Budget travel guide: How to visit Sri Lanka in less than ₹1 lakh

With fascinating cultural attractions, sacred pilgrimage sites, and laid-back beach towns, Sri Lanka is the ideal holiday destination for a budget traveller.

A tiny teardrop of an island, Sri Lanka is not only a quick getaway from India, it also offers a million options to the travellers - historic towns, tea plantations, beaches, ancient temples and forts, and wildlife reserves. Add to all this a lavish food spread. It is also extremely affordable - you have a great 5-6 day holiday for less than ₹1 lakh (flights from Chennai are really cheap). And if you buy package tours (including flights), you can do a 5-night/6-day trip for less than ₹80,000.

In Sri Lanka, it is pretty tempting to pack too many cities in the itinerary, but it is practical to not do more than 3 cities, the most popular being Colombo, Kandy and Galle.

Must see/do:

• Colombo: National Museum, Viharamahadevi Park, Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, Dutch Hospital Complex, Galle Face Green, Old City Hall, Pettah Floating Market, Clock Tower.
• Scale Sigiriya rock fortress: A UNESCO World Heritage site, the ruins of Sigiriya fortress sit atop a 200m-high rock in Central Province; this 5th-century fortress is crisscrossed with hiking trails.
• Climb Adam’s Peak: An important pilgrimage site, Adam’s Peak has some of the country’s best hiking trails. A view of sunrise from the 2,243m summit is spectacular.

Visa:As of October 1, 2024, Indian nationals can enter Sri Lanka visa-free for a period of six months. However, applying for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before arrival is mandatory.

Flight: Air India Delhi-Colombo-Delhi direct Economy return flight starts at ₹37,000+ (Flight duration: 3 hours 45 minutes). Indigo Chennai-Colombo-Chennai direct Economy return flight starts at ₹14,000+ (Flight duration: 1 hour 20 minutes). Indigo Bengaluru-Colombo-Bengaluru direct Economy return flight starts at ₹25,000+ (Flight duration: 1 hour 25 minutes).

Accommodation (for 4 nights; 2 adults, no children): To save accommodation costs, book Sri Lanka Tourism Approved homestays (find the list here). In Colombo, you can book guesthouses for ₹14,000+; Bed & Breakfast start at ₹13,000+, while homestays can cost as little as ₹9,000+. Backpackers can look for hostels that can cost as little as ₹7,000+ for 4 nights. You can also get 3-star hotels for ₹12,000+ for 4 nights.

Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). 1 LKR = 0.29 INR

Getting Around: In Colombo, taxis are metered, but agree to a rate before setting off. Drivers expect a 10% tip. For short journeys within cities/towns, use tuk-tuks (trishaws). Most trishaws are not metered, so agree on a fare beforehand. You can rent self-drive cars. Chauffeur-driven cars are less expensive and recommended. Sri Lanka Central Transport Board has an extensive network of buses throughout the island. Trains connect Colombo with all tourist towns, but first-class carriages, air conditioning and dining cars are available on only a few. Charter flights can be arranged to any destination in Sri Lanka through Deccan Aviation Lanka.

Money-saving tips:

• Save money by buying a 5-night/6-day Sri Lanka package tour by Makemytrip for less than ₹80,000 per person (including flights). 5night/6 day Sri Lanka group tours are available for around ₹60,000 per person (including flights).
• Use trains to travel long distance, they are at least 40% cheaper than taxis.
• For shorter trips, tuk-tuks and taxis can prove economical; check prices beforehand.
• Eat local food at local eateries, they are at least 50% cheaper than fancy restaurants.
• Buy fruit and drinking coconuts etc. from market vendors and street sellers than from supermarkets.
• Don’t hesitate to haggle, it is the norm with market vendors and tuk-tuk drivers.
• Instead of a taxi, take the airport bus to the Colombo city centre (Cost: roughly ₹700).
• If you are travelling to southern Sri Lanka (Galle, Matura, Tangalle etc.), take the expressway bus.
• You might not find ride-hailing apps beyond Colombo and Sandy. Tuk-tuks can be comparatively expensive, rent a scooter, it is cheaper and more convenient.

Dos & Don’ts:

• Carry a bug spray.
• Don’t drink tap water.
• Do not take selfies with a statue of Buddha or turn your back on any statue of the Buddha. Do not wear clothes with the Buddha image printed on it.
• If you have a Buddha tattoo, conceal it, as it is considered disrespectful.
• Don’t take pictures of people without permission
• Dress modestly when visiting temples and holy sites.
• Leather articles such as wallets, belts and bags are prohibited inside many Hindu temples.
• Do not touch a monk.
• Avoid dealing with touts who often pose as ‘guides’ and ‘agents’ and offer deals. Book directly with licensed agents.