Sri Lanka Group Tour - 6N/7D Backpacking Trip

Every once in a while, a journey comes along that feels effortless — one where every moment unfolds naturally, every destination feels different, and every day leaves you smiling a little wider. This Sri Lanka group tour is exactly that kind of trip.

It’s not just about seeing places — it’s about feeling them. From watching the sunrise over the hills of Nuwara Eliya to walking the ancient streets of Galle Fort, this journey lets you experience Sri Lanka’s charm in its purest form. You’ll wander through tea plantations, taste the island’s spicy local foods, and share countless laughs with fellow travelers who start as strangers and end as friends.

On this Sri Lanka group trip from India, every day brings a new highlight. You’ll meet elephants at Pinnawala, visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy, and climb the Ambuluwawa Tower for breathtaking 360° views of the hill country. The train ride through the misty valleys, the sound of waves in Bentota, and the vibrant culture of Colombo create the perfect mix of peace and adventure.

There are so many things to do in Sri Lanka, but on this group trip, we curate the best ones for you. Whether it’s sharing a beachside dinner, watching a sunset with your new travel buddies, or exploring the colorful streets of Ella, every memory feels more meaningful when shared.

This 7-day Sri Lanka backpacking tour is designed for travelers who want more than just a vacation. It’s for those who crave stories, connections, and experiences that stay long after the trip ends. The pace is balanced — enough time to explore, enough time to breathe. You’ll travel comfortably, stay in cozy accommodations, and enjoy guided experiences that take you beyond the typical tourist route.

What sets this journey apart is its perfect blend of comfort, culture, and community. It’s adventurous but easygoing, scenic but social — an all-round experience that captures the essence of Sri Lanka in one beautiful week.

So if you’ve been waiting for a sign to explore a new country, meet new people, and live new stories — this is it. Pack your bag, grab your camera, and join a Sri Lanka group tour that feels less like a trip and more like a once-in-a-lifetime memory in the making.

Choosing the right time to travel is crucial, and this itinerary is highly weather-dependent. Our 7-day group tour is specifically designed to explore Sri Lanka's Hill Country (Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella) and the South-West Coast (Galle, Bentota).

The absolute best time to take this trip is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. During these months, you can expect bright, sunny days and clear blue skies, making it perfect for all the activities on our list. The weather is ideal for climbing Ambuluwawa Tower, hiking in Ella, and relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Galle and Bentota.

It's important to pack for two different climates. The coastal areas will be tropical and hot (around 28-32°C), so light cotton clothes are a must. However, as we travel into the Hill Country, the temperature drops significantly. Nuwara Eliya and Ella are much cooler, with evenings and nights often dropping to 10-15°C. Packing a fleece, sweatshirt, or light jacket is essential for this part of the trip.

While the entire December-April window is excellent, December and January are the absolute peak season due to festive holidays, so expect more crowds. For a perfect balance of great weather and slightly fewer people, February to April is a fantastic time to travel.

This window also gives you a chance to experience vibrant local culture. Traveling in December means seeing Christmas festivities, while February 4th is Sri Lanka's Independence Day. If your trip falls in mid-April, you'll be there for the Sinhala & Tamil New Year, an incredible island-wide celebration of food, games, and cultural traditions. You can read more about the festivals celebrated in Sri Lanka to plan your dates better.

We generally do not run this specific route from May to September, as this is the "Yala Monsoon" period, which brings heavy rain to the south and west coasts, impacting travel and beach activities.

Before packing your bags for this Sri Lanka group tour, it’s important to know the latest visa requirements — and here’s the good news: Indian travelers currently enjoy visa-free entry to Sri Lanka. For a complete step-by-step guide, read our blog on the Sri Lanka Visa Process.

However, "visa-free" does not mean "no paperwork." You are still required to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before you travel. Here is the simple, step-by-step process and the key details you need to know:

1. The Application Process

• When to Apply: You can apply online anytime, but it's best to do it at least 72 hours before your flight to avoid any last-minute stress.
• Where to Apply: Use the one and only official website: https://www.eta.gov.lk. (Pro-Tip: Beware of fake third-party websites. They look official but will charge you unnecessary service fees. The official site is the only one you need.)
• The Form: The application is simple. You will need your passport details, your travel dates (your flight details), and the address of your first night's stay in Sri Lanka (you can use our hotel's address).
• Approval: Approval is usually very fast, often within 24 hours. You will receive an ETA confirmation email.

Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of arrival in Sri Lanka, and carry a printed or digital copy of your ETA confirmation at the airport.

For travelers joining this Sri Lanka group trip from India, our JustWravel team will guide you through the process and share all necessary updates before your departure. It’s a good idea to complete your ETA at least a week before your flight, so everything goes smoothly at immigration.

If you’re traveling from another country, check the official Sri Lankan Department of Immigration and Emigration website for the most accurate and current visa details.

With the visa process now this simple, your journey to the Pearl of the Indian Ocean starts with zero hassle — just excitement and smooth sailing from day one.

Getting to Sri Lanka is simple and convenient — especially if you’re joining this Sri Lanka group tour from India. The island’s main entry point is Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), located in Negombo, about 35 km from Colombo. It’s the country’s busiest and best-connected airport, welcoming daily flights from across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

Direct Flights from India

Several major Indian cities now offer direct flights to Colombo, making travel easy and time-efficient.

• From Delhi – Approx. 3.5 hours (Air India, SriLankan Airlines, IndiGo)
• From Mumbai – Around 2.5 hours (SriLankan Airlines, IndiGo, Air India)
• From Bangalore / Chennai / Kochi – 1 to 1.5 hours (Multiple daily flights)
• From Hyderabad / Kolkata – 3 to 3.5 hours (one-stop or direct options)

These short flight times make Sri Lanka one of the most accessible international destinations from India — perfect for a week-long getaway.

For travelers coming from other countries, major hubs like Dubai, Doha, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore serve as easy connection points to Colombo.

Airport Transfers Made Easy

When you book this Sri Lanka group tour package, your airport pickup and drop are completely taken care of. Our team coordinates arrival timings for all participants, ensuring a smooth start to your journey. You’ll be greeted at the airport and comfortably transferred to your first stop — Negombo, the coastal town where your adventure begins.

If you’re arriving early or independently, taxis and rideshares (like PickMe) are readily available right outside the terminal. You can also exchange currency or pick up a local SIM at the airport itself.

Travel Tip

While there used to be a ferry service between India and Sri Lanka, it’s currently not in regular operation. Flying remains the most reliable, fastest, and cost-effective way to reach Sri Lanka — especially for Indian travelers joining small group tours or backpacking trips.

So just book your flight, pack light, and get ready to land in paradise — your Sri Lanka group trip starts the moment you arrive at Colombo airport.

When it comes to exploring a new country, the experience depends as much on the company as it does on the destination — and that’s exactly where JustWravel makes a difference.

With 9 years of experience organizing international backpacking and community trips, JustWravel has mastered the art of creating journeys that are fun, safe, and seamlessly planned. Every element of this Sri Lanka group tour — from accommodations and transport to daily experiences — is carefully curated so you can travel stress-free and focus on what truly matters: living the moment.

Our trip captains and local guides are not just professionals — they’re travelers at heart. They know the hidden places in Sri Lanka that go beyond the guidebooks. So while you’re visiting the famous sites like Kandy, Ella, and Galle Fort, you’ll also experience the real Sri Lanka — the one beyond the guidebooks.

What makes traveling with JustWravel even more special is the community vibe. You’ll be traveling with like-minded explorers who share the same curiosity and love for adventure. Whether it’s watching a sunset at Bentota Beach, laughing over local meals, or sharing travel stories during long drives through tea plantations — every day feels like traveling with friends, not strangers.

Transparency, comfort, and authentic experiences are the foundation of every Wravel trip. From smooth airport transfers to cozy stays and reliable local partnerships, everything is handled with care. You just show up — we take care of the rest.

So if you’ve been waiting to tick off an international destination that’s close, beautiful, and easy to travel to — this Sri Lanka group tour package from India is your chance. With JustWravel, you don’t just see Sri Lanka, you feel it — through its people, its stories, and the friendships you’ll build along the way.