Sri Lanka

Tour Guide

Sri Lanka has two monsoon patterns, so the best time depends on your destination. For the west and south coasts (Colombo, Galle, Mirissa) and hill country (Kandy, Ella, Nuwara Eliya), visit December to March for dry, sunny weather. For the east and north coasts (Trincomalee, Arugam Bay, Jaffna), May to September offers the best conditions. December to February brings cool, misty weather in the highlands with temperatures dropping to 6-12°C, so pack warm layers. March to May is warm but pleasant, while monsoon seasons (May-September for west/south, October-January for east/north) offer fewer crowds and better deals in affected regions.Read also Best time to visit in Sri Lanka

The easiest way is by air to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo. Direct flights operate from major Indian cities including Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, Mumbai, Delhi, Trichy, Madurai, Coimbatore, and Thiruvananthapuram. Flight time is typically 1-3 hours depending on your departure city. Other airports include Ratmalana (RML) near Colombo and Mattala (HRI) with limited operations. Occasional ferry services between South India and North Sri Lanka have operated but aren't consistently regular - check current status before planning. As an island nation, road or rail connections from India aren't available.

Yes, Indians typically need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) or e-visa obtained online before travel through the official Sri Lankan government portal. The process is straightforward and usually processed within 24-48 hours. However, Sri Lanka periodically offers visa fee waivers or promotional schemes for Indian tourists, so check the latest requirements and fees before booking your trip. Keep your passport valid for at least 6 months from arrival date. The ETA allows stays up to 30 days for tourism purposes. Always verify current visa requirements as policies can change.

Sri Lanka offers diverse transport options. Trains provide scenic routes like Colombo-Kandy-Ella and Colombo-Galle - book seats early for popular sectors. Buses are economical and frequent with AC coaches on main routes. Tuk-tuks are ubiquitous; use the PickMe app or agree on fares beforehand. Ride-hailing includes PickMe (island-wide) and Uber (mainly Colombo). For comfort and flexibility, hire chauffeur-driven cars or taxis. Domestic flights and seaplanes offer limited seasonal services for longer distances. For circuits, many travelers prefer hiring a car with driver due to local knowledge and convenience.

Sri Lanka offers accommodations across all budgets. In Colombo, stay near Galle Face or Cinnamon Gardens for convenience. For beaches, choose Galle Fort for heritage charm, Mirissa/Weligama for whales and surfing, or Unawatuna for nightlife. Hill country options include Kandy for culture, Ella for scenery, and Nuwara Eliya for tea estates. Wildlife enthusiasts should stay near Yala or Udawalawe national parks. Options range from luxury resorts (Shangri-La, Amangalla, Cape Weligama) to mid-range hotels (Jetwing properties, Cinnamon chain) and budget guesthouses. Tea estate bungalows and eco-lodges offer unique experiences. Book advance during peak season (December-March).

Top attractions include Sigiriya Rock Fortress with its 5th-century sky palace and frescoes, and the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort with Dutch colonial architecture. Experience the scenic Kandy-Ella train journey through tea plantations, visit Kandy's Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, and explore the ancient capitals of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. For nature, safari in Yala National Park for leopards and elephants, whale-watch from Mirissa (December-April), and trek Horton Plains to World's End cliff. Don't miss Dambulla Cave Temple, the hill town of Ella with Nine Arch Bridge, Nuwara Eliya's tea estates, and cultural Jaffna in the north.Read also Top places to visit in Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan cuisine offers rich flavors familiar yet distinct from Indian food. Must-tries include rice and curry platters with multiple vegetable and meat curries, hoppers (bowl-shaped fermented pancakes) and egg hoppers, string hoppers (idiyappam) with pol sambol, and kottu roti (stir-fried chopped bread with curry). Sample Jaffna crab curry, ambul thiyal (sour fish curry), and lamprais (rice in banana leaf). For desserts, try buffalo curd with kithul treacle and watalappam. Don't miss Ceylon tea from garden to cup. Vegetarians will find excellent options including dal curries, vegetable dishes, and coconut-based preparations. Street food is generally safe at busy stalls.