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India's Top Choice: Sri Lanka Overtakes Thailand
18 Jan
Summary
- Over 531,000 Indian tourists visited Sri Lanka in 2025.
- Indian arrivals represent more than 23% of Sri Lanka's total tourists.
- Easier travel and familiar culture draw Indians to Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka welcomed a record 2.3 million international tourists in 2025, with Indian visitors leading the influx. India contributed over 531,000 arrivals, more than doubling any other country's contribution and showing a significant year-on-year increase. This trend highlights a notable shift in travel preferences toward regional destinations.
These figures confirm Sri Lanka's growing appeal, particularly as a "winter sun" destination. While Europe remains a major source market, the ease of travel and proximity to India have made it a preferred choice over Southeast Asian nations. December 2025 was the busiest month, with 56,715 Indian tourists visiting.
