Sri Lanka, the teardrop island gem of the Indian Ocean is truly one of the most diverse and incredible travel destinations in the world. From scenic highland train rides through enchanting tea plantations to idyllic surf beaches, Sri Lanka has a little something for every traveller. However, did you know that you need to get visas for Sri Lanka from Australia and nearly all other countries?

Although Sri Lankan visa requirements aren’t painfully confusing, they can all be a little overwhelming at first. This is especially true if you’re used to “visas on arrival”, which are common in many other countries in Asia. In this guide, I’ll explain everything you need to know about acquiring visas for Sri Lanka for Australian citizens. However, much of the information, especially when it comes to visa extensions, is relevant for other nationalities as well.

Most of the information gathered in this blog post is based on my own experience with Sri Lankan visas and extensions as an Australian, as well as up-to-date sources to ensure you get the best tips and advice.

Do Australian Citizens Need a Visa for Sri Lanka?

If you skipped the introduction, the short answer is yes. Australians need a visa to visit Sri Lanka. This is known as an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization). An ETA is a digital “e-visa” that grants a traveller entry to Sri Lanka without needing to visit an embassy or consulate in their home country.

Passport holders from almost every country require a Sri Lankan ETA prior to arriving. The only exceptions are travellers from Singapore, Maldives and Seychelles.

Since the new (2012) ETA e-visa system is electronic, travellers don’t need to be in their home country at the time of applying. This means that Aussies can get their visas for Sri Lanka from within Australia or anywhere else.

The process for the initial ETA can be completed online. If you’re looking for an easy way to get your Sri Lankan e-visa, as well as a bunch of more information for Australians and other nationalities, https://www.byevisa.com/eta-srilanka-visa is a fast and reliable bet.

Visas For Sri Lanka – Which One Do I Need?

There are three types of Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETA) for Sri Lanka. These are:

• Tourist: 2x entries valid for 30 days
• Business: 2x entries for 30 days
• Transit: Single entry for 2 days

The Sri Lanka Tourist ETA and Business ETA is valid for 30 days and grants you 2x entries. This means you can depart Sri Lanka after arriving on your ETA and re-enter the country a second time within the 30-day visa period without needing to reapply.

Note that you’ll only get 180 days to enter Sri Lanka after being issued a Tourist ETA, and only 90 days to enter on a Business ETA.

Sri Lanka Tourist ETA

If you’re planning to visit Sri Lanka on a holiday or for recreational purposes, you’ll need a Tourist ETA (30 days). This is the Sri Lankan e-visa that most travellers will need. It covers people visiting Sri Lanka for:

• sightseeing
• holidaying
• visiting friends and family
• participating in sporting events
• receiving medical treatment

Sri Lanka Business ETA

Those visiting Sri Lanka for business or to earn money will require a Business ETA. Below I have listed the criteria for this Sri Lankan visa:

• Participating in business meetings or negotiations
• Participating in seminars, workshops or conferences
• Undergoing training programs
• Participating in art, music or dance events
• Participating in religious events

Sri Lanka Transit ETA

The third ETA is specifically for visitors who are simply passing through Sri Lanka and is only valid for 2 days. So, if you are merely stopping by in Sri Lanka on the way to another nation, you will still require a 2-day Transit visa if you want to clear immigration.

However, visitors who are on short stopovers and aren’t leaving the airport won’t need to apply for a Transit ETA.

RELATED: Ella Rock Hike Sri Lanka – Independent Hiking Guide

How to Apply for a Sri Lankan Visa from Australia

As mentioned, after the introduction of ETA “e-visas”, applications for Sri Lankan entry is much easier. Applicants can complete the process with just an internet connection and their required documents.

Required Documents & Information

In order to be issued Sri Lanka visas from Australia, travellers need the following:

• Valid passport with at least 6 months from the date of entry to Sri Lanka
• Address of where you will be staying (you can enter the address of your first lodging if you plan to move around)
• Valid email address, phone number and other personal information
• Visa fee (more on this below)

Upon arriving in Sri Lanka, Aussies need to have:

• A valid ETA (Sri Lankan Electronic Travel Authorization)
• Valid passport
• Confirmed proof of onward travel
• Proof of sufficient funds to stay in Sri Lanka for the duration of the visa (bank statements or continuing income)

The Process

Applicants can apply for a Sri Lankan visa online at the Sri Lankan ETA website or by using Byevisa. The latter option is handy for those who prefer to securely pay with PayPal rather than their credit card since all visa fees are in United States Dollars ($USD). Remember to factor in your credit card international transaction and exchange fee if paying with a Credit Card.

