Sri Lanka Tour Packages

Sri Lanka is one of Asia's most complete destinations, offering culture, wildlife, hill scenery and beaches within short distances. The classic loop links the Cultural Triangle, the tea-country towns of Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Ella, a national park safari, and the southern beaches.

A few practical notes make any Sri Lanka trip smoother. The currency is the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR), and Sinhala and Tamil are official, and English is widely spoken in tourist areas. A private car and driver is the easiest way to tour, while the scenic hill-country train from Kandy to Ella is an experience in itself. Pack for the season and carry a little local cash for markets, tips and small vendors.

Sri Lanka is a teardrop-shaped island off the southern tip of India, ringed by beaches and rising to a cool central highland of tea-covered hills. In a few hours you can travel from palm-fringed coast to 2,000-metre mountains, which is exactly what makes it such a rewarding place to tour.

Sri Lanka is tropical and warm year-round, but two monsoons hit different coasts at different times, so there is almost always somewhere with good weather.

The best time to visit the west and south coasts and the hill country is December to March. For the east coast (Trincomalee, Arugam Bay), May to September is ideal. This staggered pattern means Sri Lanka is a genuine year-round destination if you pick the right region.

Sri Lanka is proudly Buddhist at its heart, with Hindu, Muslim and Christian communities woven through, and a history stretching back over two millennia. Ancient stupas, cave temples and the sacred city of Kandy sit alongside colonial forts and colourful festivals.

Sri Lanka is one of Asia's most complete destinations, offering culture, wildlife, hill scenery and beaches within short distances. The classic loop links the Cultural Triangle, the tea-country towns of Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Ella, a national park safari, and the southern beaches.

Whether you are after culture, scenery, food or simply time to relax, Sri Lanka rewards travellers who give it a little time. Our packages combine the signature sights with quieter corners most visitors miss.

Some of the best things to do in Sri Lanka:

• Climb Sigiriya rock fortress at dawn
• Ride the hill-country train from Kandy to Ella
• Go on safari for leopards and elephants at Yala
• Tour a working tea plantation and factory
• Watch blue whales off Mirissa (in season)
• Wander the ramparts of Galle Fort at sunset

The best time to visit the west and south coasts and the hill country is December to March. For the east coast (Trincomalee, Arugam Bay), May to September is ideal. This staggered pattern means Sri Lanka is a genuine year-round destination if you pick the right region.

Because the seasons shape the experience so much, tell us when you can travel and we will tell you honestly what Sri Lanka will be like on those dates — and shape the route accordingly.

The places most worth your time in Sri Lanka:

• Sigiriya — the dramatic ancient rock fortress rising from the plains
• Kandy — hill capital and home to the sacred Temple of the Tooth
• Ella & the tea country — misty hills, waterfalls and the famous train ride
• Yala or Udawalawe National Park — leopards, elephants and birdlife
• Galle — the atmospheric Dutch colonial fort on the south coast
• Southern beaches — from Mirissa whale-watching to Unawatuna

Sri Lankan food is bold, fragrant and often fierier than its Indian cousin, built around rice and a dazzling array of curries, sambols and coconut.

Dishes to seek out: rice and curry, hoppers (appa), kottu roti, string hoppers, fresh seafood, Ceylon tea. On our tours we are happy to steer you toward the best local food and to cater for any dietary needs — just let us know in advance.

The calendar is rich with Buddhist and Hindu festivals. The Kandy Esala Perahera in July or August is the spectacular highlight — a torch-lit procession of caparisoned elephants, dancers and drummers — while the Sinhala and Tamil New Year in April brings island-wide celebration.

Most visitors need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) obtained online before arrival, or on arrival. Visa rules vary by nationality and change from time to time, so always confirm the current requirement for your own passport before booking. If you travel with us, we will guide you through exactly what you need.

A little courtesy goes a long way in Sri Lanka. Cover shoulders and knees at temples, remove hats and shoes before entering, and never turn your back to a Buddha statue for a photo.

Do dress respectfully at religious and cultural sites, ask before photographing people, carry small change for tips and markets, and stay hydrated. Don't drink tap water unless it is confirmed safe, flash valuables in crowded areas, or rush — the best trips here are unhurried ones.