The tear-drop island amid the cerulean Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka, is among the best holiday destinations in the world. Sri Lanka tour packages introduce a vast stretch of sun-kissed beaches, rich wildlife, ancient cities, tea plantations, mouth-watering cuisines, and more. The country has various UNESCO-preserved sites in small areas and is part of various Sri Lanka trips.
While Sri Lanka honeymoon packages are highly sought after, there are also options for Sri Lanka family vacations. For corporate offices, group tour packages are popular for taking time off work and relaxing. In addition, there are abundant customizable options for Sri Lanka holiday packages from Delhi, Hyderabad & Mumbai, and other locales in India.
Due to its tropical climate, sandy beaches, and cultural experiences, Sri Lanka is fast becoming among the most favored holiday places worldwide. For celebrating destination weddings and honeymoon it is often combined with the Maldives package as well. Its 2000 years plus old culture are well-preserved in its ancient sites filled with mystery and stunning beaches with white sands. No wonder Sri Lanka holidays have become more convenient, and visa formalities are quite easy.
While the country's urban areas provide all modern qualities and tourist attractions like shopping complexes, nightclubs, pubs, etc., along with exciting things to do, the other side of the nation is home to elephants, leopards, dolphins, and spiritually sacred caves. Several forts and monuments stand as a testimony to the colonial past. These structures were used by the British, Dutch and Portuguese and are intact in different parts of the country. During Sri Lanka tour packages from India, you’ll get to explore something new and unique every day.
Here is important information you must know before planning a Sri Lanka trip from India.
Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka
Book a Sri Lanka tour package from India and visit the things it is known for - artistic landscape, religious relics, and palm-fringed beaches. This island has a rich cultural heritage. There are plenty of places in Sri Lanka, including timeless ruins, ancient temples, unexplored national parks, and innumerable waterfalls included in Sri Lanka itineraries. The Sri Lanka tour will give you a deep insight into the country's history, culture, and natural beauty.
The 2,000-year-old culture can be best witnessed in the legendary temples such as Dambulla Cave Temple, Sri Dalada Maligawa (The Temple of Sacred Tooth Relic), Gangaramaya Temple, and Koneswara Temple are some of the beautiful places in Sri Lanka.
Take a look at the list of best places to visit in Sri Lanka:
- Kandy - Kandy is home to tea plantations, hilly landscapes, and many historical and cultural sites. The Temple of the Tooth Relic is the most important religious shrine in Sri Lanka.
- Colombo - The Garden City of the East, Colombo boasts of legacies of the colonial era. Colombo is a paradise for shopaholics. It is dotted with forts, galleries, museums, temples, and palaces.
- Bentota - Home to lagoons, estuaries, and spectacular beaches, Bentota is a lovely town. The palm-fringed beaches and green environs spread the magic of calmness and serenity. Bentota Beach is one of the famous tourist places here.
- Dambulla - This town is renowned for the Sigiriya, one of the most historical monuments of Sri Lanka. Referred to by the locals as the Eighth Wonder of the World. This ancient fort and palace complex has significant archeological importance.
- Galle - This historic city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Famous for the 300-year-old Dutch Fort and other historical monuments, Galle is dotted with impeccable stylish cafes and quirky places to chill out.
- Kataragama - Followers of all religions frequent a popular pilgrimage destination in Sri Lanka, Kataragama. This quaint little town is a holy place for Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus, and Veddah people.
- Negombo - This idyllic beach town boasts of the Portuguese style of architecture. Negombo will take you to the Dutch era and leave you spellbound with its enchanting beauty.
- Anuradhapura - This city is famous for its well-preserved ruins of an ancient Sinhala civilization. Anuradhapura has a rich collection of archeological and architectural wonders.
- Yala - It was designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1900. Yala National Park nurtures 215 species of birds, 300 odd floral species, 44 species of mammals, and many more.
Famous Foods of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has unique tastes and flavors. It is a land of palatial curries and rice. Sri Lanka's famous food comprises some Dutch-influenced dishes, and most of the sweets are Portuguese-influenced.
Take a look at the must-try dishes of Sri Lanka:
- Gotu Kola Mallum Sambola - Tattered Greens With Coconut
- Fish Ambul Thiyal - Fish Dish
- Kottu - Hamburger of Sri Lanka
- Kukul Mas Curry - A Delicious Curry
- Lamprais - Meat Immersed In Sambal Chili Sauce
- Sri Lankan Egg Hoppers - Pancakes For Breakfast
- Kiribath - Combo Of Rice And Coconut Milk
- Wood Apple - A South Asian Fruit
- Parippu - A Spicy Lentil
- Asmi - A blend of Milk And Cinnamon
- Wambatu Moju - An Eggplant Pickle
- Polos - A Cuisine Of Jackfruit
Indian restaurants in Sri Lanka
Restaurants in Sri Lanka offer healthy vegan options. With its dazzling menus, the Indian restaurants in Kandy, Colombo, and other major cities of Sri Lanka have perfected the balance between spiciness and creaminess and serve some delicious curries.
