Sri Lanka workation (a vacation that blends leisure and remote working) is a comparatively new concept for most travellers around the world. Because Sri Lanak is most popular as a beach holiday or leisure holiday destination around the world. Sri Lanka has been chosen as one of the best countries for Workation in the world for 2022. KAYAK is a popular search engine among travellers and it has revealed the best countries for workation for 2022. This is a very important accolade for the island to woo more travellers in the coming years, especially when the island experience a balance of payment issue.
Table of Contents
- Workation
- Sri Lanka as a destination for Workation
- Ranking of countries for a workation
- Top 10 countries for a workation
- 5 Point why Sri Lanka is ideal for a workation?
- Ideal location for a workation package Sri Lanka
- Best Destinations for Workcations in Sri Lanka
- Plan out the Sri Lanka workation
- Plan your Sri Lanka trip
- Make a budget for your Sri Lanka workation
- Be in touch with your colleagues
- Sri Lanka workation 21 days
- Itinerary
- Essential Tips for a Successful Sri Lankan Workcation
- Legal Considerations for Working in Sri Lanka
- Budgeting for Your Sri Lankan Workcation
- Networking and Community
- Sustainable Workcationing in Sri Lanka
- Conclusion: Your Sri Lankan Workcation Package
Workation
Workation (a vacation that blends leisure and remote working) is a comparatively new concept in the travel world. With digitalization, people around the world have been able to enjoy flexible working environments. Many companies in the world now allow their staff to work from home and more and more companies embracing the trend as it benefits the company as well as the staff. workation gives more flexibility to the staff while it reduces the maintenance cost for the company.
More and more people around the world are in search of a flexible working environment over the last few years. Workation existed in the world for a long time but the trend of workation has taken a new twist with the advent of COVID-19. As the pandemic spreads across the countries most companies started to allow their staff to work remotely. It was a very sensible approach to get their work done while guaranteeing the safety of the staff, as they do not mingle with other people.
Sri Lanka was closed to foreign travellers from time to time and movement of the people within the country was restricted in order to control the spread of CO VID-19. During this period a large number of government and non-government organizations resorted to “work from home”. In fact, some companies closed their offices and allowed the staff to work only from home. After the pandemic, now the COVID-19 restrictions are totally removed on the island, however, some people are permanently working from home while others report to the office only a few days a week.
Sri Lanka as a destination for Workation
Sri Lanka’s workation is a comparatively new concept for most travellers around the world. Because Sri Lanka is most popular as a beach holiday or leisure holiday destination around the world. Sri Lanka has been chosen as one of the best countries for Workation in the world for 2022. KAYAK is a popular search engine among travellers and it has revealed the best countries for workation for 2022. This is a very important accolade for the island to woo more travellers in the coming years, especially when the island experience a balance of payment issue.
Sri Lanka fulfils all the requirements to be one of the best workation destinations in the world. Sri Lanka offers a summer climate throughout the year and the living cost of Sri Lanka is also comparatively very low. Whoever, want to work remotely can set up an office in Sri Labak at a very low cost and they can also enjoy all the necessary infrastructure such as electricity, telephone, satellite connection, and speed internet connection without any hindrance.
The government of sri Lanka now allows travellers to stay up to 1 year with a tourist visa. This is a clear sign that the government of sri Lanka is intend to encourage travellers to workation in Sri Lanka.
Ranking of countries for a workation
KAYAK’s first Work from Wherever Index is the ultimate source for travellers looking for a place to set up a remote office either for a short period of time or a longer period of time. The KAYAK had considered 111 countries when they choose the best countries for workation in the world and ranked each against 22 factors across six categories: travel costs and accessibility; local prices; health & safety; remote working capabilities; social life; and weather. Ultimately, the index reveals the countries that are easiest to work from while having a lot of fun in your off hours. According to KAYAK Portugal is the best country to work remotely and Sri Lanka has been able to secure 2nd place in the Asia-Pacific ranking and 13th globally.
