By Shikha Gautam
A Sri Lanka visa is easy to get for Indians, available within hours of online application. Plus, Sri Lanka will be visa-free for Indians for six months, starting from October 1, 2024! The only thing you need after that is this Sri Lanka itinerary, curated with firsthand experiences.
Pro TIP: Sri Lanka visa for indians
You can head to Dambulla from Colombo Airport unless you’ve had a long flight and wish to rest. In that case, stay a night at Negombo and then head over to Dambulla.
Photo by ShiRiccardo Chiarini
It’s one of the most laidback regions of Sri Lanka and is visited by culturists for the Dambulla Cave Temple, a stunner in all rights. It’s surrounded by villages that’ll give you insights into the local way of life, culture and cuisine.
Photo by Shikha Gautam
Once you’ve explored Dambulla, head to the famous Sigiriya Rock, also famous as Ravana’s Palace. Early morning or late noon visits are recommended since Sri Lanka’s tropical sun is something you’d not love.
Photo by Brian Kyed
A detour from the regular itinerary, Trincomalee must not be skipped. Close to the Pigeon Island National Park (scuba-divers’ alert!), it’s a quaint beach getaway that travellers love spending weeks at!
Photo by Shikha Gautam
A 5-hour drive from Trincomalee will take you to Kandy, a typical quaint town famous for lakeside strolls, Temple of the Tooth and its cultural centre.
Photo by Shikha Gautam
Another 3 hour drive from Kandy, Nuwara Eliya is for those who aren’t too fond of tropical sun and summer. Loved for its tea estates and blissful cold weather, Nuwara is for those who like small towns, quaint stays and a glass of rum or two to beat the chill.
Photo by Shikha Gautam
I recommend that you hop on a train to Ella from Nanu Oya station for a journey you won’t forget. The train runs across tea estates, crosses waterfalls and deep dives into tropical forests and is famous as one of the world’s most beautiful train journeys. I agree.
Photo by Shikha Gautam
Sri Lankan trains run on time if you are lucky. Thus, I recommend that you keep another day to explore Ella after your train journey. It has some splendid trails, hikes and viewpoints.
Photo by Shikha Gautam
If you fancy visiting a national park that sits right by the ocean and is known for a good number of sightings, leopards and elephants mostly, head to Yala. It’s a treat to explore the forest here. Do stay at one of the jungle cabins here!
Photo by Fergus So
Mirissa, Sri Lanka’s most famous beach destination, is close to Yala and calls for a leisurely stop. You can also explore the neighbouring Hikkaduwa from Mirissa. Both the places have surfing enthusiasts from worldover. Spend at least 2 days here.
Photo by Shikha Gautam
Galle is what inspires those famous Sri Lankan picture postcards. With its towering lighthouse, historical Dutch colony, gregarious ice-cream and tea parlours and notable restaurants, Galle is Sri Lanka’s very own Greek town.
Photo by Shikha Gautam
While I am no lover of cities, a day or two in Colombo can be easily spent. You can explore its street markets, dig for souvenirs (and gorgeous sarees!), stone jewelry, Geoffrey Bawa’s house, beach promenade, Red Mosque and the famous Gangaramaya Temple.
Photo by Brian Kyed
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