travels and tours in sri lanka

Sri Lanka Tours & Vacations

Pristine rainforest. Ancient rock fortresses. Wildlife aplenty. And some of the most perfect beaches on the planet. There are so many reasons to visit Sri Lanka.

One day you could be hiking the Knuckles Mountain Range, high in Sri Lanka’s hill country; the next, traveling by train through tea plantations and into the mountains. And when you start each morning with curry, hoppers, and a cup of local tea , you   know   it’s going to be a good day. Climb Lion Rock, a dramatic carved-rock fortress in Sigiriya, and explore Jaffna in the island’s north, previously off-limits to travelers. The only struggle you’ll have in   Sri Lanka   is knowing where to start.

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Sri Lanka tour reviews

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Essential Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka: Hike, Bike & Kayak

Best of Sri Lanka

5 reasons to visit Sri Lanka in the off-season

6 reasons to bump Sri Lanka to the top of your travel wishlist

The top 8 destinations to travel to (and give back to) in December 2024

The top 7 destinations for travel in February 2024

Why it’s time to return to Sri Lanka

8 awesome places in Sri Lanka you probably haven’t heard of

Everything you need to know about Tamil food in Sri Lanka

Lonely Planet have spoken: here’s what’s hot in travel for 2019 (and how you can get there)

Sri Lanka at a glance

Capital city.

Colombo (685,000)

21.8 million

Sinhalese, Tamil

(GMT+05:30) Sri Jayawardenepura

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type D (Old British 3-pin) Type G (Irish/British 3-pin)

Learn more about Sri Lanka

Best time to visit sri lanka.

Sri Lanka is blessed with a tropical climate, with temperatures remaining in the high 70Fs throughout most of the year. To soak up some sunshine, be sure to come during the dry seasons (June - August and December – March). The rest of the time it's the monsoon season, so expect rain during this time. Read more about the best time to visit Sri Lanka.

Culture and customs

As an important stop on ancient trade routes, there’s a great mix of cultural influences present in modern-day Sri Lanka. The majority of Sri Lankans are Sinhalese Buddhists, followed by Tamils (who are mostly Hindu) and a small amount of Christians and Muslims. Various religious festivals and holy times are celebrated regularly in Sri Lanka, from large nationwide holidays to local village celebrations. As a fairly conservative nation, most locals dress modestly and displays of affection are not considered appropriate in public.

The influence of the British is still evident in Sri Lanka’s culture, cuisine, and buildings. Drinking tea and playing cricket are the most obvious remnants of British colonial rule, although you’ll also find country cottages dotted throughout some rural regions with some serving traditional English fare like roast chicken and beef. Travelers will find that most Sri Lankans, despite having little, are quick to share their food and friendship. Known for being hospitable, generous, and kind, when being offered tea or food in someone’s home, it is considered impolite to decline.

Eating and drinking

Intrepid believes that one of the best ways to experience a country is by eating! Whether you're sampling street food, savoring a cheap eat, or indulging in a banquet, there are endless options to choose from wherever you are in the world.

Things to try in Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan curries are among the hottest in the world, but don’t let that put you off. Fragrant, coconut-based curries packed with chili, garlic, turmeric, and coriander will give your tastebuds a treat.

Being an island, Sri Lanka has access to an amazing array of seafood. Feast on fresh crab, swordfish, lobster, and squid - or choose a fiery seafood-based curry.

These egg-filled crepe-like wonders can usually be found at breakfast buffets. Usually made from rice flour and coconut milk batter, they are a Sri Lankan twist on the traditional pancake.

With miles of tea plantations, Sri Lankans have grown accustomed to drinking their popular home-grown cash crop. Tea is served with milk and sugar almost everywhere in Sri Lanka, mainly at breakfast and during the day.

Geography and environment

Situated in the Indian Ocean, the island of Sri Lanka lies just under the Indian subcontinent, to the southwest of the Bay of Bengal. Much of Sri Lanka receives a high level of rainfall during the monsoon season, with the dry northern areas being the exception. Due to the high level of rainfall, tropical evergreen forest proliferates around the country. Despite extensive land clearing for agriculture, there are still pockets of national parks and biosphere reserves around the country that hold much flora and fauna, including herds of wild elephants, deer, and a wide range of birds. Sri Lanka’s remaining forests and protected areas are rich in biological diversity and remain popular with tourists looking for wildlife and adventure. 

