If there’s one thing travel guarantees, it’s that you’ll always learn something. And Sri Lanka, with its tuk-tuks, tea fields, and genuinely kind people, taught me plenty.
Before I went, I delved into all the TikToks and travel guides I could find. But there are some things you don’t really get until you’ve been there, like what it’s actually like to drive your own tuk-tuk across the island (spoiler: it’s equal parts thrilling and mildly terrifying).
My cousin and I joined a tuk-tuk adventure organized by Large Minority Travel, which arranged for us to explore Sri Lanka by driving our own tuk-tuk from town to town. It sounded wild and fun – and it was. Between dodging buses, finding shortcuts, and learning to say “please fill it up” in Sinhala, we learned a few lessons the complex (and hilarious) way.
So, whether you’re planning your first trip or just daydreaming about palm-fringed beaches and spicy curry, here are 10 things I wish I’d known before visiting Sri Lanka, all the little surprises, the minor frustrations, and the moments that made me fall in love with this wild, wonderful island.
1. Google Maps Lies
That two-hour drive? Make it four. Between cows, pushy buses, and missed turns, travel time in Sri Lanka has a mind of its own. A good rule of thumb, especially when driving a tuk-tuk, is to double the time it says.
2. Cash is King
Don’t rely on cards, even in touristy areas. More often than not, credit cards were not accepted at most places we visited. ATMs can also be finicky. There were a few times when I found an ATM, but it didn’t take foreign debit cards. So be sure to keep rupees handy, especially for gas, restaurants, and sites.
3. Everyone Will Try to Help
Sri Lankans are some of the kindest people you’ll meet, sometimes too kind. Seriously, the people here might be the kindest I’ve ever encountered! Expect strangers to offer directions, advice, and sometimes even a ride. There were more than one occasion when we stalled our tuk tuk, and within seconds someone would be there, wanting to lend a hand and get it started and going for us.
4. A Tuk-Tuk is the best way to see the Island
Driving your own tuk-tuk sounds like freedom, and it is. But be warned, it’s also chaos on three wheels, which is also what makes it exhilarating. Buses are fearless. You will dodge cows. And possibly see a wild elephant or two along the road. And yet… It’s the most fun you’ll ever have behind the handlebars.
Again, we were on a tuk-tuk adventure with Large Minority Travel. They provided and maintained the tuk-tuks and also created our “off the beaten path” itinerary, which took us through some of the most beautiful parts of the island.
5. Curry Isn’t Just a Meal, It’s a Lifestyle
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, curry everywhere. And the thing is, I didn’t hate it. I actually loved it. Each one is different. When you think you’ve found your favorite, someone will hand you a different curry that blows your mind (and maybe your taste buds).
6. Wi-Fi Is a Gamble
Even if your hotel says it has Wi-Fi, it might be more of a suggestion than a service. Get a local SIM card early; it’ll save you a lot of frustration later. Your best bet is to stop at the SIM card stands after you deplane at the Colombo airport. The local SIM cards work the best by far.
7. One Island, Lots of Landscapes and Microclimates
Sri Lanka might look small on a map, but it feels like five countries in one. One moment you’re cruising past palm-fringed beaches with the ocean breeze in your hair, and a few hours later you’re climbing through misty mountain passes surrounded by tea fields and waterfalls.
The island’s microclimates are wild; you can go from sweating through your shirt to reaching for a sweater in the same day. It’s part of what makes exploring by tuk-tuk so unforgettable. My advice? Pack a couple layers, and enjoy the ride, because no two days in Sri Lanka ever feel the same.
8. There Are Dogs Everywhere – and You’ll Want to Take Them All Home
One of the first things you’ll notice in Sri Lanka is the sheer number of dogs. They’re everywhere — lounging in the sun, trotting beside tuk-tuks, sleeping in the middle of the road like they own it (because they do). Most are friendly, many are cared for by the community, but it’s still hard not to want to rescue them all. I quickly learned to keep snacks for the pups along the way.
It’s also important to be mindful: Sri Lanka is still considered to have a rabies epidemic, so as tempting as it is to cuddle every wagging tail you see, it’s best to be cautious. Show kindness, share a snack, but avoid petting or handling stray animals.
9. You’ll Never Look at Coconuts the Same Way Again
Fresh coconut water, coconut sambal, and coconut milk, Sri Lanka does not mess around. I watched someone make coconut milk from scratch, and it was art. Sri Lanka is also home to the orange colored King Coconut, and if you ever get a chance to try one, make sure you do. It was the best coconut I’ve ever had.
10. The Wildlife Will Leave You Speechless
If you love animals, Sri Lanka is pure magic. You don’t even need to go looking for wildlife; sometimes it finds you. We saw monkeys swinging through trees near roadside cafes, peacocks crossing the road like they owned it, and even elephants grazing just a few feet away from our tuk-tuk.
One of the absolute highlights of our trip was a safari in Kaudulla National Park, where we saw hundreds of wild elephants. Watching them roam freely in their natural habitat – babies, matriarchs, and entire herds moving together – was honestly breathtaking. There’s nothing like it, and it’s one of those moments that makes you stop, breathe, and think, Wow. I’m really here.
If you have the chance, don’t skip the safari experience; it’s worth every dusty mile.
11. You’ll Leave Wanting to Come Back (and Maybe Buy a Tuk-Tuk)
Once the chaos makes sense and you find your rhythm, you’ll fall hard for this place. The beaches, the people, the endless cups of tea, it all sticks with you.
Final Thoughts
Sri Lanka isn’t a place you visit, it’s a place you feel. It’s messy, beautiful, unpredictable, and full of heart. You’ll come home with sand in your shoes, stories to tell, and a whole new appreciation for the art of slowing down.
So pack your sense of adventure (and maybe some dog biscuits), step into your tuk-tuk, and get ready for the ride of your life. If you want to learn more about our Sri Lankan travels, be sure to visit and read about my Tuk Tuk Adventure with Large Minority.
Mom of two and seeking sanity in the everyday. Let’s chat about family, school struggles, travel, and living our best life. Located in the San Francisco Bay area.
