When planning a trip to Sri Lanka, you need to consider several factors including budget allocation, accommodation preference, visa options, flights, activities, tour packages, transportation options, and more.
1. Deciding a budget for Thailand
A 7-day Sri Lanka trip plan from India may cost roughly around INR 49,000-66,000.
- Budget travellers are likely to spend around INR 7,000 to INR 8,500 per day, eating at local dining spots and picking affordable hotels.
- Mid-range travellers may need to allocate approximately INR 9,000 to INR 10,500 per day for cozy stays and popular restaurants.
- For luxury travelers, the per day cost may climb up to INR 14,000 or more for upscale hotels and top-tier dining options.
Flights may cost anywhere between INR 10,800 and INR 40,000 (roundtrip) depending on the layovers included.
2. Flights to Thailand from India
- Direct Flights: Direct flights are available from major Indian cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, and Delhi to cities like Colombo, Jaffna, and Hambantota. These flights usually take around 3.5-4 hours to reach Sri Lanka from India.
- Connecting Flights: The majority of connecting flights to Sri Lanka, typically include layovers at Hyderabad, Chennai, and Jaipur. Connecting flights mostly take between 6-11 hours to reach Sri Lanka from India.
For those who prefer to include local flights in their Sri Lanka travel plan, Cinnamon Air and Sri Lankan Airlines provide several options to choose from.
3. Sri Lanka Visa for Indians 2024
The cost of a Sri Lanka Visa for Indian nationals is approximately INR 1,700 and comes with a validity of up to 30 days. Indian nationals also need to submit an ETA fee of INR 1,700, along with the necessary documents that may include:
- ETA application form
- Passport size photographs
- Flight tickets (roundtrip)
- Accommodation Details (Sri Lanka)
- Valid Passport
4. What to do on a Sri Lanka Trip from India?
- Explore Sigiriya: Visit the 1600-year-old Sigiriya Fortress which was once the royal residence of King Kasyapa.
- Visit Galle Face Green: Enjoy sunset views at the beach, shop at the night market, or explore the Galle Fort nearby.
- Camp at Yala National Park: Get a chance to spot a wide range of exotic creatures including crocodiles, black bears, and leopards.
- Discover Arugam Bay: Visit the scenic bay and admire the natural beauty or take part in several water sports available inland.
- Watch the Whales: Head out for a Whale-watching experience on a cruise that runs from Galle to Mirissa fishery port.
- Admire the Turtles: Visit the Turtle Hatchery and take a look at several turtle species including Olive Ridley, Leatherback, and Green Turtle.
- Meet the Elephants Sanctuary: Explore the Pinnawala Elephants Orphanage and spend some time playing, feeding, or watching the gentle giants.
5. Stay Options in Sri Lanka
- Accommodation Categories: You can pick from a range of budget, economy, and luxury hotels based on your budget and preference.
- Location: It's recommended that you book stays at central locations such as Colombo, Kandy, and Galle to commute between attractions included in your Sri Lanka tour.
6. Transportation in Sri Lanka
- Tuktuks: Well-suited for exploring busy areas like marketplaces and the ancient districts of the region.
- Local Buses: It's considered among the most cost-effective ways to travel across town in Sri Lanka.
- Train: Trains offer a great way to admire the natural scenery while commuting. One of the most popular routes includes Colombo to Badulla, which offers scenic coastal views.
- Private Transfers: You can also choose to include private car transfers in your Sri Lanka vacation plan for hassle-free commute.