Sri Lanka Tour Packages

Just a short hop across the Palk Strait, Sri Lanka blends golden beaches, misty hills carpeted with tea, ancient cities, wildlife-rich jungles, and a warm island vibe. From the UNESCO-listed rock citadel of Sigiriya and the colonial charm of Galle Fort to leopard safaris in Yala and whale-watching off Mirissa, the island delivers remarkable variety in a compact footprint. For Indians, it’s an especially easy escape: no time difference with India, frequent direct flights, familiar flavors, and shared cultural threads—yet it still feels refreshingly different.

Type of Destination

• Nature & Wildlife: National parks, rainforests, whale and dolphin hotspots.
• Cultural & Heritage: Ancient capitals, living temples, colonial forts.
• Beach & Wellness: Surfing, snorkeling, Ayurveda retreats, serene beaches.
• Adventure: White-water rafting, trekking, ziplining, kitesurfing.
• Pilgrimage: Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak), sacred cities like Anuradhapura and Kandy.

Prime Season and “Snow” Season

• Prime Season(s):
  • West & South coasts, Central Hills: December–March (dry, sunny beaches; cool, clear hill-country skies).
  • East & North coasts: May–September (their dry window with calm seas).
• Snow Season: Sri Lanka doesn’t receive snow. However, December–February brings chilly, misty weather in the highlands (Nuwara Eliya, Horton Plains, Ella). Expect early-morning temperatures around 6–12°C in the highest areas—carry warm layers.

Languages Spoken

• Sinhala and Tamil are official languages.
• English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and by guides.
• Many locals understand Indian languages via media exposure; Hindi can sometimes work informally.

Local Transport Options

• Trains: Scenic routes (Colombo–Kandy–Ella; Colombo–Galle–Matara; Colombo–Jaffna). Reserve seats early for popular sectors.
• Buses: Island-wide, frequent, and economical; intercity AC coaches on main corridors.
• Tuk-tuks (auto-rickshaws): Ubiquitous; use PickMe or meter/agree a fare beforehand.
• Ride-hailing: PickMe (island-wide coverage varies), Uber (mainly Colombo).
• Taxis & Chauffeur-driven cars: Best for comfort and flexibility.
• Domestic flights/seaplanes: Limited/seasonal; useful for long hops—check current availability.

How to Reach

• By Air (easiest):
  • Main gateway: Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), Colombo.
  • Other airports: Ratmalana (RML) near Colombo for some domestic flights; Mattala (HRI) limited operations; Jaffna (JAF) sees intermittent regional services.
  • Direct flights from major Indian cities: Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, Trichy, Madurai, Coimbatore, Thiruvananthapuram, Mumbai, Delhi (routes and frequencies vary).
• By Sea:
  • Occasional/seasonal ferry pilots have operated between South India and North Sri Lanka. Services are not consistently regular—check the latest status before planning.
• By Road/Rail from India:
  • Not applicable (island nation). Within Sri Lanka, major highways include E01 Southern Expressway (Colombo–Galle–Matara), A1 (Colombo–Kandy), A2 (coastal), A9 (to Jaffna). Major rail hubs: Colombo Fort, Kandy, Galle, Jaffna, Anuradhapura, Badulla, Trincomalee, Matara.

Best Time to Visit (Season-wise)

• Note: Sri Lanka has two monsoon patterns; the “best” time depends on region.

Summer (March–May)

• Weather: Warm to hot. West/South coasts are pleasant early summer; hills are cool (Kandy 18–28°C; Nuwara Eliya 10–20°C).
• Crowd density: Moderate; picks up around April (school holidays, Sinhala & Tamil New Year).
• Budget: Mid-range travelers can expect roughly ₹6,500–12,000 per person/day (stay, local transport, meals, activities)—excluding flights/visa.
• Packing: Light cottons, sun protection, a light jacket for hills, comfortable shoes.

Monsoon

• Southwest Monsoon (May–September) affects West/South; best weather on East/North (Trincomalee, Nilaveli, Arugam Bay, Jaffna).
• Northeast Monsoon (October–January) affects East/North; best weather on West/South & hills.
• Crowd density: Lower in monsoon-hit regions = deals available.
• Budget: Expect ₹5,000–9,000 per person/day (great value in affected zones).
• Packing: Quick-dry clothing, rain jacket, waterproof bags, leech socks for treks in wet forests.

Winter (December–February)

• Weather: Peak beach season in West/South; crisp and cool in hills. Colombo/Galle 26–30°C; hill country nights can be 6–12°C.
• Crowd density: High (Christmas–New Year, long weekends).
• Budget: Peak pricing; plan ₹8,500–15,000+ per person/day.
• Packing: Warm layers for highlands, light resort wear, sunscreen; advanced bookings are wise.

