What's the smartest way to get around Sri Lanka in 10 days without hiring a private driver?
First-time visitor planning roughly Colombo → Kandy → Ella → the south coast in about 10 days. I keep reading conflicting advice — some say a private driver is the only sensible option, others swear by trains and buses. I'd love a local's honest take: which legs are actually worth doing by train (and how far ahead do reserved seats sell out?), where buses are fine, and where a driver genuinely saves the trip. Also keen to know rough costs so I can budget realistically. Travelling on a mid-range budget, no rush, happy to take the scenic route.
Kandy Railway Station Platform
View on mapPlatform 1, Station Rd, Kandy, Sri Lanka
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1 Answer from travellers
Scam Watch: colombo
Driver claims the meter is broken and quotes an inflated flat rate. Common on arrival at airport or railway stations when tourists are tired and disoriented.
Drivers wearing official-looking uniforms claim to be "government-approved" and charge 3-5x normal rates. They may have fake badges or ID cards.
Women with babies approach asking you to buy milk powder at a nearby shop (not cash). The shop is run by accomplices and charges 5-10x normal price.
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