Visiting Sri Lanka from India: A Practical Guide

Sri Lanka is just a short flight from South India, and for many Indian travellers it's a first international trip. Temples, vegetarian food and the warmth of Tamil culture feel familiar, while the beaches, tea country and wildlife feel wonderfully different.

Flights and getting there

Direct flights connect Colombo with Chennai, Bengaluru, Kochi, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad and other cities, usually in 1.5 to 4 hours. Some routes also reach Jaffna's Palaly airport from South India, and ferry services between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai have operated at times. Both of these change often, so check the current position before planning around them.

Our airport arrival guide explains what happens after you land.

Visas and ETA

Indian travellers normally need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or other entry permission before travel. Sri Lanka has changed its fees and visa-free schemes several times, so check the official government ETA website or the Sri Lankan mission in India before you book. Avoid unofficial sites that add fees. Read our visa and ETA guide.

Money

Sri Lanka uses the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR), which is different from the Indian rupee. Don't assume that Indian rupees will be accepted. Bring US dollars or change money on arrival, and tell your bank before using your cards abroad. Check rules on carrying Indian currency out of India, as limits apply. See our money guide.

UPI-based payments are accepted at some places in Sri Lanka, but coverage is limited, so don't rely on them.

Food

• Vegetarians eat well here, with dhal, vegetable curries, dosa, idli and vadai. Many restaurants in Colombo, Kandy and Jaffna are pure vegetarian.
• Maldive fish (dried tuna) is often added to sambols and some curries, so ask for "no fish". See our vegetarian guide.
• Jain food needs planning, so ask your hotel in advance.

Language

Sinhala and Tamil are the main languages. Many people in tourist areas also speak English, and some understand a little Hindi from films. Tamil speakers will feel at home in the north, the east and the tea country. Learn a few words with our phrases guide.

What Indian travellers love

• The Ramayana trail — read our Ramayana sites guide and 7-day itinerary.
• Buddhist heritage — Anuradhapura, Kandy and more, covered in our Buddhist pilgrimage guide.
• Hindu temples — see our Hindu temples guide.
• Hill country — the cool air and train through tea estates.
• Honeymoons — our honeymoon guide has ideas for couples.

Practical tips

• SIM cards: buy one at the airport. Indian roaming is usually expensive. See our SIM card guide.
• Plugs: Sri Lanka often uses type D and M sockets, as in India, as well as type G. A universal adaptor helps.
• Driving: Sri Lanka drives on the left, like India, but your Indian licence alone isn't enough. See our driving guide.
• Time: Sri Lanka uses the same time zone as India.
• Dress: modest clothes are expected at temples, as at home.

More information: the official Sri Lanka ETA website.

Keep planning

• Planning a Ramayana tour from India
• The Pancha Ishwarams: five ancient Shiva temples