Whichever option you choose, the process involves filling in an online form and uploading digital copies of your passport. The entire process is fairly straight-forward. Just make sure that you enter the correct details as fees are non-refundable.

Visa Fees

Sri Lankan ETA fees depend on your nationality and tend to vary.

The government ETA processing fee for Sri Lankan visas from Australia is $35USD for a Tourist ETA and $40USD for a Business ETA (both are “double-entry”). Remember also that fees are only payable in United States Dollars. So, depending on your bank, there may be international conversion and transaction fees on top of this.

Sri Lanka Visa Extensions

Clearly, getting a Sri Lankan ETA for the initial 30-days is straight-forward. However, visitors looking to stay longer than 30 days will need to go through an additional process upon arriving in Sri Lanka. This process is known as a “visa extension”.

Official sources are quite limited in terms of providing useful information for this process. However, below I’ll detail the entire ordeal based on my experience to help you understand what you’re in for.

Extension Process and Step-by-Step Guide

The visa extension process involves filling out an extension application form, complete with a passport photo, and paying a fee. While it might sound simple, it is usually a lengthy process and it’s best to do your homework beforehand. We arrived at the office opening time of 8:30 AM and didn’t have our extension sticker until 2:30 PM that afternoon.

Applicants can only apply for a Sri Lankan visa extension in person at the immigration office in Battaramulla, Colombo. Therefore, if you’re flying into Colombo for a lengthy visit around the beautiful island, make sure to tick off the extension before you leave the capital.

Most applicants, including Australians, can apply for a Sri Lanka visa extension on top of their initial ETA up to 90 days for the first extension. This can then be extended one more time for an additional 90 days (a total of 180 days extension).

Step 1: Download and Complete the Form

Trust me, you’ll want to print and complete this form prior to arriving at the immigration office in Battaramulla. You can download the extension form here.

Fill out the form and make sure to have at least 1x recent passport photo with you (taken within 6 months).

Passport photo size for Sri Lankan visa extension: 35mm x 45mm. Head must be between 70-80% from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head with a white background.

Step 2: Arrive at the Immigration Office

The visa extension office is located on the fourth floor of the Immigration Office Sri Lanka, in Battaramulla. This is approximately 37 KM from the airport or 10 KM from Colombo Fort. I’d suggest taking a Rickshaw at least an hour before opening time to ensure you arrive as early as possible. A good tip is to download the Pickme app for accurate fares and trip estimates.

Immigration Office business hours: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Once you arrive, make your way across the street and enter the building from the first glass door. Take the elevators on the right upon passing the front desk to the fourth floor.

Exit the elevator and turn right towards the Visa Division. Hand your already completed form and passport photo to the clerk and receive your “token”. The earlier you arrive at the immigration office, the faster it will be for you as the process is manual and lengthy. The earlier you get your token dictates how fast the process is for you.

Step 4: Wait to be Called

Now we play the first leg of the waiting game. Follow the signs to the waiting room and do just that, wait until your number appears on the monitor. Eventually, your token will be called and you will be forwarded to the Visa Applications Acceptance Unit.

This room is again just another room where you will need to wait to be called once again. See? I told you it was an arduous process. This time, there are monitors with four rooms labelled A to D. Wait for your token to be called and enter the corresponding office.

Here, a visa officer checks your application, asks you a couple of quick questions then prompts you to return to where you started to pay your fees at the Visa Division.

Step 5: Pay Your Sri Lanka Visa Extension Fee

Once you arrive at the payment counter, wait again for your number to be called and pay your relevant fee for your nationality. Australians will need to pay $30USD by credit card or equivalent in Sri Lankan rupees in cash.

For other nationalities, you can check the latest fees on the Sri Lankan immigration website. I’d suggest bringing extra cash in Rupees just in case.

Upon paying, take your receipt and head to the final Visa Issuing room.

Step 6: Wait to Receive Your Visa Extension

If you thought the previous rooms’ waiting times were ungodly, unfortunately, this last room is even worse. Keep yourself entertained while you wait to finally receive your passport with your shiny Sri Lankan visa extension sticker. Check the monitors for your token number. Once called, sign the release form and that’s it, you’re done!

