Sri Lanka Tours & Holidays
Small Group Tours & Tailor-Made Holidays
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Overview
Sri Lanka offers an extraordinary variety of experiences, from sun-drenched sandy beaches and vibrant wildlife to lively cities and tranquil tea plantations nestled in the misty hills. Whether you’re embarking on a small-group tour or a tailor-made journey, Sri Lanka offers the perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration. Travelling with family, as a couple, or solo, you’ll find that Sri Lanka tours cater to every kind of traveller, with options ranging from ...
Sri Lanka offers an extraordinary variety of experiences, from sun-drenched sandy beaches and vibrant wildlife to lively cities and tranquil tea plantations nestled in the misty hills. Whether you’re embarking on a small-group tour or a tailor-made journey, Sri Lanka offers the perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration. Travelling with family, as a couple, or solo, you’ll find that Sri Lanka tours cater to every kind of traveller, with options ranging from luxury itineraries to immersive, off-the-beaten-path experiences that promise something new at every turn.
For centuries, Sri Lanka has captivated visitors, with Marco Polo famously declaring it the finest island in the world. Known by many names over the ages, Serendib, Ceylon, The Resplendent Isle, The Pearl of the Orient, and the evocative "Teardrop of India", Sri Lanka is a place where history, nature, and culture come alive.
Though often overshadowed by its larger neighbour, India, Sri Lanka has developed a distinctive character, shaped by the monsoon rains, equatorial warmth, and a blend of Indian, Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences. Between lush mountains and coastlines lined with palms, the island’s ancient cities, colonial architecture, and quiet beaches offer the perfect mix of tradition and beauty, framed by the inviting waters of the Indian Ocean.
Among the island’s treasures, the Dambulla Cave Temple stands out, a magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with sacred Buddhist murals and statues that reflect the country’s deep spiritual heritage. From the Dambulla Cave Temple to the ancient ruins of Anuradhapura and the tea plantations of the central highlands, Sri Lanka is a treasure trove of natural and cultural landmarks. The island boasts six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the sacred city of Kandy and the iconic rock fortress of Sigiriya. Its national parks are a sanctuary for elephants, sloth bears, and over 400 species of birds, making Sri Lanka a haven for nature enthusiasts and inspiring the word "serendipity."
Whether you’re seeking wildlife encounters, cultural heritage, or a serene beach escape, there’s never been a better time to visit Sri Lanka. This enchanting island is ready to capture your heart and imagination.
Start your journey
Group tours
Travel to Sri Lanka with like-minded people on one of our small group tours (usually max size 12), featuring knowledgeable local guides and an expert tour leader.
TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAYS
Whether you want to travel on one of our award-winning itineraries or build your own journey from scratch, our expert consultants will help create the perfect tour for your tastes and budget. Below are a few suggestions of the kind of trips we can offer, all of which can be tailored to you.
EXAMPLE ITINERARIES
HIGHLIGHTS OF SRI LANKA
BEST EXPERIENCES
Visit a tea plantation
Immerse yourself in the lush green tea plantations of this stunning region and peek inside the factories to see the process behind producing the world-famous 'Ceylon Tea'. Later, explore the historical landmarks and colonial heritage of Nuwara Eliya.
Climb an ancient rock fortress
Ascend the imposing Lion Rock, built on a 180-metre-high square of granite to reach the ruins of this fortress, declared a World Heritage Site in 1982. Make it to the top and you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.
Tour Galle Fort at sunset
This UNESCO Site is the best-preserved colonial sea fortress in all of Asia, with Portuguese, Dutch and British influences. Explore as the sun sets when the fort begins to slip into a centuries-old lethargy and the ghosts of the past come to life.
Take a Botanical Gardens tour
Take a stroll around the Royal Botanical Gardens in Kandy, one of the best of its kind in Asia containing more than 5000 species of flora, and you can see fruit bats hanging from the trees. It was also the Headquarters of Lord Mountbatten during the Second World War.
Visit the Primate Centre
Visit the oldest primate centre in the world at Polonnaruwa, where the monkeys roam freely under the protection of the Smithsonian Primate Research Center. Professional biologists carry out crucial scientific research here and also offer educational programs.
Discover Colombo's architecture
Set off on foot and take in the myriad of buildings that date from the 17th century up to the 90’s, many of which were first erected during the Dutch & British rule. Include a visit to Pettah Market place, even older than the buildings you'll see.