The top 10 best countries worldwide and in Asia-Pacific for combining productive working conditions and opportunities for travel adventures according to KAYAK are:
Top 10 countries for a workation
| Worldwide Ranking | Asia-Pacific Ranking | |||
| Rank | Country / Region | Rank | Country / Region | |
| 1 | Portugal | 1 | Japan | |
| 2 | Spain | 2 | Sri Lanka | |
| 3 | Romania | 3 | Taiwan | |
| 4 | Mauritius | 4 | Thailand | |
| 5 | Japan | 5 | Indonesia | |
| 6 | Malta | 6 | Australia | |
| 7 | Costa Rica | 7 | Malaysia | |
| 8 | Panama | 8 | Singapore | |
| 9 | Czech Republic | 9 | The Philippines | |
| 10 | Germany | 10 | New Zealand | |
| Data Source: KAYAK Work from Wherever Index |
Portugal became the best country for workation in the world with the most number of points across all areas including good weather, high abundance of places for going out, low-crime rates, and relatively low cost of living. Travellers can get a digital nomad visa in Portugal and the people of Portugal have a high English literacy rate, which is something that attracts many ex-pats.
5 Point why Sri Lanka is ideal for a workation?
- Stunning Landscapes: From pristine beaches to misty mountains, Sri Lanka offers diverse scenery to inspire your work.
- Rich Culture: Immerse yourself in a unique blend of traditions, festivals, and warm hospitality.
- Affordable Living: Stretch your budget further with reasonable costs for accommodation and daily expenses.
- Growing Digital Infrastructure: Improving internet connectivity and co-working spaces in major cities and tourist hotspots.
- Year-round Destination: With its tropical climate, Sri Lanka is perfect for workcations any time of the year.
Sri Lanka is already a popular long-haul holiday destination in the world and a large number of western travellers arrive on the island every year. Sri Lanka has been able to rank 2nd place in the Asia-Pacific region and came 13th worldwide among the best countries for a workation and many other popular holiday destinations such as Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore are outrun by Sri Lanka.
The availability of a wide range of accommodation facilities such as hotels, and apartments at an affordable price and affordable living cost makes Sri Lanka an ideal country to set up a remote office. Digital nomads will definitely appreciate the good weather conditions all year round. Summer-like warm weather is another key attraction on the island, which tempts travellers to choose Sri Lanka for their holidays. Recently introduced long-term tourist visa is another important reason for Sri Lanka to become one of the best countries for a workation in the world.
In addition to the Work from Wherever Index, KAYAK features a new time zone ranking to help users quickly and easily find out the time differences for their trip – ideal for those looking to swerve 2 am conference calls whilst working abroad. The time zone-focused rankings take key factors and categories from the Work from Wherever Index into account but display them according to your work country of origin – so the countries that have time zones closest to your own work time zone will be featured higher up on the list of country destinations. The tool also provides information on the latest travel restrictions and local vaccination rates per country.
Ideal location for a workation package Sri Lanka
Having a suitable place is essential to have a perfect workation. Cosy places on the Sri Lanka beach or in a Sri Lanka hill country resort such as Ella are can be a perfect place. Internet is available throughout the island, however, the fibre internet connection is restricted only to a few areas. It is highly recommended to make sure that you have internet before setting up the workplace. Your workation can be unsuccessful without a good internet connection, however, an internet connection is available through the island and it is very easy to set up a WIFI zone.
Best Destinations for Workcations in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka offers a variety of locations suitable for different work styles and preferences. Here are our top picks:
1. Colombo: The Urban Work Hub
Why Choose Colombo:
- Excellent internet connectivity
- Numerous co-working spaces
- Vibrant city life and networking opportunities
Where to Work:
- Colombo Cooperative: A popular co-working space with a great community
- Cafe stops like Black Cat Cafe or Cafe Kumbuk
After Work:
- Explore Galle Face Green
- Visit the National Museum
- Enjoy rooftop bars with city views
2. Galle: Colonial Charm Meets Modern Work
Why Choose Galle:
- UNESCO World Heritage site with a unique atmosphere
- Good internet connectivity within the fort area
- Beach access for post-work relaxation
Where to Work:
- Co-working spaces like The Homestay Project
- Charming cafes within Galle Fort
After Work:
- Walk along the fort walls at sunset
- Visit nearby beaches like Unawatuna
- Explore the fort’s boutique shops and galleries
3. Ella: Mountain Retreat for Focused Work
Why Choose Ella:
- Cooler climate, perfect for outdoor work sessions
- Stunning mountain views for inspiration
- Quieter atmosphere for concentrated work
Where to Work:
- Cafes like Cafe Chill with Wi-Fi
- Your guesthouse balcony with a mountain view
After Work:
- Hike Little Adam’s Peak
- Visit the Nine Arch Bridge
- Take a cooking class to learn Sri Lankan cuisine
4. Mirissa: Beach Vibes and Productivity
Why Choose Mirissa:
- Beautiful beaches for a work-life balance
- Growing digital nomad community
- Opportunities for water activities after work
Where to Work:
- Beachfront cafes with Wi-Fi
- Co-working spaces like Verse Collective
After Work:
- Go whale watching
- Try surfing lessons
- Enjoy fresh seafood at beachside restaurants
Plan out the Sri Lanka workation
In order avoid a boring workation, it is important to plan your workation properly in Sri Lanka. You have to use time sparingly for work as well as recreational activities. Your Sri Lanka workation is best when you don’t spend the whole time working. You must take out time off from your work to engage in some interesting activities. Sri allows you to engage in many interesting activities such as beach hopping, exploring wildlife, visiting ancient monuments, trekking, hiking, camping, shopping and music nights. De-stress activities are important for the perfect workation.