Here are the famous restaurants in Sri Lanka:
- Dunhinda, Colombo
- Balaji Dosai, Kandy
- Global Kitchen, Kandy
- Sri Suryas, Colombo
- Bombay Brasserie Restaurant, Galle
- Indian Hut Restaurant, Galle
- Mango Mango Indian Restaurant, Anuradhapura
- Seedhevi Family Restaurant, Anuradhapura
- Chana's, Colombo
- Shanmugas, Colombo
Top Things to do in Sri Lanka
From the exploration tour of the colonial fortress to the Safari tours in the national parks and from visiting the UNESCO World Heritage sites to enjoying sunbathing in the glistening beaches, there are so many things that can be covered in the Sri Lanka tour package for family.
The top things to do in Sri Lanka include the following:
- Exploration tour of Yala National Park - Home to numerous wildlife species such as Leopard, Elephants, and crocodiles, Yala National Park boasts grasslands and lagoons bordering the Indian Ocean. A safari tour is the best way to spot leopards and other wildlife species in the national park.
- Soak yourself in the mighty shores of Bentota Beach - A palm-fringed beach and stretches of golden sand on Bentota Beach is a perfect spot for unwinding. In addition, Bentota Beach is the best place to indulge in water sports, such as water skiing and boogie boarding.
- Bird watching in Horton National Park - This protected area was made into a national park in 1988 and encompassed massive forests and endless grasslands. Here one can encounter the flying wonders and exotic birds in the Horton National Park.
- Visit the breathtaking waterfalls, namely St. Clair’s fall - Referred to as the Niagara of Sri Lanka, St. Clair’s falls is perched at an altitude of 1,198 meters. It is one of the widest falls in Sri Lanka and is encompassed by mountains with a mesmerizing backdrop of moving clouds.
- Trek to Adam’s Peak - It is one of the must-visit places in Sri Lanka. The trek to the peak is exhausting, but this place is considered a sacred pilgrimage and is famous for the Sri Pada ‘Sacred footprint of Lord Buddha’.
- Visit the National Museum of Colombo - Explore the architectural beauty of the country in the National Museum of Colombo and the beautiful colonial buildings in the Fort Area.
Other things to enjoy on the Sri Lanka trip -
- Enjoy the nightlife and try some hands in the casino.
- Seeks blessings at Gangaramaya Temple.
- Enjoy the beauty of nature from Galle Face Green.
- The Tea and Herb Plantation Tour.
- Spot elephants in the Udawalawe National Park.
- Kandy is considered a sacred city, and seeking blessings at the shrines in Kandy is among the topmost things to do in Kandy.
- Seek blessing at The Temple of Tooth Relic and Dambulla Cave Temple.
- Visit the Ceylon Tea Museum.
- Enjoy the panoramic view of the city from the Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue.
Travel Facts about Sri Lanka
Size and location: Situated a few degrees north of the Equator, Sri Lanka is slightly smaller than Ireland and a little larger than the US state of West Virginia.
Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
Religions: Sri Lanka’s population comprises different ethnic and religious groups. There are two prevalent religions in Sri Lanka, and most of the population mainly includes Buddhist Sinhalese and predominantly Hindu Tamils. The other religious groups belong to Christians and Muslims.
Languages: Sinhala, Tamil, and English are officially recognized languages.
Visa Requirements for Indians to Travel Sri Lanka:
As Indian passport holders, travelers are eligible for a visa on arrival. However, Indian citizens must apply for a Sri Lankan visa online to obtain the documents. Sri Lanka issues travelers the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) that allows them to enter the country for 30 days.
Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka
You can book Sri Lanka packages throughout the year due to the pleasant weather. However, October to March is the best time to go to Sri Lanka if you wish to spend time on the beach, which will not get hindered by the rain. This is the apt time to visit the west and southern coastlines, including the Chilaw in the west, Galle in the south, and Colombo in the southwest.
If you want to attend the festival and gastronomical events, then April is the best time to travel to Sri Lanka, as this is the harvest season here. On the other hand, March is the best time for the central hills, including the Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Peradeniya Botanical Garden.
Plan a Sri Lanka tour from January to March if you wish to explore the central hills, as it is the sunniest and driest time of the year here. Sri Lanka is a tropical island that remains warm throughout the year, while May to August is when the monsoon hits the island. During this time, a Sri Lanka trip cost from India at a lower price as this is the less preferred time to visit Sri Lanka.
Now that you know the best things to do, places to visit, and best time to plan a tour, browse through our Sri Lanka tour packages from India. For a customizable tour, fill up the inquiry form, and we’ll get back to you soon.