Cycle around Anuradhapura
The best way to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Anuradhapura is by bicycle! Cycle through the world’s largest archaeological excavation site and learn about the history behind the once spiritual and secular capital of the island.
Carve yourself a traditional mask
Learn about the tradition of Kolam mask carving in a workshop run by an artisan craftsman who will take you through the history and the process from start to finish, guiding you through your own mask carving using traditional tools.
TOP PLACES TO VISIT
Anuradhapura
A UNESCO setting that once served as the capital of an ancient Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura has long been sacred to the Buddhist faith. Surrounded by monasteries and temples and home to the Sri Maha Bodhiya,...
Colombo
Known in the 1920's as the Garden City of The East, Colombo has been used as port since in the 8th Century. Today it is a city of contrasts, mixing historical monuments, temples and churches with modern ...
Galle
Galle Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site that is the best preserved colonial sea fortress in all of Asia. The oldest parts date to the 1650s, though it is believed by some scholars to be Tarshish of ...
Kandy
Lying in the mountains, at an altitude of 500 m over the sea level, Kandy was the capital of last generation of Sri Lanka`s kings until it fell in to the hands of British in 1815. However, this delightful ...
Nuwara Eliya
Set in the heart of the tea-country, this beautiful town is where the British succeeded in creating an English countryside, with homes in styles from Georgian to Queen Anne. Well-kept lawns with hedges,...
Sigiriya
The ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya (Lion’s Rock) stands on top of a granite plug some 370 metres above the surrounding jungle. Built by King Kashyapa back in the 5th century AD, the fortress was declared ...
OUR FAVOURITE PLACES TO STAY
Ceylon Tea Trails, Hatton
In solitude, at an elevation of 1220m above sea level, lies Ceylon Tea Trails. Five colonial era tea planters' bungalows boast a new and decidedly decadent vibe. Each accommodation, built between 1890…
Ellerton Bungalow, Kandy
Ellerton Bungalow is over 100 years old and is now a delightful boutique hotel with a strong emphasis on sustainability. The bungalow retains its colonial features through the decor and furniture, much…
Galle Face, Colombo
The Galle Face Hotel is a splendid example of Victorian architecture and has been welcoming guests since 1864, located right on the sea front in the heart of Colombo. The Regency wing was recently…
Galle Fort, Galle
Galle Fort is a unique boutique hotel situated in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Galle Fort area. The building itself is over 300 years old and was once a Dutch merchants house. Now it…
Jetwing St Andrews, Nuwara Eliya
Located in Nuwara Eliya hill station, St. Andrews is surrounded by fragrant tea plantations, majestic waterfalls and mist-shrouded mountains. With a history stretching back more than 100 years this…
Jetwing Vil Uyana, Sigiriya
'Vil Uyana', meaning a garden of ponds, is a wonderfully peaceful hotel with splendid eco credentials, located just minutes away from the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Spread over 24 acres, at its heart is a…
Kandy House, Kandy
Providing exclusivity and history amongst the hills of Kandy, Kandy House is a luxurious boutique property with only nine rooms. This was the home of the king's Chief Minister, Ratwatte Adigar, who…
Maniumpathy House, Colombo
Maniumpathy is a stately heritage house ideally located in the heart of Colombo’s city centre, offering tranquility and style. The century-old house is made up of eight double rooms, each with its own…
The Last House, Tangalla
Looking out onto the Indian Ocean, the Last House is a beautiful charming little beach hotel offering a relaxed and luxurious stay just outside of Tangalle. With only six rooms this little gem is the…
The Sun House, Galle
Once the home of a Scottish Spice Merchant, originally built in the 1860’s, this colonial house is now a small and elegant hotel comprising of seven unique bedrooms. The property boasts panoramic views…
Uga Ulagalla, Anuradhapura
Set amongst 58 lush acres bordering two ancient reservoirs, Uga Ulagalla is a wonderful accommodation option for exploring Anuradhapura and the rest of the Cultural Triangle. Renovated from a…
Wallawwa, Colombo
Although just 15 minutes drive from the international airport, the Wallawwa provides guests with a tranquil stay in a traditional country house set in delightful gardens. The 18 rooms are in the main…
Water Garden Resort, Sigiriya
Water Garden Sigiriya is an oasis of natural beauty in the heart of The Cultural Triangle, inspired by the ancient water gardens of Sigiriya. Expect luxury in a very open and natural setting with the…
Leopard Trails, Wilpattu National Park
Leopard Trails is the luxury tended camp offering for the lesser known parks. Located in this off beaten location, it offers privileged access to one Sri Lanka’s largest national park, teaming with…
Gal Oya Lodge, Gal Oya National Park
Located outside the remote Gal Oya National Park, with easy access to the park, this eco lodge is set in 19 acres of the most beautiful landscape with stunning views. This lodge incorporates beautiful…
Goatfell, Nuwara Eliya
This stunning property offers one of the most unique and peaceful accommodation options in Sri Lanka's magical hill country. Housed in the former estate manager’s bungalow, Goatfell is a simple yet…
Amba Estate, Ella
A guesthouse spread over a farmhouse and three cottages on an organic farm in Sri Lanka's tea country, Amba is also an organic working farm and a social enterprise working with the local community. The…Discover more
WHEN TO GO
Broadly speaking October to March tend to be the most pleasant months to travel to Sri Lanka. Temperatures will range from 20c to 30c degrees but drop much lower at night at Nuwara Eliya (5C). The skies should be clear and sunny. Between April and September is the best time to visit the East Coast for some gorgeous beaches and great food.
