Sri Lanka Tour Packages

Blessed with a number of tourist spots and natural beauty, Sri Lanka is a place with endless sun-kissed beaches, beautiful historic ruins and natural beauty. A teardrop shaped-island on the map surrounded by the sea, the country is not just home to 8 listed UNESCO sites, but also a captivating combination of historical, spiritual and natural elements. Sri Lanka tourism ranks amongst one of the highest in the world, its Unawatuna beach listed under the top 100 best beaches of the world by CNN in 2013.  

Geographically, the country is situated off the coast of the Indian Peninsula in the Indian Ocean. Sri Lanka is surrounded by the Bay of Bengal on the north east and the Arabian Sea in the south west. A narrow strip of sea, the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Strait separates this island destination from the Indian mainland. The currency of Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee - LKR .

There is a plethora of things you can do on a Sri Lanka tour package. Travellers can enjoy sightseeing, wildlife safari, adventure sports and beach life on a Sri Lanka itinerary. The island is home to about 435 species of migratory and local birds. Also, provided with great Sri Lanka beaches in Hikkaduwa and Trincomalee, snorkelling and dive sites with coral reefs, the destination is the perfect venue for an adventure trip or fun-filled family vacation. Shoppers on a Sri Lanka trip can enjoy a contemporary shopping experience in Colombo malls or explore local markets for handloom items, handicrafts, jewellery to collectible souvenirs. Trekkers can explore this paradise hiking along the north western province and the Horton Plains. Whether you are planning a Sri Lanka honeymoon or a family holiday to Sri Lanka, you will find a range of great value Sri Lanka packages at MakeMyTrip.
 

How to Reach Sri Lanka

The island country of Sri Lanka is connected to other parts of the world via airways and waterways. The Bandaranaike International Airport, located about 30kms from the capital city of Colombo, connects the country with major Indian cities such as Chennai, Tiruchirapalli, Bengaluru, Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Delhi and Mumbai. 

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Sri Lanka Visa for Indians

Indian passport holders only need an online visa to plan a Sri Lanka trip. Upon successful application, you will receive an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) that allows Indians to travel within Sri Lanka for 30 consecutive days.

In case you have not applied for an ETA, Sri Lanka has also recently allowed visa-on-arrival on a pilot basis to nationals of certain countries including India.

Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is open to tourists most times of the year. However, the best time to visit this island country actually depends on the type of activity you want to indulge in as a part of your Sri Lanka tour package. The summer and spring seasons here are considered mild; winters are blessed with a warm sun with a cold morning. The Sri Lanka weather all the year round is considered to be pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities like sightseeing. 

The best time to visit Sri Lanka varies for different sides of the country’s coast. For instance, the months of December to March are best for surfing on the southeastern and west coasts and exploring the Hill Country, while the period from April to September is considered best for exploring the coastlines of the east and the sprawling ancient cities. Do plan your Sri Lanka travel accordingly.

Places to Visit in Sri Lanka

The island destination of Sri Lanka has a lot to offer to tourists on a Sri Lanka tour package. From fun, adventure, and entertainment to relaxation, you shall never get bored on your Sri Lanka trip. Some of the famous Sri Lanka tourist places to cover on your Sri Lanka holiday are as follows -

Sigiriya – Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress located near the town of Dambulla. It is renowned for its palace ruins at the top of a gargantuan rock. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the wondrous rocky structure is one of the most dramatic places to see in Sri Lanka. One of the most important aspects of Sigiriya City is its different types of gardens— water gardens, cave and boulder gardens, and terraced gardens. You can also witness beautiful frescoes on the walls of the fortress which date back to the Anuradhapura period. If you are fond of history and architecture, you must include this spot in your Sri Lanka sightseeing.

Kandy – Kandy is one of the most famous places to visit in Sri Lanka. It is the home to the Temple of the Tooth relic, which happens to be the most sacred place of worship for Buddhists. If you are travelling in July or August, you can witness the grand ceremony of Esala Perahera. Your Sri Lanka sightseeing should also include a view of the charming Kandy Lake, which is situated right next to the temple. Apart from that, Degaldoruwa Raja Maha Vihara Temple, an ancient rock temple known for its beautiful frescoes, can also be included in your Sri Lanka itinerary.

