17 things I Wish I Knew BEFORE travelling to SRI LANKA 🇱🇰

I share 17 things I wish I knew before visiting Sri Lanka, in this Sri Lankan travel guide I give you information you may not find elsewhere and things you should know before visiting from transport, and scams, whether your in the mountains of Ella or the beaches of Mirissa.
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0:00 - Intro
0:09 - First thing to know
1:18 - One of the best things about Sri Lanka
1:39 - When to go?
2:47 - Use this app!
3:43 - What Safari to do?
4:12 - The problem with renting a moped/tuktuk
4:50 - Save money by doing this
5:36 - The train hack!
7:01 - Issues with WIFI...
7:50 - Avoid this...
8:09 - FINAL 3

[@RanulHashika]

The thing is Sigiriya is not a viewpoint. It's an ancient fortress complex and a UNESCO heritage site. If you're just looking for viewpoints they are everywhere. Sri Lanka is full of viewpoints.

[@mr.prabathperera-universit978]

100% true

[@sumuduwijayarathna2822]

It is not a waste of 30 dollars to visit Sigiriya. is not merely a view point. It's a historic fortress. as compared to paying £35 to tour The Shard in London

[@benuriwickramarathne5443]

Hey there ! I’m from Sri Lanka! Thank you for spreading word out of not to participate in elephant rides 🙏🏼♥️

[@ankitkeshri7316]

Hi! I am from India. What is the official website for booking trains in srilanka?

[@smirglvojtechskovajsa2787]

I spent about 45 days in Sri Lanka about a year ago. Your video is informative but the Wifi was pretty good everywhere, I was able to watch stuff on Netflix and also do a lot of videoconferencing so I would say Sri Lanka is a good place for digital nomads. Also public transportation is excellent, I mean buses and trains run all the time and roads are also good and I wouldn't say it takes hours to get to places. There's loads of amazing places very close to each other in Sri Lanka. So don't be afraid of local transport. I only took a tuktuk once. Also go to those cheap local eateries, the food there is excellent and cheap. And when you arrive you may choose to spend a day or two in Negombo instead of Colombo (it's quite lovely and close to the airport).

[@Toidi123]

Again visit to sri lsnka!!🇱🇰🇱🇰

[@menakadias4287]

Yes you are correct.

[@mrsklugi8972]

I wouldn’t agree on the local transport. It took me about eight hours to get from Ella to Kandy today (100km)

[@SomebodySharp]

Bro I have 300 mbps 😂

[@Joelfriend]

@SomebodySharp ahaha that’s amazing! Obviously had some bad servers 😂

[@isuruedirisinghe6266]

Pidurangala is a great viewpoint of Sigiriya, but you will sadly miss out on the architectural marvels that is on top of Sigiriya unless you visit the actual rock itself. Also if you're in Sgiriya the best and nearest Safari experience would be Minneriya National Park which is only a 30 minute drive from Sigiriya. For partying in Colombo you can go to places such as Sunset Blue at Hilton, Colombar at Cinnamon Lakeside, Steurats by Ctirus etc. on Fridays and Saturdays where they will have Live Bands playing during the evening. Or you can go to a Night Club like Cleopatra or The Chiller Room.

[@Clone_me]

I was quite suprised to hear that theres no parties happening in SL😁 I mean theres are many pubs n restaurants clubs etc..

[@mcalexy2k]

you canot repalce pidurangala or anyother viewpoint by sigirya. Sigiriya is not just about view from top. It has lot more about history, incredible architecture and old arts. Thats why it is called as 8th wonder of the the world.

[@sammurphy4122]

Old arts of minimally but glamorously clad beautiful women were destroyed and unfortunately never renovated

[@gmurtaza]

Super excited to visit Sri Lanka in a couple of months! Thank you for all the tips

[@menakadias4287]

Sri Lanka is beautiful Island with amazing views, nature, food etc. And the people are very friendly and their hospitality is undoubtedly amazing. One should visit this wonderful country❤

[@thebroadlife]

The 3rd video about Sri Lanka I watched today. I'm going to roam this country soon. Great video!

