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Sri Lanka from India: Flights, Visa and When to Go
A short hop from South India, a free tourist ETA for Indian passports and a year-round dry region make Sri Lanka one of the easiest international trips from India.
From India, Sri Lanka is a short flight - Chennai to Colombo takes about 1 hour 30 minutes, with very frequent daily services, while Delhi is around 3.5 hours. Indian passport holders now get a free 30-day tourist ETA, applied for online before flying. Because two monsoons hit opposite coasts, there is a dry region year-round, so almost any time works with the right route.
The flight: closer than you think
Sri Lanka is one of India's nearest international beach-and-culture destinations. Chennai (MAA) to Colombo (CMB) is about 1 hour 30 minutes with dozens of flights a week on IndiGo and SriLankan Airlines. SriLankan also flies non-stop from Delhi (about 3.5 hours), Mumbai, Bengaluru and Kochi, with IndiGo and Air India adding capacity. Frequent short flights make even a long weekend realistic.
Visa: now free for Indian travellers
As of 25 May 2026, Sri Lanka made its tourist ETA free for a list of 40 nationalities that includes India. The permit is a 30-day stay with double entry. Apply online at the official portal eta.gov.lk before you travel - approval usually within 24 to 72 hours - and confirm the current rule for your passport, as the free list can change.
When to go: a region is dry all year
Two monsoons on opposite coasts mean somewhere is always in season. December to March is best for the south, west and hill country; May to September suits the east coast and Arugam Bay. For festivals, the Kandy Esala Perahera (July/August) and Sinhala-Tamil New Year (April) are memorable times to visit. See the best-time guide.
Culture close to home, but different
For Indian travellers Sri Lanka feels both familiar and fresh - shared history and cuisine, yet its own temples, tea country, beaches and pace. Vegetarian and Jain food is easy to arrange, and your driver can plan meal stops accordingly. Tell us your dietary needs and we build them in.
Getting around
Sri Lanka drives on the left like India, but a private driver-guide takes the stress out entirely - your own air-conditioned vehicle, someone who knows the roads and the best stops, and no navigation or parking to worry about. See private drivers, browse tour packages, or read driver vs self-drive.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Do Indian citizens need a visa for Sri Lanka?
Indian passport holders need a tourist ETA, but as of 25 May 2026 it is free for a 30-day double-entry stay. Apply online at eta.gov.lk before you fly and confirm the current rule.
How long is the flight from India to Sri Lanka?
Chennai to Colombo is about 1 hour 30 minutes with very frequent flights; Delhi is around 3.5 hours. Mumbai, Bengaluru and Kochi also have non-stop services.
Is Sri Lanka good for a short trip from India?
Very - the short flights make a 4 to 7-day trip easy. A private driver lets you combine a couple of regions comfortably even on a shorter visit.