Nuwara Eliya – Blessed with a picturesque landscape and temperate climate, Nuwara Eliya is one of the most scenic Sri Lanka tourist places and attracts a lot of tourists. It serves as an important tea production site in Sri Lanka. You can visit a tea factory as a part of your Sri Lanka itinerary, to see the lush tea plantations, and learn about the different methods of tea plucking or how different varieties of tea are graded.  Nuwara Eliya is also home to one of the finest 18-hole golf courses in South Asia. Around here you can also visit Seetha Amman Temple and Divurumpola Temple, which are of great significance for Hindus because of their association with the Ramayana.

Kataragama – Kataragama, one of the holiest places to see in Sri Lanka, is a sacred place for Buddhists, Hindus and Vedda people. Every year hundreds of worshippers enter this pilgrimage town to immerse in the religious diversity of this place. Kataragama Temple, Kiriwehera Temple, and Sella Kataragama Temple are the most famous attractions in the city. Kiri Vehera, an ancient stupa, is another popular Buddhist pilgrimage site situated in Kataragama. If you are visiting in July, you can witness the fascinating Kataragama Perahera Festival and get a glimpse of the cultures and traditions of Sri Lanka.

Colombo – Colombo, the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, is a must-see destination that carries the legacy of the country’s colonial history. It is a perfect blend of modern life that showcases modern skyscrapers alongside historic, colonial buildings that were influenced by Portuguese, Dutch and British styles. One or two days are enough to explore this dazzling city. You can discover the colourful markets, colonial-era buildings, museums, churches, mosques, and temples by strolling around the city. Viharamahadevi Park, Independence Square, and the Old Parliament Building are some major Colombo attractions that you must include in your Sri Lanka sightseeing.

Negombo – Located to the north of Colombo, Negombo is a major commercial hub that lures an abundance of tourists. The city is located at the mouth of the Negombo Lagoon, which serves as a scenic landmark of this place. Known for its long sandy beaches and scrumptious seafood, this alluring destination is also known as ‘Little Rome’ because of the presence of Portuguese-era Roman Catholic churches. From a rich diversity of flora and fauna to different architectural styles, Negombo never fails to astonish the travellers with its charm and splendor.

Bentota – Situated on the banks of the Bentota River, the coastal town of Bentota is one of the most important Sri Lanka tourist places. This charming destination provides holidaymakers a perfect combination of serenity and thrill. Bentota is renowned for gripping water sport activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, parasailing and fishing, and soothing Ayurveda massages. Along with UNESCO World Heritage Sites and unique architecture, Sri Lanka tourism also allows you to wander on the long sandy beaches of Bentota, which are adorned by palm trees and azure waters. You can also visit a turtle hatchery and familiarize yourself with the different species of turtles.

Anuradhapura – Anuradhapura, located 205 km to the North of Colombo, is an ancient capital of Sri Lanka. Well-known for the ruins of an ancient Sri Lankan civilization, it happens to be one of the eight World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka tourism. Tourists are drawn towards the rich collection of archaeological and architectural wonders that Anuradhapura offers. You can pay a visit to some of the religious Sri Lanka tourist places like Thuparamaya Temple and Abhayagiri Stupa, known for their architectural wonders. You can also see Ruwanwelisaya Stupa,the most venerated and well-known stupa in Sri Lanka.

Yala – One of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka, Yala National Park preserves a large variety of flora and fauna. Located in the South Eastern region of Sri Lanka, the entrance to the park is at Palatupana, which is situated around 305 km from Colombo. Because of its location in one of the arid regions of Sri Lanka, the climate is usually hot and dry. It is suggested to explore the park at the time of dawn or dusk for an unparalleled experience. Rich in wildlife, the park contains a wide variety of animals, like leopards, elephants, sloth bears, jackals, spotted deer, peacocks, and crocodiles.

Galle – Galle is a historic city situated 113 km away from Colombo. Endowed with colonial buildings, ancient mosques, churches, and museums, Galle exhibits the Portuguese architectural styles and the Sri Lankan traditions in a unique manner. The Galle Fort, also known as the Dutch Fort or the ‘Ramparts of Galle’, is an important historical monument and one of the must-do places to see in Sri Lanka. The Fort has also been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Galle lighthouse, National Museum in Galle, and the National Maritime Museum are some of the main archaeological monuments that you can explore on a Sri Lanka itinerary that includes Galle.

What to Eat In Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka offers a variety of interesting things from seafood to sweet delicacies that will satisfy your taste buds. The main Sri Lankan food attractions include:

Rice and curry always work out fine: The Sri Lankan staple food seems to be rice and a delicious bowl of curry. The curry is made with a host of spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, pepper, saffron, chilli, mustard seeds, coriander and curry leaves. Try home-cooked rice and curry (daal, pumpkin, eggplant, chicken, fish, carrot, beetroot, jackfruit, Asiatic pennywort, etc.); nothing can beat that.

