Where the money goes
Per person, for a couple flying from Delhi, 5 nights in 4-star hotels in October:
| Cost | Per person |
|---|
| Flights | ₹24,000 |
| Hotels | ₹15,500 |
| Sightseeing & transfers | ₹22,500 |
| Food | ₹13,000 |
| Visa & insurance | ₹500 |
| Total estimate | ₹75,000 |
Budget, mid-range or luxury
| Style | Per person | Couple total |
|---|
| Budget | ₹48,500 – ₹60,500 | ₹1,07,500 |
| Mid-range | ₹67,500 – ₹84,000 | ₹1,50,500 |
| Luxury | ₹83,000 – ₹1,03,500 | ₹1,85,000 |
Budget: 3-star, cheapest month, flying from Chennai. Mid-range: 4-star, October, from Delhi. Luxury: 5-star, October, from Delhi.
Where to go in Sri Lanka
A first trip usually loops through Colombo or Negombo, Sigiriya and Kandy, the tea country around Nuwara Eliya and Ella, and a south-coast beach such as Mirissa or Bentota.
Sri Lanka trip cost by departure city
Per person, couple sharing a room, 5 nights in October:
| From | 3-star | 4-star | 5-star |
|---|
| Delhi | ₹67,500 | ₹75,000 | ₹92,500 |
| Mumbai | ₹64,000 | ₹71,500 | ₹89,000 |
| Bengaluru | ₹57,500 | ₹65,000 | ₹82,500 |
| Chennai | ₹55,000 | ₹62,500 | ₹80,000 |
| Kolkata | ₹65,000 | ₹73,000 | ₹90,000 |
| Hyderabad | ₹60,500 | ₹68,000 | ₹85,500 |
Sri Lanka trip cost by month
December to March is the main season for the west and south coasts and hill country. April–September suits the east coast (Trincomalee, Arugam Bay). Prices dip in May–June and September–October.
| Month | Per person (4-star, from Delhi) | Season |
|---|
| January | ₹84,500 | Peak |
| February | ₹84,000 | Peak |
| March | ₹80,500 | Shoulder |
| April | ₹77,500 | Shoulder |
| May | ₹73,500 | Off-peak |
| June | ₹73,000 | Off-peak |
| July | ₹76,000 | Peak |
| August | ₹77,500 | Shoulder |
| September | ₹74,500 | Off-peak |
| October | ₹75,000 | Off-peak |
| November | ₹78,500 | Shoulder |
| December | ₹88,000 | Peak |
Sri Lanka visa for Indians
Free tourist ETA for Indians, but you must still apply online before you fly. Rules change, so check the official source before you travel.
How to save on a Sri Lanka trip
- Fly from Chennai or Bengaluru: fares are often half of those from Delhi or Kolkata.
- Hire a car and driver for the whole trip instead of separate transfers.
- Take the Kandy–Ella train for one leg: cheap and one of the trip's highlights.
- Visit in September or October for lower hotel rates outside the peak.
Sri Lanka trip cost FAQs
How much does a Sri Lanka trip cost from India?
For a couple flying from Delhi on a 5-night trip in 4-star hotels, plan about ₹65,500 – ₹81,500 per person in June and ₹79,500 – ₹99,000 in December, including return flights, hotels, food, sightseeing and visa. Use the calculator above for your city and dates.
Do Indians need a visa for Sri Lanka?
Indians get a free tourist ETA, but it is still required: apply online before you fly.
Which Indian city has the cheapest flights to Sri Lanka?
Chennai usually has the cheapest fares to Colombo, followed by Bengaluru and Hyderabad.
Is Sri Lanka good for vegetarians?
Yes. Rice and curry, dosa-style hoppers and South Indian restaurants make vegetarian food easy to find.
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