Two countries and two completely different worlds. Both are close enough to India that you do not need a long-haul flight. Any guesses? We are talking about Bhutan and Shri Lanka. You may find a complicated visa process or a large budget to get there, but Bhutan and Sri Lanka are two of the most affordable destinations Indian travellers keep going back to.
One is a Himalayan kingdom that runs on its own terms. The other is a small island full of variety compared to countries three times its size. If you are planning your next trip and still weighing options, this guide breaks down both of these destinations without any fluff.
Bhutan: The Kingdom That Does Things Differently
Bhutan shares a direct land border with India spanning exactly 699 km. Bhutan has been quietly doing things on its own terms for centuries, and that is exactly what makes this place so worth visiting. The country has a different level of serenity where travellers find peace and comfort.
For Indian travellers, entry is simple without a visa. A valid Indian passport or voter ID with at least 6 months’ validity is sufficient. What your travel operator does need to arrange in advance is the entry permit. When you book Bhutan tour packages with Thomas Cook, the tour planners arrange everything ahead of time. They sort the paperwork before you land, so you don’t have to face any hassle or wait upon arrival.
Paro International Airport is one of the most magnificent arrivals in the world. Mountain peaks on every side. A short runway that looks like it stops at a cliff. Only eight pilots in the world are fully certified to land there. That approach alone tells you Bhutan will be unlike anything else you have visited.
Bhutan: What to See, Where to Go, and What Packages Cost in 2026
Most Bhutan tour packages cover Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, and the Gangtey Valley.
- Thimphu has monasteries, local markets, and the Institute for Zorig Chusum. Punakha Dzong, situated at the confluence of two rivers, is one of the most beautiful buildings in South Asia.
- Paro is the place where you can trek to visit Tiger’s Nest, which is a popular 17th-century monastery built into a cliff at 3,120 metres.
- Punakha is a picturesque town in the Himalayas of Bhutan. It’s known for the Punakha Dzong, a 17th-century fortress situated at the confluence of the Pho and Mo Chhu rivers.
- Phuntsholing is another vibrant location, a bustling commercial and financial capital of Bhutan, located in the Himalayan foothills.
All the packages are customised appropriately, so you don’t feel rushed while exploring. However, March to May and September to November are the best months to explore Bhutan. The Paro Tshechu festival in spring is worth planning around.
Thomas Cook’s Summer 2026 charter flights run directly from Bengaluru and Ahmedabad to Paro. When you check the package details, you will find the Bhutan tour packages start at Rs 34,400 per person for a 4 Night 5-day trip. There are both Premium and Standard packages that include return flights, hotels, a guide, permits, and transfers. You can also select from customised itineraries that are available alongside group departures.
Sri Lanka: Small Island, Broad Range with Breathtaking Beauty
Sri Lanka is 54 kilometres off the southern tip of India. From Chennai, the flight is under an hour. From Bengaluru or Hyderabad, it takes around ninety minutes. That kind of proximity makes it one of the most convenient places you can visit for a week without spending half of it on a plane.
The island covers beaches, rainforest, high-altitude tea country, ancient cities, wildlife, and one of the most attractive Buddhist pilgrimage circuits in Asia. The best part is that you can easily explore all within a landmass roughly the size of Kerala. A well-planned Sri Lanka tour package can allow you to cover almost everything in a single trip without feeling rushed.
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- Sigiriya is a popular place that most cultural itineraries start from. A 5th-century rock fortress rising 180 metres from the surrounding jungle, with water gardens at the base that were engineered fourteen centuries before modern irrigation.
- Kandy is a beautiful place and home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
- Nuwara Eliya sits at 1,868 metres in the tea hills and feels nothing like a tropical island.
- Kataragama is a sacred, multi-religious town in Sri Lanka’s Monaragala District. The place is famous for the Ruhuna Maha Kataragama Devalaya temple complex.
- Colombo is Sri Lanka’s largest city by population, serving as the country’s executive and judicial capital.
Sri Lanka Tour Packages: Pricing and What Is Included in 2026
Sri Lanka tour packages from Thomas Cook start at Rs 27,500 per person, which makes Sri Lanka one of the most accessible international destinations for Indian travellers right now. A standard six-to eight-day package covers Colombo, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Bentota, with options to add Sigiriya, Yala, or the east coast depending on interests and time.
Inclusions in most Sri Lanka tour packages cover return flights, hotel accommodation, daily breakfast, a local guide, airport transfers, and sightseeing entry fees. Family packages start around Rs 49,700 with itineraries designed around pace and comfort rather than packing in too many stops.
Indian nationals need an Electronic Travel Authorisation for Sri Lanka. It costs around USD 20, takes minutes to apply online, and Thomas Cook processes it as part of the package Booking. The best time to visit the west and south coasts is December through March. For the east coast around Trincomalee and Arugam Bay, May to September is the perfect travel window.
Frequently Asked Questions for Bhutan and Sri Lanka Tour Packages
- Do Indian travellers need a visa for Bhutan?
No visa is required for Indian citizens. If you have a valid passport or voter ID card, that is enough for entry. A Bhutan tour package operator arranges the entry permit in advance, so there is no hassle upon arrival at the airport.
- What is the best time to book Sri Lanka Tour Packages from India?
December to March works best for the west and south coasts. Book Sri Lanka tour packages six to eight weeks ahead during this peak season. May to September suits the East Coast. Year-round travel is possible depending on which part of the island you plan to visit.
- How many days should I plan for a Bhutan trip?
Six to seven days cover Thimphu, Paro, and Punakha without rushing. Add two more days for Gangtey Valley if your schedule allows. Most Bhutan tour packages are built around a seven-night itinerary, which gives enough time to settle into the country’s pace.
- Are Sri Lanka Tour Packages affordable for Indian families?
Yes. Individual Sri Lanka tour packages start at Rs 33,300 per person, and family packages begin around Rs 49,700. Short flight times from South India, no language barrier in tourist areas, and good hotel value make Sri Lanka one of the most practical international family destinations for Indians.
- Can I get a customised itinerary instead of a fixed group tour?
Yes. Thomas Cook offers customised Bhutan tour packages and Sri Lanka tour packages beyond the standard group departures. You choose your dates, pace, hotel preference, and must-see stops. The operator builds the itinerary around that rather than slotting you into a fixed schedule.
Final Thoughts
If you want mountains, monasteries, and a destination that feels genuinely off the usual tourist trail, Bhutan tour packages are the right call. Similarly, if you want a mix of beaches, wildlife, ancient history, hill country, and strong value for money, Sri Lanka tour packages give you all of that in one trip.
Thomas Cook covers both with packages across multiple budget tiers, for solo travellers, couples, families, and groups. If you can manage the annual leave, doing both back-to-back is genuinely worth your time and experience.
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