Sri Lankan Visa Extension Tips:

Below I’ve compiled a few tips for Australians and other nationals looking to get Sri Lankan visa extensions.

• Make sure to print and pre-fill the form and bring a legitimate passport photo
• Arrive before opening time (8:30 AM)
• While there is a canteen at the extension office, it might be a good idea to bring food and snacks
• Bring a book or other form of entertainment
• DOUBLE CHECK your visa sticker to ensure that the agents have issued everything correctly after undergoing the extension ordeal!

More Sri Lankan Travel Guides and Articles

I hope that this guide to getting visas for Sri Lanka from Australia and other nations has been helpful in planning your trip to this incredible country. If you have any specific questions about the process, make sure to leave a comment below and I’ll get back to you straight away.

For more Sri Lanka travel guides and blog posts, check out the list below.

• Ella Rock Hike Sri Lanka – Independent Hiking Guide
• Pettigala Kandy – Hike & Visit to Bambaragala Buddhist Temple | Sri Lanka

The post Visas For Sri Lanka From Australia – Guide to ETAs and Visa Extensions appeared first on We Seek Travel.

After cruising down the idyllic surf coast of Sri Lanka’s West Coast, it was time to head up into the highlands. If you read some of my other travel guides and adventure blogs, then you already know that I prefer to hit the hills and the trails than hang out on the beach. So, as soon as we arrived in Kandy, we set out in search of any hiking opportunities.

The Pettigala hike near Kandy for me was a much-needed, refreshment that offered views that well and truly exceeded my expectations! In this quick guide, I’ll run through how to get to the Pettigala trailhead, as well as a bit of information on and photos of the Bambaragala Buddhist Temple at the start of the hike.

How to Get to Pettigala From Kandy

The Pettigala hike is located approximately 20 kilometers from Kandy in the Pethiyagala Teldeniya District. However, since most people tend to stay in Kandy, I'll provide directions from here.

By far, the best and most convenient option to get to the Pettigala hike from Kandy is to take the public bus. I suggest walking to the central Kandy Market Bus Stop, where there are dozens of buses departing on different routes. Ask for a bus to "Digana." There should be a bus departing every 30 minutes or so.

This bus route travels east along the Mahaweli Ganga and stops at several small villages en route to Wegala. Overall, expect a 45-minute bus ride from Kandy to Digana.

Once you arrive, you can pay a rickshaw driver to take you the remaining 5 kilometers to the Bambaragala Purana Rajamaha Viharaya Buddhist Temple (the start of the Pettigala hike). However, instead of getting a rickshaw, we decided to walk from Digana, which only took us about 45 minutes. We followed the length of Victoria Gold Club Road before arriving at the stone steps of the Buddhist Temple.

Tip: Bring a long-sleeve shirt or shoulder covering, as well as long pants to show respect when passing through the monastery.

Finding a motorbike was difficult in Kandy. In fact, to our surprise, it seemed to be the most challenging in Sri Lanka! Since we had just returned our Tuk Tuk, we walked around for hours, asking for rentals with no avail. Nevertheless, taking the bus proved to be really easy and convenient.

Starting the Hike: Visit the Bambaragala Buddhist Temple

The trail up to Pettigala rock begins with a stroll through the Bambaragala Buddhist Temple. While I came for the hike and views, I left with a new-found astonishment and appreciation of the beauty and history of the Bambaragala temple.

As soon as we arrived, we were greeted by resident monks who told us of its long history, stretching back over 2000 years! We spent some time exploring the cobbled courtyards and appreciating the incredible cave statues and ancient paintings before continuing up the hill to Pettigala Kandy.

Pettigala Hike: Independent Hiking Guide

• Hike Duration: ~ 1 hour
• Elevation: 760 m AMSL (200 m+ elevation gain)
• Difficulty: Moderate

The Pettigala hike begins from the top of the stone steps of the Bambaragala monastery. Although not immediately obvious, there is a well-worn trail that continues into the forest just past the top level of the steps. If you have trouble finding the trail, you can ask the monks to direct you.

The hike to the top of Pettigala viewpoint is a little tricky to navigate at times, especially since sections can get a little overgrown. However, if you follow the general worn trail wrapping up to thick forest hillside, you shouldn't have a problem.

The track consists of rooty undergrowth and is fairly steep in sections. After climbing about 200 metres, you will come to a grassy clearing, where you will see several large boulders. These make for great viewpoints over the surrounding highlands and Victoria Lake.

