Why choose affordable Sri Lanka holiday packages from Australia?
Sri Lanka is becoming a favourite holiday destination among Australians. They believe that this island offers diversity, affordability, and warm hospitality. Opting for Sri Lanka holiday packages from Australia is a great way if you are looking for a valuable tour combined with rich cultural and natural experiences.
When you are on a budget, you can only spend a short time in a destination. One of the biggest draws in this is how much you can experience in a relatively short period of time. Sri Lanka’s geography is very diverse, and it has a lot to offer. The travel distances are short, and it means you will spend less time travelling and more time exploring. Everyone dreams of enjoying more in a single trip without needing to go to many countries. And, Sri Lanka is one of the best destinations for it.
There are many Sri Lanka holiday packages from Australia curated specifically for travellers from certain countries, including Australia. These packages include everything from flights to accommodation, tour guides, and meals. You can also include other local experiences if they are within your budget.
Sri Lanka holiday packages from Australia can be extremely budget-friendly compared to other destinations like Europe, North America, and some parts of Southeast Asia. With the right guidance from an expert travel agent, you can enjoy an unforgettable adventure to this beautiful island for a fraction of the price.
What’s included in Sri Lanka holiday packages?
When you are planning to travel to Sri Lanka from Australia, choosing the right holiday package can make a huge difference. A well-designed tour package not only saves money but also ensures you get outstanding value for what you spend. Whether you travel alone, as a couple, or as a family, there are many Sri Lanka holiday packages from Australia that will suit you.
Below are some of the main aspects that you should check if they are included in Sri Lanka holiday packages from Australia,
Airport transfers and local transport services
When you start looking into a holiday package, the first thing to focus on is the airfare. There are many different airlines that travel to Sri Lanka from Australia. It is highly recommended to book your air tickets 5-6 months in advance to get the best deals at an affordable price. This way, you can be more flexible with travel dates and find cheap flights. The agents can easily process your ticketing and get you the best offers available.
Sri Lanka holiday packages from Australia can come in handy as they often include competitive rates with reputable airlines. This means that you will get the opportunity to travel in luxury on a budget.
Most Sri Lanka holiday packages from Australia include pick-up and drop-off services upon arrival. You can travel in either a private car or shared transport from there on to the different destinations of the island. Public transport is more affordable in Sri Lanka and cheaper than rented vehicles. If you don’t mind using public transport, it will save you more money.
Accommodation options
Sri Lanka holiday packages from Australia usually come with a wide range of accommodations that you can choose from. There are guesthouses, hotels, and homestays that are inexpensive. Most of the places are not that pricey and often come with breakfast, half board or full board options.
Tours and expeditions
Many Sri Lanka holiday packages from Australia include guided tours to cultural places like Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, and Galle Fort. Some packages include adventures such as safari trips, hiking, and rafting. If you book packages based on beach holidays, they also include water sports and spa treatments.
When you book Sri Lanka holiday packages from Australia that include all these facilities, you don’t have to worry about spending more on them once you land. Some last-minute bookings to certain locations and tours might cost you more.
Visa and travel insurance
Check whether the Sri Lanka holiday packages from Australia provide you with a visa service and basic travel insurance. Sri Lanka has an on-arrival visa facility. But getting an e-visa is much more convenient and cheaper. Apply for a visa in advance for a smooth processing.
Top budget-friendly destinations in Sri Lanka for Australian travellers
The reason why so many people choose to travel to Sri Lanka from Australia is the great value for money. The island offers a mix of destinations like beaches, mountains, ancient ruins, and forests. The places are not far from each other. So, there is no need to spend a lot to get the best experience. There are some of the best budget-friendly places that you can explore by including them in your Sri Lanka holiday package from Australia.
Negombo
This is a coastal town located just a short drive away from Colombo’s international airport. It is a perfect spot for relaxing after a long flight. There are many inexpensive beachfront hotels, fresh seafood restaurants, and a calm vibe here. The reason why this place is not expensive is that there are not too many travellers. But still, Negombo has beautiful beaches and comfortable hotels for you to relax and enjoy.
Kandy
Kandy is a city that is protected by UNESCO. It is surrounded by beautiful hills and is home to the famous Temple of the Tooth Relic. The city centre is mostly expensive here. But there are cheap hotels and restaurants that are located a little farther away. You can stay in these places and use public transport to come to the city when you need to explore it. This method will help you save some money while enjoying.
Ella
This city is an ideal spot to explore the hill countryside of the island on a budget. It offers nothing less than other major cities. There are places to hike, explore waterfalls, and the iconic Nine Arches Bridge is located here. Ella has many boutique hotels, home stays, and small cafes that offer their service for a very low cost. Many homestays will offer you delicious home-cooked meals.
