Golf has a long history in South Asia. India is home to some of the oldest golf clubs outside the British Isles, and both India and Sri Lanka have hill-station courses set among tea plantations and forests. Add warm hospitality, rich culture and extraordinary food, and golf here becomes part of an unforgettable journey.
India
- Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru: historic and modern clubs in the major cities.
- Hill stations: courses in cooler hill towns in the north and south, among pine forests and tea gardens.
- Goa and Kerala: resort golf combined with beaches and backwaters.
- The Himalayan foothills: some high-altitude courses with mountain views. Read golf at altitude.
Sri Lanka
- Colombo: a historic club in the capital.
- The hill country: a course near the hill town of Nuwara Eliya, among tea estates, with a cool climate.
- The east and south: resort-style golf near lakes and the coast.
When to go
| Region | Best months |
|---|---|
| Northern and central India | November to March |
| Southern India and Goa | November to February |
| Indian hill stations | March to June, September to November |
| Sri Lanka (west and south) | December to March |
| Sri Lanka (east) | May to September |
Monsoon seasons vary by region; check before travelling.
Practical tips
- Access: many clubs are private; arrange through hotels, tour operators or members. Read playing as a guest at a private club.
- Caddies: common, with tipping customary. Read tipping in golf.
- Heat and sun: read hot weather golf.
- Club hire may be limited; check in advance. Read how to rent golf clubs.
- Health and travel requirements: check before you go.
Sample itineraries
| Trip | Length | Outline |
|---|---|---|
| Golden Triangle and golf | 8–10 days | Delhi-area golf plus Agra and Jaipur for monuments and palaces |
| Historic clubs tour | 10–12 days | Kolkata, Delhi and Mumbai, playing some of the oldest clubs outside Britain |
| Southern India | 8–10 days | Bengaluru and Chennai golf, plus hill stations and the Kerala backwaters |
| Sri Lanka loop | 8–10 days | Colombo, the hill country around Nuwara Eliya and the south coast beaches |
A long golfing history
Golf arrived in India in the early 19th century, and some Indian clubs are among the oldest anywhere outside Britain. Several have grand clubhouses, mature trees and traditions that go back generations. Sri Lanka also has historic clubs, including a famous course in the cool hill country, where tea plantations surround the fairways.
Caddies and club culture
- Caddies are standard at most clubs. They carry the bag, give yardages and help read greens. Ask the club about fees and customary tips.
- Visitor access: many clubs are private but welcome visitors on certain days or through introductions. Contact them ahead and carry a handicap certificate.
- Dress codes can be traditional, especially in clubhouses. Read playing as a guest at a private club.
- Wildlife: some courses are famous for birds, monkeys and other animals. Keep bags closed and food out of sight.
Playing conditions
- Heat: in the plains, play early in the morning. Read hot-weather golf.
- Grainy greens: tropical grasses are common. Read how to read greens.
- Hill stations: cooler, sometimes misty, with sloping lies. Read playing golf in fog.
- Air quality: in some cities during winter, check air-quality forecasts and plan accordingly.
Health and travel tips
- Check visa rules well in advance.
- Food and water: drink bottled or filtered water and take care with street food early in the trip.
- Vaccinations: seek travel-health advice before departure.
- Transport: hire a car with a driver for golf days; city traffic can be slow.
- Insurance: read golf travel insurance.
Frequently asked questions
Is India good for golf?
Yes, with historic clubs, hill-station courses and resort golf.
When is the best time to play golf in India?
Generally November to March, though hill stations are best outside the hottest and wettest months.
Is there golf in Sri Lanka?
Yes, including a historic club in Colombo and a hill-country course among tea estates.
Do I need an introduction to play in India?
At many private clubs, yes; hotels and tour operators can help.
When is the best time for golf in India?
From about November to March, when it is cooler and drier across most of the country.
Is Sri Lanka good for golf?
It has a small number of courses, so it's best for a trip that combines golf with beaches, culture and the hill country.
The bottom line
India and Sri Lanka offer golf steeped in history, with hill courses and warm hospitality. Plan around the seasons, arrange access in advance and make golf part of a wider adventure. For more Asian golf, read golf in Thailand and Southeast Asia.