GAY AND LESBIAN TRAVELLERS IN SRI LANKA

Yes, homosexuality is illegal in Sri Lanka but it is because of an old colonial law that is no longer enforced. 

Though one can't say Colombo's gay scene is thriving you can certainly find there is a gay community that lives openly but carefully. 

There are no so called gay bars but there are gay parties where you will find all the amenities you left at home: gays, drags, loud commercial music, and more of what you know.

Grindr is used among gay guys and it is a good way to find out about the gay scene.

Things are different outside the city where there seems to be no middle or high class and therefore openness on the matter is not even under discussion. 

TAXI TO AND FROM COLOMBO'S INTERNATIONL AIRPORT

Taxi and tuk-tuks are always a matter of bargain. The really honest ones should go by meters but it is common practice to agree a price before you ride.

A ride to or from Colombo's International Airport can cost from 2000Rs to 3000Rs depending from or to where in the city you are going or starting and depending on how good you are at knowing distances. 

The more you actually show you know the city the easier it'll be to get a good deal. 

Drivers will always pump up the price hoping you have no idea how far a place is.

TRAIN FROM GALLE TO COLOMBO

There are a few trains thy run on the cost from Galle to Colombo.

This is where you can find info about them: http://slr.malindaprasad.com

The afternoon train in second class with no reserved tickets cost 180Rs and it will take a little less than two hours.

BUS FROM MIRISSA TO GALLE

There are loads of buses that run fast from Mirissa to Galle.

Just get on the main road and get one that goes to Colombo or even directly to Galle. 

The trip will cost you 52Rs. 

BUS FROM MATARA TO MIRISSA

There are plenty of buses that go from Matara's bus station to the Mirissa's lovely beach. 

The journey can take from 20 to 40 minutes but will be a pleasant one with views of the coast. 

The ride costs 23Rs. 

BUS FROM TISSAMAHARAMA TO MATARA

There are many buses that go from Tissamaharama to Matara. 

Just get to the station. You won't have to wait long before the first bus will appear. 

The journey costs 138Rs.

SAFARI AT YALA NATIONAL PARK

A safari at Yala National Park is a must experience in Sri Lanka.

Most guesthouses will be able to arrange one. They tend to give you a forfeit price including entrance ticket and jeep which means they are making sure they get their cut. 

Otherwise there'll be plenty of people trying to sell you a safari at the bus stop when you get to Tissa. Speak to a few to see who offers the best deal. 

A good option is gathering up more people to share jeep costs and then agree on buying the tickets to the park right at the entrance. This will ensure you will be paying the proper fee. 

A jeep can be bargained down to 5000Rs and entrance for two people should be 6000Rs.