Sri Lankan version of pancakes: Made from fermented rice flour, coconut water and milk, these thin Sri Lankan pancakes called hoppers are fried in a small wok and swirled to get the bowl-shaped crispy edges. The trick with this version comes when an egg is cracked over the pancake.

Dutch Burgher Lamprais: The Lamprais is a combination of meat, rice and sambol chilli sauce which is wrapped in a banana leaf and then steamed. Inside the rice is meat curry, meat balls, paste and or vegetable infused with cardamom, cinnamon and clove. This Dutch styled food is a perfect snack-on-the go item while enjoying your Sri Lanka package.

Care for some sour fish curry? The Fish Ambul Thiyal is a dish worth trying out. Fish meat cut into cubes is sautéed along with spices and dried goraka, the fruit responsible for the sour flavour. The fish curry is a dry dish with all the ingredients cooked in water until the liquid reduces significantly. This coats each cube of fish with an excellent mixture of spices. 

A coconut side-dip: The coconut sambol is fresh coconut relish made by simply blending in finely grated coconut, dried whole chillies, red onions, lime juice and salt. Its specialty lies in its versatility. The dish is compatible with any food, be it bread, roti, hoppers or just eat it as it is. 

Enjoy these delicious food items and many more while exploring the best places to visit in Sri Lanka.

Indian Restaurants in Sri Lanka

If the craving for Indian food strikes you while you are on your Sri Lanka trip, do not despair. Here are just some suggestions of Indian restaurants in Sri Lanka that you could visit.

Indian Summer Restaurant, Colombo

Maharaja Palace, Colombo

Kandoori, Bentota

Bollywood Masala, Bentota

Agra Restaurant, Colombo

Nawayuga, Colombo

Amaravathi Restaurant, Colombo

Indian Chaat Corner, Colombo

Top Sri Lanka Beaches

Sri Lanka is a land of beaches, and a trip to Sri Lanka is incomplete without including at least one beach in your Sri Lanka travel plan. These are some of the best Sri Lanka beaches:

Bentota – The golden-sandy beach of Bentota, located 65 km away from Colombo, is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to unwind at. You can stay at a beachside hotel and admire the breathtaking views of the sea. The mesmerizing sight of the Bentota Lagoon is sure to rejuvenate your senses like never before. You can also participate in some gripping water sport activities like snorkelling, windsurfing, and parasailing.    

Hikkaduwa – Counted among one of the best surfing spots in Sri Lanka, Hikkaduwa is a famous tourist attraction. Scuba diving is one of the best ways to explore the multi-coloured corals and witness several species of fish darting around. You can also opt for glass-bottom boat rides to explore the rich marine life. Besides, the presence of numerous shops, bars, and restaurants is a great delight. 

Passekudah – Located on the Eastern coast, Passekudah Beach presents a breathtaking view of the white sands that Sri Lanka beaches are famous for. Over the last few years, Passekudah has become a popular destination amongst locals and foreigners alike. This destination offers you a chance to admire the beauty of the shallow coral reef while strolling around the beach.

Mirissa – Mirissa Beach, one of the most remarkable crescent beaches, is renowned for its party scenes, especially among youngsters. It offers a picturesque environment adorned with palm trees, and a great number of restaurants and cafes serving scrumptious seafood. Apart from relaxing on the beach, you can also go for a whale and dolphin watching tour for an incredible experience. 

Unawatuna Beach – Listed under ‘The top 10 most beautiful beaches in the world’, Unawatuna Beach is a major tourist attraction in Sri Lanka. It is located on the Southward Galle Coast and makes a perfect spot if you want to relax under the sun or dive to explore the exotic marine life. The diving experience at Unawatuna Beach also offers some fascinating wreck sites that you can explore.

Things to do in Sri Lanka beyond the beaches

Sri Lanka tourism involves an array of experiences and activities. Apart from the usual Sri Lanka sightseeing, tourists can shop in malls or local markets; adventure lovers can go for hiking. Whether you are a culture enthusiast or a beach lover, there is an array of fun things to do in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka packages incorporate quite a lot of these activities to keep you entertained throughout the trip. Some of the recommended adventures are listed below.

