Sri Lanka Emerges as Indians’ Third Favourite Travel Destination

In a remarkable turnaround for its tourism sector, Sri Lanka has emerged as the third most-booked international destination for Indian travelers during the festive year end holiday season of 2025, according to data released by Indian travel platform, MakeMyTrip. This surge highlights the island nation’s enduring appeal to its closest neighbour, driven by cultural ties, proximity, eased visa policies, and resilient recovery efforts following recent natural challenges.

MakeMyTrip’s year-end booking trends report, analysing reservations for travel between December 20, 2025, and January 5, 2026, places Thailand at the top spot, followed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in second, and Sri Lanka firmly in third. Vietnam and Malaysia round out the top five, highlighting a strong preference among Indian holidaymakers for short haul destinations in Asia and the Middle East. Rajesh Magow, Co-founder and Group CEO of MakeMyTrip, noted that “the impact of easier visa and visa-free access is playing out consistently, reinforcing India’s growing appetite for outbound travel,” as reported by NDTV Profit and The Economic Times.

Sri Lanka’s rise to third position marks a significant leap, reflecting improved connectivity, simplified visa processes, including a 30 day visa free policy for Indians, and heightened interest in affordable, culturally rich getaways. The platform’s data emphasises value for money and ease of travel as key factors, with short haul routes dominating bookings amid a broader trend of Indians opting for upgraded accommodations and combined leisure spiritual trips.

This festive season ranking aligns with broader 2025 tourism statistics from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), where India remains the undisputed top source market. As of November 2025, over 416,000 Indian tourists had visited Sri Lanka, accounting for more than 20% of total arrivals, with projections exceeding 500,000 by year end despite temporary disruptions. In November alone, 51,391 Indians arrived, solidifying the market’s dominance.

The proximity between the two nations, short flights from major Indian cities like Chennai, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, combined with shared cultural and religious heritage, makes Sri Lanka a natural choice for families, couples, and pilgrimage seekers. Popular attractions include the ancient sites of Sigiriya and Anuradhapura, tea plantations in Kandy, wildlife safaris in Yala National Park, and pristine beaches in Bentota and Mirissa. Many Indians also visit sacred Buddhist sites, drawn by historical connections tracing back to the Indian mythology ‘Ramayana’.

Sri Lanka’s tourism rebound has been particularly impressive given the challenges posed by Cyclone Ditwah, which struck in late November 2025, causing floods, landslides, and infrastructure damage. The World Bank estimated direct physical losses at $4.1 billion, yet the sector demonstrated swift recovery. Cancellations remained low at around 1%, hotels and key destinations reopened rapidly, and promotional campaigns by SriLankan Airlines and the SLTDA reassured travellers that the island was open for business.

“By early December, major coastal areas unaffected by the cyclone reported strong visitor activity, and total arrivals surpassed 2.25 million for the year, per SLTDA updates cited in Travel And Tour World. Initiatives like visa free extensions and digital campaigns further boosted confidence, ensuring minimal long term impact on the peak winter season.

Experts attribute Sri Lanka’s appeal to Indians to its blend of affordability, diversity, and familiarity. “Sri Lanka offers a unique balance of beaches, culture, adventure, and spirituality at a fraction of the cost of farther destinations,” said a spokesperson from the Hotels Association of Sri Lanka to Reuters. With direct flights operated by carriers like IndiGo and SriLankan Airlines, nearly 90 weekly from nine Indian cities, the destination remains accessible and budget friendly.

This trend also signals positive economic implications for Sri Lanka, where tourism contributes significantly to GDP and employment. Indian visitors, the largest single market, inject vital foreign exchange, supporting local communities in hospitality, guiding, and handicrafts.

As 2025 draws to a close, Sri Lanka’s position as Indians’ third most favourite international holiday spot reaffirms its status as a cherished neighbourly escape. For those seeking serene beaches, ancient heritage, or wildlife encounters without long-haul fatigue, the Pearl of the Indian Ocean continues to shine brightly.