Sigiriya
Sigiriya is located in the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka. Habarana is a city located near Sigiriya Rock Fortress. You can also explore Minneriya National Park and the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa, which are located close to Habarana. There are many affordable lodges and homestays available here, making it an inexpensive area to explore.
Arugam Bay
If you are a beach person or love surfing, Arugam Bay, located on the east coast, is a great low-cost destination. There are simple guesthouses and hotels that will provide the mandatory services like food, clean rooms, and hygienic restrooms. The food is cheap compared to other beach cities. And another best thing about Arugam Bay is that it is less crowded.
Apart from the list above, there are so many other budget-friendly locations in Sri Lanka that are unpopular but can give you the same experience that the expensive locations give. When you travel to Sri Lanka from Australia, include these destinations in your Sri Lanka holiday packages from Australia to ensure that your entire trip goes smoothly on your wallet.
The best ways to travel to Sri Lanka from Australia without overspending
If you are wondering how to travel to Sri Lanka from Australia without spending a lot, the good news is that this island tour can become more affordable with the right planning. Here are some smart tips to help you save money without missing out on the best experience.
Book flights early and be flexible
Airfare is the biggest expense when you travel to Sri Lanka from Australia. In order to get the best deals, you can book the flights as early as possible. The ideal time is three to five months in advance. You can use online tools to check the best prices. If you are booking through an agent, ask for a list of the best deals with the dates. You have to be a little flexible in changing days, too.
Consider buying a holiday package
Booking Sri Lanka holiday packages from Australia often works out cheaper than booking everything separately. These packages are a combination of flights, accommodation, transport, and other requested facilities. Some of them also come with a few surprises. By doing this, you can also save time, as everything is planned well by travel experts.
Travel in the shoulder season or off-season
Sri Lanka has weather that changes in different regions. But you will still get the opportunity to enjoy a great climate even outside the peak season. As business is slow, hotels become way cheaper in these seasons. March to April and June to October are the best off-seasons to travel to the island for an affordable price.
Use public transportation
Sri Lanka’s public transport system is budget-friendly and offers good service. The train service, especially the route from Kandy to Ella, is scenic. You can explore more beautiful views when you travel by train. Buses are also cheap to get around, but they can be less comfortable. You can consider hiring tuk-tuks for short distances, but make sure you discuss and agree on the price before the ride.
Stay in homestays or guesthouses
Homestays run by local families or small guest houses in Sri Lanka are way cheaper than the luxury hotels. They still offer great hospitality, warm meals cooked at home, and a chance to look closer at the local life. You can experience everything for a fraction of the price.
Eat local food
Skip the high-end restaurants and try local food shops that serve a variety of food like rice and curry, kottu, and hoppers. These dishes are offered at a low price. There are clean shops that sell healthy and delicious food. You can go in there and eat with a lot of warm welcomes and smiles.
Affordable and luxurious travel experiences in Sri Lanka
When you think of luxury travel, you might imagine bigger price tags. But in Sri Lanka, you can enjoy a luxury holiday without breaking the bank. So, if you are planning to travel to Sri Lanka from Australia, you will realise that many of the amazing experiences are surprisingly affordable.
There are certain luxury things that you can enjoy on a budget,
Stays in tea bungalows in the hill country
This might sound weird, as you have already looked into many bungalows and found out they are way too expensive. But there are hidden, beautiful colonial bungalows nestled among unpopular tree plantations. These are often small bungalows located a little distance from the major cities.
These converted guest houses are not busy even in the peak seasons. So you can stay there for a very reasonable price. You can enjoy the beautiful mountain views, walk through tea plantations, visit tea factories and experience the tea processing. These bungalows will also provide home-cooked meals. It is similar to what you get from a luxury bungalow stay.
The scenic train rides
The famous train ride from Kandy to Ella is one of the most scenic train rides in the world. It is also affordable. You can afford this for just a few dollars and enjoy this unique experience. There are different compartments that you can book in trains. 1st class and 2nd class are more comfortable and come with observation decks for better views. But if you still find it expensive, 3rd class compartments will still give you a better view of the surroundings. This experience is something priceless that you can experience when you travel to Sri Lanka from Australia.
Ayurvedic wellness experience
Sri Lanka has a great history of Ayurveda wellness. There are many cities that still offer Ayurvedic treatments. You will be able to find small and peaceful Ayurvedic spas offering different services like massages, herbal steam baths, and other Ayurvedic body treatments. These small places are much affordable than in Australia or other luxury locations in Sri Lanka. But the experienced staff and the best herbal products can still make you feel luxurious.
