Wondering what to pack for Sri Lanka? After 30 days travelling the country by tuk-tuk, we've put together our complete packing list, including beach, safari, temple and hill country essentials, plus the practical tips and lessons we learned along the way.

Why hire a tuk-tuk to travel around Sri Lanka? For us, it was all about freedom. The freedom to travel at our own pace, stop whenever something caught our eye and venture beyond the usual tourist trail. It may not have been the fastest or most comfortable way to see the country, but after 30 days and thousands of kilometres behind the wheel, we wouldn’t have wanted to experience Sri Lanka any other way.

Planning a Sri Lanka road trip? Follow our honest 30-day self-drive tuk-tuk itinerary as we explore ancient cities, wildlife safaris, misty tea country and stunning beaches. With drive times, accommodation, practical travel tips and honest reflections, this guide will help you experience Sri Lanka at your own pace.

Our Sri Lankan tuk-tuk adventure was finally underway! Day one had everything - learning the quirks of our new three-wheeled home on the road, navigating Sri Lankan traffic and plenty of laughs along the way. But nothing could have prepared us for how our first night would end… with an unexpected fireworks display we certainly won’t forget.