1. Flights from Chennai to Sri Lanka
- Direct Flights Available: ✅ Yes (Duration: ~1.5 hours)
- Airlines: SriLankan Airlines, IndiGo, Air India
- Round-Trip Fare: ₹8,000 – ₹15,000 (if booked in advance)
- Best Airport to Arrive: Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), Colombo
2. Visa Requirements for Indians
- E-Visa/ETA: Available online (Official Website)
- Cost: $20 (~₹1,700)
- Processing Time: 24-48 hours
- Validity: 30 days
3. Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka
- December – April: Best for beaches & sightseeing.
- May – September: Best for exploring hill country (cooler weather).
- Avoid: October – November (heavy rains).
4. Budget & Costs in Sri Lanka
Daily Budget: ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 per person
| Expense | Budget Option | Mid-Range |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | ₹500-₹1,500 (Hostels, Guesthouses) | ₹2,000-₹4,000 (Hotels, Airbnbs) |
| Food | ₹300-₹800 (Street food & cafes) | ₹1,000-₹2,000 (Restaurants) |
| Transport | ₹100-₹500 (Public transport, tuk-tuks) | ₹1,000+ (Private cabs) |
| Sightseeing | ₹500-₹1,500 (Entry fees & tours) | ₹2,000+ (Luxury tours) |
5. Top Places to Visit in Sri Lanka
Colombo (Capital City)
✅ Gangaramaya Temple
✅ Galle Face Green (Sunset by the sea)
✅ Pettah Market (Shopping)
Kandy & Hill Country
✅ Temple of the Tooth Relic
✅ Peradeniya Botanical Gardens
✅ Ella (Nine Arches Bridge & Little Adam’s Peak)
Beaches & South Coast
✅ Mirissa (Whale watching & beaches)
✅ Galle Fort (Colonial town & lighthouse)
✅ Bentota (Water sports & relaxation)
Wildlife & Nature
✅ Yala National Park (Leopards & safari)
✅ Sigiriya Rock Fortress (UNESCO site)
✅ Nuwara Eliya (Tea plantations & cool climate)
6. Transportation in Sri Lanka
- Tuk-Tuks: Cheap & convenient (₹100-₹300 per ride).
- Trains: Scenic & budget-friendly (₹50-₹500 per journey).
- Buses: Super cheap but crowded (~₹50-₹200 per trip).
- Cabs & Rentals: Ideal for longer trips (~₹2,000-₹4,000 per day).
7. Sri Lankan Food to Try 🍛
- Rice & Curry – ₹200-₹400
- Hoppers (Appam) – ₹50-₹150
- Kottu Roti – ₹200-₹300
- Ceylon Tea – ₹50-₹100
8. Budget Travel Tips
✅ Book flights early for best deals.
✅ Use trains & buses for cheap transport.
✅ Eat at local restaurants to save money.
✅ Stay in budget guesthouses & hostels.
✅ Exchange currency to Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR) for better rates.