Beach experience
Most of the beach towns on the island have many small hotels and restaurants that deliver high-quality dining for a reasonable price. Upon request, they will put effort into putting up a candlelight dinner on the beachfront for a few extra bucks. You will get to enjoy fresh seafood, tropical cocktails, and delicious food of no less quality than that of high-end restaurants. This is one of the finest low-cost luxuries that you can afford.
There are surfing classes, shared dolphin watching experiences, and beaches with fewer crowds that you can experience by spending less.
Customising your holiday: how to get the best value for money
One of the best parts of choosing to travel to Sri Lanka from Australia is the flexibility of planning your trip. Sri Lanka has many variations within a small land surface. There are golden beaches, lush green hills, ancient ruins, and beautiful forests. You can easily create your holiday plan that will suit your budget and interests.
Start off by thinking about what matters to you the most in this trip. Is it a peaceful gateway or an adventure you hope for? When you focus your trip around what you really enjoy, you can avoid spending money on unnecessary things that will not add value to your entire trip.
Many Sri Lanka holiday packages from Australia offer great options to combine comfort and budget. Booking through a trusted local travel agent can help you further save money. They know the best routes, times, affordable places, and authentic experiences that give you more for what you give. You can customise the itinerary with all your preferred things so that nothing goes to waste.
Booking with a travel agent in Australia: what you need to know
When planning to travel to Sri Lanka from Australia, many travellers find it easy to work with a travel agent to make the process easier and safer. An experienced and trusted Australian travel agent can help you go through different Sri Lanka holiday packages from Australia and compare them to find the best option.
However, it is very important to choose an agent who is specialised in Sri Lankan culture, or is partnered with a local travel company. These types of agents often have better access to deals and good accommodation, transport, and guiding. Make sure to ask about the possibility of sudden travel plan changes, cancellation policy, and hidden charges. Because some packages might seem affordable at first, but there will be added costs later.
Travel agents can help you create customised travel plans that will align with your interests. Working with them will ease the stress of planning and let you be at peace.
When to go for the best deals?
One of the best ways to enjoy budget-friendly Sri Lanka holiday packages from Australia is by choosing the right time to travel. The most affordable deals are often found in shoulder and off-peak seasons. These are typically from May to June and from September to early November.
There will be fewer tourists during this season. So the accommodation rates and the flight fare will be lower. The weather may be slightly different from one region to another. But most of the areas will be travel-friendly.
If you are planning for a beach holiday, the east coast is ideal from May to September, while the south and west coasts are a better option from December to April.
Cost-friendly travel tips for Sri Lanka
If you are planning to travel to Sri Lanka from Australia on a budget, there are many ways to save without cutting off the edges of your experience.
Book it early
It is highly recommended to book the air tickets as early as possible. This will save you a lot of money and give you the best deals. There is a wide range of affordable accommodation available in Sri Lanka. You can choose from many amazing options. Try to book these early as well and pick places that are unpopular. Such places can be booked for a very low price.
Use public transport
Sri Lanka’s public transport is not only affordable but also gives you the best scenic views. Trains are the best option to get the most beautiful views on the journey. Buses connect big and small cities, making travelling among them easy. For short distances, you can use budget-friendly tuk-tuks. Apps like Pickme can save you more money by giving you the best tuk-tuk deals. It will also save you from the scammers.
Eat local
Local Sri Lankan cuisine is always a cheap option, full of flavour. You can hop into a small food stall or a hotel and enjoy dishes like rice and curry, hoppers, and kottu. And the best part, they are freshly made and affordable!
Choose low-cost or free activities
For a budget-friendly experience, you can choose places that will cost you nothing, but still give you the best memories. There are certain places, like ancient ruins, hiking paths, and viewpoints, that do not charge anything to explore. You can get help from a travel agent with local knowledge and experience to find places that can be explored free of charge.
Make the most of your affordable Sri Lanka trip with Sesatha Travel
To stretch your budget while enjoying a seamless experience, consider booking your Sri Lanka holiday packages from Australia through Sesatha Travel. We are trusted travel partners for Australians who are heading to the beautiful island of Sri Lanka. We specialise in creating the best holiday packages when you plan to travel to Sri Lanka from Australia.
From the moment you arrive, our Sri Lanka team will ensure to offer you a smooth and safe journey with many unforgettable moments. No matter where you choose to go, our team will carefully look into every single detail to make you feel comfortable.
We offer cost-effective extras like group discounts, seasonal deals, and unique experiences that are affordable. We still promise a luxury holiday within your budget. Our team’s deep knowledge of Sri Lanka will save you from so many obstacles and let you discover the beauty of this amazing island.So, are you ready to travel to Sri Lanka from Australia during the next holidays? Sesatha Travel got you covered! Get in touch with us to turn your dream Sri Lanka holiday into a budget-friendly adventure.