By Aarav Singh, Lead Travel Curator at Samisha Holidays
Published: October 24, 2025, 05:45 PM IST
Dreaming of a Sri Lanka tour package from Chennai in 2025? Samisha Holidays offers all-inclusive 5 Nights / 6 Days packages starting at ₹42,000 per person, covering direct flights from Chennai, 4-5 hotels*, private AC transfers, guided tours, ETA visa, 5 breakfasts, 3 dinners, and travel insurance. Explore Colombo’s markets, Kandy’s temples, Nuwara Eliya’s tea hills, Bentota’s beaches, and Yala’s wildlife. Best time: January-April or July-August. Enjoy group fun, Tamil-friendly food, and eco-conscious travel. Book at backup.samishaholidays.in
Picture this: You’re sipping filter coffee at Marina Beach in Chennai, and just 90 minutes later, you’re standing on Galle Face Green in Colombo, the Indian Ocean breeze replacing the city’s heat. Sri Lanka, the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, is closer to Chennai than Bengaluru, yet feels like a different world—golden beaches, misty hills, ancient temples, and wildlife safaris all in one compact island. As Aarav Singh, with 15 years at Samisha Holidays guiding over 12,000 Chennai travelers, I’ve seen T. Nagar families dance at Kandy’s Esala Perahera, Adyar couples toast sunsets in Bentota, and Anna Nagar friends spot leopards in Yala. One unforgettable moment was a Velachery family celebrating their daughter’s 16th birthday at a Galle sunset dinner, tears in their eyes as they felt Sri Lanka’s warmth—like a Pongal reunion by the sea.
This 3,500+ word mega-guide is your one-stop resource for Sri Lanka tour packages from Chennai in 2025. We’ll cover why Chennai loves Sri Lanka, detailed cost breakdowns, visa process, best travel seasons, top 10 destinations, custom itineraries, Tamil-friendly food, shopping, safety, health, and eco-travel—all tailored for South Indian travelers. With Samisha Holidays, your trip includes flights from Chennai (MAA), premium 4-5 stays*, private AC vans, English/Tamil-speaking guides, ETA visa, and carbon-offset flights, supporting Sri Lanka’s 2030 sustainability goals. Whether it’s a family vacation, honeymoon, friends’ reunion, or solo adventure, let’s craft your perfect Sri Lankan journey!
Why Choose a Sri Lanka Tour Package from Chennai?
Sri Lanka is Chennai’s favorite international getaway, and for good reason. Here’s why 2025 is the year to go:
1. Ultra-Short Flight: 90 Minutes from Chennai
- Direct flights from Chennai (MAA) to Colombo (CMB) take just 1 hour 30 minutes—shorter than a Chennai-Coimbatore train!
- Airlines: IndiGo, Air India, SriLankan Airlines fly daily.
- No jet lag, no transit, no hassle—land and start exploring!
2. Cultural Comfort for Tamil Travelers
- Tamil is widely spoken in Colombo, Kandy, and Jaffna.
- Hindu temples like Nallur Kandaswamy feel like Tirupati.
- South Indian food—dosa, idli, biryani—available everywhere.
- Festivals like Vesak (May) mirror Pongal with lights and feasts.
3. Budget-Friendly Paradise
- Packages start at ₹42,000—cheaper than Goa peak season.
- Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR): 1 INR = 2.2 LKR → ₹100 = LKR 220!
- Daily expenses: ₹1,500-3,000 (food, transport, activities).
4. Diverse Experiences in One Trip
| Interest | Sri Lanka Offers |
|---|---|
| Beaches | Bentota, Unawatuna, Mirissa |
| Hills & Tea | Nuwara Eliya, Ella |
| Wildlife | Yala, Udawalawe, Minneriya |
| Culture & History | Kandy, Sigiriya, Anuradhapura |
| Adventure | Trekking, surfing, whale watching |
5. Eco-Conscious Travel
- Samisha’s packages include carbon-offset flights.
- Stay in sustainable resorts with reef-safe snorkeling.
- Support turtle hatcheries and elephant sanctuaries.
Pro Tip: Chennai groups save 15-20% with shared vans and group discounts. I’ve seen 10-member T. Nagar families pay just ₹38,000/person!
Detailed Cost Breakdown for Sri Lanka Tour Packages from Chennai
Here’s a transparent, line-by-line cost breakdown for a 5 Nights / 6 Days package, based on 2025 rates, my 15 years of experience, and Samisha Holidays’ pricing.
1. Flights from Chennai (MAA) to Colombo (CMB)
| Airline | Round-Trip Cost | Best Booking Time |
|---|---|---|
| IndiGo | ₹12,000-16,000 | 60-90 days ahead |
| Air India | ₹14,000-18,000 | 45-75 days ahead |
| SriLankan Airlines | ₹15,000-20,000 | Peak season (Jan-Apr) |
- Samisha Package: ₹15,000 (average, included).
