India and Sri Lanka reciprocate each other in terms of tourism. But Sri Lankans visit India for medical and business purposes too. Advanced medical hospitals and technology in India are always ready to serve poor country people like Nepal, Bhutan, African countries and so on. Due to this, an Indian visa demand is increasing in leaps and bounds. That’s why the Indian government has made the India visa application system online, in which over 160 country citizens, including Sri Lanka, can apply for and get an India visa electronic form on their confirmed email address.

Designated airports and seaports for the Sri Lankan with an electronic visa:

The following is a list of 28 airports and 5 designated seaports from where a Sri Lankan national can enter the country when in possession of a valid e visa for India:

Airports: Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bag Dogra, Bengaluru, Bhubaneshwar, Calicut, Chennai, Chandigarh, Cochin, Coimbatore, Delhi, Gaya, Goa, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Madurai, Mangalore, Mumbai, Nagpur, Port Blair, Pune, Tiruchirappalli, Trivandrum, Varanasi and Travelkhapatnam.

Seaports: Cochin, Goa, Mangalore, Chennai and Mumbai.

Famous places in India Sri Lankan citizens enjoy visiting:

Some of the best tourist destinations in India for Sri Lankan are:

• Varanasi, the spiritual capital of India
• Jim Corbett Sanctuary, Uttarakhand
• Hemis Monastery, Ladakh
• Rishikesh, the world capital of yoga, Uttarakhand
• Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya, Bihar
• Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra
• Rajasthan
• Agra, the Taj Mahal city
• Delhi
• Kashmir

India-Sri Lanka relations

The historical and cultural ties between India and Sri Lanka erase all boundaries between these two neighbouring countries. Many Sri Lankans have their ancestry lies in India, which is why they feel like home in India. And, Buddhist temples and monasteries have always played a key role in bringing Sri Lankans to India.

Famous cuisines and beverages of India: Masala Dosa, Hyderabadi Biryani, Poha, Dal Vada, Idli, Chilly potato, Shahi Paneer, Mughlai food, Chicken soup, noodles, Gushtaba, Jalebi, Bajre ki Roti aur Saag, Momos, Palak Paneer, Laccha Parantha, Chur Chur Naan, Tawa Paneer, Lassi, roasted Crab meat, Coconut water, and so on.

Temperament of Indians:

Friendly, sympathetic, welcoming and warm-hearted.

What you must know when visiting India on an Indian visa:

• Don’t talk to the people of suspicious and unknown organizations or agencies
• Never, especially after sunset, go to unlit or dark areas alone, especially girls.
• Never give money or food to monks, clerics or beggars coming to you for it; you should ignore and stay from them, as they can be thieves or snatchers.
• Don’t eat oily and fried food during your visit, as it may lead to digestive issues.
• Choose the season before visiting India for your convenience because some Indian places are very hot, cold and rainy.
• Never forget to keep your valid Indian visa in your pocket or purse to show it when asked.
• Always have some cash in your pocket every time when out because most small shopkeepers and rural-people accept only cash.
• Taking the strict cultural beliefs of Indians into mind, avoid kissing or hugging your better half publicly or in family restaurants. And, wear modest clothes when visiting religious places, shrines, etc.
• Remove your shoes or sleepers before entering religious places.
• Stay in only widely-known and registered places with trustworthy, clean records and security systems.