Plan your Sri Lanka trip
The best Sri Lanka workation should be a minimum of 3 weeks. If your workation is short, you will not be having enough time to explore the interesting places in Sri Lanka. On the other hand, it is important not to stay in one place for the entire stay, if you spend more than 10 days at a place, you may feel bored. Moreover, staying in one place for too long can lead to fatigue and complacency with work. You should know how much time you want to spend at the location.
Make a budget for your Sri Lanka workation
Making a proper budget is important, whenever you plan a holiday package, and it is valid for workation as well. Because you can’t spend your entire salary on a workation. Make a proper budget for your Sri Lanka workation at the planning stage. Thereby you will be worry-free about money during your workation and you can fully concentrate on your work. Hence, making a budget is very important.
Be in touch with your colleagues
If you plan a Sri Lanka workation by yourself, you need to look into the time difference between Sri Lanka and your country. And you need to inform your colleagues when you are available for discussion. If you are coming from European or North American countries, the time difference is about 5 hours. You may have to work late at night in order to be online as your friends work.
Sri Lanka workation 21 days
This 21-day Sri Lanka workation package starts from the airport and ends at the airport with your departure. The first few days of your workation package you will spend on a beach resort on the west coast. During the first few days, you have the opportunity to engage in your job while enjoying a leisurely beach stay. A few short trips from your beach resort allows you to engage in many interesting activities such as visiting ancient temples, visiting forts, venturing on boat tours and taking part in wildlife safaris. In the latter part of your Sri Lanka workation, you will have the opportunity to explore Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle cities such as Sigiriya, Dambulla and Kandy. These 21 days of Sri Lanka workation are a perfect opportunity to discover the natural beauty of the country and its many natural resources, including waterfalls, rainforests, rice paddies, mountains, and tea plantations.
This 21 days tour is carefully planned to allow you to use the maximum time for occupational and leisure activities. The below-mentioned itinerary is ideal for travellers from European countries. We have taken into the consideration, the Sri Lanka time zone and European time zone while planning this trip. Due to the time zone difference, travellers from European countries stay around 5 hours ahead of time of their home country. It means that travellers from Europe are able to use the morning hours every day for leisure and various recreational activities while starting with their regular office work in the afternoon.
The 21-day workation package is fully customizable depending on your requirements, please enquire about changes.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Meet and greet by Seerendipity tour representative and transfer to your beach resort on the west coast. Check-in and leisure.
Day 2 – You will spend 7 days in the beach resort in Bentota, which is also known as the golden mile due to its gold colour beaches. here we have set up a workstation environment for you. The hotel is equipped with outdoor swimming pools, spa services, and wide access to the beach. Enjoy your meals in the restaurant overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Day 3 – every room in the resort is equipped with a private terrace or balcony, overlooking the Indian Ocean, ideal for working in peace and enjoying the sunshine. The spa centre Spa offers soothing massages, yoga, and aerobics classes. You could also play a game of water polo or join the aqua aerobics class at the pool.
Day 4 – Take advantage of this new day for your combination of relaxation and productivity. Sri Lanka is only four and a half hours ahead of Europe, so you can attend your work meetings.
Day 5 – Take your mind off from the work a little bit, we have planned a wildlife safari based on one of the most popular national parks in sri Lanka, Udawalaw national park. You will engage in an afternoon safari. Udawalawe is the most popular for wild elephants and here you can witness many other wild animals such as wild buffaloes, crocodiles, deer and monitor lizards; maybe even a leopard if you are lucky!
