With fascinating cultural attractions, sacred pilgrimage sites, and laid-back beach towns, Sri Lanka is the ideal holiday destination for a budget traveller.

A stunning view of the Sigiriya rock fortress in Sri Lanka. (Shutterstock)

A tiny teardrop of an island is not only a quick getaway from India, it also offers a million options to the travellers – historic towns, tea plantations, beaches, ancient temples and forts, and wildlife reserves. Add to all this a lavish food spread. It is also extremely affordable – you have a great 5-6 day holiday for less than ₹1 lakh (flights from Chennai are really cheap). And if you buy package tours (including flights), you can do a 5-night/6-day trip for less than ₹80,000.

In Sri Lanka, it is pretty tempting to pack too many cities in the itinerary, but it is practical to not do more than 3 cities, the most popular being Kandy and Galle.

• Explore Galle Fort: A beautiful town housing the Dutch fort, Galle is also famous for its literary festival usually held in January every year.
• Kandy: Famous for Sri Dalada Maligawa (commonly known as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic), is a Buddhist temple that houses the relic of the tooth of Gautam Buddha; it is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Ganduwa Island: It is said that the world’s best cinnamon is grown here.
• Go to Yala National Park to see the endangered Sri Lankan leopard.
• Spend a day in the ancient kingdom of Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Go to the Hill Country, famous for its cool, misty mountains around cities like Nuwara Eliya, Ella and Hatton.

Must eat:

• Kottu roti: Basically an ingenious way of using leftovers, Kottu roti is pieces of roti (bread) mixed with finely shredded vegetables or pieces of meat, soy sauce, spices, ginger and garlic.
• Wambatu Mojo: Eggplant dish served with rice.
• Egg hoppers with sambol: Pancakes, usually with fried eggs.
• Watalappan: Steamed egg custard made with jaggery, coconut milk and spices.
• Gotu Kola salad: Asiatic pennywort (Gotu kola) salad with chopped greens, chillies, lemon juice and grated coconut.
• Dhal curry: Masoor dal (red lentil) cooked in coconut milk.
• Lamprais: Boiled eggs, eggplant, frikkadels (Dutch-style beef balls), mixed meats (soya for vegetarians) and sambol.
• In Colombo, go to Ministry of Crab in the Dutch Hospital Complex.

Visa:As of October 1, 2024, Indian nationals can enter Sri Lanka visa-free for a period of six months. However, applying for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before arrival is mandatory.

Flight: Air India Delhi-Colombo-Delhi direct Economy return flight starts at ₹37,000+ (Flight duration: 3 hours 45 minutes). Indigo Chennai-Colombo-Chennai direct Economy return flight starts at ₹14,000+ (Flight duration: 1 hour 20 minutes). Indigo Bengaluru-Colombo-Bengaluru direct Economy return flight starts at ₹25,000+ (Flight duration: 1 hour 25 minutes).

Accommodation (for 4 nights; 2 adults, no children): To save accommodation costs, book Sri Lanka Tourism Approved homestays (find the list In Colombo, you can book guesthouses for ₹14,000+; Bed & Breakfast start at ₹13,000+, while homestays can cost as little as ₹9,000+. Backpackers can look for hostels that can cost as little as ₹7,000+ for 4 nights. You can also get 3-star hotels for ₹12,000+ for 4 nights.

Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). 1 LKR = 0.29 INR

Getting Around: In Colombo, taxis are metered, but agree to a rate before setting off. Drivers expect a 10% tip. For short journeys within cities/towns, use tuk-tuks (trishaws). Most trishaws are not metered, so agree on a fare beforehand. You can rent self-drive cars. Chauffeur-driven cars are less expensive and recommended. Sri Lanka Central Transport Board has an extensive network of buses throughout the island. Trains connect Colombo with all tourist towns, but first-class carriages, air conditioning and dining cars are available on only a few. Charter flights can be arranged to any destination in Sri Lanka through Deccan Aviation Lanka.

Money-saving tips:

• Save money by buying a 5-night/6-day Sri Lanka package tour by Makemytrip for less than ₹80,000 per person (including flights). 5night/6 day Sri Lanka group tours are available for around ₹60,000 per person (including flights).
• Use trains to travel long distance, they are at least 40% cheaper than taxis.
• For shorter trips, tuk-tuks and taxis can prove economical; check prices beforehand.
• Eat local food at local eateries, they are at least 50% cheaper than fancy restaurants.
• Buy fruit and drinking coconuts etc. from market vendors and street sellers than from supermarkets.
• Don’t hesitate to haggle, it is the norm with market vendors and tuk-tuk drivers.
• Instead of a taxi, take the airport bus to the Colombo city centre (Cost: roughly ₹700).
• If you are travelling to southern Sri Lanka (Galle, Matura, Tangalle etc.), take the expressway bus.
• You might not find ride-hailing apps beyond Colombo and Sandy. Tuk-tuks can be comparatively expensive, rent a scooter, it is cheaper and more convenient.

Dos & Don’ts:

• Carry a bug spray.
• Don’t drink tap water.
• Do not take selfies with a statue of Buddha or turn your back on any statue of the Buddha. Do not wear clothes with the Buddha image printed on it.
• If you have a Buddha tattoo, conceal it, as it is considered disrespectful.
• Don’t take pictures of people without permission
• Dress modestly when visiting temples and holy sites.
• Leather articles such as wallets, belts and bags are prohibited inside many Hindu temples.
• Do not touch a monk.
• Avoid dealing with touts who often pose as ‘guides’ and ‘agents’ and offer deals. Book directly with licensed agents.