[@lalanthasanjeewa328]

Hoping u

[@Roadmap2Adventures]

Awesome video! Super helpful. We’re so excited to visit Sri Lanka❤

[@Joelfriend]

Glad it was helpful! Have a great time! :)

[@user-ko6gw1bp1c]

Sigiriya is not only a rock it is an old kingdom

[@InAir365]

I love how you captured the essence of Sri Lanka. It's on the top of my travel bucket list now!

[@pivot90000]

Thank´s! Happy travelling!

[@suayhughes8103]

Great video as always! Good luck

[@Joelfriend]

Thanks so much!

[@imthisallay7028]

This is so helpful for who have the hope to visit srilanka.. and thank a lot this information and the introduction….. enjoy ❤

[@jond46687]

Excellent video, really helpful but also excellent editing too

[@Joelfriend]

Much appreciated! Thanks for watching :)

[@roshanpradeep5188]

You have done excellent research about SL, and all of the matters you mentioned in the video are absolutely true.

[@jameslittle4414]

Really enjoy your videos. Keep it up.

[@Joelfriend]

Thanks man, really appreciate that! 😊

[@christiancorujo2369]

Great video. It was very precise.

[@tik3197]

Number 16 👏🏻👏🏻 great that you are mentioning this!

[@Joelfriend]

Absolutely!

[@alphubel1000]

thanks so much, awesome video !!

[@scott-hamilton]

These are some great tips!

[@Joelfriend]

Glad you think so! Appreciate your support as always Scott!

[@Toidi123]

Visit to sri lanka 🇱🇰 .. Sigiriya.. Jaffna.. Nuwara Eliya there are many beautiful places🇱🇰🇱🇰

[@edstravel]

Keep up the great content guys congratulations on 100K😊

[@Joelfriend]

Thank you Ed! Will do!

[@edstravel]

Your welcome 🙏

[@nuwanrabel9220]

Cool! Very informative video 🤝🤝

[@Joelfriend]

Thank you 👍

[@user-rn6yf6yp1y]

Thank you for giving the news for all the forigners

[@eshikaudayanawanigasekara]

Congratulations for 100k❤

[@Joelfriend]

Thank you so much 😀

[@zehnihameed6371]

Sigriya has frescos etc. It is a historical monument not a mere viewpoint 😊

[@chanithusscience5249]

Thank you for spreading a word about sri lanka 🇱🇰 I'm from sri lanka

[@suchirafernando3448]

Im Srilankan and i do recommend these information ✌️

[@boldlife]

Thank you for talking about the elphants rides.

[@eshikaudayanawanigasekara]

Explane SRI LANKA Sri Lanka, an island nation in South Asia, is known for its diverse landscapes, including tropical beaches, lush forests, and scenic mountains. It has a rich history, with influences from various cultures, including Indian, Portuguese, Dutch, and British. The country's official languages are Sinhala and Tamil, and it's famous for its tea production and ancient cultural sites such as Sigiriya and the city of Kandy. Sri Lanka gained independence from British colonial rule in 1948 and has a democratic government. Sri Lanka boasts stunning natural beauty, with a diverse range of landscapes. The country is renowned for its pristine beaches, surrounded by turquoise waters, palm trees, and coral reefs, making it a paradise for beach lovers. Inland, you'll find lush rainforests, rolling hills covered in tea plantations, and scenic waterfalls. Sri Lanka's central highlands, including the picturesque town of Ella, offer breathtaking mountain vistas. The island is also home to an abundance of wildlife, with national parks like Yala and Wilpattu teeming with elephants, leopards, and various bird species. Sri Lanka's natural beauty is truly captivating. Anuradhapura,Polonnaruwa,Trincomalee,Batticaluo,Nuwara eliya,Hikkaduwa,Nilawali,Yala forest,Sinharaja Katharagama,Kabiliththa (Inside Yala Forest adventure trip),Horton place,Katusu konda (Search Google),Danigala (Search Google),Colombo,Kandy,Small Siri Padha,Siri Padha Piduruthalagala,nil diya pokuna,jaffna,Ella,Galle Find out Camping sites (Search Google) Thats best thing to vlogings for youtube There more places also just Google it 😍 # visitsrilanka ❤ from 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka......😮 stay in Sri Lanka ...Live like Sri Lankan...Keep Explore 👍 Be Nature friend as strong Sri Lankan. Collect garbage with you. Your garbage not for nature. ඔයාගේ කුණු සොබාදහමට අයිති නැත. ඔයගේ කුණු ඔයාම අරන් යන්න. සෑබැ ශ්‍රි ලාංකිකයන් සොබාදහම් අරක්ෂකයෝ ය. உங்கள் குப்பை இயற்கைக்கு சொந்தமானது அல்ல. உங்கள் சொந்த குப்பையை எடுத்துக் கொள்ளுங்கள். அனைத்து இலங்கையர்களும் பாதுகாவலர்கள்.

