It’s familiar, yet exotic

Dressed in an elegant saree, Upekha Samaratunga, Minister Commercial, Sri Lankan High Commission in Delhi, shares with enthusiasm how India remains a significant trade, tourism and investment partner with the island nation. Given the ease of e-visa for tourists within minutes and air fares at times less than the travel within the country make it a popular destination with Indians!

And, there’s God’s plenty– virgin beaches for nature lovers, huge herds of elephants to whale in their natural habitat, to a rejuvenating flower-sandalwood bath for those looking forward to soothe the frayed nerves as Sri Lanka takes its Ayurvedic heritage rather seriously. For those seeking the thrill, there is a whole lot—right from canoeing to hot air ballooning and snorkelling. 

Aamir Ali representing Sri Lankan Airways makes a case for those looking for pocket-friendly packages as air fares ex-Delhi start as low as Rs 10,000. 

“Sri Lanka figures among the top 10 out- of-country destinations for Indians and for the last two decades there has been a steady rise in tourists in our country,” says Viranga Bandara, representing the Tourism Promotion Bureau. He pegs his country as the family destination for a range of activities and sightseeing options.

Whether it’s a tour of spice gardens, jeep safari, Ramayana trail that offers up to 50 sites where one can visit sites right from that of Sita’s captivity, the battle fields to where she gave agni pariksha. The different places retain the names from the epics.

“Our culture and pristine nature make Sri Lanka an amazing short holiday destination,” shares Samaratunga representing her country in her national dress - a saree tied in a way that the pallu makes for the skirt up front. Known for its Ayurvedic products, duty-free shops makes for a great buy, she says...

— Mona