Day 6 – Enjoy your day in the new workstation! Plan your day with a few breaks to enjoy the beautiful surrounding and sip a delicious, fresh fruit juice at the pool bar, and maybe play a little badminton, squash or table tennis session?
Day 7 – Today is the last of your beach stay and you will be heading to the cultural triangle tomorrow.
Day 8 – Your cultural triangle tour starts today. After breakfast leave for the hotel in Sigiriya. Your journey lasts around 5 hours with few stops on the way. The journey will be interesting as your pass quant villages, coconut plantation, rice paddies and beautiful countryside. We have arranged your remote office already in the hotel and it will be your remote office for the next 7 days.
Day 9 – Your hotel has a perfect setting for a peaceful working environment, you will hear only the bird sounds here. The well-maintained hotel garden is dominated by various types of trees, plants, veins and grass. The large outdoor pool is a perfect opportunity to unwind after work. Enjoy the hotel’s quality service at the poolside, when you order room service, at the bar and in the restaurant.
Day 10 – What would you like to do after work today? You could take advantage of the spa services or relax by the pool.
Day 11 – Minneriy and Kaudull are 2 popular national parks in the cultural triangle and we have planned an evening safari for you today. our drive from Hotel to the national park lasts about 30 minutes. Your driver/guide show you the jeep allocated for your wildlife tour at Minneriya. With a very healthy wild elephant population, Minneriya/Kaudulla are popular national parks in Sri Lanka for wildlife tours, especially to see wild elephants. Apart from the wild elephants, the visitors can witness many other wild animals like crocodiles, buffaloes, deer, monitor lizards, cormorants, pelicans and a multitude of other birds. The park boasts picture-perfect landscapes too, with mountains rising on the horizon, behind grasslands and lakes.
Day 12 – A trip to the cultural triangle of sri Lanka is never be complete if you miss this iconic tourist attraction, Sigiriya rock fortress. Therefore, allocate 4 hours in the early morning of your day to explore the Sigiriya rock fortress. The monolithic rock rises up to 300 meters from the ground, making it difficult to anyone to reach the summit. King Kashyap built his palace on top of the rock, thereby no enemy could reach him. sigiriya is one of the oldest landscaped gardens in the world, it is comprised of landscaped gardens, swimming pools, fountains, and natural caves decorated with beautiful paintings. Your guide takes you on a walking tour of the fort, from the sprawling gardens to the natural granite caves; from 5th-century paintings to the ruins of the palace of the King. Sigiriya is a UNESCO world heritage site due to its historical, and artistic value. This historical site show advanced knowledge of ancient engineers who used hydraulic principles, trigonometry and water management.
Day 13 – Today, you will be visiting the Polonnaruwa ancient city on a half-day tour from your hotel. Polonnaruwa was the 2nd most ancient capital of Sri Lanka. Later the city was abandoned due to foreign invasions. Polonnaruwa is home to a large number of temples, dagobas, stupas, gardens, palaces, and many other ancient structures. You will stop at many places on a hop-on-hop-of city tour that lasts about 2 hours. after the city tour head on to your hotel in Sigiriya and start with work.
Day 14 – Spend this beautiful day in Sigiriya at your leisure to focus on your work or to relax.
Day 15 – After breakfast head on to Kandy, which is the last capital of sri Lanka and one of the most important cities on the island. Kandy is a Buddhist city and is considered the cultural hub of Sri Lanka. On your way to Kandy, your driver will stop at Dambulla golden temple to explore other UNESCO world heritage sites in the cultural triangle. The cave temple is dating back to the 1st century AD and houses more than 150 ancient statues. The inner wall of the caves is decorated with ancient paintings. You will check into the hotel before noon. The rest of the day spend leisurely or with your work.
Day 16 – After breakfast explore the city of Kandy with your guide on a hop-on hop-off car tour. You will be visiting the tooth relic temple, the Royal botanical garden, a handicraft centre, a museum and many other tourist attractions in the city.
Day 17 – After breakfast drive to the hill country resort of Ella. Check-in and leisure or work.