[@nuwankalanamith8670]

Thank you so much for telling about our country... We need more tourists, as our country faces a huge financial crisis. Thank you again.

[@callum9880]

Thanks guys!

[@Joelfriend]

Thanks for watching!

[@theninethrees8044]

Currently at Heathrow making my itinerary. I’m was born in SL left when I was a kid. Going back first time as an adult lol helpful vid

[@luisteruzzi]

Nice video man. I loved your honesty. Looking forward to my trip to Sri Lanka next month. Thanks for sharing ✌🏾

[@Joelfriend]

Glad you found it useful! Have the best time in Sri Lanka!

[@Toidi123]

🇱🇰🇱🇰

[@affiliateclimbmax9287]

this was insighful thx

[@nsam90]

You nailed it ,

[@hindagala]

Great show.!! Please visit our little Villa in the mountains where Time stands Still!. It has breathtaking mountain views. Hindagala Retreat Kandy Sri Lanka

[@harshitha_yasiru]

OHH i saw you in kurunegala town but i never thought this video recommend for me

[@khaledalhouli8816]

Wow, your video was amazing! Short and full of info I couldn't find anywhere else. Seeking Sri Lanka stay in April - I don’t like changing accommodation, ideally near a city, short drive to exciting safaris, and boasting beautiful scenery. Want to minimize location changes. Any ideal areas?

[@manjuarun1550]

And also brother. Hotel wifi sometimes tricky . But we have good WIFi system. There are lot of youtubers in Sri Lanka also ))

[@philgoescrazy]

Bring a fly swatter, you'll need it, and they don't sell them almost anywhere.

[@gihankanishka]

Three types of head shakes (to say yes, no and okay) English is a mandatory (ish) subject in school until you leave school (this can be O levels or A levels)

[@DevinsShaggyswithgames]

Sri Lanka is very beautiful country.

[@nadeeshankannangara2253]

Very informative and honest review.

[@Joelfriend]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching!

[@Lola_Cascade]

I’ve lived in Sri Lanka a long time I don’t agree with you about your fist point It doesn’t mean yes 🙈 It’s more a: I acknowledge what you just said; like I heard what you said 😅

[@Joelfriend]

Yeah I get what you mean definitely feels like this! Would you say that’s what yes or okay kind of means in a way? Hmm 🤔 good point, maybe not a direct yes

[@sujeevadealwis5513]

@@JoelfriendYes, the head shake means okay ;

[@yoshaniperera5752]

Love from Sri Lankan born New Zealander ❤❤

[@Sofi_k243]

Thank you for the tips and not supporting animal exploitation 🙏

[@Joelfriend]

No worries, of course!

[@padmalsri4547]

Im sri lankan no worries and no war

[@Ununpentium]

Thanks!

[@user-ko6gw1bp1c]

In top of the sigirya rock there is an old castle

[@sammurphy4122]

About hiring a tuk tuk , first see it there is a meter to calculate the fare. before you get in. Otherwise see the distance and check on Google the average price for a trip that long and negotiate a price before hiring,

[@williamjarltoft5321]

nice

[@Joelfriend]

Thank you :)

[@taekook4004]

Look I know tickets to sigiriya cost but guys there are many things to watch there . U cannot even see the things in sigiriya from the pidurangala rock . U cannot witness 40 hectare eastern park and 90 hectare western park of sigiriya. You cannot witness the moats that are build around sigiriya rock , the huge ponds in the bottom part of the rock , the famous lion's paw entrance of sigiriya . The ponds one the rock of sigiriya that is available through out the season , the sigiriya fresco , sigiriya paintings , sigiriya grafti wall made by king kashyapa , the view from the top of the mountain .

