Our Products
Loans
Cards
Insurance
Investment
Stock Market
Electronics Mall
CIBIL Score
Knowledge Centre
Calculators
Our Services
My Account
Do not call
En
When planning your trip to Sri Lanka, find the perfect balance between tropical adventure and your travel budget.
Last updated on: February 02, 2026
Sri Lanka, with its golden beaches and verdant landscapes, offers a refreshing getaway just a short distance from home. Whether you want to relax by the ocean or hike through tea plantations, this island has something for everyone. However, your total expenses will depend on how you choose to travel and where you stay. Planning your budget early helps you avoid high costs and ensures you can enjoy your vacation without any financial stress.
Planning a getaway to Sri Lanka is exciting, but managing your travel budget is just as important. Whether you are booking an all-inclusive package or planning a custom itinerary, being aware of the practical ways to finance your Sri Lanka trip cost from India without straining your finances is important.
Credit cards can help reduce upfront costs and offer travel-related perks that ease the overall Sri Lanka trip cost.
Airport Lounge Access
Start your international journey in comfort with complimentary lounge access at major airports in India and Colombo, available through international credit cards.
Flight and Dining Rewards
Earn accelerated reward points or cashback when booking international flights or dining at popular Sri Lankan eateries.
Low Forex Markup Fees
Often, credit cards promote low foreign exchange markup charges that help you save on the extra charges on conversion of foreign transactions.
Complimentary Travel Insurance
Many premium cards provide built-in insurance covering flight delays, lost baggage, or medical emergencies during your trip.
If your credit limit is not enough to cover your total Sri Lanka tour cost, a travel l oan can prove to be a useful alternative. It allows you to spread the cost over time while enjoying your trip without worrying about finances.
Loan Amounts Up to %$$plmaxamt$$%
Covers every major expense, from round-trip flights and visas to luxury beach resort stays.
Flexible Repayment Tenures
Choose a repayment plan that fits your monthly income, with tenures usually ranging from 12 to 96 months.
Quick Online Disbursal
Apply digitally and receive funds in your bank account quickly, perfect for grabbing early-bird flight deals.
No Collateral Required
Get the funds you need based on your credit profile without having to pledge any assets or gold.
Planning ahead and financing wisely ensures that your Sri Lanka experience remains comfortable and completely within your reach.
A 7-day plan for exploring Sri Lanka with a mix of sightseeing, activities, and local experiences.
| Day | Itinerary Highlights |
|---|---|
1 |
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo (from India). Check-in and evening walk at Galle Face Green. |
2 |
Drive to Kandy through the scenic countryside. Evening visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and local market walk. |
3 |
Travel from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya via tea estates. Tea factory visit and relaxation time at Gregory Lake. |
4 |
Morning train journey from Nanu Oya to Ella. Evening hike to Little Adam’s Peak and café hopping. |
5 |
Early morning visit to the Nine Arch Bridge. Explore nearby viewpoints and waterfalls in Ella. |
6 |
Drive towards Colombo or the southern coast. Leisure time at the beach or hotel. |
7 |
Morning at leisure. Transfer to Colombo Airport for return flight to India. |
A list of Sri Lanka’s most popular tourist attractions, along with what makes each place worth visiting.
| Attraction | Description |
|---|---|
Sigiriya Rock Fortress |
Ancient Lion Rock palace with 5th-century frescoes and panoramic views. |
Temple of the Tooth |
Sacred Buddhist site in Kandy housing the tooth relic of the Buddha. |
Nine Arch Bridge |
Iconic stone bridge in Ella, famous for its colonial-era engineering and lush views. |
Yala National Park |
Prime wildlife reserve known for having the highest density of leopards in the world. |
Galle Fort |
A Dutch-era coastal fort filled with boutique shops, cafes, and historic lighthouses. |
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage |
A large sanctuary where you can witness elephant herds bathing in the river. |
Little Adam’s Peak |
An easy-to-climb mountain in Ella offering 360-degree views of the tea valley. |
Nuwara Eliya Tea Gardens |
Rolling hills of Ceylon tea plantations often called the “Little England” of the East. |
Sigiriya (The Lion Rock)
Climb this iconic ancient rock fortress to explore palace ruins and enjoy stunning 360-degree jungle views.
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
Visit Kandy's most sacred Buddhist site, which houses a tooth relic of the Buddha within a golden-roofed complex.
Nine Arch Bridge
Witness the famous blue train cross this massive stone bridge hidden among the lush jungle and tea fields of Ella.
Nuwara Eliya
Relax in this cool, high-altitude town known for its colonial architecture, misty hills, and world-class Ceylon tea plantations.
Yala National Park
Head on to a thrilling jeep safari through the wild plains for your best chance at spotting elusive leopards and elephants.
Galle Dutch Fort
Wander through the charming cobblestone streets of this historic seaside fortress filled with boutique cafes and colonial-era villas.
Choosing the right months to travel is essential for balancing sunny beach days with your overall Sri Lanka cost.
December to April
This peak season offers the best weather for the south and west coasts, though hotel rates are typically at their highest.
May to September
Ideal for visiting the east coast beaches like Arugam Bay, this period offers lower prices in the south during the monsoon.
