Sri Lanka is a land of many beauties. From its palm-fringed beaches, delicious local food and the many lush landscapes that it offers, the 'Pearl of the Indian Ocean,' as it is called, is a great destination to go on a solo trip. As fulfilling as it may sound to bask in the warmth of the tropical sun in Sri Lanka, travelling solo comes with a caveat for women. As is the case with any country, if you are a woman travelling alone, you have to adopt a Mad-Eye Moody approach and be on 'constant vigilance' on the go.
Although known for its warm and welcoming folks, Sri Lanka is not much different from anywhere else when it comes to women's safety. You are likely to encounter the odd comments, catcalls, et al., so it is advisable to be on your guard and follow some safety tips when you go to Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka is famous for its beaches and the tropical vibe, but keep in mind that, unlike a lot of other beach destinations, Sri Lanka is still modest. You can still go to the beaches in your beachwear, but while wandering on the streets and visiting places of worship, make sure your shoulders and legs are covered. Unlike other places, going around in more beach-appropriate clothes is frowned upon in the country, and you could be stopped and asked to cover up.
Since the climate is tropical, it is best to carry light and breathable clothes. Avoid packing skin-tight outfits as you might have to walk and travel in the sun, which won't be comfortable. Bring sweaters and warm leggings if you plan to visit the country's hilly areas.
Research is key when visiting any new place. When picking a place to stay, read as many reviews as you can and try to book through credible sites. There are a number of reputed hotels and boutique stays that are great options to go for. You can also check out Airbnbs in the place that you are staying at instead of selecting random hotels.
We all love to discover hidden nooks and abandoned stretches of beaches, but in Sri Lanka, it is best to avoid venturing off by yourself. While it is not entirely impossible to explore offbeat places, if you do, ensure that you are being careful. Share your location with your friends and family and try to keep in touch with them. If you feel threatened or off at any given time on your adventure, leave immediately. You can always try to befriend other like-minded tourists who can accompany you to some of the places in your itinerary.
If you are chilling on the beach, make sure you have your belongings where you can see them. It is quite possible that once you leave your things unattended, they can easily disappear when you return. If you are carrying valuables, it is best to leave them at your hotel. If your room has a safe, you can keep your things inside before going out. If you don't feel safe leaving your stuff at the hotel and want to carry it, try asking one of the staffers at any beach restaurant to keep an eye on them if you have to leave for some time.
Congested public transport in Sri Lanka is a danger zone for women travelling alone. Tourists aboard public buses and trains have reported many instances of harassment and groping. If you want to go around Sri Lanka, take advantage of Ubers wherever they are available. Alternatively, you can request pick-ups and drops from your hotel and in most cases, they will assign a driver for you. Travelling by the local tuk-tuks in public places is also another way of exploring safely.
The easiest way to get to Sri Lanka is by flying into Colombo. There are several direct flights offered by Indian airlines from Delhi to Colombo, which usually take nearly four hours to reach.