Day 18 – After breakfast make a hop-on hop-off tour to explore the scenic hill country, tea plantation and Nuwara Eliya city on a TUK TUK. The journey on a TUK TUK will definitely be very interesting as it passes small villages, waterfalls, green-capped mountains and valleys. Later visit a tea factory to see the tea manufacturing.
Day 19 – Ella is a popular hill country resort in sri Lanka due to its healing climate and trekking and hiking trails amidst green foliage. We have planned a few places for you to explore today. You will make a hike at mini Adam’s peak and Ella rock, and a few other places. Later in the day your office work.
Day 20 – After breakfast leave for the beach hotel in Negombo, check in and leisure. en route to Colombo sightseeing and shopping tour.
Day 21 – Leave for Colombo international airport after breakfast.
Essential Tips for a Successful Sri Lankan Workcation
1. Secure Reliable Internet
Internet connectivity in Sri Lanka has improved significantly, but it’s still wise to have a backup plan:
- Check with Your Accommodation: Confirm Wi-Fi speeds before booking.
- Get a Local SIM Card: Providers like Dialog and Mobitel offer good 4G coverage.
- Carry a Portable Wi-Fi Device: For guaranteed connectivity on the go.
2. Choose the Right Accommodation
Your living space can make or break your workcation experience:
- Look for accommodations with dedicated workspaces
- Consider places with backup power generators (occasional power cuts can occur)
- Read reviews from other digital nomads or remote workers
3. Manage Your Time Effectively
Balancing work and exploration is key to a successful workcation:
- Set a consistent work schedule
- Use productivity tools to stay on track
- Plan your sightseeing and activities around your work hours
4. Stay Healthy and Active
Maintain your physical and mental well-being:
- Try yoga or meditation classes (widely available in tourist areas)
- Explore Sri Lanka’s outdoor activities like hiking or surfing
- Stay hydrated and try local fruits for natural energy boosts
5. Embrace Local Culture
Immerse yourself in Sri Lankan life to enrich your workcation experience:
- Learn a few basic Sinhala phrases
- Participate in local festivals and events
- Try different Sri Lankan cuisines
Legal Considerations for Working in Sri Lanka
While Sri Lanka is welcoming to digital nomads, it’s important to understand the legal aspects:
- Tourist Visa: Most workcationers enter on a tourist visa, which allows stays up to 30 days (extendable up to 6 months).
- Work Permit: Not required if you’re working remotely for a non-Sri Lankan company.
- Tax Implications: Consult with a tax professional about your specific situation.
Check the latest visa information
Budgeting for Your Sri Lankan Workcation
Sri Lanka can be quite affordable, but costs can vary. Here’s a rough monthly budget:
- Accommodation: $300-$800 (depending on location and type)
- Food: $200-$400 (mix of local and Western options)
- Transportation: $100-$200 (local transport and occasional taxis)
- Activities and Entertainment: $200-$400
- Co-working Space Membership: $100-$200 (if needed)
Total Estimated Monthly Budget: $900-$2000
Networking and Community
Connect with fellow digital nomads and locals:
- Join Facebook groups like “Digital Nomads in Sri Lanka”
- Attend events at co-working spaces
- Use apps like Meetup to find local gatherings
Sustainable Workcationing in Sri Lanka
As you enjoy your workcation, remember to travel responsibly:
- Support local businesses
- Respect cultural norms and dress codes
- Minimize plastic use (carry a reusable water bottle)
- Participate in local conservation efforts
- Choose eco-friendly accommodations when possible
Learn more about sustainable tourism in Sri Lanka
Conclusion: Your Sri Lankan Workcation Package
Your comprehensive guide to planning the perfect workcation in Sri Lanka! From the bustling streets of Colombo to the serene beaches of Mirissa, this tropical island offers a diverse range of experiences for every type of digital nomad.
Remember, a successful workcation is all about balance. Embrace the beauty and culture of Sri Lanka while staying productive and focused on your work goals. With a little planning and the right mindset, you can create an unforgettable experience that rejuvenates both your personal and professional life.
So, are you ready to trade your regular office view for swaying palm trees and ancient temples? Pack your laptop, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready for a workcation that combines the best of both worlds – professional growth and tropical paradise.
Whether you’re coding with a view of the Indian Ocean, writing your next big project from a mountain retreat in Ella, or networking with fellow nomads in a Colombo cafe, your Sri Lankan workcation promises to be an experience you’ll never forget. So what are you waiting for? Your office in paradise is calling!