Cheap flights to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is often called the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, but given its hot and humid climate, this verdant island could be more accurately called the Emerald of the Indian Ocean.

Its beaches – Trincomalee, Bentota and Unawatuna – are palm-fringed and soft-sanded, but this little isle also has a rich colonial history (Galle port was used by Persians, Arabs, Greeks, Romans, Malays and Indians before the Portuguese, Dutch and, later, English arrived) and an inspiring cultural heritage (the cultural triangle extends from Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa to Dambulla).

Flights to Sri Lanka will deliver you to graceful people, a beautiful island and a rich holiday experience. 

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Sri Lanka climate

Sri Lanka has a tropical climate. Luckily, the ocean winds moderate the high humidity. Temperatures rarely fall below 16 degrees in the winter and summer temperatures average 32 degrees. Monsoon season lasts from mid-October through January and leaves the island soaked.

When is the best time to fly to Sri Lanka?

Peak season:

The best time to search for cheap flights to Sri Lanka and visit is between the rainy seasons. On the south-west coast and in the hills, it is driest between November and April. The south-west coast has fantastic beaches around Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna and Mirissa.

On the east coast, visit between May and September for the best conditions. Some of the must-visit beaches on this side of the island are Trincomalee, Nilaveli and Arugam Bay

Off season:

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

Getting around Sri Lanka

ExpoAir flies from Colombo to Jaffna and there are other private charter airlines and helicopter services.

If you have lots of time, train travel can be a fascinating way of getting around the island. On some of the longer journeys, old-style sleeper trains are available.

Bus services on the island are run by the Central Transport Board (CTB) and private companies.

Three-wheel vehicles, known variously as tuk-tuks, bajajs or auto-rickshaws are a neat 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.

How long is the flight to Sri Lanka?

Malaysia and Sri Lanka are only separated by the great Indian Ocean and, ideally, it should not take more than 3h 30min approximately to fly directly from Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, to Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. Though not located very far away from each other, the travel time between the two countries could be much higher if direct flights to Sri Lanka are unavailable. Depending upon the stopover it may take up to 48h to get cheap flights to Sri Lanka from Malaysia. Currently all major airlines operating in the continent of Asia carry passengers and offer Sri Lanka flight deals between the two countries. Sri Lankan Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, SilkAir, Qatar Airways and Emirates also fly to Sri Lanka.

Where can you get direct flights to Sri Lanka from?

Though there are seven international airports in Malaysia, the only airport to catch a direct cheap flight to Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka and the International Airport of the country, is Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. Air Asia and SriLankan Airlines both provide direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Colombo. There are other international airports in Malaysia, Penang, Kuching, Langkawi and Kota Kinabalu, from where connecting flights with both short and long deadlines are available. Malaysia Airlines, SilkAir, Singapore Airlines and Sri Lankan Airlines all work in accordance in order to provide uninterrupted services.

What is the best way to travel around Sri Lanka?

If you want to visit Jaffna from Colombo, a good idea would be to use the trains, which will only take around 6h. You can also use a bus, which will take around nine hours. If you're wanting to visit the ancient ruins of Sigiriya from Colombo, it will only take around an hour-and-a-half to get there via train. While you can also hire a car and drive yourself, it is common for people to hire drivers during their stay, making travel much easier. If you want to self-drive then you will need to provide an International Driver's Permit and prove that you have had your licence for over a year.

What are some things to do in Sri Lanka?

For nature lovers, adventure seekers and those who like outdoor activities, Sri Lanka is an ideal place to visit all year round. Being close to the equator and surrounded by Indian Ocean in all direction, Sri Lankans enjoy tropical weather, flora and fauna, sunlight and the sea. A few of the places that are quite popular with tourists are Horton Plains, Udawalawe, Wilpattu, Bundala and Kaudulla, which are some of the National Parks; Sri Pada and Hanthana are two of the mountains in the country; there are a number of beaches that dot the shorelines, perfect for those who like the sea. There are waterfalls, fortresses (namely Sigiriya, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and even an elephant orphanage that is quite interesting to visitors.

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

People travelling from Malaysia to Sri Lanka would require a tourist visa, which allows stays for up to thirty days in the country. A visa can be obtained upon arrival, however, it is advisable that this process is completed before the journey begins. Depending upon the entry and exit frequency a Sri Lakan Visa for Malaysian citizens varies from anywhere between $55 to $90, which is around RM 226 to RM 370. You would also need to fill an Immigration Arrival Card upon reaching Sri Lanka. The travellers must have a return ticket and enough money to cover their expenses while in Sri Lanka. Also, while filling the online application, make sure to enter all details correctly and to carry the same document used in the application to show at the Immigration Office.

What is good to know if travelling to Sri Lanka?

• Nuwara Eliya is the tea capital, the main hill resort. It is located about 2,000 metres above sea level. It is a place of English-style bungalows and afternoon tea. Sri Lankans flock to Nuwara Eliya during March and May, to escape the heat of the town.
• The Pinnewela Elephant Orphanage, about 85km (50 miles) from Colombo, is home to about 75 elephants that were either lost or abandoned by their mothers. The sanctuary was established by the Sri Lankan Government in 1975 and is a popular attraction.
• See the pole fishermen around Weligama in the south of the island. The fishermen climb up a pole between 20 and 50 metres (65-100 ft) out to sea, holding on with feet and one arm, while casting a line with the other arm.
• 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.
• Horton Plains National Park, 3,160 hectares, is in the highlands. Kirigalpotta and Thotupola, Sri Lanka’s second and third-highest mountains, are in the park. Leopard, sambhur and wild boar roam freely.
• Kandy, in central Sri Lanka, was the last capital of the ancient kings of Ceylon. It is a sacred city, home to The Temple of the Tooth Relic. In July/August, Esala Perahera takes place. This is when 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.
• Ratnapura is the centre of Sri Lanka’s gemming industry. Jewels unearthed include ruby, sapphire, topaz, amethyst, aquamarine, tourmaline, garnet and cat’s eye. Collections of gems are housed in the National Museum, Ratnapura.