A Global Affair | Travel Sri Lanka: A Guide To Visas, Logistics And Must-Visits

Want to enjoy stunning white sand beaches, soothing natural beauty, and wildlife adventures? Pack your bags for this South Asian island country, Sri Lanka, which lies in the Indian Ocean.

Explore the pristine beaches and enchanting wildlife of Sri Lanka's tropical haven. ( Image Source :Getty )

Are you planning a trip to an island in the Indian Ocean where you can delight in pristine sandy beaches adorned with coconut trees, all set against the backdrop of turquoise seas? Look no further — as Sri Lanka beckons travellers with its captivating blend of natural beauty and vibrant culture, boasting a rich history dating back over 2,500 years.

Formerly known as Ceylon, the nation offers sun, sea, and ultimate seclusion, away from the demands of daily life. Here, you can witness picturesque natural wonders, indulge in thrilling wildlife sanctuary experiences, delve into the religious teachings of Buddha, and embrace tranquillity, all in one place.

Sri Lanka, separated from the Indian peninsula by the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait, recently surpassed the Maldives regarding footfall from India. This indicates that Indian tourists are heading to the Island Nation more after the diplomatic row with the Maldives. A Male-based news outlet, Adhadhu, reports that in January 2024, tourist arrivals in the Maldives lagged behind Sri Lanka after 4 years.

So if you are heading to the island nation, let's unravel the essentials for Indian citizens.

Entry Requirements & Visa Procedures:

Sri Lanka is a small country surrounded by the Indian Ocean and has so much to see and do. A Sri Lankan Tourist visa is all you need to enter the country and experience it all.

The pilot project, announced last year, offered free visas for the first 30 days of stay until March 31, 2024. However, after March 31st, 2024, the old visa process automatically resumed, where the standard cost for a tourist visa is around Rs. 1700 to grant a 30-day stay in the country with a maximum 2 entries.

Sri Lanka Offers multiple visa categories as mentioned below:

• Tourist Visa
• Business Visa
• Transit Visa
• Student Visa
• Residency Visa

The visa process and charges may vary based on the purpose of the visit and visa type. However, transit passengers do not need to pay any fees for their transit visa.

Tourist Visa Application Process:

You should have an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) to travel to and stay within the country. ETA can be obtained online via the official website (srilanka.visaonlinegov.org or www.eta.gov.lk.) or at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) upon arrival.

Online Application Procedure:

• Submit the application online
• Receive ETA approval via email
• Take a printout of the approval and present it to immigration officers at the airport
• Validity upto 30 days from the date of issue
• Stay Duration: Up to 3 months (extendable up to six months)

Required Documents:

• ETA application form
• Two recent passport-size photographs
• Passports (Must be valid for a minimum of 6 months from the arrival date).
• Confirmed return tickets 
• Proof of accommodation/ /invitation from Sri Lanka
• Photocopy of the passport's front and last pages
• Bank statement

Points to be noted:

• All passengers must fill out Arrival/Departure cards online at www.immigration.gov.lk within 3 days of departure.
• Visitors not holding return/onward tickets could be refused entry.
• Processing Time for your online visa is up to four working days
• The ETA approval certificate must be used within 180 days after issued.

Sri Lanka offers visa exemption for Indian tourists during a specified period, with the possibility of extension.

Travel Logistics:

While Sri Lanka is a year-round destination, the best time to visit the place is from November to April in the southwest and February to September in the northeast part of the country. A short 5-day trip or a leisurely 15-day exploration both can be enjoyable options for visitors.

Colombo, the capital, provides direct flights to major Indian cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad. A round trip from India to Sri Lanka costs approximately between Rs 16,000 to Rs 90,000 per person, depending on the departure city and class of travel. Flight durations vary, with around 3 hours and 35 minutes from Delhi to Colombo, and approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Bengaluru or Chennai.

Alternatively, travellers can opt for cruise services, with prices ranging from Rs 55,000 to Rs 4,50,000 per person.

Within Sri Lanka, transportation options include taxis, scooters, and bicycles for budget-conscious travellers. Luxury train services by Expo Rail cover major routes, while air taxis operated by Sri Lankan Airlines offer quick connections between popular destinations. The Sri Lanka Transport Board facilitates online bus booking services for both locals and tourists.

Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to luxury resorts. In cities like Colombo and Kandy, a night's stay at a 5-star property can cost Rs 15,000 to Rs 40,000, while budget accommodations may range from Rs 1,500 to Rs 5,000 per night. For a 5-day budget trip, costs may total around Rs 50,000 to Rs 90,000 per person. Also, remember to exchange your currency at the airport or in big cities; the exchange rate is 1 Sri Lanka Rupee = INR 0.28.

Weather:

Sri Lanka has a tropical climate, which means it experiences distinct wet and dry seasons. However, it stays hot and humid all year round. Even during the rainy season, there's usually plenty of sunshine, especially along the coast. The average temperature in Sri Lanka is 25°C throughout the year. Most tourists prefer to visit during winter because the weather remains dry and cool at that time.

Language:

Sri Lanka is a multilingual country with several languages spoken across its diverse communities. The official languages of Sri Lanka are Sinhalese and Tamil. However, English is widely spoken in tourist places or big cities.

Experience Rich Cultural Heritage And Wildlife:

Visitors can immerse themselves in the country's heritage by visiting 4 UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Sigiriya rock fortress, the Dambulla Cave Temple, and the sacred cities of Kandy and Anuradhapura. 

Sri Lanka's wildlife sanctuaries, like Udawalawe National Park, and Wilpattu National Park offer opportunities to observe elephants and other native species in their natural habitats. You can hike through lush green hills in Ella or enjoy water activities in coastal towns like Bentota. Cities like Colombo, Kandy, Galle, and Trincomalee also have plenty of attractions for tourists.

The ancient ruins of Anuradhapura and Sigiriya are for history enthusiasts, while the tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya offer a serene retreat amidst stunning landscapes.

To enjoy breathtaking white sand beaches lined by thick palm tree forests, with clear waters and perfect waves for surfing, visit Mirissa, Unawatuna, Tangalle, Dikwella, and Nilwella. You can also spot scenic waterfalls throughout your jounney like Elle Wala waterfall, near Wellawaya and many more.

After all the adventures, if you seek spirituality, you can easily find Buddhist temples there. The Sri Dalada Maligawa, also known as the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy is a must-visit.