[@-nf9vt]

I wish i knew that I need a translator while traveling. I knew about Immersive translate and it has really helped me out especially by its translation services which are free

[@dinukialanka5727]

True.lot of sri lankan's know english😊.

[@Kiani27]

Thank you

[@thomashunt9391]

Hey, what did you do for drone permission there, is it as simple as just applying for it online?

[@creeew]

Please read about northern part of srilanka (delft island )

[@carlmiles8948]

Great video Joel ...Just spent 6 weeks there myself, such a great country to visit. Friendly people great food and beautiful scenery. But the thing that REALLY pissed me off was the price of the visa extension. US$100 ($US50 for the first 30 days then US$100 if you want to stay longer) This doesn't encourage people to stay more than the 30 day original visa.

[@Falcon24atl]

❤❤

[@PaulusdeBk]

Hi, nice video! I live in Sri Lanka and was wondering how you did so much drone footage. They are actually quite picky about using drones. I have one here, but don't use it in public places. Did you arrange some sort of license? As an add-on: People should always buy internet data. Dialog has the best coverage. It is cheap and surprisingly good and fast.

[@Clone_me]

Who said you need a license for using a drone?? Even sri lankans use them.

[@pedrogiao1539]

Hi Joel! I’m going end of this month! How did you exchange money and what is the best way to do it?

[@pramithagayan5920]

there's a counter at airport that you can exchange money. but dont hold a lot of cash. you can just withdraw money from ATMs which are widely available everywhere you go

[@DhanukaThanooja]

please visit Sri Lanka...

[@keangwooichoo6138]

Just to say that shaking head is found in india. Not only sri Lanka

[@catherinefriederich]

Thank you for a wide view of Sri Lanka. I am most grateful to learn why not to ride elephants. I have heard it’s not humane but nerve why. I will never get on an elephant again thanks to you!

[@palindab]

The Kangaroo app for cabs is more reliable.

[@black_chabiya_editz6510]

❤️

[@user-ry9nc3to3j]

thank you soooo sooo much taking time to mention about sad reality of elephant rides 💝💝 and for saying NO to it 💖💖 Lack of demand can create a big difference 💯💯

[@Joelfriend]

Of course this is the least I could do! ☺️

[@pradeepwijayagoonawardana6358]

Point 16 is the most important I guess. As a Sri Lankan, feel quite pathetic and sad that it is still happening.

[@beckynelson6786]

You are right about the elephants. Those in temples and festivals or carting tourists about are often chained,beaten and denied freedom to move around when they need to.The Kandy Perahara should be boycotted until they stop mistreating the animals.

[@sujeevadealwis5513]

Elephants have been in use in Sri Lanka for centuries, especially in service of our ancient kings. One indispensable legion in a king’s army was the elephant legion. And the Kandy perahera is not a tourist attraction. It is done in service of the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy but such events occur in most ancient temples throughout the country. This report of torture is news to me but I won’t dispute on that without much knowledge about it. Mahouts usually are compassionate with the elephants they are in charge of and they have to be chained to avoid sudden rampages but they are taken good care of by the temples they belong to. In peraheras, not all the ellies belong to temples, most are of private ownership and they take good care of those elephants, much like the horses in the West. However, you may be right about those who are engaged for rides. I too would not support that kind of entertainment for tourists.

[@malithrathnasekara962]

Sigiriya not a view point......its a ancient fortress and a word heritage

[@YoutubeYogi-xl1kr]

Did you see many motorcycle rental shops in Sri Lanka ?