- Group Discount: ₹1,000 off for 6+ people.
- Free 20kg baggage + 7kg hand luggage.
2. Accommodation (5 Nights)
| Category | Hotel Examples | Cost/Night | Total (5N) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget (2-3*) | Colombo City Hotel, Bentota Guesthouse | ₹1,000-2,500 | ₹5,000-12,500 |
| Mid-Range (3-4*) | Cinnamon Red, Amaya Hills | ₹2,500-5,000 | ₹12,500-25,000 |
| Luxury (4-5*) | Shangri-La, Jetwing Lagoon | ₹8,000-15,000 | ₹40,000-75,000 |
- Samisha Choice: Premium 3-4 hotels* (e.g., Cinnamon Red Colombo, Earl’s Regency Kandy).
- Free Wi-Fi, AC, pool, Tamil-speaking staff.
3. Food & Drinks (5 Days)
| Meal Type | Cost/Meal | Daily | Total (5D) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Street Food | ₹100-300 | ₹300-800 | ₹1,500-4,000 |
| Mid-Range | ₹400-1,000 | ₹800-2,000 | ₹4,000-10,000 |
| Samisha Included | 5 Breakfasts + 3 Dinners | — | Free |
- Tamil-Friendly: Dosa, idli, veg curry at Upali’s (Colombo), Devon Restaurant (Kandy).
- Cooking Class: ₹1,500 (learn kottu roti).
4. Sightseeing & Activities
| Attraction | Entry Fee | With Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Sigiriya Rock Fortress | ₹2,500 | ₹3,500 |
| Temple of the Tooth | ₹1,000 | ₹1,500 |
| Yala Safari (Jeep) | ₹4,000 | ₹5,000 |
| Whale Watching (Mirissa) | ₹4,000 | ₹5,000 |
| Tea Factory Tour | ₹500 | ₹1,000 |
- Samisha Includes: All entry fees + English/Tamil guide.
- Optional Add-Ons: Snorkeling (₹1,500), Ayurveda Massage (₹2,000).
5. Local Transport
- Private AC Van (6-12 pax): ₹3,000-5,000/day → ₹15,000-25,000 total (₹1,500-2,500/person).
- Tuk-Tuks: ₹100-300/ride.
- Scenic Train (Kandy → Ella): ₹200-500 (optional).
- Samisha Includes: All transfers.
6. Miscellaneous
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| ETA Visa | ₹2,000 |
| Local SIM (10GB) | ₹500-1,000 |
| Souvenirs | ₹2,000-5,000 |
| Travel Insurance | ₹1,000-2,000 |
- Samisha Handles: Visa, insurance, SIM on arrival.
Total Estimated Cost (Per Person, 5N/6D)
| Category | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Budget | ₹38,000-62,000 |
| Mid-Range | ₹62,000-92,000 |
| Luxury | ₹95,000-1,60,000 |
| Samisha | ₹42,000 (all-in) |
Pro Tip: Book 90 days early → save ₹3,000/person. Group of 8+ → free upgrade to 4* hotel!
Visa Requirements for Indians (From Chennai)
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa Type | ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) |
| Cost | ₹2,000/person |
| Validity | 30 days, double entry |
| Apply Online | www.eta.gov.lk |
| Documents Needed | Passport (6+ months), return ticket, hotel booking |
| Processing Time | 24-48 hours |
| Overstay Fine | ₹500/day |
- Samisha Service: We apply for your entire group → zero hassle.
- WhatsApp Support: +91-9823076958 for queries.
Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka in 2025 (Chennai Perspective)
| Month | Weather | Best For | Crowd | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan-Apr | Dry, 25-32°C | West/South Coast (Colombo, Bentota) | High | High |
| May-Jun | Light rain, 28-30°C | Budget travel, East Coast | Low | Low |
| Jul-Aug | Dry, 26-30°C | East Coast, whale watching | Medium | Medium |
| Sep-Nov | Monsoon, heavy rain | Avoid | Very Low | Very Low |
Chennai-Friendly Timing:
- Pongal (Jan) → West Coast.
- Summer Break (May) → Budget East Coast.
- Deepavali (Oct) → Avoid monsoon.
Packing List:
- Light cotton clothes
- Raincoat (May-Jun)
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Comfortable shoes
- Modest attire for temples
Top 10 Destinations in Sri Lanka (With Costs & Tips)
1. Colombo: The Gateway City
- Must-See: Gangaramaya Temple (₹200), Pettah Market, Galle Face Green (free).
- Day Cost: ₹1,500-2,500.
- Stay: 1-2 nights.
- Tip: Visit Bharatha Lakshman Theatre for Tamil plays!
2. Kandy: The Spiritual Heart
- Must-See: Temple of the Tooth (₹1,000), Cultural Show (₹800), Peradeniya Gardens (₹600).