Trekking the Sigiriya Rock – The natural geographical feature of Sigiriya, a gigantic 200-meter-high rock surrounded by the remains of an extensive network of gardens and reservoirs, draws a plethora of tourists. You can trek all the way to the top of the rock and witness a mesmerizing view of the beautifully landscaped area. It’s a long, strenuous climb but the sense of accomplishment after completing the climb is unmatched. For adventure lovers, this is one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka. 

Safari in Yala National Park – You can take a tour of Yala National Park, the second largest national park in Sri Lanka, for a thrilling experience. Along with a wide variety of flora, the park allows you to explore around 44 varieties of mammals and 215 species of birds. From leopards to jackals, you can also encounter a considerable diversity of wildlife creatures.

Visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage – Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, which was initially created to nurture orphaned elephants, is an important tourist attraction to visit during your Sri Lanka travel. The orphanage, situated in Pinnawala Village, is home to a number of Asian elephants. You can have a unique experience of observing the daily routine of the elephants—bottle feeding of elephant calves, seeing them bathe and walk around—from a very close range. For families with children, this is one of the most popular places to see in Sri Lanka.

Visit the Turtle Hatchery in Bentota – The Turtle Hatchery in Bentota, Sri Lanka is a popular turtle nesting site, which was established to protect the marine turtles from extinction. At the hatchery, you can find huge tanks filled with hundreds of newborn turtles—of varied colours and sizes—that are later released into the sea after a few years of care and protection. You can also learn about the different species of turtles, watch them up close, and get pictures clicked with them.

Go whale watching in Mirissa – Situated on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, Mirissa, especially the Dondra point, is an ideal location to catch a sight of several species of whales, like the Blue Whale, Bryde’s Whale, Fin Whale, and the Sperm Whale. Apart from whales, you can also spot dolphins from this location. The best time for this activity is from November to April because during this time the ocean remains calm and provides an ideal environment to observe whales and dolphins from a closer proximity.

Party at Hikkaduwa – Situated 98 km from Colombo, Hikkaduwa tops the list of fun places to visit in Sri Lanka. You can discover the beautiful beaches of Sri Lanka, indulge in gripping water sports like snorkelling or party around the town, and have the time of your life. With a plethora of hotels, shops, bars, restaurants, and guest houses, and several activities to indulge in, your stay will surely be packed with fun and entertainment. For couples and groups of friends looking to have a memorable trip, Hikkaduwa is one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka.

Get blessed at Dambulla Cave Temple – Dambulla Cave Temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, is one of the eight World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka. The major attractions are spread over five caves, namely Devaraja Lena, Maharaja Lena, Maha Alut Viharaya, Paccima Viharaya, and Devana Alut Viharaya. Located in the central part of the country, the caves are built on a 150 m high rock. You can explore the spectacular interiors of the caves, which contain some stunning paintings and statues related to Lord Buddha and his life.

Climb Adam’s Peak – Located in the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka, Adam’s Peak is a tall conical mountain, surrounded by forested hills. It is an important holy site in Sri Lanka, well-known for Sri Pada, that is, the sacred footprint. It holds significance for people belonging to different religions as some people believe it to be the footprint of Buddha, while others believe it to be the footprint of Shiva or Adam. The mountain is usually climbed from December to May because of adverse weather conditions in other months. You can also choose to scale the mountain at night for an exceptional experience.

Visit a tea garden at Nuwara Eliya – Tea Gardens have been an important attraction in Sri Lanka. You can relax amidst the natural landscape of Nuwara Eliya and explore the beautiful tea plantations. You can take a guided tour around the plantation, learn about the manufacturing process, and also get the opportunity to buy some of their finest products.

Enjoy water sports at Bentota – Bentota in Sri Lanka is a popular exotic beach destination that offers an array of water sports. When in Bentota, one should let out the crazy adventurer in them and partake in some thrilling activities. You can choose to indulge in multiple water sport activities, like water skiing, snorkelling, scuba diving, windsurfing, parasailing, fishing, and much more. Moreover, you can also relax and enjoy the picturesque environment after a gripping experience.

Shopping in Colombo – The bustling commercial hub of Colombo offers a great opportunity to satiate the hunger of the shopaholic. You can stroll on the beautiful streets of Colombo and shop to your heart’s content on your Sri Lanka holiday. A wide variety of items are available, like handloom fabrics, leather products, jewelry, etc. From colourful local markets to majestic malls, Colombo has a plethora of things to offer.

  
Whether it is the scenic beaches, the natural wonders, the cuisine or the attractive feel of the place, a Sri Lanka holiday promises you a unique experience. Explore some of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka by booking affordable Sri Lanka packages on MakeMyTrip.