[@omethmax123]

bro some elephants are treated like the trainers son and are really loved often

[@designdepartment2948]

❤❤❤❤

[@sujithweerakkody8879]

💟💟🌷🇱🇰💞👍

[@rishvam4571]

I've already booked a hotel in Colombo... For a month... My flight is in 14 hours ☠️

[@AvishkaPerera-cd7ql]

🤝🔊🇱🇰

[@kosalamunasinghe6714]

Wow ❤❤❤ beautiful 🫠

[@user-jb7fn4uv3n]

What's your country

[@manjuarun1550]

Brother great video, But one thing is wrong about elephants. We love elephants. They are our pride. You have the wrong idea about taming them. Spend a day with a elephant and mahout , how they treat his elephant, bathing , cleaning , feeding. He dedicated his whole life for the elephant. And these elephants have been tamed since baby elephant most of them.

[@Joelfriend]

Thank you! Yes, most people and a lot of sanctuaries in Sri Lanka will be 100% ethical, and I'm sure most people love the elephants a lot. However, riding elephants is not natural, and unfortunately is a big misconception people have. To be able to ride elephants there is a process and it's far more than just taming from birth. This article is quite informative - www.worldnomads.com/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/why-elephant-riding-should-be-removed-from-your-list

[@user-rn6yf6yp1y]

Well, the thing is i am a sri lankan

[@user-fk1jf9rb4g]

Elephants beaten? Where?

[@gerardotv373]

Being prepared so much rules out all surprises . Better to skip the guides skip the you tube videos and enjoy the ride .

[@PeasOnEarth2010]

I will not go now due to transport issues. I have kids this is a deal breaker

[@rioneppy7387]

6.08

[@bruce33331]

Be very, very, very careful with tuk tuk. Always keep your distance. They are part of many crimes as well as informants. Avoid those who jump in to help you answer tell the roads and places

[@Kaile1789]

Its only long hours trains which take much time to travel ...public transportations are available all around the island specially public buses ..they run quick and fast .. I wonder how many days you spent in Sri Lanka to get this lack of experience and knowledge ..

[@user-dv4id5eb4f]

not shake! wobble

[@user-ok5vm2lw1i]

Hi, I don't agree with your view on Sigiriya. The place is not just a hike or a viewpoint. It is a historical and architectural marwal which is fondly known as 8th wonder of the world. Sigiriya frescoes are world renowned too. But, to enjoy Sigiriya, you have to go a bit deeper in to it, not thinking of it as a good climb and a viewpoint. Pidurangala too is not a mere viewpoint. It too is an ancient monastery. Recently I saw a number of videos discussing Sigiriya just as a hike or a viewpoint which is far from the truth. You can get all the info needed from the internet.

[@Toidi123]

Im sri lankan..🇱🇰 great bro! And friends... Visit to sri lanka..if u wanna know about sri lanka ask..🇱🇰🇱🇰🇱🇰

[@imeldarichard3952]

Hello are living sirlanka

[@user-kp3bc9pc5e]

Please think about using words other than “super”.

[@sachithmalalagama7166]

0:10 BS. Sri Lankans don’t shake their heads to say “Yes”. This is an Indian thing.

[@desilvakts2071]

This is true !

[@vihangabimsara4716]

But i do that all the time 😅

[@sachithmalalagama7166]

@@vihangabimsara4716must be back and forth 😉

[@warsil3735]

Come on you have probably not been to the night clubs , ibncolombo.

[@charleshandley7987]

Does the revenue that you earn from videos give you enough money to travel exponentially? If so that’s so so sick

[@Joelfriend]

Yes, and any brand deals we get to also support us!

[@warsil3735]

Pick me is much cheaoer thsn uber

[@user-ot4ov8um3y]

❤❤❤❤ذ

[@danielnjaga2624]

Hallelujah!!!! The daily jesus devotional has been a huge part of my transformation, God is good was owning a loan of $47,000 to the bank for my son's brain surgery (David), Now I'm no longer in debt after I invested $12,000 and got my payout of $30,000 every months

[@MO.143]

I dont care to be honest 😂😂

[@madhurawickramage4549]

It is a big loss if you don't visit Sigiriya. It is an ancient architecture marvel and excellent exhibit of rock painting. I don't agree with idea about taming elephants. If we are truly animal friendly, we should first stop eating meat, drinking milk and hoarse races, etc.