Places to Visit (Top Highlights)

• Colombo: Modern capital with galleries, cafes, and seafront at Galle Face Green.
• Sigiriya Rock Fortress: Iconic 5th-century sky palace with lion-paw entrance and frescoes.
• Dambulla Cave Temple: Vast cave complex with Buddha statues and vivid murals.
• Kandy: Lakeside city home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic; cultural shows and botanical gardens.
• Ella: Hill town for panoramas (Little Adam’s Peak, Nine Arch Bridge), cafes, and ziplines.
• Nuwara Eliya & Horton Plains: Tea estates, colonial bungalows, and the dramatic World’s End cliff.
• Galle Fort: UNESCO-listed Dutch fort with boutiques, ramparts, and sunset views.
• Yala National Park: One of the best places to spot leopards, elephants, sloth bears.
• Mirissa & Weligama: Beaches, whale-watching (Dec–April), surf-friendly waves.
• Jaffna: Culture-rich northern hub—Nallur Kandaswamy Temple, island-hopping to Delft.
• Trincomalee & Nilaveli: East-coast calm seas, Pigeon Island snorkeling.
• Anuradhapura & Polonnaruwa: Ancient capitals with stupas, reservoirs, and ruins.

Things to Do

• Ride the Kandy–Ella train: Among the world’s most scenic rail journeys.
• Climb Sigiriya at sunrise: Beat crowds and heat; explore frescoes and sky gardens.
• Galle Fort walk at sunset: Ramparts, lighthouse, cafes, and heritage streets.
• Whale-watch in Mirissa: Blue and sperm whales frequent these waters (best Dec–April).
• Tea trail experiences: Tour estates and factories; learn to brew a perfect cup.
• Safari in Yala/Udawalawe/Kaudulla: Seek leopards, elephants, and rare birds.
• Ayurveda & spa day: Authentic treatments in dedicated wellness resorts.
• Temple circuits: Kandy’s Tooth Relic, Anuradhapura’s Sri Maha Bodhi, Jaffna’s Nallur.

Adventure Activities

• White-water Rafting, Canyoning (Kitulgala): Grade II–IV rapids amid rainforest.
• Trekking (Horton Plains, Knuckles Range): Cloud forests, grasslands, waterfalls.
• Surfing (Arugam Bay, Weligama, Hikkaduwa): Consistent breaks for all levels.
• Scuba & Snorkeling (Trincomalee, Hikkaduwa, Pigeon Island): Reefs, turtles, wrecks.
• Ziplining & Hiking (Ella): The “Flying Ravana” zipline and trails like Little Adam’s Peak.
• Kitesurfing (Kalpitiya): Strong winds and wide lagoons (May–Sept, Dec–Feb).

Cuisines to Try

• Rice & Curry platters with veg/non-veg sides.
• Hoppers (Appa) & Egg Hoppers: Bowl-shaped fermented pancakes.
• String Hoppers (Idiyappam) with curries & pol sambol.
• Kottu Roti: Stir-fried chopped roti with eggs/veg/meat and gravy.
• Jaffna Crab & Mutton Curries: Robust, spicy northern flavors.
• Ambul Thiyal (Sour Fish Curry) and Devilled seafood.
• Lamprais: Rice baked in banana leaf (Burgher community dish).
• Buffalo Curd with Kithul Treacle, Watalappam dessert.
• And of course, Ceylon Tea—from estate to teacup.

Dining Places (Curated Picks)

• Colombo:
  • Ministry of Crab (Old Dutch Hospital) – signature crab feasts.
  • Upali’s by Nawaloka – authentic Sri Lankan curries.
  • Nuga Gama, Cinnamon Grand – village-style Sri Lankan dining.
  • Botanik Bistro & Bar – rooftop modern Sri Lankan plates.
• Galle Fort: Fortaleza; A Minute by Tuk Tuk (views, Lankan-Asian).
• Kandy: Slightly Chilled Lounge (views, Asian fusion); Balaji Dosai (veg).
• Ella: Cafe Chill; Matey Hut (homestyle Lankan).
• Mirissa/Weligama: Zephyr Restaurant & Bar (beachfront grills).
• Jaffna: Cosy Restaurant; hotel restaurants like Jetwing Jaffna’s Peninsula.

Resorts & Stays (Across Budgets)

• Colombo: Shangri-La Colombo, Galle Face Hotel, Cinnamon Grand.
• Galle/Coast: Jetwing Lighthouse, Amangalla, Fort Bazaar.
• Hill Country: Heritance Tea Factory (Nuwara Eliya), Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya, 98 Acres Resort & Spa (Ella).
• Kandy: Cinnamon Citadel, Earl’s Regency.
• Wildlife & Nature: Cinnamon Wild Yala, Jetwing Yala, Uga Jungle Beach (Kuchchaveli).
• Cultural Triangle: Heritance Kandalama, Jetwing Vil Uyana.
• Weligama/Cape: Cape Weligama (luxury clifftop).