October and November
These inter-monsoon months are perfect for budget travelers seeking the deepest discounts, provided you don't mind occasional tropical showers.
From using local transport to choosing authentic eateries, these simple strategies will keep your Sri Lanka holiday budget-friendly.
Book Early: Secure flights and accommodations in advance to get discounts.
Travel Off-season: Visiting during shoulder seasons can result in lower prices and fewer crowds.
Use Public Transport: Opt for buses and trains to save on transportation costs.
Eat Local: Enjoy meals at local eateries to experience authentic cuisine at lower prices.
Negotiate Prices: Bargain at local markets and with tuk-tuk drivers to get better deals.
Having an understanding of common tourist scams can help ensure a smoother, more stress-free travel experience:
In crowded places such as Colombo and Kandy, tuk-tuk drivers can typically say that their meters are not working and thus, will charge you an inflated flat rate.
Tip: Get into a taxi with a working meter only and confirm the meter is on, or opt for the PickMe app, which tells you the fair price and lets you book rides at regular rates.
Tourists are often led to the government-approved gem stores with the allure of huge resale profits or tax-free export deals as the bait.
Tip: Never invest in gemstones unless you are a gem expert; if you are looking for a souvenir, buy only from internationally certified and popular showrooms.
During your visit to places like the Pettah Market or Kandy Lake, you may find some people giving you a free guided tour or helping you with your bags without even asking.
Tip: Just be assertive and refuse politely the very moment these people come to you because they will insist on getting a hefty tip or fee once the unsolicited assistance is over.
Drivers generally tempt tourists with the promise of free tours to beautiful spice gardens, where the staff posing as doctors will sell you overpriced herbal remedies and miracle cures.
Tip: While the gardens are lovely, do not buy any products there as they are usually priced 500% higher compared to local pharmacies or markets.
Disclaimer: Travellers should access information through official sources and rely on their own judgment before making any decisions.
From misty peaks and ancient rock fortresses to sun-drenched beaches, Sri Lanka has a really diverse range of high-altitude and coastal experiences.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress: This ancient Lion Rock is an absolute must-climb for the jaw-dropping views and a 360 degree view of the jungle.
Temple of the Tooth: Kandy's most famous site is home to a real relic of the Buddha, the tooth itself is kept in a golden-roofed temple.
Nine Arch Bridge: Enjoy the famous blue train crossing this huge colonial-era stone bridge hidden among lush tea fields.
Nuwara Eliya: Also called Sri Lanka's Little England, enjoy the chilly hills, surrounded by tea plantations and British architecture to explore.
Yala National Park: Go for the thrilling safari through the wild plains known for the highest density of leopards in the world.
Galle Dutch Fort: Wander through the cobblestone streets of this ancient seaside fort, surrounded by boutique shops and cafes to explore.
Little Adam’s Peak: Take a scenic and easy hike in Ella for some just-stunning views over the deep valley and the tea estates.
Bentota Beach: Try your hand at some water sports or watch the golden sunsets on one of the island’s most beautiful coastal stretches.
The Sri Lanka trip cost from India can vary significantly depending on several key factors such as the time of travel, accommodation type, mode of transport, and personal preferences. Here's a breakdown of what influences the India to Sri Lanka trip, helping you estimate your overall budget more accurately.
The season in which you travel plays a crucial role in determining your expenses.
Peak Season (December to April): Hotel tariffs and flight prices are at their highest.
Shoulder or Off-Season (May to November): This period offers lower costs on almost everything, including tour packages.
Tip: You could save up to 25–30% by travelling off-season.
Airfare is one of the largest components of the Sri Lanka travel cost.
Return flights from major Indian cities like Chennai, Mumbai, Bengaluru, or Delhi usually range from ₹10,000 to ₹20,000, depending on the season and how early you book.
Budget airlines offer cheaper options, especially from South India.
Pro Tip: Book 6–8 weeks in advance for the best deals.
Where you stay significantly affects the Sri Lanka tour cost from India.
Budget hotels/hostels: ₹1,500–₹3,000 per night
Mid-range hotels/resorts: ₹4,000–₹8,000 per night
Luxury hotels/resorts: ₹10,000 and above per night
Staying in guesthouses or booking through local platforms can help reduce costs.
Sri Lanka offers a range of culinary experiences that suit every budget.
Local meals at street stalls or cafés: ₹300–₹600/day
Dining at mid-range restaurants: ₹700–₹1,200/day
Fine dining and international cuisine: ₹1,500+/day
Most budget accommodations also offer complimentary breakfast.
Sri Lanka has an affordable and efficient network of public and private transport.
Buses and trains: ₹20–₹150 per journey
Tuk-tuks and taxis: ₹300–₹800 for short distances
Private car rentals with drivers: ₹3,000–₹5,000 per day
Trains are not only budget-friendly but also scenic, especially on the Kandy-Ella route.
Entry tickets and guided tours contribute to your overall Sri Lanka trip from India cost.
Popular attractions like Sigiriya, Dambulla Caves, Yala National Park, or Galle Fort may charge entry fees between ₹200 and ₹1,000.
