Cheap flights to Sri Lanka

The tear drop-shaped island of Sri Lanka, situated just 31km off the southern coast of India, is often called the “pearl of the Indian Ocean”. Its beaches are palm-fringed and soft-sanded, its climate is hot and humid and its interior lush and verdant. Overall, it’s not hard to understand why tourists book flights to Sri Lanka every year to enjoy this island paradise.

Beautiful and idyllic it may be, but Sri Lanka is also rich in history. Galle port was used by Persians, Arabs, Greeks, Romans, Malays and Indians before the Portuguese, Dutch and, later, English arrived. As a result, the country has an intricate tapestry of cultural influence. Flights to Sri Lanka will deliver you to graceful people, a beautiful island and a rich holiday experience.

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How long is the flight to Sri Lanka?

When you are travelling from Montreal to Colombo, Sri Lanka, you will find that the shortest flight will take 18h and 45m. The longest flight from Montreal to Sri Lanka is 33h and 10m. Travellers who have their city of origin as Vancouver will find that the shortest flight will be 21h and 5m. The longest flights out of Vancouver that will be landing at Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport will be 42h and 10m. There are many reasons for the discrepancies in flight times, namely the number of stopovers and the length of those stopovers.

Which cities offer direct flights to Sri Lanka?

Travellers will find that because of the distance between Canada and Sri Lanka, there are no Sri Lanka flight deals that do not have stopovers. However, they can find a number of options that will only have a single stopover. Cathay Pacific Airways will have a 1h layover in Hong Kong before heading to Colombo. Sri Lankan Airlines will have a 9h 20m layover in London. Travellers flying from Montreal will find that Air Canada has an 11h 20m stopover in London, and Qatar Airways has a stopover in Doha for 1h 50m.

What is the best way to travel around Sri Lanka?

There are many ways to get around Sri Lanka, including a number of trains that travel along three major routes going all the way from Columbo through Ella. Several train classes are available. It is possible to rent vehicles in Sri Lanka, and it is possible to hire drivers if you do not want to be behind the wheel. Cycling and buses can be a good way to see much of the country, as well.

What are some things to do in Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka is a country filled with things to see and do, and if you love the outdoors, you will find plenty to keep you busy. You might want to hike Little Adams Peak. You might want to take a scenic train trip from Kandy to Ella. It is not only a good way to get around, but it can provide plenty of beautiful scenery. You could take a trip through a tea plantation, visit Kaudulla National Park to see elephants and other animals. Many will also want to spend some time just relaxing on the beaches, such as Dalawella Beach.

Do I need a passport or visa to fly to Sri Lanka?

Canadians who are going to be heading to Sri Lanka will find that they do need to have a passport. You need to make sure that your passport has at least one blank page and that it is valid for at least six months from the date of arrival. In addition to a passport, you will also need to have a visa to visit. A visa will need to be obtained before coming to the country or at a port of entry. Those who want to stay in the country can apply for up to two 90-day extensions.

Sri Lanka climate

Sri Lanka is a tropical country with ocean winds cooling humid heat. Temperatures rarely fall below 16 C in the winter and summer temperatures average a hot 32 C. The monsoon season lasts from mid-October through January and leaves the island drenched. 

When is the best time to fly to Sri Lanka?

Thanks to the tropical weather that graces the island, there is no bad time to book flights to Sri Lanka…

Peak Season:
If you’re looking for cheap flights to Sri Lanka, try and visit in between the two rainy seasons. On the south-west coast and in the hills, it is driest between November and April. On the east coast, the best conditions are between May and September.

Off season:
Monsoon season is between May and July, and December and January.

Getting around Sri Lanka

There is only one domestic plane service in Sri Lanka, ExpoAir, which flies between Colombo and Jaffna. For every other destination, take the train or bus. Three-wheel vehicles, known variously as tuk-tuks, bajajs or auto-rickshaws are a fun way of taking short trips. Independent travellers can rent motor-bikes and cars. Hiring a car and driver is another popular option; drivers will have local knowledge.

What is good to know if travelling to Sri Lanka?

• Colombo is the largest city in the country, though no longer the capital, and also the arrival point of all international flights to Sri Lanka. The city has been variously occupied by Portuguese, Dutch and British, leading to an interesting assortment of various architectural styles in the buildings.
• Nuwara Eliya is the tea capital, the main hill resort. Due to its altitude – about 2,000m above sea level – it remains cool throughout the summer months and Sri Lankans flock here to escape the heat of the city. It is a town of English-style bungalows and afternoon tea.
• Located about 85km from Colombo, the Pinnewela Elephant Orphanage houses 75 elephants that were either lost or abandoned by their mothers. Established in 1975 by the Sri Lankan Government, this is a popular spot with visiting tourists.
• The Green, Olive Ridley, Leatherback, Loggerhead and Hawkesbill marine turtles are all endangered and the government takes conservation efforts very seriously, for example paying local fishermen to protect natural turtle-nesting sites. Kosgoda and Rekawa are among the best known sites.
• In the centre of the country, the sacred city of Kandy was the last capital of the ancient kings of Ceylon. It is home to The Temple of the Tooth Relic. In July or August, the festival of Esala Perahera takes place. One of the inner caskets used for covering the tooth relic is taken through the city accompanied by dancers, drummers, flag bearers and brightly decorated elephants.

How popular are flights to Sri Lanka this year?

Sri Lanka has seen a 97% increase in demand for flights to the city compared to last year.