Sri Lanka’s main cities are typically built up, busy, and increasingly becoming more multicultural and cosmopolitan. In comparison to Sri Lanka’s fast-paced, city-dwelling residents, many Sri Lankans still live in villages with simple housing and work predominantly in the agriculture and fishing industries.

History and government

Early history.

Sri Lanka was occupied by hunter-gatherers for thousands of years before the arrival of Sinhalese tribal groups in the 6th century BC. Buddhism arrived on the island sometime during the 3rd century BC and as a result, the city of Anuradhapura became the capital and center of Buddhism. This Buddhist Kingdom endured years of Tamil raids until Anuradhapura was abandoned in favor of Polonnaruwa in the south. By the 12th century, Tamil rulers had a permanent presence in the north, where Hinduism still flourishes today. 

The harbors of the south soon became important trading centers for Arab traders but by the 16th century a new wave of foreign influence began with the arrival of the Portuguese, then the Dutch. Sri Lanka’s wealth of cinnamon and geographic trading advantage appealed to the Portuguese, who slowly took over the island until the Dutch drove them out in the early 17th century. Remnants of this time can still be found in modern-day Sri Lanka, with colonial forts, cannons, and other ruins dotted throughout the country, especially along the coast. By 1795, the British arrived and captured the island from the Dutch. Sugar, coffee, tea, and rubber plantations were soon established by the British, along with Western schools, churches, and colleges.

Recent history

Sri Lanka (Ceylon) was officially granted its independence in 1948 but continued to maintain relatively good relations with the British. By 1960, Ceylon had the world’s first female prime minister and in 1972, the name Ceylon was replaced with Sri Lanka, which had just become a republic (but remained a member of the Commonwealth). These changes in government and moves towards independence were largely Sinhalese-centric, which created some tension with parts of the Tamil population. 

From 1983 to 2009 Sri Lanka endured an intermittent civil war, which resulted in some displacement of people and human rights violations. More recently, parts of Sri Lanka were devastated by the 2004 tsunami, yet Sri Lanka has rebounded with an increasingly stable economy based on agriculture, tourism, and telecommunications. With one of the best-performing stock exchanges in the world, Sri Lanka has emerged from conflict, natural disasters, and colonization to become a rising tourist and economic hotspot.

Top 10 spiritual spots in Sri Lanka

1. bodhi tree.

Located at the ancient site of Anuradhapura, this sacred fig tree is said to have grown from a sapling of the Bodhi Tree that Buddha was sitting under when he became enlightened. This holy spot has long been a pilgrimage site for Sri Lankans and is now becoming a place of spiritual interest for visitors too.

2. Dewatagaha Mosque

One of the oldest mosques in Sri Lanka, this prayer place for worshippers of Islam has stood in Colombo for hundreds of years. The striking domes and minarets stand out in the Colombo skyline and provide a spiritual epicenter for Sri Lanka’s Muslims.

3. Temple of the Tooth

This Buddhist temple, located in Kandy, is named for the holy relic (said to be Buddha’s tooth) that is housed inside. It's a World Heritage site that has survived bombings and the ravages of time - visit here to see worshippers deep in prayer under the elaborate golden roof.

4. Dambulla Cave Temple

This well-preserved series of cave temples is brimming with paintings and statues that date all the way back to the 1st century. With colorful depictions of Buddha, Sri Lankan kings, and various Hindu gods and goddesses, this is one of the most elaborate cave complexes in Asia.

5. Adam’s Peak

Sacred to Buddhists, Hindus, Christians, and Muslims, Adam’s Peak is arguably Sri Lanka’s most popular pilgrimage spot. Surrounded by wildlife reserves, the walking trail leading to the mountain is a stunning walk regardless of religious persuasion. Watching a stirring sunrise from the holy summit is nothing short of magnificent.

