Why go to Colombo
Most first trips follow a loop: Colombo or Negombo, then Kandy and the Temple of the Tooth, the train ride through the tea hills to Ella, a safari in Yala or Udawalawe for elephants and leopards, and finally the south coast around Galle and Mirissa.
It feels familiar to Indian travellers, distances are short, and it’s good value. It’s a good pick for families and for couples who want beaches and hills on one trip.
Best time to visit Colombo
Sri Lanka has two monsoons, so there’s always a dry side. For the west and south coasts (Colombo, Galle, Bentota, Mirissa), go from December to March. For the east coast (Trincomalee, Arugam Bay), go from May to September. The hill country around Kandy and Ella is best from January to April.
- January: best time
- February: best time
- March: best time
- April: good time
- May: off season
- June: off season
- July: off season
- August: off season
- September: off season
- October: off season
- November: good time
- December: best time
Colombo visa for Indians
Free ETA onlineLast checked October 2026
Indian passport holders need an ETA (electronic travel authorisation) for a tourist visit of up to 30 days. When we checked, it was free for Indians. Apply online before you fly. It’s usually approved quickly.
Carry your return ticket and hotel details, as immigration may ask for them.
Apply only on the official site, eta.gov.lk, or through a trusted agent. Look-alike sites charge extra. Rules change, so check again before you book.
Flight time and fares from Delhi
Nonstop flights from Delhi take about 3½ to 4 hours. Since the island is small, it’s easiest to fly in and out of Colombo and travel the rest by road or train.
Fares rise around Christmas and New Year and during Indian school holidays.
Getting from the airport
The airport is at Katunayake, about 35 km north of Colombo. The expressway gets you to the city in 45 minutes to an hour. Many people skip Colombo on the first night and stay in Negombo, a beach town 15 minutes from the airport.
How many days you need
A week to ten days for a loop of Kandy, Ella, a safari and the south coast. Five days is enough for Colombo and the beaches around Galle.
Food for Indian travellers
Rice and curry, hoppers (crisp rice pancakes, like appam), string hoppers and dal are everywhere, and vegetarian food is easy to find. Indian restaurants are common in Colombo and Kandy.
