If you’re a travel enthusiast but are not a fan of long-haul flights, Sri Lanka is one of the most ideal travel destinations for you. The culture, as well as the food, isn’t all that unfamiliar, more so if you’re a Tamil-speaking individual. The region is packed with scenic beaches, verdant tea plantations, and historic and cultural landmarks. So, here’s an unstumbled itinerary for a four-day trip to the ‘teardrop of India’.
Why South India Is The Best Base For Your Sri Lanka Trip
Sri Lanka sits at just 54 kilometers from Rameswaram, which is the closest point to the country in India. This means that Sri Lanka is geographically much closer than many other Indian destinations. What is more, there are a number of entry points to Sri Lanka from southern India.
You can catch a flight from Bengaluru, Madurai, Chennai, or Kochi. Even from a documentation point of view, Sri Lanka is more accessible than other international destinations. You don’t need a strict visa, but just an Electronic Travel Authorization. You can apply for it from their official website, and it is processed within 24 hours.
Also Read: When Is the Best Time To Visit Sri Lanka? Seasons, Festivals & Travel Tips
How To Reach Sri Lanka From South India?
As of now, flights are the only means to reach the country. Ferry routes did exist at one point, but have now stopped. The cheapest and most common way to reach Sri Lanka is via the airport in Chennai. You can also take a flight from Bengaluru, Kochi, or Madurai.
Must-Visit Spots In Sri Lanka
1. Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Scale this ancient and legendary rock fortress that is a UNESCO-listed site. The views this place offers are exquisite!
2. Dambulla Cave Temple
If exploring quaint, historical sites is your thing, this cave temple will surely enthrall you. It is one of the most popular tourist sites in Sri Lanka.
3. Ella
Famous for its Tea estates, Ella offers views of pillowy tea plantations as well as the Nine Arch Bridge. Make sure your cameras are at the ready for when a train passes over the bridge.
4. Kandy
This island is a remarkable cultural hub. There’s the Temple Of The Sacred Tooth for the history and culture aficionados, there’s the Kandy Lake for lovers of lazy strolls, and the Royal Botanical Gardens for the nature lovers.
5. Mirissa And Tangalle
If you love beaches, Mirissa and Tangalle are perfect for you. Mirissa offers whale watching experiences, and Tangalle is more for the quieter beach experiences.
How To Get Around Sri Lanka While You’re There?
There are several means of transportation you can use within Sri Lanka. They are as follows, ranging from the cheapest to the most costly:
Bike Rentals: If you’re not traveling with a large group of people, and if you don’t have a multi-destination itinerary, biking is by far the cheapest and most convenient way to get around town.
Estimated Cost: INR 700 to INR 1,400
App-based Taxis: You can use apps like PickMe in lieu of Ola and Uber. They are more reliable and trustworthy for prices.
Estimated Cost: INR 4 per kilometer
Tuk-tuks: The best way to support the local economy. However, you do run the risk of getting duped and facing language barriers.
Estimated Cost: INR 30 per kilometer
Trains: Best option for multi-destination travel. It is cheap and offers a scenic view of the land. An efficient way to see more of this beautiful country.
Estimated Cost: INR 40 to INR 1,000
Private Driver: While the most efficient way to get around town, this is also the most expensive option of all.
Estimated Cost: INR 4,000 to INR 6,000
Also Read: The Tiger’s Pause: Healing The Scars Of Sri Lanka’s Civil War
Day-Wise Itinerary For Sri Lanka
Day 1: Colombo
Morning: Arrive in Colombo, check into accommodation.
Afternoon: Visit Galle Face Green promenade, Pettah Market for local flavors. Then, head to Gangaramaya Temple.
Evening: Dinner at a local rice and curry spot like Ministry Of Crab or Colombo’s Fort Bazaar. You can also go to the local kottu for a more budget-friendly option.
Day 2: Kandy
Morning: Take the three-hour train ride from Colombo to Kandy.
Afternoon: Visit Temple Of The Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), which is central to Sri Lankan Buddhism. The Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya are also a great spot.
Evening: Walk near the Kandy Lake at dusk and then go see a Kandyan cultural dance performance.
Day 3: Ella
Morning: Take a train from Kandy to Ella. It’s one of the most beautiful train rides in the world, so be prepared to see some scenic vistas.
Afternoon: Walk to the quaint Nine Arch Bridge and then take a hike to Adam’s Little Peak.
Evening: Sunset from the Ella Rock is unforgettable. However, it is a more difficult hike and takes around four hours.
Day 4: Galle
Morning: You can either take a tuk-tuk or a bus from Ella via the Southern Expressway.
Afternoon: Walk up to the Galle Fort ramparts, visit the Dutch Reformed Church, or browse the boutique stores inside the fort walls.
Evening: Pack your bags after watching sunset from the fort lighthouse, it’s time to head home!
Stay Options For Your Sri Lanka Trip
1. Oynise Beach Cabin, Galle
Cost Per Night: INR 526
2 Mermaid Cabana And Tree Houses, Tangalle
Cost Per Night: INR 772
3. Unawatuna Nature Villa, Unawatuna
Cost Per Night: INR 928
4. Mandarina Colombo, Colombo
Cost Per Night: INR 4,121
5. Heritance Kandalam, Sigiriya
Cost Per Night: INR 14,452
It is important to note that the prices listed here are as per the information available at the time. They are subject to change.
Also Read: Sri Lanka Launches Digital Nomad Visa: Here’s What You Need To Know
How Much Would The Trip Cost? A Budget Breakdown
Following is a detailed breakdown of your budget, ranging from the most budget-conscious options to the more expensive ones.
Flights (Round Trip From South India): INR 8,000 to INR 22,000
Accommodation For Four Nights: INR 3,000 to INR 18,000
Food (For Four Days): INR 2,000 to INR 10,000
Transportation Within Sri Lanka: INR 2,500 to INR 12,000
Activities And Entry Fees: INR 1,500 to INR 6,000
Total Cost For The Trip: INR 17,000 to INR 68,000
It is also important to note that flight prices are dynamic and subject to change. The cost of traveling within Sri Lanka will also differ based on what you choose.
Essential Tips For Indians Visiting Sri Lanka
- Apply for the ETA online. It costs INR 1,936.91 and takes around a day to process.
- You can carry INR or USD to exchange upon arrival. Cards are widely accepted as well.
- Train tickets, especially on scenic routes, tend to sell out fast. Book at least two to three weeks in advance from the official Sri Lanka Railways site.
- Mobitel and Dialog offer tourist SIM cards for under LKR 1,000 (INR 292.97) at the airport.
- Use apps like PickMe instead of negotiating and risking getting duped by tuk-tuk drivers.
Summing Up
Sri Lanka is one of the most convenient, rich, and cost-effective international destinations for India. It becomes all the more convenient and cheap when you go there from southern India. And, with this itinerary at your side, all that’s left for you to do is pack your bags and head to the nearest airport.
FAQs
Do Indians Need A Visa For Sri Lanka?
No, but Indians do need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) that can be applied for online.
Which Is The Cheapest South Indian Airport To Fly From To Sri Lanka?
The airports in Madurai and Chennai typically offer the most competitive prices for flights to Sri Lanka.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Sri Lanka?
The time between May and September is great to visit the east coast of Sri Lanka, and the November to April window is considered the best time for the south and west coasts.
Are Four Days Enough For A Sri Lanka Trip?
You can visit one coastal spot, and the cultural triangle highlights. However, it’s not enough to visit the cultural and historical spots as well.