6. Polonnaruwa Ruins

These impressive ruins of an ancient kingdom are home to massive palaces, huge statues, imposing temples, and an artificial lake. Although historically and culturally important, witnessing orange-robed monks praying at Gal Vihara (a Buddhist rock temple) is a spiritual moment you won’t soon forget.

7. Sigiriya (Lion’s Rock)

This magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site was once a mountain monastery many centuries ago. The rock inscriptions, paintings, and ancient ‘graffiti’ show insight into the lives of the monks who lived within the caves and grottoes before King Kasyapa took to the throne and established a capital there.

8. Anuradhapura

The ancient ruins of Anuradhapura are a significant holy place for Sri Lanka Buddhists. As one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, there are many monasteries surrounding this area of supreme veneration.

9. Munneswaram Temple

This elaborate Hindu temple complex is known for its vibrant festivals in celebration of Navaratri and Sivaratri. During this time, the complex is filled with the buzz of devotees who come to attend daily pujas and bathe in the nearby holy river.

10. Mihintale

If you choose to climb the thousand or so steps to the top of Mihintale’s hill, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views and a deeper understanding of Buddhism, as this is the site where Buddhism is said to have originated in Sri Lanka.

Known for its fragrant spices, vibrant fabrics, stunning silver jewelry, and one-of-a-kind antiques, it’s difficult to leave Sri Lanka without a backpack full of mementos. From far-flung rural marketplaces to the boutiques and galleries of Galle and Colombo, shopping in Sri Lanka has something for everyone at a relatively low cost. 

It's a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand generally have strict quarantine laws.

Things to buy in Sri Lanka

1. Handicrafts

Although available all over the country, Kandy is one of the best places to buy locally-made handicrafts. Choose from handmade brass and silver jewelry, vibrant fabric bags and scarves, and batik wall hangings.

Home to a multitude of plantations and spice gardens, it’s no wonder some of the world’s best spices come from Sri Lanka. Perhaps buy some saffron, cloves, cinnamon, turmeric, and cardamom to take home a taste of Sri Lanka with you.

3. Gem stones

If you’re after a low-cost gemstone, Sri Lanka is a top place to pick up a stone at a great price. Birthstones are popular, as are girls' best friends – diamonds! As always, buy from a licensed gem store to guarantee authenticity.

Festivals and events

Vesak festival.

People all over Sri Lanka commemorate Buddha’s birthday by visiting temples, giving alms, and singing devotional songs. Simple, luminous paper lanterns are hung outside homes and food is freely distributed to the public via roadside stalls.

Top places to visit in Sri Lanka

Discover Sri Lanka’s colonial past in the fort and lighthouse at Galle on our 14 day Premium Sri Lanka in Depth tour or on our 15 day Best of Sri Lanka adventure.

Catch sea breezes while strolling along the beach in Negombo on our 9 day Premium Sri Lanka tour.

Join pilgrims at Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth on our 8 day Simply Sri Lanka tour.

4. Unawatuna

Bliss out on the beach at beautiful Unawatuna on our 11 day Essential Sri Lanka tour.

Experience big city life, Sri Lankan style on our 8 day Classic Sri Lanka adventure.

6. Anuradhapura

Explore the extensive ancient ruins at Anuradhapura on our 12 day Sri Lanka Explorer tour.

7. Dambulla

Be astonished by the cave temples in Dambulla on our 14 day Cycle Sri Lanka tour or on our 12 day Sri Lanka Real Food Adventure.

8. Sigiriya

Climb Lion Rock for spectacular views on our 10 day Sri Lanka: Hike, Bike & Kayak adventure extravaganza.

9. Nuwara Eliya

Discover tea plantations in the hill country of Nuwara Eliya on our 18 day Premium India and Sri Lanka tour.

10. Udawalawe National Park

Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and encounter elephants at Udawalawe National Park on our 12 day Sri Lanka Family Holiday.

Similar destinations

We have a variety of similar destinations, trips and routes that you could consider! Tie another trip into your holiday, or, see how we can help you get from A to B. We have tours departing from a variety of locations around Sri Lanka. The options below may be of interest:

Tours from Negombo Tours to Colombo Negombo to Colombo

Further reading

Sri lanka travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Is it safe to visit Sri Lanka?

