Best Sri Lanka Tours & Holidays

Inspiring Vacations’ Classic Sri Lanka tours typically feature 3-4 star hotels in convenient locations, daily breakfast, select meals, and extensive sightseeing with a dedicated tour leader or local guides. You’ll be travelling with a group of up to 26 travellers and enjoy having major attraction entrance fees covered. Many of our guided tours to Sri Lanka also offer the option of return airfares at competitive rates. You can also personalise your experience by adding optional excursions or arranging airport transfers through our Traveller Hub. Be sure to check the specific itinerary for each Sri Lanka tour to understand the unique inclusions and options available.

Our Small Group tours of Sri Lanka cater to groups of 4 to 16 travellers, offering a more intimate and tailored experience. You'll stay in 3 to 5 star accommodation and travel in smaller, modern coaches that can access areas larger buses cannot reach. Daily breakfast is provided, along with several group lunches and dinners. Cultural, historical, and iconic food experiences, such as High Tea at the Grand Hotel, are also part of the package. Be sure to review each tour’s specific details to see if airfares, transfers, and optional extras are included.

On an Independent tour of Sri Lanka, you’ll move between cities at your own pace, with the freedom to explore as you wish. These itineraries provide accommodation, some pre-arranged transport, and guided day tours. You’ll have the flexibility to slow down or pack in as much as you want. Since you'll handle your own luggage throughout the journey, we suggest bringing a small to medium suitcase for easy travel. Be sure to check the individual tour details to see if airfares, transfers, and optional extras are included.

Get ready for a luxurious experience! Our Platinum tours allow you to travel Sri Lanka in style. Small by nature (no more than 16 people) and for adults only, these fully escorted tours treat you to fine dining meals and top accommodation choices across Sri Lanka. High-end vehicles ensure you travel in full comfort and allow for maximum sightseeing. You’ll also enjoy incredible, all-inclusive sightseeing, enriching activities and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, like touring a spice garden led by a botanist, game drives at national parks or visiting Galle Fort with a historian. Be sure to check the full itinerary details to learn about the exact inclusions for your Platinum tour.

We offer several options for guided tours of Sri Lanka to suit different travel styles. Classic tours generally accommodate up to 26 travellers, while our Small Group tours offer a more intimate experience with 4-16 people. Platinum tours are even more exclusive, with no more than 16 participants. If you prefer to explore at your own pace, our Independent tours include pre-arranged accommodation, transport, and sightseeing. We also offer Private and Tailor-Made tours for those seeking complete flexibility. Detailed information on group sizes is available in the descriptions of each tour on our website.

The physical demands of our Sri Lanka group tours depend on the itinerary, but most are designed to suit travellers with a good level of general fitness across a wide age range. It’s important to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to spend much of the day on your feet. Some itineraries include a visit to Sigiriya (Lion Rock), which involves climbing steep, uneven steps and navigating narrow walkways. If you have a fear of heights, you might prefer to skip this excursion.

On our Classic, Small Group, and Independent tours, you’ll need to manage your own luggage, including carrying it up stairs, on escalators, and onto coaches or trains (where applicable). While you won’t need to carry your luggage over long distances, expect to walk a few hundred metres with it.

If you have mobility concerns, we recommend contacting us before booking to find the best tour option for you. Each tour description on our website also outlines the level of physical activity involved, allowing you to select a tour that fits your abilities.

Our Sri Lanka tours from Australia offer a rich tapestry of cultural experiences, including visits to ancient temples and monuments, cooking demonstrations and cultural dance performances. You can expect guided tours of iconic sites like Colombo’s museums, Negombo’s bustling markets, and Nuwara Eliya’s tea plantations. Culinary experiences are also a highlight, with opportunities to savour authentic Sri Lanka cuisine, from fish curry and prawn sambal to roti and hoppers. These immersive experiences provide deep insights into Sri Lanka’s unique history and traditions. Be sure to check individual tour itineraries to confirm which cultural experiences are included.

We aim to provide an inclusive experience for all participants on our Sri Lanka tours. If you use a mobility aid such as a cane, walker, or wheelchair, please inform us when booking. Our tours of Sri Lanka may involve extensive walking, uneven terrain, or stairs due to the specific itineraries designed. While some adjustments may not be feasible, we'll strive to offer alternative solutions within planned activities. Open communication allows us to tailor the experience to your needs and ensures our local guide or tour leader can assist you appropriately.

Preparation for a trip to Sri Lanka includes ensuring your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay and confirming whether you require a visa (see the next FAQ for more info). Packing should include comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and any necessary medications. We also recommend notifying your bank of your travel plans and purchasing travel insurance for peace of mind. Detailed pre-departure information will be provided by Inspiring Vacations to ensure you are well-prepared and ready for a once-in-a-lifetime holiday.

Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements on our Visa Entry Requirements page as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed.

Sri Lanka is warm throughout the year due to its proximity to the equator but it does experience two separate monsoon seasons, so rainfall might impact your trip depending on when you plan to visit. The southwestern monsoon runs between May and July, and the northeast monsoon runs between October and November. Thankfully, no matter when you wish to travel, there's usually somewhere in Sri Lanka that is dry. 

Check out our full guide for more information on when you should travel to Sri Lanka. The best time to visit depends on your interests and the type of travel experiences you enjoy.

At Inspiring Vacations, we aim to accommodate various dietary needs and preferences. When booking, please let us know if you have specific dietary requests, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or any food allergies. We’ll ensure these requirements are communicated to our service providers to help secure appropriate meal options. Sri Lankan cuisine is a delightful blend of flavours heavily influenced by its diverse cultural heritage, and our guides can recommend dishes and restaurants that meet your dietary needs. While we do our best to accommodate special diets, we recommend carrying snacks or supplements if you have strict dietary restrictions. Your Inspiring Vacations tour guide or local guide will also be able to suggest which restaurants to try during your tour.

While our Sri Lanka tours follow a set itinerary to ensure a comprehensive experience, there are some opportunities for personalisation through optional excursions and free time. This depends on the tour you select — for example, Small Group tours are typically slower-paced than Classic tours, so there may be more opportunities to select from optional activities. Additional activities and day trips could include Sri Lankan cooking classes, safari drives in Yala and Minneriya national parks, a scenic train journey from Nuwara Eliya to Kandy, and more. You can review and select optional activities on your tour booking page or contact us for assistance in tailoring your tour to match your interests. For a more customised experience, private tours are also available, offering a truly exclusive and personalised journey.

We offer comprehensive support throughout your tour of Sri Lanka. Each tour is fully escorted by an experienced tour leader who assists with logistics, shares insights into local culture, and addresses any questions or concerns during the journey. Additionally, our customer service team is available around the clock (24/7) to assist with any emergencies or unexpected situations, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience from start to finish.

Booking a Sri Lanka tour with Inspiring Vacations is simple and convenient. You can browse this page to select the tour that interests you and view detailed itineraries, inclusions, and pricing. Alternatively, you can call us directly on 1300 88 66 88 to speak with one of our friendly consultants who can advise on which tour will best suit your needs and expectations. Once you've chosen your tour, you can book online through our secure booking system or contact our customer service team for assistance. We provide flexible payment options, and our team is available to answer any questions and provide further details to ensure you choose the perfect Sri Lanka tour for your travels.