(First published: 20 April 2019 / Last updated: 17 Dec 2025)
Sri Lanka boasts eight World Heritage Sites within a compact territory roughly 80% the size of Hokkaido.
Furthermore, it is a country brimming with charm, boasting beaches well-suited for resorts, Ayurveda, and its renowned tea.
As a result, the number of travellers from Japan has been steadily increasing as shown below. I apologise that the data only extends to 2018, as the figures have been depressed since 2020 due to the pandemic.
In this category, we aim to share the following points from the perspective of those who have actually undertaken independent travel, specifically for individuals planning such trips.
- What sort of country is Sri Lanka, anyway?
- What are the eight World Heritage Sites?
- What are the preparatory steps for undertaking an independent trip to Sri Lanka?
- Sri Lanka trip: tour or taxi charter?
- The author's actual travelogue (8 nights, 9 days)
The official Ranka-mi website is here
Sri Lanka Information Newsletter
- Gain some background knowledge about Sri Lanka before your trip!
- Sri Lanka, which boasts eight World Heritage Sites within its compact territory
- How to enjoy a trip to Sri Lanka affordably, efficiently and comfortably?
- What is the A to Z of essential preparations for independent travel!?
- The author's 8-night, 9-day Sri Lanka travelogue!
- Summary
Gain some background knowledge about Sri Lanka before your trip!
First off, what kind of country is Sri Lanka anyway!?
It is necessary to clarify this point.
Rather than simply travelling, gaining prior knowledge about the country you are visiting can make your trip more rewarding.
Even when visiting tourist attractions, knowing the historical background can make the trip more enjoyable.
In the case of Sri Lanka in particular, six of the eight sites are closely linked to history.
Furthermore, by understanding the economic level and price level, one can also ascertain what position Sri Lanka currently occupies as an emerging nation.
The following content provides information on the enchanting country of Sri Lanka, and we hope you will find it useful.
- History
- Climate
- local speciality
- economic standard
- price level
Sri Lanka, which boasts eight World Heritage Sites within its compact territory
One of Sri Lanka's attractions is its World Heritage Sites.
Indeed, during my nine-day, eight-night trip to Sri Lanka, I visited all eight of its World Heritage Sites.
- Sigiriya Rock
- Anuradhapura
- Polonnaruwa
- Dambulla Cave Temple
- Candy
- Goal
- Central Highlands of Sri Lanka
- Sinharaja Forest Reserve
The locations are illustrated as follows.
In other words, the cultural triangle region of the central area boasts a concentration of five World Heritage Sites.
The following content presents the highlights and historical background of each World Heritage site, incorporating not only information from tourist guidebooks but also insights gathered by the author from guides themselves!
How to enjoy a trip to Sri Lanka affordably, efficiently and comfortably?
Sri Lanka's public transport system is underdeveloped, making backpacking an impractical choice for most travellers except university students with ample time and limited funds.
| means of transport | Price | efficiency | Comfort level | |
| long-distance | air ticket | × | × | ◯ |
| train | ◎ | × | × | |
| bus | ◎ | △ | × | |
| Taxi charter | ◯ | ◎ | ◎ | |
| sprint | Three-wheeler | ◎ | ◯ | △ |
| Taxi charter | ◯ | ◎ | ◎ |
When travelling outside of backpacking, I believe the following methods are the most common.
- Group sightseeing tours
- Utilise flight tickets and hotel bookings to take advantage of local tours
However, in Sri Lanka, an emerging nation with low wages, a third option exists: chartering a taxi.
Taxi tours are not only more economical than group tours, but also allow you to plan your itinerary freely and efficiently cover destinations with door-to-door service.
| Package sightseeing tour |
Advantages | requires little effort |
| Disadvantages | 1. Low degree of freedom 2. The price is high 3. Social interaction is necessary |
|
| Local tour | Advantages | can partially reduce the effort required for preparation |
| Disadvantages | 1. The price is extremely high. 2. It may not necessarily be your preferred plan. 3. Wasted distance and time |
|
| taxi charter |
Advantages | 1. You can arrange your own itinerary 2. You can have your itinerary planned for you. 3. To ensure a comfortable journey 4. The role of a tourist guide can also be expected 5. The lowest price |
| Disadvantages | The necessity of booking flights and hotels |
The following content reviews the appeal of chartered taxis and the 'Lanca-Me' service used by the author.
For those wishing to enjoy a comfortable, immersive, affordable and efficient trip to Sri Lanka, I would be delighted if you would consider this as a useful reference.
What is the A to Z of essential preparations for independent travel!?
When undertaking independent travel, various preparations are required.
Various preparations will be required, including, of course, obtaining flight tickets and visas, as well as securing hotel accommodation.
Those with little experience of independent travel, as opposed to organised tours, may well feel apprehensive.
The following content comprehensively covers the essential points required for travelling to Sri Lanka.
- How to Obtain Discounted Airline Tickets
- How to Obtain a Visa
- How to Book Hotels and Reviews of Hotels Actually Stayed In
- Essential items (clothing, plug adapters, toothbrush, etc.)
- Arrangement of transport (taxi charter)
- Methods for Obtaining Internet Access (Pocket Wi-Fi and SIM Cards)
→A comprehensive guide to preparing for your Sri Lanka trip, from a traveller's perspective!
The author's 8-night, 9-day Sri Lanka travelogue!
The author undertook a trip to Sri Lanka from 10th to 19th November, an eight-night, nine-day itinerary designed to visit all the World Heritage Sites.
This itinerary was proposed by Lanka Mee after I requested that I 'wish to visit all the World Heritage Sites'.
When actually plotting the route on a map, it would be as follows.
I decided to follow the proposed itinerary as I thought it was the most efficient and best plan.
Below is Mr Asanka, the driver from Lanka Mee who supported the author's trip to Sri Lanka.
The following content presents a live account of the eight-night, nine-day journey undertaken with Asanka.
We provide not only introductions to the ruins, but also first-hand information on Ayurveda, tea factory tours, and accommodation hotels.
I do hope you will take a look, as I believe there will be aspects that will prove useful for your own travels.
Summary
Sri Lanka is a highly appealing country, and as there is currently an economic disparity with Japan, one can travel comfortably and affordably by chartering a taxi.
The author has travelled to over 30 countries.
Among these, Sri Lanka stood out as an emerging nation with considerable momentum, boasting numerous historical sites steeped in history, making it a country I would recommend to everyone.
I do hope you will visit Sri Lanka and experience the remarkable growth of South Asia for yourself!