Discover Sri Lanka

GREAT NEWS! Indians get FREE visa (ETA) for Sri Lanka till March 2025!

• Visa Type: Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
• Cost: FREE for Indians (normally $50)
• Validity: 30 days (extendable to 90 days)
• Processing: Usually within 24 hours
• Apply at: www.eta.gov.lk (official website)

Required Documents:

• Valid passport (6+ months validity)
• Return flight tickets
• Hotel booking confirmation
• Sufficient funds for stay

Note: The free visa scheme was extended till March 31, 2025. Apply ETA before travel even though it's free. We provide complete ETA assistance with our package!

Sri Lanka can be visited year-round! Different coasts have different seasons:

• December - March: BEST for West & South Coast (Colombo, Galle, Bentota) - dry season ☀️
• April - September: BEST for East Coast (Trincomalee, Arugam Bay) - dry season 🏖️
• Year-round: Hill Country (Kandy, Ella, Nuwara Eliya) - always pleasant but carry light jacket 🏔️
• Year-round: Cultural Triangle (Sigiriya, Anuradhapura) - hot but manageable 🛕

Pro Tips:

• December-January is peak season - book in advance!
• April is Sinhala/Tamil New Year - festive but crowded
• Yala Safari is best from February to July
• Whale watching in Mirissa: November to April
• Our itinerary is designed for West/South coast (Dec-Mar) - can be customized for other seasons

Sri Lanka is one of the most AFFORDABLE international destinations for Indians!

• Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). 1 INR ≈ 3.5-4 LKR
• Much cheaper than: Thailand, Maldives, Bali, Dubai
• Similar to: Nepal, Vietnam (but closer!)

Typical costs:

• Budget meal (local restaurant): LKR 500-1000 (₹150-300)
• Mid-range restaurant: LKR 1500-3000 (₹450-900)
• Ceylon tea: LKR 100-200 (₹30-60)
• Local beer: LKR 400-600 (₹120-180)
• Tuk-tuk short ride: LKR 200-400 (₹60-120)
• Sigiriya entry: LKR 7,700 (₹2,200) - foreigners pay more
• Train 2nd class reserved: LKR 600-1000 (₹180-300)

Budget range: ₹50,000-80,000 per person for 6-7 days (excluding flights)

Flights from India: ₹8,000-18,000 return (Chennai/Bangalore/Mumbai)

EXCELLENT news for vegetarians - Sri Lanka has AMAZING vegetarian food!

• Rice & Curry: Can be fully vegetarian - multiple vegetable curries with rice
• Hoppers (Appa): Bowl-shaped pancakes - plain or egg
• String Hoppers: Rice noodle nests with curry
• Kottu Roti: Chopped roti with vegetables (specify vegetarian)
• Pittu: Steamed rice & coconut cylinders
• Dosa & Idli: Available everywhere (similar to South India!)
• Sambol: Coconut-based side dishes
• Fresh fruits: Papaya, mango, king coconut, rambutan

Tips for vegetarians:

• Say "Mas nehe" (no meat) or "Malu nehe" (no fish)
• Buddhist restaurants are usually vegetarian
• Hindu/Tamil areas have more vegetarian options
• Hotels can arrange vegetarian meals on request
• South Indian restaurants are common in Colombo

Note: Sri Lankan cuisine is similar to South Indian - very vegetarian-friendly!

The Kandy-Ella train journey is one of the most beautiful in the world!

• Route: Kandy → Nanu Oya (Nuwara Eliya) → Ella
• Duration: 6-7 hours (full journey)
• Best views: Right side of train going to Ella

Seat classes:

• First Class: Air-conditioned, reserved - comfortable but windows don't open for photos
• Second Class Reserved: BEST option! Reserved seats, windows open, can hang from doors
• Second/Third Class Unreserved: Very crowded, not recommended for tourists

Booking tips:

• Book 30 days in advance (sells out fast!)
• Online booking: www.railway.gov.lk (unreliable) or through agents
• Our package includes 2nd class reserved seats - no hassle!
• Popular trains: 1005 (Podi Menike) 8:47 AM, 1015 (Udarata Menike) 9:45 AM

Pro tip: The famous door-hanging photos are taken on this train! Hold on tight and enjoy!

