Location Guides for Compare Car Rentals

Sri Lanka

Car rentals Sri Lanka

Despite the massive distance from Canada to Sri Lanka, this island boasts fabulous attractions, making it fully worthwhile for those making the trek. Here, visitors can explore tea plantations, bask on world-class beaches, enjoy some of the world’s most underrated cuisine, spot wild monkeys and leopards and shop in endless markets – all in the same week!

Highlights

Most visitors start in the country’s vibrant capital of Colombo, which offers great dining, shopping and culture, though many quickly opt for car rental and head south to one of Sri Lanka’s great beach locations; the postcard-perfect Unawatuna is perhaps the most popular. Another traveler favourite are the fascinating ancient ruins set in cities of Sigiriya, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. Inland awaits the captivating city of Kandy, which boasts British colonial history set amid scenic tea plantations, and not far away is Yala National Park, where lush tropical forests provide an astoundingly beautiful habitat for a wide range of wildlife.

Exploring by car

Car rental is the ideal way to experience Sri Lanka at one’s own pace. However, road conditions may prove a headache for Canadian drivers. Rural roads are often in poor shape, traffic is an issue in cities, many drivers have very dangerous habits and the country observes left-hand (British) driving rules. During holiday periods such as New Year’s, be sure to reserve a vehicle in advance and compare car rental rates thoroughly.

Tourist season and weather

December to March is the dry season on this tropical island and is the most popular time for tourists. Monsoons bring heavy rains during the North American summer months, though patterns differ on parts of the island and enjoyable conditions can usually be found. The low also brings extra low rates for car rental and hotels.