For Indian travellers, Sri Lanka offers a home-away-from-home experience, but with a unique charm of its own. The people bear a striking resemblance to South Indians, and the cuisine blends flavours reminiscent of both Malaysian and Kerala dishes. Thanks to Sri Lankan Airlines, tourism between the two countries has become seamless, with visa-on-arrival making it even more accessible. Whether you’re looking for pristine beaches, lush mangroves, exciting wildlife, or just some time to unwind, Sri Lanka has it all.

Currently, 30,000 to 40,000 Indian tourists visit the island each month, and Sri Lankan Airlines aims to grow this number by expanding its services. With frequent flights from Indian cities and more routes being explored, Sri Lanka is an ideal destination for a short vacation or even a first international trip. The cultural ties between India and Sri Lanka run deep, with many of the island’s sites linked to the epic Ramayana.

Overcoming Challenges
Just as global tourism began to bounce back after the pandemic, Sri Lanka faced a few domestic hurdles, including fuel shortages that affected airline operations. Despite these challenges and a wave of exaggerated reports on food and water shortages, Sri Lanka has recovered admirably. Social media falsely painted a picture of the country being unsafe for visitors, but Sri Lanka has always remained a safe destination, even during its civil war years. Today, both the government and locals are dedicated to ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience for every traveller.

Negombo

A short drive from the airport, Negombo is a perfect stopover with its long, golden beaches. Jetwing Beach resort offers the best mix of traditional design and modern amenities, blending beautifully with the natural surroundings. Negombo’s early-morning activities are a treat to observe, from toddy collectors scaling coconut trees to the bustling fish market. The region also boasts a thriving cinnamon trade and is famous for its authentic Sri Lankan gemstones, including rubies and blue sapphires.

Bentota

A five-hour drive along misty roads leads you to the untouched beaches of Bentota, an ideal spot for snorkelling, scuba diving, and water sports. The Madu River’s meeting point with the ocean offers stunning views, and a boat ride through its mangroves reveals exotic birds, crocodiles, and vibrant fish. For the ultimate relaxation, the Shangri-La resort immerses you in nature, where you can enjoy the best of Sri Lankan wildlife.

Udawalawe National Park

Home to some of Sri Lanka’s finest wildlife, Udawalawe National Park is a must-visit for nature lovers. From herds of elephants to spotted deer, the park offers a diverse ecosystem and is a true haven for wildlife enthusiasts.

Colombo

The bustling capital of Colombo stands tall despite facing economic and political challenges. The city blends historic monuments with modern malls and towering skyscrapers. You’ll find everything from the famous Galle Face beach to the colourful local cuisine, like string hoppers and hoppers served with spicy sambal. Despite the economic inflation, Colombo’s charm lies in its resilience.

Port City

One of Colombo’s rapidly developing commercial hubs, Port City is set to become a tourist magnet with a soon-to-open food court that will cater to international visitors. Both Sri Lanka and China have invested heavily in this area, which promises new job opportunities and a boost to the local economy.

Sri Lankan Airlines’ Commitment

In an exclusive interview with Provoke Lifestyle, Richard Nuttall, Chief Executive Officer of Sri Lankan Airlines, shares his excitement about growing tourism. “Sri Lankan Holidays is the leisure arm of the airline, promoting travel to and from Sri Lanka and all destinations on our network. We partner with leading hotels and tour operators to offer travellers an all-inclusive holiday experience, including customized packages,” Nuttall explains.

He also highlighted plans to increase the number of flights from Chennai, currently operating 17 to 21 flights weekly, and exploring new routes to other Indian cities. Nuttall emphasized the potential to boost tourism further by expanding services to Jaffna, provided the local airport is upgraded to accommodate A320 aircraft.

Sri Lanka Awaits

Sri Lanka is a land rich in natural beauty, offering visitors everything from adventure to relaxation. Though many goods are imported, which contributes to the island’s economic challenges, there is hope for positive change under the new government. The good news for travellers? Sri Lanka is safe and ready to welcome you with open arms.