As of November 12, 2026, India is cheaper than Sri Lanka for travelers: a mid-range day costs about $53 in India against $61 in Sri Lanka, a gap of 14.7%. Over the past year Sri Lanka has moved more in the US-dollar traveler's favor (+8.7% after inflation, against +4.7%). Both sit at US advisory Level 2.
| Measure | India | Sri Lanka |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-range day | $53 | $61 |
| Lean day | $21 | $26 |
| Comfortable day | $135 | $140 |
| Real change, 12 months | +4.7% | +8.7% |
| Exchange rate alone, 12 months | +5.8% | +9.8% |
| Versus 5-year average | +13.3% | +2.6% |
| US advisory | Level 2 · Increased caution | Level 2 · Increased caution |
| Ease of travel | 3.6 · Workable | 3.6 · Workable |
| Index score | 75 | 71 |
| Best months | Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar |
| Shoulder months | Apr, Sep | Apr, Sep, Nov |
The better figure in each row is in bold. Costs are modeled estimates per person, excluding international flights.
The highest ceiling and the lowest floor in travel: nothing is cheaper, nothing is more demanding.
The catchStomach trouble is close to a rite of passage, the heat from April to June is dangerous, and touts target new arrivals.
Beaches, tea country, safari and ruins inside one small island.
The catchRecovering from a 2022 sovereign default: prices have risen quickly and foreigner pricing at national sites is steep.
Source: Trip Arbitrage (triparbitrage.com), reading of November 12, 2026. How this is calculated.