Sri Lanka Trip Cost From India 2025 Complete Travel Guide
If you’re planning a tropical international getaway that’s close to home, rich in culture, and easy on the pocket, Sri Lanka should definitely be on your radar. Known as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean,” Sri Lanka offers golden beaches, lush tea plantations, ancient temples, wildlife safaris, and vibrant cities—all within a few hours’ flight from India.
But before you start daydreaming about sipping Ceylon tea in the misty hills of Nuwara Eliya or exploring the colonial charm of Galle Fort, it’s essential to understand the Sri Lanka trip cost from India in 2025.
In this detailed travel guide, we’ll break down the total cost of a Sri Lanka trip, including visa fees, flight tickets, accommodation, food, transportation, and sightseeing, along with smart travel tips to help you plan a memorable yet budget-friendly vacation.
Table of Contents
- Sri Lanka Visa for Indians
- International Flights Costs
- Intercity Travel Costs
- Intracity Transport Cost
- Accommodation Costs
- Food Expenses
- Sightseeing & Activity Costs
- Sri Lanka Tour Packages
- Conclusion
Visa to Sri Lanka for Indians
Before booking your tickets, the first step is obtaining a Sri Lanka visa. Indian citizens need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter Sri Lanka.
You can easily apply online through the official Sri Lanka ETA website. The Sri Lanka visa cost for Indians in 2025 is approximately USD 20 (INR 1,700) for a short visit of up to 30 days.
- Processing time: 24–48 hours
- Validity: 6 months from the date of issue
- Documents required: Passport (valid for at least 6 months), recent photo, travel itinerary, and accommodation details
Applying for your Sri Lanka visa online is simple and convenient. Make sure to print your ETA approval before traveling to avoid last-minute hassles at the airport.
International Flight Costs
Your biggest expense for a Sri Lanka trip from India is the flight. The good news? Sri Lanka is one of the most affordable international destinations for Indians.
A round-trip flight from India to Colombo costs between INR 14,000 and INR 28,000, depending on your departure city, season, and how early you book.
Popular Routes:
- Chennai to Colombo: INR 12,000 – INR 20,000 (1 hour)
- Mumbai to Colombo: INR 16,000 – INR 28,000 (2.5 hours)
- Bangalore to Colombo: INR 14,000 – INR 24,000 (1.5 hours)
- Delhi to Colombo: INR 20,000 – INR 32,000 (3.5 hours)
Budget tip: Book flights at least 6–8 weeks in advance and look for deals during off-season months like May–June and September–November.
You can also explore flight-inclusive Sri Lanka tour packages from trusted travel agencies like Fly for Holidays, which often offer better bundled rates than booking separately.
Intercity Travel Costs
Sri Lanka is a compact country, making it easy to explore multiple cities during your trip.
Popular routes & costs:
- Colombo to Kandy (train): INR 250 – INR 600 (2.5–3 hours)
- Kandy to Nuwara Eliya (train): INR 300 – INR 800 (3 hours, scenic route)
- Nuwara Eliya to Ella: INR 400 – INR 1,000 (2.5 hours, one of the world’s most beautiful train rides)
- Colombo to Galle (bus or train): INR 200 – INR 500
If you prefer private travel, car rentals with driver are available at around INR 3,000–INR 5,000 per day depending on distance and vehicle type.
Intracity Transport Costs
Within cities like Colombo, Kandy, or Galle, you can get around easily with local transport options.
Transport options & estimated costs:
- Tuk-tuks (auto rickshaws): INR 100–400 per short ride
- Public buses: INR 30–80 per ride
- Taxi/Private cab: INR 1,000–2,000 for short distances
- Scooter rental: INR 600–1,000 per day
For budget travelers, tuk-tuks and public transport are affordable and give an authentic Sri Lankan experience.
Accommodation Costs
Sri Lanka offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every budget. Whether you prefer beachside resorts, cozy guesthouses, or city hotels, you’ll find plenty of options.
Category | Type | Average Cost per Night (INR) | Features |
Budget | Hostels & Guesthouses | 800 – 2,500 | Shared or private rooms, basic amenities |
Mid-Range | 3-star Hotels & Boutique Stays | 3,000 – 6,000 | AC, Wi-Fi, breakfast included |
Luxury | 4–5 Star Resorts | 8,000 – 20,000+ | Pools, ocean views, spa services |
Pro tip: Book early during peak seasons (December–March) and check packages offered by Fly for Holidays for hotel + activity bundles that often cost less than booking separately.
Food Expenses
Sri Lankan cuisine is a delightful mix of spicy, tangy, and coconut-flavored dishes. You’ll find everything from flavorful seafood curries to international cafés serving continental dishes.
Estimated food costs:
- Street food/local restaurants: INR 200 – 500 per meal
- Mid-range restaurants: INR 600 – 1,200 per person
- Fine dining: INR 2,000+ per person
Popular local dishes to try include Hopper (Appam), Kottu Roti, Fish Curry, and Pol Sambol. For vegetarians, there are plenty of rice and curry combos that are both tasty and inexpensive.
Sightseeing & Activity Costs
Sri Lanka offers a diverse range of attractions — from ancient temples to national parks and pristine beaches.
Top attractions & entry fees (approximate in INR):
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress: 3,500
- Temple of the Tooth (Kandy): 1,000
- Yala National Park Safari: 5,000 – 6,500
- Galle Fort: Free entry
- Dambulla Cave Temple: 1,200
- Beaches (Bentota, Mirissa): Free
For adventure lovers, whale watching in Mirissa, surfing in Arugam Bay, and hiking Ella Rock are must-do activities. A week’s worth of sightseeing will typically cost INR 7,000 – INR 10,000.
Sri Lanka Tour Packages
If you prefer a hassle-free experience, Sri Lanka tour packages are an excellent choice. Packages usually include flights, accommodation, transfers, sightseeing, and meals — giving you complete value for money.
Estimated package cost (per person):
- Budget (5N/6D): INR 45,000 – INR 55,000
- Mid-Range (6N/7D): INR 60,000 – INR 80,000
- Luxury (7N/8D): INR 90,000+
Fly for Holidays offers customizable Sri Lanka tour packages from India that suit all budgets. You can tailor your itinerary to include Colombo, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, and Bentota — all with professional assistance and transparent pricing.
Conclusion
Sri Lanka is the perfect blend of culture, adventure, and relaxation — all within a short flight from India.
To sum it up, here’s a rough Sri Lanka trip cost from India (2025):
Expense Category | Estimated Cost (INR) |
Visa | 1,700 |
Flights | 14,000 – 28,000 |
Accommodation (per night) | 1,000 – 6,000 |
Food (per day) | 500 – 1,000 |
Transport | 300 – 1,500 |
Sightseeing | 7,000 – 10,000 |
Total (7-day trip) | INR 45,000 – INR 80,000 |
By booking early, applying for your Sri Lanka visa online, and exploring Sri Lanka tour packages through Fly for Holidays, you can enjoy a seamless, affordable, and unforgettable vacation.
Whether you’re relaxing on Bentota’s golden beaches, exploring the hills of Kandy, or discovering ancient wonders in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka in 2025 promises an experience that’s both exotic and economical for every Indian traveler.