Meet the expert, Shalmali
Shalmali is our Indian Subcontinent expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Shalmali by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258
LGBTQIA+ Guidance
When planning to travel as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, there may be additional things you wish to consider doing, such as:
- Speaking to one of our travel experts for information about travelling in your chosen destination and local attitudes towards members of the LGBTQIA+ community
- Checking the Human Dignity Trust map which highlights regions and countries which are potentially dangerous to LGBTQIA+ people, or Equaldex, which tracks the progress of LGBTQIA+ rights around the world.
- Checking the ‘Local laws and customs’ section of your country's official foreign travel advice page
- Looking for any updates for your desired destination on the Human Rights Watch LGBTQIA+ rights page
- Buying a recommended guidebook, as many include an LGBTQIA+ section and advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers
USEFUL INFORMATION
Health and Vaccinations
Travellers from countries with risk of yellow fever or polio transmission must have an up to date yellow fever or polio vaccination. There are no other mandatory immunisations for travellers to Sri Lanka though you should be up to date with Diphtheria, TB, Japanese B Encephalitis, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Rabies and Tetanus.
Dengue fever is common throughout Sri Lanka. There is no vaccine, and prevention is through avoidance of mosquito bites. Sri Lanka is a low risk area for Malaria, but we recommend you seek advice from your local GP or travel centre as to the correct immunisations and preventative treatments.
Currency
In Sri Lanka the official unit of currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee. To check out the latest exchange rate for the places that you are visiting you can go to www.oanda.com.
Cultural Sensitivity
Informal Western dress is suitable except when visiting Buddhist temples, where modest clothing should be worn with no bare legs and upper arms. Visitors should be decently clothed when visiting any place of worship, and shoes and hats must be removed. Some temples will provide sarongs but it is best to bring your own in case they run out and to avoid queuing.
On our tours we frequently interact with local people, each with their own distinct customs and traditions. We therefore ask you to be considerate and to treat them with respect. Your guides will be able to advise you accordingly.
Language & Religion
Sinhala and Tamil are official languages in Sri Lanka. Sinhala, a language of Indo-Aryan origin is the language of the majority. English is widely spoken and understood. Place names and signs on buses and trains are usually in all three languages.
Buddhism is the main religion of Sri Lanka, where it was officially introduced in the 3rd century B.C. during the reign of King Devanam Piyatissa by Venerable Mahinda, who was the son of Emperor Asoka of India.
Time
Sri Lanka is 5.5 hours ahead of GMT.
A useful website to check the time zone differences is www.worldtimezone.com.
Food and drink
Sri Lankan cuisine is hot and spicy. The staple food of Sri Lankans is rice, which is prepared with curry both veg, and fish based. All the dishes are cooked on the base of coconut milk and flavoured by liberal use of spices. Like all the people of coastal regions, the Sri Lankans are expert in preparing fish dishes.
Mallung, Sambol, Lamprais, Buriyani and Polos Pehi are some popular dishes of Sri Lanka.Sri Lankans also like several juicy sweetmeats like Kavum, Halape, Thalaguli and Wattalapam. It is probably one of the oldest representations of vegetarian food in the world and is traditionally served on a banana leaf.
Travelling Solo In Sri Lanka
All of our small group tours are designed to cater for solo travellers: the number of solo travellers will vary from tour to tour, but usually over half will be travelling alone. Get all of the excitement of discovering new places combined with the security of travelling with an organised group, with like minded people.