Budget Travel Guide: How to Visit Sri Lanka Under ₹1 Lakh

Sri Lanka, a small yet beautiful island located just off the southern coast of India, is a dream destination for travellers seeking an affordable getaway. Known for its vibrant culture, historical landmarks, stunning beaches, and lush green hills, Sri Lanka offers an endless array of experiences for all kinds of tourists. If you plan carefully, you can explore Sri Lanka for a 5-6 day holiday for under ₹1 lakh. Budget-conscious travellers can even take advantage of package deals, which often provide flights and accommodation for as little as ₹80,000.

The country’s proximity to India makes it a convenient option for a quick escape, with flights from cities like Chennai often available for less than ₹15,000. When planning your itinerary, it’s advisable to focus on three key cities—Colombo, Kandy, and Galle—to ensure a more relaxed and enjoyable trip.

Must-See and Must-Do Activities:

1. Colombo:

• National Museum of Colombo – Learn about Sri Lanka’s fascinating history and culture.
• Viharamahadevi Park – Take a leisurely walk through the city’s lushest park.
• Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque – Admire the stunning red-and-white striped mosque, a major city landmark.
• Galle Face Green – Spend time by the ocean, enjoy street food, or relax by the beach.
• Dutch Hospital Complex – Explore this colonial building that now hosts shops, restaurants, and cafes.
• Pettah Floating Market – Visit this unique market on water, ideal for buying local goods and souvenirs.
• Old City Hall & Clock Tower – Step back in time and witness Colombo’s colonial architecture.

2. Sigiriya Rock Fortress: One of Sri Lanka’s most famous landmarks, Sigiriya is a UNESCO World Heritage site where an ancient fortress sits atop a 200-meter-high rock. The hiking trails leading to the summit provide stunning views and an opportunity to explore this 5th-century marvel.

3. Adam’s Peak: A sacred pilgrimage site, Adam’s Peak is famous for the “Sri Pada” (sacred footprint), and its sunrise view is breathtaking. The hike to the summit is a challenge, but it’s well worth it for the reward of panoramic views at dawn.

4. Galle Fort: Galle is known for its well-preserved Dutch colonial architecture and its famous fort. Explore cobbled streets, boutique shops, cafes, and art galleries within the fort, which offers a unique combination of history, culture, and beautiful views of the sea.

5. Kandy:

• Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic – This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most important Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka, housing a relic of the Buddha’s tooth.
• Royal Botanical Gardens – A sprawling, well-maintained garden where you can enjoy Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity.

6. Ganduwa Island: Known for its excellent cinnamon, this small island is an interesting spot for spice enthusiasts.

7. Yala National Park: If you love wildlife, a visit to Yala National Park should be on your list. The park is home to Sri Lanka’s famous leopard, as well as elephants, monkeys, and a variety of bird species.

8. Polonnaruwa: Visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage site with temples, statues, and the remains of an ancient civilization.

9. Hill Country (Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Hatton): This picturesque region is famous for its cool climate, tea plantations, and stunning landscapes. Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as “Little England,” offers beautiful colonial architecture, while Ella and Hatton are perfect for trekking through misty mountains.

Must-Try Sri Lankan Dishes:

• Kottu Roti: A dish made from chopped-up roti (flatbread), mixed with vegetables, meat, soy sauce, and spices.
• Wambatu Mojo: A flavorful eggplant dish typically served with rice.
• Egg Hoppers with Sambol: Pancakes with a fried egg on top, often served with sambol (spicy relish).
• Watalappan: A coconut milk and jaggery-based steamed egg custard.
• Gotu Kola Salad: A salad made from the leaves of Asiatic pennywort, mixed with chillies, lemon juice, and grated coconut.
• Dhal Curry: A creamy lentil curry made with coconut milk.
• Lamprais: A dish with rice, meatballs, vegetables, and sambal wrapped in a banana leaf.
• Ministry of Crab (Colombo): A must-visit restaurant for seafood lovers, serving some of the freshest crab dishes in the city.

Travel Essentials:

Visa:

Indian nationals can enter Sri Lanka visa-free for up to six months as of October 1, 2024. However, an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) must be obtained online before arriving in the country.

Flights:

• Air India: Direct return flights from Delhi to Colombo start at ₹37,000+ (Flight duration: 3 hours 45 minutes).
• Indigo: Direct return flights from Chennai to Colombo start at ₹14,000+ (Flight duration: 1 hour 20 minutes).
• Indigo: Direct return flights from Bengaluru to Colombo start at ₹25,000+ (Flight duration: 1 hour 25 minutes).

Accommodation (4 Nights for 2 Adults):

• Homestays: Stay in locally approved homestays starting at ₹9,000+ for 4 nights.
• Guesthouses: Budget guesthouses in Colombo start at ₹14,000+ for 4 nights.
• Bed & Breakfast: Prices start at ₹13,000+ for 4 nights.
• Hostels: Backpackers can find hostels starting at ₹7,000+ for 4 nights.
• 3-Star Hotels: Starting from ₹12,000+ for 4 nights.

Currency:

Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

1 LKR = 0.29 INR

Getting Around:

• Taxis: Metered taxis are available in Colombo, but it’s recommended to agree on the fare before starting the trip. A 10% tip is expected.
• Tuk-Tuks: These three-wheeled vehicles are perfect for short trips within cities. Always negotiate the fare upfront.
• Public Transport: The Sri Lanka Central Transport Board operates a network of buses across the island. Trains also connect Colombo with other tourist towns, and some first-class trains offer air-conditioned carriages and dining services.
• Self-Drive: Renting a car is an option, but hiring a chauffeur-driven vehicle is a more affordable and convenient choice.
• Charter Flights: Deccan Aviation Lanka offers charter flights for remote destinations.

Money-Saving Tips:

• Package Tours: Book a 5-night/6-day Sri Lanka tour for as low as ₹80,000 per person (including flights and accommodation).
• Train Travel: Trains are at least 40% cheaper than taxis for long-distance travel.
• Public Transport: Tuk-tuks and buses offer cheaper options for short-distance travel.
• Eat Local: Dining at local eateries and street food stalls is at least 50% cheaper than dining in fancy tourist restaurants.
• Market Shopping: Skip supermarkets for fresh fruit, coconuts, and snacks from market vendors.
• Airport Bus: Take the airport bus to Colombo city centre (Cost: ₹700) instead of a taxi.
• Southern Sri Lanka Expressway Buses: To travel to popular destinations like Galle, Tangalle, and Matara, use expressway buses for a budget-friendly ride.

Dos and Don’ts:

• Carry Insect Repellent: Mosquitoes can be a nuisance, especially in rural areas.
• Don’t Drink Tap Water: Stick to bottled water for hygiene reasons.
• Respect Buddhist Customs: Never take selfies with Buddha statues, wear clothing with Buddha images, or expose a Buddha tattoo. It is also considered disrespectful to touch a monk or turn your back on a Buddha statue.
• Ask Permission for Photos: Always seek consent before taking photographs of people, particularly in rural or sacred sites.
• Dress Modestly: Wear appropriate attire when visiting temples and holy sites.
• Avoid Leather Items: Leather bags, wallets, and belts are not permitted inside many temples.
• Beware of Touts: Always book tours or activities through licensed operators, as unofficial guides and agents often overcharge.

With careful planning, Sri Lanka can be an incredibly rewarding and budget-friendly destination. From rich cultural experiences and historical landmarks to stunning natural beauty, your dream trip is just a short flight away.