Why Sri Lanka Should Be Your Next Holiday: Full Travel Plan!

Sumit Chatterjee
Aug 28
3 min read

Sri Lanka, often called the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean”, is a small island nation with a big heart for travelers. From a tourism perspective, it’s a rare blend of golden beaches, lush tea plantations, ancient ruins, vibrant cities, and wildlife safaris—all within a few hours’ drive of each other.

Sri Lankan culture is deeply rooted in Buddhist traditions, seen in its serene temples, stupas, and festivals like Esala Perahera in Kandy. The people are warm, hospitable, and famous for their smiles. You’ll notice a mix of Sinhala, Tamil, and colonial influences in everyday life, from language to architecture.

Sri Lanka boasts over 2,500 years of recorded history. Ancient capitals like Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, the Sigiriya rock fortress, and Dambulla cave temples tell tales of advanced kingdoms. Later, Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonization added forts, churches, and Victorian charm—still visible in cities like Galle and Colombo. Its tea industry, introduced by the British, still dominates the hill country around Nuwara Eliya.

Why Visit Sri Lanka?

Close to India: Just a short flight away.
Rich heritage: Sigiriya, Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth, Dambulla caves.
Nature & adventure: Tea hills, beaches, safaris, train journeys.
Food: Spicy curries, seafood, and famous Ceylon tea.
Budget-friendly: Compared to Europe or the Maldives, Sri Lanka offers luxury at reasonable rates.

Best Time to Visit

For the west and south coasts (Colombo, Bentota) and Hill Country (Kandy, Nuwara Eliya), the ideal months are December to March.

April and September–October work as shoulder seasons with fewer crowds.

How to Get There (from India)

Direct flights to Colombo (CMB) from Chennai, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, and more via IndiGo, SriLankan Airlines, and Vistara.
Flight time: 1.5–3 hours (depending on departure city).
Visa: Indians usually need an ETA (apply online). Sometimes visa-free or discounted for Indians—check latest updates before travel.

Best 7D/6N Itinerary

(1NColombo • 1N Bentota • 2N Kandy • 2N Nuwara Eliya)

Day 1 – Arrive Colombo → Kandy

Arrive at Colombo Airport, meet your driver, and drive to Kandy (approx. 4 hrs).
Visit Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, watch the cultural show.
Evening walk around Kandy Lake.

Day 2 – Kandy → Sigiriya & Dambulla (Day Trip)

Early morning drive to Sigiriya Rock Fortress (UNESCO site).
Optional stop at Dambulla Cave Temple.
Return to Kandy.

Day 3 – Kandy → Scenic Train → Nuwara Eliya

Visit Royal Botanic Gardens in Peradeniya.
Take the Kandy–Nanu Oya train (book in advance; Observation Class recommended).
Explore tea plantations and factories.

Day 4 – Nuwara Eliya

Gregory Lake walk, Seetha Amman Temple, tea estate photos.
Relax in the cool hill-station vibe.

Day 5 – Nuwara Eliya → Bentota

Long but scenic drive to Bentota.
Evening on the beach.

Day 6 – Bentota

Madu River Safari, turtle hatchery, and water sports.
Beach time and seafood dinner.

Day 7 – Bentota → Colombo (Departure)

Colombo city tour: Galle Face Green, Dutch Hospital Precinct, shopping at Pettah Market.
Departure from Colombo Airport.

Must-Try Activities :

Sigiriya climb or sunrise at Pidurangala.
Tea factory visit in Hill Country.
Kandy cultural show.
Scenic train ride.
Madu River Safari & turtle hatchery.
Shopping & dining in Colombo (don’t miss Ministry of Crab!).

What to Eat :

Hoppers (Appam), String Hoppers (Idiyappam), Kottu Roti.
Seafood platters, Rice & Curry, Lamprais.
Curd with treacle for dessert.
World-famous Ceylon tea.

Travel Tips

Apply for ETA before flying.
Dress modestly for temples.
Carry LKR cash for small purchases.
Book train tickets early.
Carry sunscreen for beaches and a jacket for hill stations.
Expect spicy food—ask for mild if needed.
Tipping for drivers: USD 10–20/day per group.

With this 7-day itinerary, budget tips, and travel hacks, your Sri Lanka trip will be smooth and full of memories. Whether you’re sipping Ceylon tea in Nuwara Eliya or enjoying seafood by the Bentota coast, Sri Lanka promises an experience you’ll cherish forever. Happy travels!