- Day Cost: ₹2,000-3,000.
- Stay: 2 nights.
- Tip: Attend Esala Perahera (July-Aug) if dates align.
3. Nuwara Eliya: Little England
- Must-See: Tea Plantations (₹500), Gregory Lake (₹1,000), Horton Plains (₹2,000).
- Day Cost: ₹2,500-4,000.
- Stay: 2 nights.
- Tip: Try Devon Falls tea (₹300/cup).
4. Bentota: Beach Paradise
- Must-See: Unawatuna Beach (free), Turtle Hatchery (₹500), Water Sports (₹1,500).
- Day Cost: ₹1,800-3,000.
- Stay: 2 nights.
- Tip: Sunset catamaran ride (₹2,000).
5. Yala National Park: Wildlife Safari
- Must-See: Leopard Safari (₹4,000), Sithulpawwa Temple (free).
- Day Cost: ₹5,000-6,000.
- Stay: 1 night.
- Tip: Early morning safari = best sightings.
6. Sigiriya: Ancient Rock Fortress
- Must-See: Lion Rock (₹2,500), Pidurangala (₹300).
- Day Cost: ₹3,500-5,000.
- Stay: Day trip.
- Tip: Climb Pidurangala for sunset views of Sigiriya.
7. Ella: Hill Country Charm
- Must-See: Nine Arch Bridge, Little Adam’s Peak (free).
- Day Cost: ₹2,000-3,500.
- Stay: 1-2 nights.
- Tip: Train from Kandy to Ella (₹500, scenic!).
8. Galle: Colonial Fort City
- Must-See: Galle Fort (free), Unawatuna Beach.
- Day Cost: ₹2,000-3,000.
- Stay: 1 night.
- Tip: Candle-lit dinner on the ramparts.
9. Mirissa: Whale Watching Capital
- Must-See: Whale Watching (₹4,000, Nov-Apr).
- Day Cost: ₹5,000.
- Stay: Day trip.
- Tip: Book 6 AM tour for calm seas.
10. Anuradhapura: Ancient Ruins
- Must-See: Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanwelisaya (₹1,000).
- Day Cost: ₹3,000.
- Stay: Day trip.
- Tip: Visit during Poson Poya (June).
Samisha’s Sri Lanka Tour Packages from Chennai
| Package | Duration | Price/Person | Key Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essentials | 5N/6D | ₹42,000 | Flights, 3-4* hotels, 8 meals, visa, transfers |
| Hill & Beach | 7N/8D | ₹52,000 | + Ella, train ride |
| Wildlife & Culture | 9N/10D | ₹62,000 | + Yala, Sigiriya |
| Grand Sri Lanka | 11N/12D | ₹82,000 | All 10 spots, 4-5* stays |
Book Now: backup.samishaholidays.in
Code: SLCHE2025 → 5% off + free local SIM
EMI Available: 3/6/12 months, 0% interest
Contact: +91-9823076958 (WhatsApp)
Must-Try Sri Lankan Food (Tamil-Friendly)
| Dish | Price | Where | Taste Like |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kottu Roti | ₹150 | Street stalls | Chopped parotta |
| Hoppers (Appam) | ₹100 | Devon, Kandy | Tamil appam |
| Fish Ambul Thiyal | ₹250 | Ministry of Crab | Meen kulambu |
| Watalappan | ₹100 | Upali’s | Tamil payasam |
| Pol Sambol | ₹50 | Everywhere | Thengai chutney |
Samisha Includes: Cooking class to make kottu roti!
Shopping in Sri Lanka (Chennai Bargain Tips)
| Item | Price | Best Place |
|---|---|---|
| Ceylon Tea | ₹500/kg | Nuwara Eliya |
| Batik Sarees | ₹1,500 | Odel, Colombo |
| Gems (Blue Sapphire) | ₹5,000+ | Ratnapura |
| Spices | ₹200/pack | Pettah Market |
| Wood Carvings | ₹1,000 | Kandy |
Haggle Like a Chennaite: Start at 50% of quoted price!
Travel Tips, Safety, and Health
- Currency: Use RuPay/Visa ATMs (₹100 fee).
- Transport: Private van (₹3,000/day) > tuk-tuks.
- Safety: Very safe. Cover shoulders/knees at temples.
- Health: Drink bottled water (₹20). No vaccinations needed.
- Samisha Perks: 24/7 Tamil support, insurance, emergency kit.
Start Your Sri Lanka Adventure from Chennai
Sri Lanka isn’t just a destination—it’s a feeling. With Samisha Holidays, your 2025 trip from Chennai starts at ₹42,000, including everything.
Book Now: backup.samishaholidays.in
Code: SLCHE2025 → 5% off
WhatsApp: +91-9823076958
Let’s make your Sri Lankan dream come true!
Happy travels, Aarav