Usually, Sri Lanka is a safe country to visit, however, recent developments have seen the capital of Colombo and surrounding regions subject to often violent protests and civil unrest. While travel to Sri Lanka hasn't been banned for international travelers at this stage, it is advised to be alert and on guard when moving through the country and steer clear of any congregating crowds or potential demonstration areas. 

Intrepid is working with our team on the ground in Sri Lanka to closely monitor the situation for travelers currently on trips and those looking to depart in the future.

Do you need a visa for Sri Lanka?

All foreign nationals need to apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to visit Sri Lanka.

Is tipping customary in Sri Lanka?

Tipping is expected from tourists while traveling through Sri Lanka.

What is the internet access like in Sri Lanka?

Wi-fi is common in hotels, hostels, restaurants and cafes across the touristed areas of Sri Lanka. Travelers can also purchase a tourist SIM card for the duration of their Sri Lanka tour if they wish to stay connected.

Can I use my mobile phone while in Sri Lanka?

Mobile/cell phone reception in Sri Lanka is generally very good in cities and towns, though coverage may be patchy in rural areas. Travelers can either purchase a local SIM or use their own, but they must have activated global roaming before leaving their home country.

What are the toilets like in Sri Lanka?

Squat toilets are the most common toilets in Sri Lanka. Always carry your own toilet paper and soap as they are usually not provided. Flushable, Western-style toilets can be found in upmarket restaurants, newer hotels and in some tourist areas.

What will it cost for a...?

Sri Lanka’s unit of currency is the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR). Here's what you can expect to pay for a:

• Beer in a bar = LKR 300-600
• Lunch in a local restaurant = LKR 400-800
• Short tuk-tuk trip = LKR 200-400
• Classy seafood dinner = LKR 1,000+

Can I drink the water in Sri Lanka?

We do not recommend drinking the water in Sri Lanka. Filtered water is a better option; try to use a refillable canteen or water bottle rather than buying bottled water. Remember to avoid ice in drinks and peel fruit before eating.

Are credit cards widely accepted in Sri Lanka?

Credit cards are widely accepted in Sri Lanka, particularly Visa and Mastercard.

What is ATM access like in Sri Lanka?

There are ATMs located in most Sri Lankan towns and there should be no problem finding one in any of the cities.

What is the weather like in Sri Lanka?

Like anywhere, the weather in Sri Lanka will depend on where you are and what time of year you are traveling. This is especially true of Sri Lanka, which experiences two separate monsoon seasons.

What public holidays are celebrated in Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka has many public holidays that change dates every year. If only the month is listed, it means that the holiday falls on a moveable date.

• Jan:   Duruthu Full Moon Poya Day
• Jan:   Tamil Thai Pongal Day
• 4 Feb:   National Day
• Feb:   Navam Full Moon Poya Day
• Feb/Mar:   Maha Shivaratri Day
• Mar:   Madin Full Moon Poya Day
• Mar/Apr:   Good Friday
• Apr:   Bak Full Moon Poya Day
• Apr:   Sinhala and Tamil New Year’s Eve
• Apr:   Sinhala and Tamil New Year’s Day
• 1 May:   May Day
• May:   Vesak Full Moon Poya Day
• May:   Day after Vesak Full Moon Poya Day
• Jun:   Poson Full Moon Poya Day
• Jul:   Esala Full Moon Poya Day
• Aug:   Nikini Full Moon Poya Day
• Sep:   Binara Full Moon Poya Day
• Oct:   Adhi Vap Full Moon Poya Day
• Nov:   Vap Full Moon Poya Day
• Dec:   Il Full Moon Poya Day
• 25 Dec:   Christmas Day
• Dec:   Unduvap Full Moon Poya Day

Please note, Sri Lanka public holidays may vary.

Is Sri Lanka safe for LGBTQIA+ travellers?

While traveling through Sri Lanka as an LGBTQIA+ is not necessarily dangerous, same-sex sexual activity is still illegal, and we advise that travelers are discreet in public.

Is Sri Lanka accessible for travelers with disabilities?

