Many of us here are travel enthusiasts and a free spirit and love exploring different countries without having to burn a hole in pocket. So, here I am letting you know about how to travel to the beautiful country “Sri Lanka” and spend a good 5-6 days in the lap of nature with a budget of less than 30,000 INR per head!
I, along with my two siblings, visited Sri Lanka in the month of September, which is a shoulder season to visit the country, and a good enough time to wander. Our return tickets from Mumbai-Colombo costed us 15,000 INR per head. However, if you’re lucky you can manage getting the same tickets in 12,000 INR too.
The VISA process is also a tad too simple. You can apply for it, yourself, on www.eta.gov.lk and get done in a few minutes, costing you something around 1,000 INR.
1. Where to stay:
A Beach Home, away from home, Mount Lavinia: We booked this place through AirBnB, to be welcomed by our awesome host for the next couple of days and the owner of the place, Asela Bogohawatte. The beach home was a nice 3 storeyed-apartment with a terrace, which can easily house 5-6 people. It was a nice, neat and clean place with positive vibes. The entire apartment costed us around 3-3.5k INR per night, which is something dirt cheap for a place like this. Also, the place is generally booked a few months in advance so you got to plan this well. The next morning breakfast was complimentary from Asela, and we got the taste of some Sri Lankan snacks! Also, if your idea of going to Sri Lanka is to chill and you’re a beach bum just like I am, this place is perfect as it is right next to the beautiful Mount Lavinia Beach.
3. Bentota Island:
If you’re a water body, and enjoy some adventure and water sports, this is the place to go. Make sure you bargain well. My recommendation: Try water skiing.
4. Turtle orphanage, Bentota:
Just so you can see the various species of turtles and also click pictures with them, do some touristy things! Also, chill at the beach for a bit.
5. Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage:
This was the highlight of my trip. The elephant ride, right in the lap of nature, through the waters and the woods, bathing you along! Do not miss this! Also, bargain well.
6. Galle Dutch Fort, Galle:
This is a must for the serenity it offers you with, from the blue skies to the lush greenery, the vintage fort and clear waters. It’s a must, if you’re a nature lover. For the likes of sun, surf and the sand, pristine water and cool breeze.
7. Kandy:
This is a place for the hill station lovers. If you love Shimla in India, you’ll love Kandy in Sri Lanka.
8. Temple of the tooth:
Situated in Kandy, this Buddhist temple is a world heritage site and known for its historical significance. Also, the architecture is worth it.
9. Casinos in Colombo:
Try your luck! Buy a few coins, play a few games, earn some money, enjoy the night! Not to forget, free sumptuous dinner!
10. Mount Lavinia Beach:
Be a beach bum, chill on the beach. All day! Sun & Sea bathing!
12. Tea factory on the way to Kandy:
If you wish to know how tea is made and want to buy the best and different qualities of tea produced in Sri Lanka.
13. Herbal Garden on the way to Kandy:
They give you a tour in the garden and let you know about various herbs and products made out of it in Sri Lanka. The free massage they give you is definitely worth it. However, be cautious about the products you’re buying. Don’t be fooled.
15. Amal Sea Food Restaurant:
For the authentic Sri Lankan cuisine, fresh food & quiet ambience. The Sri Lankan biryani and the Prawns curry is to die for! You can hog, for it’ll be one of your best meals ever.
16. Loon Tao, Mount Lavinia:
For the genuine Chinese food, right on the beach. Try their dishes in chicken and prawns with some noodles!
17. Berjaya, Mount Lavinia:
If you’re craving for Indian food. Again, right on the beach.
18. La Voile Blanche, Mount Lavinia:
For the utter refreshing brekky on the beach or if you have a love affair with coffee in the day and drinks at night!
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Author Bio
Christina Daniels
Story teller, backpacker, shutterbug
Christina Daniels is a storyteller, cinema writer, backpacker and photographer. She is also the author of the bestselling book “I’ll Do It My Way: The Incredible Journey of Aamir Khan.” A traveler who has journeyed across four continents, Christina is also the host of an Airbnb experience in Bangalore.
