Budget Travel Guide to Sri Lanka from India in July-August 2025

Day 1: Arrival and Colombo Intro

Colombo, Sri Lanka on July 10, 2025

8:00am

Flight from India to Colombo

Take a budget-friendly flight from Chennai or Mumbai to Colombo. Airlines like SriLankan Airlines and Air India offer direct flights. Book in advance for best deals.
INR8000-12000 (approx.), 3h0m

12:00pm

Check-in at Budget Guesthouse

Stay at guesthouses or hostels in Colombo near the city centre for budget stays ranging from INR1000-1500 per night.
INR1000-1500, N/A

2:00pm

Lunch at Upali's by Nawaloka

Enjoy authentic Sri Lankan rice and curry dishes with fresh local ingredients. Open from 11am to 10pm.
INR400-600, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit Gangaramaya Temple

Explore one of Colombo's most important Buddhist temples and a museum showcasing religious artifacts.
LKR200 (approx. INR200), 1h0m

5:00pm

Stroll along Galle Face Green

Relax by the sea on this urban park and enjoy the sunset, street food, and local vendors.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Curry Leaf

Dine on delicious Sri Lankan seafood and vegetarian curries at reasonable prices. Open till 10pm.
INR700-900, 1h30m
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Day 2: Kandy Cultural Tour

Kandy, Sri Lanka on July 11, 2025

7:00am

Train to Kandy

Take an early scenic train ride from Colombo to Kandy (4 hours). Booking second-class tickets is affordable and comfortable.
LKR400 (approx. INR400), 4h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Balaji Dosai

Experience authentic South Indian vegetarian food near Kandy city centre. Open 7am-9pm.
INR300-500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

A key pilgrimage site housing a tooth relic of Buddha, offering fascinating cultural insights.
LKR1500 (approx. INR1500), 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore the Royal Botanical Gardens

This beautiful garden features rare orchids and over 4000 species of plants, perfect for nature lovers.
LKR1500 (approx. INR1500), 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Empire Cafe

Try a fusion of Sri Lankan and western cuisine in a charming café open until 10pm.
INR600-800, 1h30m
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Day 3: Southern Coast Beach Day

Mirissa, Sri Lanka on July 12, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Mirissa

Take a bus or taxi from Kandy to Mirissa beach (approx 5-6 hours). Buses are budget-friendly but consider private taxi for time saving.
INR800-1500, 5-6h

3:00pm

Lunch at Zephyr Restaurant

Offers fresh seafood and light meals on the beach with ocean views. Open 8am-9pm.
INR700-1000, 1h0m

4:30pm

Relax at Mirissa Beach

Spend the afternoon on the golden sands, sunbathe or even take a short whale watching tour (tours run 6:30am-11am).
Free (whale watching approx. INR3000-4000), 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Zephyr Restaurant

Return for dinner by the sea featuring local Sri Lankan dishes and fresh fish. Open until 9pm.
INR700-1000, 1h30m
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