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Travelers with disabilities will likely find it difficult to travel around Sri Lanka. Public transport has not been adapted for those with mobility, visual or auditory limitations, and pavements and roads are often in poor condition. Accommodation, too, is unlikely to be accessible for those in wheelchairs, except perhaps in top-end hotels.

If you do live with a visual, hearing, or other impairment, let your booking agent or group leader know early on so they’re aware and suitable arrangements can be made. As a general rule, knowing some common words in the local language, carrying a written itinerary with you, and taking to the streets in a group, rather than solo, can help make your travel experience the best it can be.

What kind of transport will I use in Sri Lanka?

Intrepid believes half the fun of experiencing a new country is getting there, and getting around once there! Where possible, Intrepid uses local transport options and traditional modes of transport - which usually carry less of an environmental impact, support small local operators and are heaps more fun.

Hire a bike and pedal around ancient cities full of fascinating ruins for a fun and interactive way to learn about Sri Lanka’s deep history.

Experience some of the world's most beautiful train journeys in the hill country of Sri Lanka.

Tuk Tuks are the best and cheapest way to make your way around Sri Lanka's towns and cities.

Jump in a jeep for a wildlife safari in Sri Lanka's national parks.

What to wear in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is warm. Sri Lanka is very warm. Sri Lanka will have you sweating unless you’re up visiting the tea plantations in the hills, so light, breathable clothing is essential. Whatever you do, don’t wear any clothing depicting the Buddha – this can get you arrested, as can having a Buddha tattoo.

Does my trip to Sri Lanka support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. In fact, we make a donation on behalf of every traveler. Trips to Sri Lanka directly support our foundation partner, Zero Plastic. 

Zero Plastic aims to reduce plastic waste in Sri Lankan communities through education and volunteer programs. Donations from our trips help them raise awareness for the impact of plastic on the environment and local wildlife and reduce plastic pollution at the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya (and surrounding communities).

Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

How do I stay safe and healthy while traveling?

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

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Sri Lanka Tours & Trips

With its vibrant orange sunsets, endless beaches, abundant wildlife, and spiced curries, tales of adventures in Sri Lanka will linger on your lips for years to come. From the golden beaches of Bentota and marvellous marine life in Mirissa to the colonial charm of Galle and the rocky ruins of Sigiriya, there's something for everyone. Whether you're after a romantic honeymoon or a backpacking escapade, for 3 days or two weeks , the Teardrop of India is warm and welcoming. Don't miss the budget-friendly safaris at Yala and Udawalawe, or the most scenic train ride of your life from Kandy to the lush green highlands of Ella!

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250+ sri lanka tour packages with 4,314 reviews.

• Local Living
• Christmas & New Year

Sri Lanka One Life Adventures - 12 Days

This tour was such a fun experience! As a young solo female traveller it was the perfect experience- I felt safe and welcomed throughout the trip and Sumudu our tour guide was great, funny and always there to help in any situation! Can happily say I’ve experienced Sri Lanka to the fullest- it’s full on but SO worth it

• Sightseeing

Sri Lanka Experience

This tour was excellent. It provided us with so much information about Sri Lanka and we were able to immerse ourselves in the language, culture and community through a variety of experiences. The food, accommodation and travel was terrific the guides, especially Eliza were wonderful. I would highly recommend it.

• In-depth Cultural

Sri Lanka Express

Fantastic guide, absolutely put 150% effort in. Very knowledgable and made sure we were all happy. Nothing was too much. Very caring to individual wants/needs. Great tour as a quick insight into a beautiful country

