Sri Lanka has become a hotspot for solo female travelers in the last few years. It’s cheap,
the nature is stunning, and the hostel culture is booming. But let’s address the elephant in the
room: Is it safe?
The short answer is yes. Sri Lanka is generally very safe compared to many other
destinations. Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare. However, it is a conservative,
patriarchal society, and you will face annoyances like staring or intrusive questions. If you come
prepared with the right mindset, you will have an incredible time.
The “Staring” Culture
You will get stared at. A lot. It’s uncomfortable, but it’s usually not dangerous. In Sri Lanka,
staring isn’t always considered rude; it’s often just curiosity, especially if you have fair skin or
blonde hair. The best approach is to wear sunglasses and ignore it. If someone is making you
uncomfortable, be firm, say “No,” and move to a crowded area. Sri Lankan bystanders are
usually very helpful if they see a tourist in distress.
Dress Code: Where it Matters
You can wear bikinis on the beach in Mirissa, Hikkaduwa, or Arugam Bay without anyone
batting an eye. These are tourist bubbles.
However, once you step off the sand and into the town, put on a cover-up. In rural areas, on
public transport (buses and trains), and certainly in temples, you should dress modestly.
Covering your shoulders and knees will save you a lot of unwanted attention. It’s also a sign of
respect for the local culture. Loose linen pants and cotton shirts are your best friends in this
humidity.
Transport Safety Tips
Tuk-Tuks: Use apps like PickMe or Uber whenever possible. They track
your ride and have fixed prices. If you hail a tuk-tuk off the street, agree on the price
before you get in. At night, try to stick to app-based rides or have your hotel call a
trusted driver for you.
Buses: Public buses are chaotic but an experience. As a woman, try to sit
next to another woman. The front seats are often reserved for clergy, but right behind them are
seats for women. If a guy sits next to you and makes you uncomfortable (like “manspreading”
into your space), don’t be afraid to tell him to move over or get up and change seats. It’s loud
and crowded, but it’s the cheapest way to travel.
Trains: The trains are safe and full of other travelers. Booking 1st or 2nd
class reserved seats is more comfortable than 3rd class, which can get incredibly packed.
Accommodation
Stick to well-reviewed guesthouses, hotels, or hostels. Hostels in places like Ella, Weligama,
and Sigiriya are fantastic for meeting other solo travelers. You will rarely be alone unless you
want to be. Read the reviews specifically from other solo female travelers to gauge the safety of
the location.
The “Are You Married?” Question
You will be asked this constantly. “Are you married?” “Where is husband?” “Do you have
children?”
To a Western mindset, this feels intrusive. In Sri Lanka, it’s just small talk, like asking about
the weather. They are trying to place you in a social context. If you don’t want to get into a long
conversation or deal with flirtatious attempts, the easiest hack is to wear a cheap ring and say,
“Yes, he is coming later.” It shuts down the conversation instantly.
Best Places for Solo Female Travelers
Ella: It has a huge backpacker community. It feels very safe to walk
around the main street at night because it’s full of tourists.
Hiriketiya: A very chill, yoga-surf vibe. Very welcoming and laid back.
Kandy: A bit busier and more congested. It’s better to do your sightseeing
during the day and retreat to your hotel in the evening.
Sri Lanka is a warm, hospitable country. Use your common sense, trust your gut, and don’t
let fear stop you from exploring. You will likely leave with more local friends than you
expect.
