Quick answer
A Sri Lanka trip from India is short and easy:
- Flights: direct flights from many Indian cities land at Colombo airport.
- Visa: Indian passport holders apply for an online ETA before travel.
- Money: Some LankaQR merchants may support UPI through eligible Indian apps or banks; carry a card and cash too.
- Length: A sample 5 to 7-day route can work for Kandy, the tea hills and the Ramayana sites. Add Sigiriya or the beach with a few more days.
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Sri Lanka is one of the easiest international holidays from India: a short flight, a familiar climate, temples linked to the Ramayana, and plenty of vegetarian food. Here's how to plan a Sri Lanka tour package from India.
Visa (ETA) for Indian travellers
- Indian passport holders should apply for an ETA before travel and check the official ETA site for current application requirements and conditions.
- The official ETA site lists a free 30-day tourist ETA for Indian nationals effective 25 May 2026. Check the current fee and eligibility before travel; rules can change.
- Your passport should be valid for at least six months.
Read our full Sri Lanka ETA and visa guide.
Flights from India
- Check current airline schedules for direct flights from your Indian departure city to Colombo (CMB). Routes and operating days can change.
- You land at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) near Negombo. Book a Colombo airport transfer and confirm the meeting point and flight-delay arrangements.
- Ferry: a passenger ferry between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai (near Jaffna) has run at times, but it has also been suspended and delayed. Check the latest status before planning around it.
Money and UPI in Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka uses the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR). Indian rupees aren't generally accepted in shops.
- UPI: Some merchants displaying LankaQR may accept UPI through supported Indian apps or banks. Confirm international support, activation and fees with your bank and acceptance with the merchant. A LankaQR sign alone does not guarantee your app will work.
- Carry a card and some cash for small places.
More tips in money in Sri Lanka.
Best Sri Lanka tour package routes from India
| Trip | Length | Route | Tour |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ramayana Trail | 6 days | Chilaw, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya (Seetha Amman Temple), Ella (Ravana Falls), Kelaniya | Ramayana Trail tour |
| Hills and temples | 5 days | Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Colombo | Ask us for a 5-day route |
| Classic highlights | 7 days | Sigiriya, Kandy, tea country, beach | 7-day Sri Lanka tour |
| Honeymoon | 6–8 days | Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, south coast | Honeymoon tour |
| Family | 6–8 days | Kandy, Pinnawala area, Nuwara Eliya, Bentota | Family tour |
Read more about the sites in our Ramayana Trail guide.
Vegetarian food and comfort
Rice and curry can include vegetarian dishes; confirm ingredients such as fish stock and animal products, and dhal, vegetable curries, hoppers and dosa-style dishes are easy to find. Colombo, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya also have Indian restaurants. Tell us your food needs and we'll plan stops and hotels around them. Read Sri Lankan food to try.
Best time to visit from India
- December to April: the hills, the Cultural Triangle and the south and west coasts.
- May to September: the east coast. Kandy and the hills are still good, with some rain.
Plan your Sri Lanka trip from India
Private car with driver, hotels you choose, vegetarian-friendly stops.
Get a quote on WhatsAppFrequently asked questions
Do Indians need a visa for Sri Lanka?
Indian passport holders should apply for an ETA before travel. Check the official ETA site for current conditions and fees, including eligibility for the free tourist ETA programme.
How many days are enough for a Sri Lanka trip from India?
As sample plans, five days can focus on Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, six days on the Ramayana Trail, and seven or more on a wider route. Allow for your flights, pace and road travel.
Can I use UPI in Sri Lanka?
Some LankaQR merchants may accept UPI through supported Indian apps or banks. Confirm with your bank and the merchant; carry a payment card and cash as backup.
Is vegetarian food easy to find in Sri Lanka?
Yes. Many local dishes are vegetarian, and we can arrange vegetarian-friendly stops and hotels.
Do you offer Sri Lanka tour packages from India with a private car?
Yes. Every tour is private, with your own vehicle and driver from Colombo airport. Browse our Sri Lanka tour packages.