Splendour Of Sri Lanka (7 Days) Free Upgrade to Private Tour Available

So it's only fair I start this review by praising how amazing our driver and tour guide Nishantha (Nish) Was. he made us feel so comfortable throughout our entire tour, he was very knowledgeable about all the places we visited and really went out of his way to make sure we were happy with what we had done each day. He was always on time and we felt very safe with his driving as you may or may not know drivers and tuk tuks in Sri Lanka are pretty crazy and Nish was very relaxed and in total control. He also took us to places that weren't on the schedule which he called Nish's highlights and he seemed to know everyone lol and everyone seemed to really like him which made us feel entirely safe. On our last day for drop off at our hotel that we had booked not through the tour company and the hotel was to say the least not very welcoming and dirty so Nish drove us to a new hotel which we knew with no quibble and sorted out on our behalf with the hotel for none payment. We feel we've made a friend in Nish and will definitely us him again whenever we return to Sri Lanka. So onto the hotels, each hotel was clean and the food was good no upset stomachs which was good, we opted for the moderate hotels package and we booked quite late so some of the original hotels that were quoted were full but beauty Lanka travels found some very nice alternatives The only issue we probably would say was that the hotels were very quiet with no evening entertainment but to be honest we were quite tired each night so we would chill in our room after dinner. In fact one hotel we stayed at we were the only 2 people in the whole hotel staying there but the whole staff made us feel very special and the food was amazing. So now On to the tour itinerary and company itself to be honest I can't fault beauty Lanka travels for what they provided the attractions where varied and well spread out, each day was definitely full and you can adjust anything you want or don't want to do Me and my wife really wanted to see and do the ambuluwawa tower (which we highly recommend) so Nish just cut out another part of the tour to accommodate so we could To make you aware the tour is quite tiring as it's quite early starts and late finishes And you are checking in and out of hotels every day so you dont really get to use the hotel facilities much. If we was to do another tour we would prob have it so we have break days especially at Ella ( which is lovely) and the last stop at the beach resort But overall very good company to deal with and they provided everything that was offered. Mr & Mr Mark

Best of Sri Lanka

Absolutely Fabulous tour! Visited a lot of the usual tourist sites but it was the cycling, trekking and local experiences that made the trip so special for me. Our guide Prabarth was amazing. So friendly and knowledgeable. Nothing was too much trouble for him. I feel so fortunate to have met him. The tour covers a lot of ground so it isn’t a trip for someone who wants a lot of relaxation time. For me it was a perfect balance. You can sleep on the mini bus if you need to. Not all the accommodation was up to standard ( the basics for me are hot water, electric points and a clean room). Also intrepid had altered some of our trip due to covid. Such as visiting Negombo fish market and the bambarakanda waterfalls. But this didn’t make sense as we were then on a crowded train and in crowded temples. It was great to travel with the same people and guide throughout as we really bonded and this made the tour even more enjoyable. I absolutely loved Sri Lanka, the culture, wildlife, geography, the people. It’s a fascinating and rich country in so many ways! I particularly enjoyed the tea plantation days and the train ride from Kandy to bandarawele. We also went to the elephant safari as an optional excursion which was wonderful and I snorkelled with giant green turtles in Merissa. I wouldn’t hesitate but to recommend this tour.

Sri Lanka: Spice Gardens & Seasides

The 12 days really flew by as we were introduced to beautiful Sri Lanka including the culture, the scenery, the local people and the food. Our CEO Cham really went above and beyond for us all making sure that we were able to experience as much as possible and he really looked after us all. I would highly recommend this tour, it was a wonderful experience

Sri Lanka Uncovered

I had an amazing experience on the Sri Lanka tour with V! It well over exceeded expectations! Each attraction we attended, V was filled with so much knowledge and fun facts to inform us with and he was such a friendly and fun tour guide. I have done a trutravels tour before and this tour has by far been the most fulfilling because of our amazing tour guide. We did additional activities outside of the itinerary which V went above and beyond to find and provide for us and thanks to him I was able to tick off some huge bucket list activities such as meeting and feeding my first ever elephant, and being able to watch little baby elephants getting fed and their rehabilitation centre! There were countless experiences V arranged for us all outside of the itinerary that enhanced our already amazing trip! I am so grateful for the experience and the many laughs and memories created on this once in a life time experience! I am gutted to be leaving but beyond overwhelmed with happiness with everything I got to see and do on this tour! Thank you V so so much for everything! Highly recommend the Sri Lanka uncovered tour!

Looking for tours beyond just Sri Lanka?

Explore tours with itineraries going through multiple countries, including Sri Lanka.

