Sri Lanka's tourist ETA is now free for Indians. A 7-day plan for Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella and Galle, with Ramayana sites, flights and best time.
Sri Lanka is one of the easiest and best-value foreign trips from India. Flights from Mumbai take about two and a half hours, the tourist ETA is now free for Indians, and in one week you can see an ancient rock fortress, misty tea country, a famous mountain train ride and golden beaches. Many Indian families also come for the Ramayana trail. Here's a simple 7-day itinerary, with the entry rules, flights, best time and tips.
Sri Lanka ETA for Indians: free, but still needed
- Free tourist ETA: since 25 May 2026, Sri Lanka has waived the tourist ETA fee for Indians and citizens of several other countries, for stays of up to 30 days.
- Still apply before you fly: Sri Lanka isn't fully visa-free. You must get your ETA approved online on the official site, eta.gov.lk, before you travel.
- Watch out for fake sites: some websites charge a fee to apply on your behalf. Use only the official government site, or ask your travel agent.
- Passport: carry a passport valid for at least 6 months, a return ticket and your hotel bookings.
- Longer stays: you can apply to extend beyond 30 days in Sri Lanka, but extensions are charged.
Flights to Colombo from India
- From Mumbai: SriLankan Airlines, IndiGo and Air India fly nonstop to Colombo. The flight takes about 2.5 hours.
- From Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru and other cities: there are nonstop flights from several Indian cities. Chennai is one of the shortest at about 1.5 hours.
- Baggage: some low-cost fares include only cabin baggage, so check before you compare prices.
Best time to visit Sri Lanka
- December to April: the best time for the west and south coasts, Galle, Kandy and the hill country. This is the main season, so book early around Christmas and New Year.
- May to September: the south-west monsoon brings rain to the west and south, but the east coast, such as Trincomalee and Arugam Bay, is at its best.
- October and November: a changeable inter-monsoon period with showers in many areas. Prices are lower, and it's still fine for sightseeing if you plan around the rain.
7-day Sri Lanka itinerary
- 1
Day 1 — Arrive in Colombo, drive to Sigiriya
Land at Colombo and drive north to the Sigiriya and Dambulla area, about 4 hours away. Ramayana travellers can stop at Munneswaram Temple near Chilaw, where Lord Rama is believed to have prayed to Lord Shiva.
- 2
Day 2 — Sigiriya Rock and Dambulla
Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress early in the morning, before the heat and the crowds, to see the ancient frescoes, the Lion's Paw gateway and the views from the top. In the afternoon, visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, full of painted caves and Buddha statues.
- 3
Day 3 — Kandy
Drive to Kandy, Sri Lanka's hill capital, and stop at a spice garden on the way. Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, walk around Kandy Lake, and watch a Kandyan cultural dance show in the evening.
- 4
Day 4 — Nuwara Eliya and the Ramayana sites
Drive up into tea country past waterfalls, with a stop at the Sri Bhaktha Hanuman Temple at Ramboda and a tea factory tour. Near Nuwara Eliya, visit the Seetha Amman Temple, believed to be where Sita was held in Ashok Vatika, and the nearby Hakgala Botanical Garden.
- 5
Day 5 — Train to Ella
Take the famous hill-country train from Nanu Oya to Ella, past tea estates and misty valleys. In Ella, see the Nine Arch Bridge and Ravana Falls, linked in local belief to the Ramayana.
- 6
Day 6 — Ella to the south coast
Drive down to the south coast, about 4 to 5 hours, with an optional stop at Ussangoda, another site linked to the Ramayana. Check in at a beach hotel near Galle, Mirissa or Bentota and relax by the sea.
- 7
Day 7 — Galle Fort and fly home
Walk the ramparts and lanes of Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of cafes and old colonial buildings. Then take the expressway back to Colombo airport for your flight home.
Ramayana sites in Sri Lanka
These places are linked to the Ramayana by tradition and local belief. Most fit easily into the itinerary above, and you can add more with an extra day or two.
- Munneswaram Temple, Chilaw: an ancient Shiva temple where Lord Rama is believed to have prayed.
- Sri Bhaktha Hanuman Temple, Ramboda: a hilltop Hanuman temple on the road from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya.
- Seetha Amman Temple, near Nuwara Eliya: believed to be the place where Sita was held, beside a mountain stream.
- Hakgala Botanical Garden: traditionally linked to Ashok Vatika.
- Divurumpola: about 20 km from Nuwara Eliya, believed to be where Sita took the test of fire.
- Ravana Falls and Ravana Cave, Ella: linked in local belief to Ravana hiding Sita.
- Ussangoda, south coast: a striking open plateau above the sea, linked to Hanuman in local legend.
Money, food and practical tips
- Currency: Sri Lanka uses the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR). Cards work in hotels and larger shops, but carry cash for small shops, tuk-tuks and temples.
- Entry tickets: many cultural sites, such as Sigiriya, charge foreigners in US dollars, and some offer a lower rate for SAARC nationals, including Indians. Carry your passport to get it.
- Food: rice and curry, hoppers and kottu are local favourites. Vegetarian food is easy to find, and many hotels serve Indian dishes. Sri Lankan curries can be very spicy, so ask for mild if you prefer.
- Temples: dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered, and remove your shoes and hat. Don't pose for photos with your back to a Buddha statue.
- Getting around: a private car with a driver is the easiest way to travel with family. Drive times are longer than the distances suggest because of hilly, winding roads.
- Phones: buy a local SIM at the airport with your passport, or set up an eSIM before you fly.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sri Lanka visa-free for Indians?
Not exactly. Since 25 May 2026 the tourist ETA is free for Indians for stays of up to 30 days, but you still need to apply online at eta.gov.lk and get approval before you travel.
How many days are enough for Sri Lanka?
Seven days covers the highlights: Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, the train to Ella and the south coast. With five days, focus on Kandy, the hill country and Colombo, or on the beaches.
What is the best month to visit Sri Lanka from India?
December to April is best for the west, south and hill country, which most first-time visitors see. Between May and September, plan your beach time on the east coast instead.
How long is the flight from Mumbai to Colombo?
About 2.5 hours nonstop. SriLankan Airlines, IndiGo and Air India fly the route, but schedules change, so check the airline websites for current timings.
Which are the main Ramayana places in Sri Lanka?
The best known are Munneswaram Temple, the Sri Bhaktha Hanuman Temple at Ramboda, the Seetha Amman Temple near Nuwara Eliya, Hakgala Botanical Garden, Divurumpola, Ravana Falls in Ella and Ussangoda. They are linked to the Ramayana by tradition and local belief.
Is Sri Lanka good for senior citizens?
Yes, with a comfortable pace. Choose a private car, avoid long drives in the same day as big climbs, and skip the full Sigiriya climb if stairs are difficult; the gardens and museum at the base are still worth seeing.
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