India to Sri Lanka by ferry

You can sail to Sri Lanka. A passenger ferry runs between Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu and Kankesanthurai (KKS), the port just north of Jaffna. The crossing takes roughly four hours.

What to know

• Route: Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu to Kankesanthurai (KKS), Northern Province
• Crossing: about four hours, weather permitting
• Tickets: booked online with the operator. Creators have reported one way fares around ₹4,500; check current prices and the schedule before planning
• Visa: the same free ETA applies. Apply on eta.gov.lk before you travel
• Season: services can pause in rough monsoon months. Always check the current timetable

Why go by sea

Jaffna is the cultural heart of Tamil Sri Lanka, and arriving by sea puts you straight into it: Nallur Kandaswamy temple, Point Pedro, island hopping to Nainativu, and food that Chennai will find familiar and new at once. From Jaffna, trains and buses connect south to Anuradhapura and Colombo.

Cruise alternative

Cordelia Cruises has run Chennai sailings that call at Sri Lankan ports. Check their current itineraries for a resort style way to arrive.