Quick answer
For a group of mates on a cricket tour of Sri Lanka, rent a villa near Galle (Unawatuna, Koggala or Ahangama) and a van with a driver to share costs, use rest days for surf at Weligama, a Yala safari or beach cricket with locals, and save the big nights for Hikkaduwa, Mirissa or Colombo. Check for poya days, when no alcohol is sold, keep banter good-natured and keep drinking under control in the heat.
Key takeaways
- Villas near Unawatuna, Koggala and Ahangama suit groups of six to twelve, about 15 to 35 minutes from Galle International Stadium.
- A van with a driver suits groups of up to about twelve, with room for luggage and cricket gear.
- Hikkaduwa, Mirissa and Colombo have the liveliest nights out.
- No alcohol is sold anywhere in Sri Lanka on poya days, the monthly full-moon holidays.
- Sharing a villa and a driver keeps the per-person cost down.
Villas and group stays
Groups of six to twelve usually do best in a villa. Near Galle, villas between Unawatuna, Koggala and Ahangama, about 15 to 35 minutes from Galle International Stadium, often include a pool, a cook and space for everyone. In Kandy, hill bungalows suit a Pallekele leg.
Book as soon as the series is confirmed, because the best villas go early, and check the cancellation terms, the number of bathrooms and whether there is a room for the driver.
Lankan Stays & Trails books villas and vans for cricket groups, with a driver who stays with the group for the whole series.
- →Villas: six to twelve people.
- →Pool, cook and space.
- →Book early.
Vans and drivers
A van with a driver is the easiest way to move a group around. It covers airport transfers, match-day drop-offs, venue moves and day trips, and splitting the cost makes it good value. Vans for up to about twelve people have room for luggage and cricket gear.
Agree the plan for each day with the driver the night before, especially pickup points after matches, and give the driver proper rest.
- →Vans for up to about twelve.
- →Shared cost per person.
- →Agree plans the night before.
Rest days for groups
Rest days for a group can be active. Surf lessons at Weligama, about 40 minutes from Galle, suit beginners, and Ahangama and Midigama suit stronger surfers, from roughly November to April. A Yala safari, two nights at Tissamaharama, is a group favourite.
An organised game against a local club or village team, or a casual game of beach cricket at low tide, is one of the best experiences of a tour. Whale watching from Mirissa, white-water rafting at Kitulgala and a day on the Madu River are other options.
- →Surf: Weligama, Ahangama, Midigama.
- →Yala: two nights.
- →A game against a local team.
Nights out
Galle Fort is relaxed in the evening, with restaurants and a few bars, and quiet by about 11 pm. For bigger nights, Hikkaduwa, about 30 minutes north, and Mirissa, about an hour east, have beach bars and parties in the main season, roughly November to April. Colombo has the most bars, rooftop terraces and late-night food.
Lion lager and arrack are the local drinks. Check for poya days, the monthly full-moon holidays, when no alcohol is sold anywhere.
- →Galle Fort: relaxed.
- →Hikkaduwa and Mirissa: beach bars.
- →Colombo: the widest choice.
Being good guests
Large groups of fans are noticed, so behaviour matters. Keep banter good-natured, avoid personal or religious insults, keep noise down in Galle Fort, where people live, and dress modestly away from the beach. Cover any Buddha tattoos.
Drink in moderation in the heat, look after each other and keep an eye on anyone who has had too much. Use registered transport after dark.
- →Good-natured banter only.
- →Keep noise down in the fort.
- →Look after each other.
Splitting costs
Sharing a villa, a driver and some meals makes a group trip affordable. Use a shared kitty or an app to track costs, and agree in advance how to split the bigger items. Tips for the driver and villa staff are usually pooled at the end.
Keep some cash in rupees for the shared kitty, because many small places do not take cards.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sri Lanka good for a group cricket trip?
Sri Lanka is excellent for a group cricket trip, with villas, vans and drivers to share, beaches and surf between matches, safaris and beach cricket with locals, and lively nights in Hikkaduwa, Mirissa and Colombo. Sharing costs keeps it affordable.
Where should a group of mates stay for a Galle Test?
A villa between Unawatuna, Koggala and Ahangama, about 15 to 35 minutes from Galle International Stadium, suits groups of six to twelve, with a pool, a cook and space. Hikkaduwa, about 30 minutes north, suits groups who want nightlife on the doorstep.
Do you need a driver for a group cricket tour?
A van with a driver is the easiest way to move a group, covering airport transfers, match-day drop-offs, venue moves and day trips. For groups of up to about twelve, splitting the cost makes it good value compared with several taxis.
Where are the best nights out on a cricket tour of Sri Lanka?
Hikkaduwa and Mirissa have beach bars and parties in the main season, roughly November to April, and Colombo has the widest choice of bars, rooftop terraces and late-night food. Galle Fort is relaxed and quiet by about 11 pm.
What is a poya day?
A poya day is a Buddhist public holiday held at each full moon, about once a month. No alcohol is sold anywhere in Sri Lanka on poya days, including bars, shops and most hotels. Dates shift each month with the lunar calendar, so check before planning a night out.
Can a group play cricket against locals in Sri Lanka?
A group can often arrange a game against a local club, school or village team through a tour operator or hotel, or join a casual game of beach cricket at low tide. It is one of the most memorable experiences of a tour. Bring a few balls to leave behind.
How should a group behave on a cricket tour of Sri Lanka?
Keep banter good-natured, avoid personal or religious insults, keep noise down in residential areas such as Galle Fort, dress modestly away from the beach, cover any Buddha tattoos and drink in moderation. Large groups are noticed, so behaviour reflects on all Australian fans.