However, the best view from Pettigala Kandy is from a flat rocky outcrop just a few hundred meters to the right of the first clearing. You can navigate to this viewpoint quite easily by following the worn sections in the grass, aiming for these GPS coordinates: 7°17'10.2"N 80°45'36.0"E.

View from Pettigala Kandy

The view from Pettigala Kandy stretches out over the Sri Lankan central highlands. From the viewpoint, hikers are rewarded with panoramas over the Victoria Dam catchment and surrounding mountains. If you have the opportunity, I'd highly recommend making the trip up to Pettigala for sunrise, as I'm sure the views would be even more spectacular!

After enjoying the view and climbing back down from Pettigala Rock, we decided to test our luck of hitching a ride back to Kandy. This was a bit of an experiment for us because we'd never hitchhiked in Sri Lanka. However, to our surprise, we were kindly offered a lift by the first truck to come past us on the Gold Club Road!

Kandy Accommodation Guide

• My Kandy Accommodation: 2in1 Kandy - While this one isn't that close to the Market Station, I still have no problem recommending it. The name 2in1 comes from the fact that the owners run a hostel, but really, it's a homestay. It offers one of the best vibes for backpackers in Kandy, has incredible mountain views, and only costs about $6 per night!
• Mid-range: Aarunya Nature Resort and Spa (~$23) - The Aarunya Nature Resort offers the best bang for buck in Kandy. Visitors get free bikes, access to a swimming pool, fitness center, and a private villa!
• High-end: The Golden Crown (~$90) - Infinity pool looking over the beautiful highland forest? If I were on a higher budget, this would be the go-to. The Golden Crown is one of the highest-ranked hotels in Kandy. But, don't take my word for it— check the reviews.

More Adventure Ideas & Travel Guides in Sri Lanka

Did you enjoy the quick guide to the Pettigala hike near Kandy in Sri Lanka? If you're looking for more adventures and travel inspiration for Sri Lanka, don't miss my other guides and blogs below!

Also, If you have any updates or questions, please help other travelers out by leaving a comment below!

• Ella Rock Hike Sri Lanka - Independent Hiking Guide
• Visas For Sri Lanka From Australia - Guide to ETAs and Visa Extensions

The post Pettigala Kandy – Hike & Visit to Bambaragala Buddhist Temple | Sri Lanka appeared first on We Seek Travel.

Once a quaint mountain town nestled between green peaks and rolling tea-lined hills, Ella Town is far from the laid-back hidden gem it once was. While a slice of the relaxed mountain ambiance lives on, commercialization and mass tourism seem to be taking a firm hold on Ella.

Nevertheless, there’s no doubt that this place is magical. But if it was nature you were longing for, then don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. The Ella Rock hike is one of the best walks from town and offers excellent views over the Baddula valleys and the Sri Lankan highlands.

Since finding the track can be a little confusing, I’ve written this guide to help travelers and adventurers head up to Ella Rock without a guide. Enjoy!

Where is Ella Rock?

Ella Rock sits high on the hills just 2.5 kilometers above Ella Town. The close proximity to town makes it a perfect hike for those staying in Ella.

However, to reach the Ella Rock viewpoint, you will need to navigate through narrow streets, down a railroad, and passed rural villages. It's certainly tricky to find the trail up to Ella Rock without a guide or any other means of navigation, so if you're already lost, don't feel too bad.

Ella Rock GPX FI and Hiking Data

Below is a GPX file that I generated using my Garmin watch. It follows the route from the heart of Ella town to the top of Ella Rock viewpoint, and a little further down the pine forest to the second viewpoint. You can download the GPX file below using the link.

GPX File: Download

GOING TO INDIA? DON'T MISS THIS EPIC 1 MONTH INDIA ITINERARY

The Ella Rock Hike: Independent Hiking Guide

• Hike Distance: 12 km return
• Duration: 3-4 hours return
• Elevation: 600 m elevation gain (1360 m AMSL at Ella Rock)
• Difficulty: Moderate

Okay, the truth is that there isn't a single hiking route to Ella Rock from Ella Town. There are a series of tracks and ways to reach the forest trailhead below the viewpoint. For the purpose of this blog, I'll outline the route I took.

Overall, the hike is not too challenging, but the last section is quite steep. In saying that, if you have a general level of fitness, you'll have no problem.