Wildlife safaris and water sports can cost ₹2,000–₹5,000 depending on the activity.
Many heritage sites offer discounted rates for SAARC nationals, including Indians.
Indians require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which is easily available online.
ETA Cost: ₹0 (Free). The government processing fee (previously approx. ₹1,600 is currently waived for Indian tourists.
Validity: Valid for 30 days from the date of arrival.
Entry type: Allows for Double Entry within those 30 days.
Ensure your passport has at least 6 months of validity from your date of arrival.
Although optional, travel insurance is highly recommended.
Cost: ₹500 to ₹1,000 for a 7-day trip
Local markets offer spices, tea, souvenirs, and gemstones.
Allocate ₹2,000–₹5,000 for shopping or spontaneous expenses.
Bargaining is common in local street markets.
Indian travelers can enjoy a hassle-free experience in Sri Lanka by using a mix of local currency and modern digital payment methods.
Carry a mix of LKR and USD: As local shops prefer Rupees, while luxury hotels or safaris often quote prices in US Dollars.
Exchange Rate: Approximately ₹1 = 3.45 LKR (subject to daily market fluctuations).
UPI and Digital Payments: You can now use UPI (via PhonePe or BHIM) at many Sri Lankan merchants to pay directly from your Indian bank account.
Tip: Withdraw LKR from local ATMs or use a Forex card to avoid the high currency conversion fees of standard Indian debit cards.
Your total expense will depend on the level of comfort chosen, from the scenic train rides and local homestays to private chauffeurs and 5-star beach resorts. The table below shows these three different travel styles side by side for a 7-day trip, enabling you along with the best choice that suits your budget.
| Category | Transport (₹) | Stay (6 nights) | Meals (₹) | Activities (₹) | Total (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Budget |
12,000 (Flights + Bus) |
9,000 |
7,000 |
5,000 |
33,000 |
Mid-range |
20,000 (Flights + Cabs) |
20,000 |
12,000 |
8,000 |
60,000 |
Luxury |
40,000 (Premium Air) |
75,000 |
30,000 |
25,000 |
₹1,70,000 |
Please note that these are just approximate budgets.
Budget Travel
When you select budget flights and stay in local guesthouses or hostels, the expense of accommodation will be about ₹1,200 to ₹1,800 per night. Make use of the Sri Lankan railway and buses in travelling around the country. Small hotels (little eateries) will be a good choice for the ones who have a really tight budget.
Mid-range Travel
Fly with full-service airlines and reside in 3-star or boutique hotels that cost on average ₹4,000 per day. A combination of the famous Kandy-Ella train and private tuk-tuks or cabs will give you the comfort and speed that you are looking for in transport. As for food, you can eat at a combination of modern cafes in Ella and wonderful seafood restaurants in Galle.
Luxury Travel
Travel with premium airlines and stay in high-end heritage properties or at 5-star beachfront resorts where the prices start from ₹15,000+ per night. For the entire week, take a chauffeur-guide in a private SUV, eat at the best dining places with ocean views, and also go for private wildlife safaris in Yala.
Planning your Sri Lanka travel budget is made easier when you have an overall cost snapshot for the entire trip. The sample cost outline below shows a 7-day solo trip on a mid-range budget, including the main expenses like travel, accommodation, sightseeing, etc.
| Expense Category | Details | Approximate Cost (₹) |
|---|---|---|
Flights |
Round trip from major Indian cities (Mumbai/Delhi/Bengaluru) |
15,,000–22,000 |
Stay |
3-star hotels or boutique guesthouses (₹2,500/night) |
17,500 |
Local Transport |
Mix of scenic trains, buses, and short tuk-tuk rides |
4,000 |
Food |
Daily meals at local cafes and mid-range restaurants (₹1,000/day) |
7,000 |
Activities & Entry |
Sigiriya, Temple of the Tooth, and a wildlife safari |
8,500 |
Visa (ETA) |
Tourist ETA for Indian citizens (Currently free under 2025 pilot) |
₹0 |
Insurance |
Short-term international travel insurance |
800 |
Shopping & Souvenirs |
Ceylon tea, local spices, and handicrafts |
4,000 |
Miscellaneous |
Local SIM card, tips, and snacks |
2,000 |
- |
Total Estimated Cost |
₹58,800 – ₹65,800 |
Disclaimer: Estimates reflect mid-range choices with some sharing. Costs vary by dates, group size, and bookings. Check current rates for accuracy.
|
|
Reviewer
The average cost for a 6 to 7-day Sri Lanka trip from India typically ranges between ₹35,000 and ₹50,000 per person, depending on travel style and season.
In many cases, yes. Travel packages often bundle flights, hotels, and transfers at competitive rates, saving both time and money for travellers.
While not compulsory, it’s highly recommended. Basic travel insurance can cost ₹500–₹1,000 and offers coverage for medical emergencies and trip delays.
No, Indian Rupees are not accepted in Sri Lanka. You’ll need to exchange your currency into Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR) at authorised counters or banks after arrival.
Book flights early, choose budget accommodations, eat at local cafes, use public transport, and travel during the off-season to lower expenses.
Academy 
