5-Day Budget Sri Lanka Trip from India with Cheapest Flight Tips

Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation

Colombo and Negombo, Sri Lanka on May 3, 2025

8:00am

Book Cheapest Flight Online

Use flight aggregator websites like Skyscanner, Google Flights, or Kayak to find cheapest tickets from Indian cities like Chennai, Bangalore, or Kochi to Colombo. Budget carriers such as IndiGo, AirAsia India, and SriLankan Airlines often offer fares between INR 6,000 to INR 9,000 one-way if booked well in advance and on weekdays.
INR12000 (round trip for 2), N/A

10:30am

Flight from India to Colombo

Take the cheapest morning flight found from your departure city to Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport.
Included in above, 2h0m

12:30pm

Transfer to Negombo

Use pre-booked shuttle or taxi to Negombo for about 30 minutes.
INR1000, 0h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Lords Restaurant, Negombo

Savor affordable fresh seafood and Sri Lankan dishes; open 11am to 10pm.
INR800, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Negombo Beach

Relax on the shore and walk along the beach, soaking in local life.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Check-in Budget Hotel

Stay at economical hotels or guesthouses like Serene Pledge around INR2000 per night.
INR2000, N/A

7:00pm

Dinner at The Palms Restaurant

Enjoy Sri Lankan curries in a budget-friendly setting open till 10pm.
INR700, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Cultural Kandy

Kandy, Sri Lanka on May 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Try local breakfast dishes with tea.
Included, 0h45m

8:00am

Travel to Kandy by Train

Book train tickets online via Sri Lanka Railways website or buy at stations. Trains cost around INR 200 per person for second class; a cheap, scenic 3-hour journey from Colombo or Negombo area.
INR400, 3h0m

11:30am

Visit Temple of the Tooth

Explore this holy temple open 5:30am-8pm, key cultural site.
LKR1500 (~INR600), 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Balaji Dosai

Affordable vegetarian South Indian fare, open till 9pm.
INR500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Royal Botanical Gardens

Take a tuk-tuk or bus to the gardens, entry LKR1500 (~INR600), open 7:30am-6pm.
INR600, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Loving Hut Kandy

Enjoy low-cost vegan meals, open till 10pm.
INR600, 1h0m

8:00pm

Overnight Stay at Budget Guesthouse

Book affordable accommodation around INR1500 a night.
INR1500, N/A
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Cool Hills of Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka on May 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Guesthouse

Enjoy local fare to start the day.
Included, 0h45m

8:00am

Travel to Nuwara Eliya by Train or Bus

Purchase tickets from Kandy station or online on Sri Lanka Railways for scenic 2.5-3 hour route; ticket prices about INR 200 per person for second class.
INR400, 3h0m

11:30am

Visit Gregory Lake

Enjoy free lake entry and inexpensive boat rides (around LKR700 / INR280).
INR280, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Grand Indian

Mixed Indian-Sri Lankan dishes, budget priced and open from noon onwards.
INR700, 1h0m

2:00pm

Tea Factory Tour

Free or small fee for tours that explain tea processing.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Walk at Victoria Park

Chill in this beautiful public park, open till 8pm.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hill Club

Offers colonial ambiance and Sri Lankan cuisines; moderate prices but still budget friendly.
INR1000, 1h30m

9:00pm

Budget Guesthouse Stay

Stay overnight for around INR1500.
INR1500, N/A
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Ella Nature Escape

Ella, Sri Lanka on May 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Guesthouse

Eat a local breakfast to prepare for hiking.
Included, 0h45m

8:00am

Travel to Ella by Train

Book train tickets early, second class around INR150 per person; 2-hour scenic trip through tea fields.
INR300, 2h0m

10:30am

Hike Little Adam's Peak

Easy hike with breathtaking views, free entrance.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Chill Cafe

Trendy spot for fusion cuisine and coffee, open 8am-9pm, affordable.
INR700, 1h0m

2:30pm

Nine Arches Bridge Visit

Iconic railway bridge for photos and short walks, no cost.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Explore Ella Town

Browse shops and relax at cafes, budget snacks optional.
INR300, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Cafe Where Else

Casual dining with local and international menu, moderate pricing.
INR800, 1h0m

8:00pm

Night Stay at Budget Guesthouse

Cost about INR1500, comfortable stay for two.
INR1500, N/A
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Return to India

Colombo, Sri Lanka on May 7, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast

Quick breakfast before travel.
Included, 0h45m

8:00am

Travel from Ella to Colombo

Use budget bus or taxi; bus tickets cost INR 400 per person and take about 6 hours. Arrange transport to reach airport on time for flight.
INR800, 6h0m

2:00pm

Arrive Colombo Airport and Check-in

Allow at least 2 hours before your flight for security and boarding procedures.
N/A, 2h0m

4:00pm

Fly Back to India

Catch your pre-booked flight home, ending your budget-friendly Sri Lanka trip.
Included in initial flight booking, 2h0m
View Hotel Availability