Yes! Sri Lanka is very safe for tourists, including solo women travelers!

• Overall: Sri Lanka is one of the safest countries in South Asia
• Tourist areas: Very safe with friendly locals
• Safe for women: Generally safe, locals are helpful and respectful
• Night safety: Tourist areas are safe, use common sense in cities
• Political situation: Stable since 2022 economic crisis resolved

Safety tips:

• Watch out for tuk-tuk scams - agree on price before
• Don't touch monks (especially women)
• Dress modestly at temples (cover shoulders & knees)
• Be careful with monkeys at tourist sites
• Swim at beaches with lifeguards - currents can be strong
• Keep copies of passport and visa

Emergency numbers: Police: 119 | Ambulance: 110 | Tourist Police: 011-242-1052

English is widely spoken in Sri Lanka - you'll have no problems!

• Official languages: Sinhala, Tamil
• English: Widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants
• Education: English taught in schools - most young people speak it
• Signs: Usually in Sinhala, Tamil, AND English

Helpful Sinhala phrases:

• "Ayubowan" (Hello/May you live long) - universal greeting
• "Bohoma sthuthi" (Thank you very much)
• "Hari" (Yes/OK)
• "Nehe" (No)
• "Kiyada?" (How much?)
• "Gaman karanawa" (Goodbye - to someone leaving)

Tamil speakers: Tamil is widely spoken in Northern & Eastern provinces. If you speak Tamil, you'll feel right at home in Jaffna!

Sri Lanka is VERY close to India - one of the shortest international flights!

• Chennai → Colombo: 1 hour 20 minutes ✈️
• Bangalore → Colombo: 1 hour 30 minutes ✈️
• Mumbai → Colombo: 2 hours ✈️
• Delhi → Colombo: 3 hours 30 minutes ✈️
• Kochi → Colombo: 1 hour 15 minutes ✈️
• Trivandrum → Colombo: 1 hour 10 minutes ✈️

Airlines operating:

• SriLankan Airlines: National carrier, most routes
• IndiGo: Budget carrier, Chennai/Bangalore/Mumbai
• SpiceJet: Budget carrier, limited routes
• Air India: Delhi/Mumbai
• Vistara: Delhi/Mumbai

Typical costs: ₹8,000-18,000 return (book 2-3 months in advance for best prices)

Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) is the local currency.

• Exchange rate: 1 INR ≈ 3.5-4 LKR (fluctuates)
• Indian Rupees: NOT widely accepted - exchange to LKR
• US Dollars: Accepted at hotels, some shops - but LKR is better

Money tips:

• Exchange money at airport or authorized money changers
• ATMs available everywhere - Visa/Mastercard accepted
• Inform your bank before traveling (for card usage)
• Carry cash for small shops, tuk-tuks, temples
• Credit cards accepted at hotels, restaurants, big shops
• Keep some small notes for tips and offerings

Best way: Carry some US$ or INR, exchange at Colombo airport, use ATM for more LKR

Absolutely! We specialize in customized Sri Lanka trips. Popular modifications include:

• Add destinations: Trincomalee (East Coast), Jaffna (North), Arugam Bay (Surfing), Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa
• Beach extension: Mirissa, Unawatuna, Bentota, Hikkaduwa - 2-3 extra beach days
• Whale watching: Blue whale tours from Mirissa (Dec-Apr)
• Adventure: Surfing, diving, white water rafting, hot air balloon
• Wellness: Ayurveda retreat, yoga, spa packages
• Honeymoon specials: Private dinners, couples spa, romantic hotels
• Adam's Peak: Sunrise pilgrimage hike (Dec-May)
• Extended Safari: Multiple game drives at Yala or Wilpattu
• Longer trip: 10-14 day comprehensive Sri Lanka tour
• Sri Lanka + Maldives: Popular combo - add 3-4 days in Maldives!

Tell us your dream Sri Lankan holiday - we'll make it happen! 🇱🇰