Nightlife & Evening Experiences

• Colombo Rooftops: Sky Lounge (The Kingsbury), Vistas Bar & Lounge (Mövenpick), Botanik Rooftop.
• Classic Pubs & Lounges: Cheers Pub (Cinnamon Grand), Rhythm & Blues (R&B).
• Casinos: Bally’s, Casino Marina for late-night entertainment.
• Seafront Evenings: Galle Face Green for sunset, kites, and street bites.
• Beach Bars: Seasonal nights in Mirissa, Unawatuna, Hikkaduwa, Arugam Bay (DJ sets, live music).
• Note: On Poya (full-moon) days, alcohol sales are restricted—plan accordingly.

Shopping: What to Buy & Where

• Ceylon Tea (estate single-origin), true Ceylon cinnamon, spices.
• Gems & Jewellery (sapphires, moonstones—buy only from reputable, certified stores).
• Handlooms & Batik, wood carvings, masks (Ambalangoda), ceramics, ayurvedic products.
• Where: Pettah Market (Colombo), Laksala (government emporiums), Barefoot & Paradise Road (design stores), Odel, Good Market (weekend artisanal), Galle Fort boutiques, Kandy Market Hall.

Off-beat Places (Hidden Gems)

• Ritigala Monastery (Cultural Triangle): Forest-cloaked ruins with an ancient healing aura.
• Knuckles Mountain Range: Remote villages, cloud forests, and ridge walks.
• Gal Oya National Park: Unique boat safaris among islands and elephant sightings.
• Delft Island (Neduntheevu): Coral walls, wild ponies, and windswept beaches off Jaffna.
• Kalpitiya: Dolphin pods, kitesurfing lagoons, and quiet sandbars.
• Madulsima Mini World’s End: Cliff-edge sunrise above a sea of clouds.

Festivals & Events (Key Dates)

• Thai Pongal (January) – Tamil harvest festival.
• Duruthu Perahera, Colombo (January) – grand Buddhist pageant.
• Galle Literary Festival (typically January).
• Sinhala & Tamil New Year (13–14 April).
• Vesak (May full moon) – lanterns, pandals, almsgiving.
• Poson (June full moon) – marks Buddhism’s arrival; Mihintale pilgrimages.
• Esala Perahera, Kandy (July/August) – Sri Lanka’s most spectacular procession.
• Kataragama Festival (July/August) – multi-faith rituals.
• Nallur Kandaswamy Temple Festival, Jaffna (Aug–Sep).
• Deepavali (Oct/Nov).
• Adam’s Peak Pilgrimage Season (Dec–May, clearest skies).

Key Experiences (Must-do)

• Stand atop Sigiriya and gaze over the jungle canopy.
• Train it through tea gardens from Kandy to Ella.
• Safari at dawn in Yala or Udawalawe.
• Tea tasting and plucking session at a hill-country estate.
• Whale-watching cruise from Mirissa in season.
• Sunset stroll on Galle Fort ramparts with gelato in hand.
• Climb Adam’s Peak for sunrise (Dec–May).
• Snorkel Pigeon Island to spot turtles and reef fish.

Travel Tips for Indians

• Visa/ETA: Indians typically need an ETA (e-visa) obtained online prior to travel; periodic fee waivers/promotions occur—check the official portal before booking.
• Money: Currency is Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR); INR isn’t legal tender. ATMs are common; cards widely accepted in cities. UPI QR payments are available at select merchants—carry a backup card/cash.
• Connectivity: Buy a local SIM at the airport (Dialog, Mobitel, Hutch, Airtel Lanka).
• Power: 230V, 50Hz. Plug types D, G, M—carry a universal adapter.
• Transport: For short city hops use PickMe/tuk-tuks; for circuits, hire a car with driver.
• Temple etiquette: Shoulders/knees covered; remove shoes/headwear; photography rules vary.
• Food & water: Street food is tasty—choose busy stalls; drink bottled or purified water. Vegetarians will find plenty (string hoppers, veg kottu, dal, sambols).
• Poya days: Alcohol sales closed; some sites have special hours—plan ahead.
• Health & safety: Sunscreen, hats, insect repellent; travel insurance recommended.
• Driving: Left-hand traffic like India; self-drive requires an IDP and local permit—many prefer drivers due to signage and parking.

Interesting Facts

• Sri Lanka has 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, spanning ancient cities, fortifications, caves, and biodiversity-rich highlands.
• The oldest tree with a recorded planting date, the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi (3rd century BCE), grows in Anuradhapura.
• The island produces the world’s finest true cinnamon and is famed for Ceylon tea (tea cultivation since 1867).
• Off the south coast lies one of the world’s best areas to see blue whales.
• Yala National Park is renowned as one of the easiest places to spot leopards in Asia.
• Two distinct monsoons mean there’s always a sunny coast somewhere on the island.
• There’s no time difference with India (UTC+5:30), making weekend getaways easy.