Lifetime Experience In Sri Lanka

We just got back from an amazing time in Sri Lanka. We had a wonderful guide (Nalin Dissanayake) who went above and beyond to show us his beautiful country. We stayed in some beautiful hotels, ate some amazing food which was included and felt safe and well looked after the whole time. The team at BH Lanka put a great trip together and everything was well organised. It gave us a great taste for our first visit to Sri Lanka and we can’t wait to come back in the near future.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Grand Tour Of Sri Lanka

Der Reiseführer (Nalin) war das Beste was mir passieren konnte. Ohne ihn wäre die Tour nicht annähernd so schön gewesen wie sie war. Danke Nalin für die tolle Zeit ❣️

Essential Sri Lanka

Amazing tour! Everything was super organised and the our tour guide Sam made the trip unforgettable. We felt we got to see so much of Sri Lanka in such a short space of time and can’t wait to return one day. Be prepared to pay extra for some of the optional activities but they are so worth it! Some meals are also not included but Sam made sure to always take us to affordable and authentic places. Can’t recommend this tour enough!

Discover Sri Lanka Beauty - FREE Yala Safari

Travel in Sri Lanka surpassed my expectations. It is a beautiful country, full of parks and historic temples to visit, nice beach areas, and you can take a safari to see animals in the wild. But the best part was the people, kind and willing, who went out their way to make the trip the best experience possible. Razmin was a great person and a safe driver and he did his best to provide information, and to make sure that the days went well. I would not hesitate to recommend him for another tour. There was a variety of accommodation, most were comfortable 3*, some 4* and a guest house with a lovely host. My one recommendation to the tour company is to provide a list of optional activities and approximate prices in advance. Last comment: the food in Sri Lanka was delicious!

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

Splendour of Sri Lanka - ( 8 Days and 7 Nights tour in Sri Lanka )

The best trip I’ve ever been on! The 8 days were filled with amazing sites and experiences. The highlights of the trip for me were the elephant safari, lion rock, botanical gardens, Ella train and the snake farm (was hard to narrow down). I feel like we saw and learnt so much about Sri Lanka and I’d love to do it all again. Our tour guide was Nishantha. He is incredibly knowledgeable about all the nature and history of Sri Lanka. He was also a really lovely and friendly person. We felt he went out of his way to make sure everything we wanted from the trip happened. I would highly recommend him to anybody wanting to do this trip. 5 stars all round from me and my partner. If you book this holiday have a lovely time.

Best Touch Of Sri Lanka

A well organised tour guided by a professional guide Mr.Janaka Ticked every box

• €50 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Grand Tour Sri Lanka - All Inclusive

We were in Srilanka for 14 days trip and booked online before our trip with ASY tours. They planned our tour very well including great places in Srilanka. This was superb value for money that was educational interesting and entertaining and I have no hesitation in awarding 5 stars and recommending ASy Tours to anyone visiting Srilanka.

Colombo, Caves & Kandy - 8 days

Top quality hotels, pleasant and knowledgeable tour guide and very well organized itinerary. The country is fascinating with a rich history, good food and great scenery.

What people love about Sri Lanka Tours

We had a great tour with our guide Sumudu Peiris. He organized the tour and additional trips very well. Also he arranged birthday surprises for a tour member by himself. Sri Lanka is a very diverse country with beautiful landscape and animals. The inhabitants are very friendly. We really enjoyed and recommend this tour! As our guide said: Live in the moment! :)

Love Sri Lanka. IntroTravel let me experience this beautiful country with amazing group and the tour guide.

The tour was perfect for my needs. Day in Kandy a bit of a muddle and wash out. Hotel to far out of town and no choice for food but the hotel and whilst ok not great. Prefer to Sri Lankan food. Amba estate amazing. Hotel J in Negombo and Unawatuna little more than a hostel Didn’t like at all. Same group as Jetwing and they are nice hotels. Guide very knowledgable and friendly. Not great value for money would have been better without using hotel j

Sri Lanka Destinations

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• Southern Sri Lanka (17)
• Southern Province Sri Lanka (16)
• Western Province Sri Lanka (12)
• Western Sri Lanka (12)
• Northern Sri Lanka (5)

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Walkers Tours

Walkers Tours has been the leader in the Sri Lankan tourism industry for over 54 years, organizing Sri Lanka tours for couples on holiday or honeymoon, for individual adventurers and nature lovers, as well as for special interest and incentives holiday groups and convention delegates.

