a tutti, a Dicembre viaggieró da solo in Sri Lanka per 2 settimane. L’itinerario che ho pensato é:
Arrivo il 24/12 alle 7 del mattino in aeroporto, pensavo di girare un po’ Negombo e trasferirmi verso metà pomeriggio a Dambulla. Li passerò il 25-26. Il 26 pensavo di andare a Kandy, dove starò lì fino al 28 dove poi andrò a prendere il treno per Ella. Il 29 trasferirmi da Ella a Udawalawe, il 30 mattina fare il safari ed il pomeriggio andare a Mirissa dove starò fino al 02 dove poi mi sposteró a Hikkaduwa. Soggiorneró li fino al 06, in seguito mi sposterò a Colombo per un paio di giorni per poi ripartire il 9 mattino per tornare in Italia. Spero si capisca, ho cercato di essere il più chiaro possibile. Le cose da vedere/fare le ho già appuntate. Vorrei solamente capire se gli spostamenti e le tempistiche sono abbastanza fattibili (spostamenti pensavo di prenotare i più lunghi su 12GoAsia magari con van o mezzi pubblici, spostamenti più corti usare PickMe, non vorrei prenotare un driver privato) sennò accetto consigli sul cambiare qualcosa dell’itinerario. Grazie mille in antipo🙏🏻
One of the most fascinating traditions you can see along Sri Lanka’s southern coast is stilt fishing.
Instead of standing on a boat, fishermen perch on a small wooden crossbar attached to a pole driven into the shallow seabed, sitting several feet above the water while fishing with a simple rod and line.
📍 You’ll traditionally find stilt fishing around places like Weligama, Koggala, Ahangama and Kathaluwa.
What amazes me most is the balance involved. The crossbar is surprisingly narrow, and the fisherman has to stay steady while waves are constantly moving beneath him. It looks effortless in photographs, but it takes real skill and practice.
📸 And speaking of photographs, the dramatic images of fishermen silhouetted against the ocean especially at sunrise and sunset have helped make stilt fishing one of Sri Lanka’s most recognizable cultural symbols.
Have you ever seen Sri Lankan stilt fishermen in person? 🎣
Hey everyone! I’m planning a trip to Sri Lanka this December.
I’ll be travelling solo for the first 3–4 days, and then I’ll be meeting my friends in Hiriketiya.
My rough plan is:
Colombo → Sigiriya → Ella → Yala → Hiriketiya
I’m trying to figure out the most cost-efficient and convenient way to travel between these places.
I’m considering:
🚗 Self-drive rental car
🚘 Car + driver
🚌🚆 Public transport (trains/buses)
For those who have travelled around Sri Lanka, what would you recommend? Is self-driving practical for this route, or would public transport be significantly cheaper/easier?
Also, are there any particular stretches where having a car/driver is really worth it?
Would love to hear your experiences, approximate costs, and any tips for this route. Thanks!
📍 19 Sep - Land Colombo, night stay (1N)
📍 20–22 Sep - Nuwara Eliya (2N)
• Drive up via Ramboda Hanuman Temple + waterfall + tea estate lunch
• Seetha Amman Temple (where Sita was kept) + Hakgala / Ashok Vatika
• Gregory Lake, tea factory, colonial town vibes — 15°C nights, carry a jacket!
📍 22 Sep - THE famous hill train Nanu Oya → Ella (most scenic 3 hrs in Sri Lanka), coach carries luggage. Nine Arch Bridge + Ravana Falls same day, then drive to beach by night
📍 22–26 Sep - Mirissa private pool villa (4N)
• Beach + villa pool party 🍻
• Galle Fort + Rumassala (Hanuman's sanjeevani hill) day trip
• Coconut Tree Hill sunset + Friday night beach bars
📍 26–27 Sep - Colombo (1N): ON14 rooftop sunset → clubs → casino till late 🎰
📍 27 Sep - fly out
Covers: hills ✅ all major Ramayana temples ✅ train ✅ beach ✅ party ✅
Female solo traveler here! I’m planning to visit Sri Lanka from December 23rd to January 4th, and I’m thinking of visiting Kandy, Ella, Mirissa, and Ahangama.
I’d love to hear your recommendations for:
🚕 The best and most reliable ways to get around
🌴 Must-see places and activities in each destination
🎆 Which city would be the best for celebrating New Year’s Eve
Hey there, I’m facing a problem the last 2 months on the official site to book a ticket which says it’s down for maintenance or an unexpected error. Is it okay to book a ticket by close or is there a possibility to be sold out??
Cm if u r free it will be fun