Depart From Ella and Walk Along the Railroad Tracks

Starting from Ella Town, your first waypoint will be the train station. Depending on where you are staying in Ella, this might be just around the corner— or you might prefer to grab a rickshaw instead.

From the Ella railway station, turn left and start walking along the tracks (heading south).

As you probably know already, Sri Lankan railway tracks are multi-functional in the sense that they serve as conventional train tracks as well as heavily-tramped walking routes for animals and humans.

You will need to follow these tracks for approximately 1.5 KM (30 minutes) before arriving at Kithalella station. Along the way, you will probably meet trackside merchants who will be eager to sell you fresh fruit or snacks, usually hanging out near the rail bridge before Kithalella.

Continue passed Kithalella station, following the main track around a wide bend for approximately 700 M. Keep an eye out for a worn walking track on your left. (6°51'46.7"N 81°02'35.2"E).

Hike Through Highland Villages

Although the start of this section can easily be missed, you shouldn't have a problem if you enter in the GPS coordinates above. I'm assuming that most people who have trouble finding their way mess up at this spot.

Immediately after turning onto this walking track, you'll see a picturesque river and a small waterfall known as "Little Ravana Falls". Cross the bridge, and follow the worn tracks to your right.

Follow this same track along the edge of a tea plantation and into quaint rural villages. Finding your way here is again, a little tricky but if you get lost and end up in someone's living room, they'll kindly direct you back on track.

Admittedly, I got a little lost here myself, and on the way back, ended up making a longer loop back to a point further down the railroad. To avoid making the same mistake, my best advice is to follow the plantation until you reach a low, yellow house.

From here, turn left and walk up the hill, keeping right at the fork (not the stone steps). Then, continue passed the outdoor toilet and follow this same track into the tree line.

Forest Climb to Ella Rock Viewpoint

I agree, finding the trailhead was an adventure in itself, but now, time for the actual hike. This section of the walk is straightforward to navigate as the track is well-worn, leading through the trees all the way to Ella Rock.

It's steep in sections, which calls for a bit of a leg pump, but there's no technical scrambling involved.

After climbing approximately 500 M of altitude through the beautiful highland forest, passing some scenic vista views on the way, you'll arrive at Ella Rock.

You'll notice that there is a store set up here, accommodating tired and hungry tourists. Walk past the stall and you'll see the Ella Rock viewpoint on your left.

View From Ella Rock

The view from Ella Rock is quite spectacular and easily one of the best in the area. Below I've included some pictures of the Ella Rock viewpoint so you know what to expect.

Optionally, it's also possible to continue on a short stretch after Ella Rock through tall pine forest more akin to Bavarian or North American forests. This leads to another viewpoint that is worth the walk but not as impressive as what's on offer at Ella Rock.

Once you're eyes are satisfied, warm up the knees and return on the same track back to Ella Town to tell your mates all about the epic views from the Ella Rock hike!

Where to Stay in Ella

It's no secret that Ella Town has grown significantly over the last half-decade. However, most accommodation options are still relatively central. Therefore, you don't need to worry too much about location. Below I've listed some of the best places to stay in Ella to help you plan your trip.

• My Ella Accommodation: Hangover Hostels
  This place sounds like a party hostel but it's more of a chilled backpacker vibe with a rooftop terrace and good views. One of the best-reviewed places in Ella on Hostelworld and also one of the most affordable.
• Mid-Range Guesthouse: Pearl View Guesthouse - Spacious rooms with a private terrace over the Ella tea plantations and highland hills. This place has it all. With a booking price of less than $20 per night, this is the place I wish I stayed at.
• High-end: EKHO Ella - Located 3.8 KM from the Nine Arch Bridge and only 1.5 KM from Ella Rock, EKHO is the perfect base if you have a bit more to spend. Situated high on a green hilltop and offering epic views, this private oasis has a heated jacuzzi and includes a historic breakfast.

More Travel Guides and Blogs

I hope that you enjoyed this travel guide to completing Ella rock hike independently and without a guide. If you're looking for more inspiration for your Sri Lanka trip, make sure to check out some of my other blogs and articles below.

• Pettigala Kandy - Hike & Visit to Bambaragala Buddhist Temple | Sri Lanka
• Visas For Sri Lanka From Australia - Guide to ETAs and Visa Extensions

The post Ella Rock Hike Sri Lanka – Independent Hiking Guide appeared first on We Seek Travel.