• Tailor Made Tours
• Over 54 years of Industry Experience
• South Asia’s First Carbon Neutral Fleet
• Public Liability Insurance of 3 Million
• Book your Transfers & Excursions Online
• Value for Money

Touring Sri Lanka is easy when you leave all the arrangements to Walkers Tours. Our guides and chauffeurs have an impressive knowledge of all aspects of this incredible country.

• Sri Lanka Tours

Bespoke tours

Customised tours and excursions around Sri Lanka just for you

Airport & other transfers

We offer airport pick up, airport drop off and point to point transfers within the country. Book now with us to see our competitive transfer rates!

Seat in coach

Our Seat-in Coach Tours give you the ability to book an authentic travel experience of Sri Lanka without having to go through the hassle of arranging transport, accommodation or creating an itinerary.

We took a 'Highlights of Sri Lanka' tour with Walkers (booked through Virgin Holidays). We can't rate this company highly enough. The main credit for this must go to our guide Lathif who's knowledge, professionalism and humour made our trip one to remember! He was extremely friendly and always on hand to answer any questions we had. He even went the extra mile to organise a very scenic train ride (which was not on our original itinerary, but was something we really wanted to do)

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An island escape awaits you

Welcome to sri lanka.

See what's waiting for you on your next island getaway. Savour the unique experiences this island treasure has to offer.

All you need to know when travelling to Sri Lanka

'Safe & Secure' Certified Tourism Service Providers

What the world has to say

A year in Review 2020

Sri Lanka Tourism Operational Guidelines

One of the Best Countries to Travel - Conde Nast Traveller 2021

The best destinations to travel to in 2023 mentions Sri Lanka as one of the tourist hotspots this year.

Golden Paradise Visa - Department of Immigration and Emigration, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Pavilion at EXPO 2020 in Dubai

Sri Lanka Pavilion at EXPO DUBAI 2020

Discover Sri Lanka

From a thrilling safari adventure in the depths of Yala, to a soothing yoga session among tea bushes in the cool countryside, Sri Lanka has a special experience for every traveller. So dive in, your adventure awaits!

From a thrilling safari adventure in the depths of Yala, to a soothing yoga session among tea brushes in the cool countryside,Sri Lanka has a special experience for every traveller.So dive in,your adventure awaits!

Explore Island Stories

Each place, and each smile in Sri Lanka has a story to tell. We have so much to share with you, so come along to our island in paradise!

Nature and Wildlife

Sri Lanka's Ultimate Wildlife Safari

Blessed with an abundance of wildlife, Sri Lanka attracts a significant number of tourists every year... visiting the island to experience the exotic creatures living in the stunning Natural Parks. The diverse wildlife spread across wet, dry and intermediate zones helps maintaining the natural balance in ecosystems while contributing to Sri Lankan economy at large.

Top 7 Historical Destinations To Visit...

Valley view with villages and mountains at sunrise. View from Adam's peak, Sri Lanka

5 Of The Most Breathtaking City...

The ruins of the capital built by the parricidal King Kassapa I (477–95) lie on the steep slopes and at the summit of a granite peak standing some 180m high (the 'Lion's Rock', which dominates the jungle from all sides) (UNESCO)...

English Breakfast Tea In Maskeliya

over one million Sri Lankans are employed in the tea industry.

Meet the Mischievous Rulers of the...

Upcoming Events & Festivals

Mid Season Blues (or Browns) Tropical Kitesurfing Kalpitiya

August 2021. The dry season in Sri Lanka. The tropical sun shines bright and all of us kiters are getting shades darker! The vibes continue to be great, with a smaller crowd.

Plan Your Dream Holiday

Each day on this island promises new experiences, discoveries, and life-long memories. With so much to do,let us help you with these itineraries created just for you!

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A tropical paradise that looks too good be true? Don't just take our word for it, take it from the breathtaking shots by travellers just like you!

LONELY PLANET : BEST IN TRAVEL 2021

Endless beaches, timeless ruins, welcoming people, oodles of elephants, rolling surf, cheap prices, fun trains, famous tea and flavorful food make Sri Lanka irresistible.

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