Best Sri Lanka Tours & Holidays

A typical Classic Sri Lanka tour package from Inspiring Vacations includes conveniently located accommodation in 3-4 star hotels, daily breakfast and selected meals, comprehensive sightseeing with either a dedicated tour leader or local guides, and entrance fees to major attractions. Some of our guided tours to Sri Lanka also include return airfares or give you access to book competitively priced flights as part of your tour package. Our tours also feature transportation in air-conditioned coaches and optional airport transfers. Optional excursions are available for a more personalised experience. The detailed inclusions can vary by tour, so it's best to check the specific itinerary of the tour you are interested in for precise details.

Our Small Group tours are designed to accommodate between 4-16 people, allowing for more immersive and personalised tours of Sri Lanka. Accommodation is at a 3 to 4-star standard, while smaller, modern coaches allow for access where larger coach transport is unable to. You'll enjoy breakfast, as well as a number of group lunches and dinners. Our Small Group Tours in Sri Lanka also include cultural, historic, or iconic food experiences (such as High Tea at the Grand Hotel). Check out the individual tour inclusions to confirm airfares, transfers, and optional extras.

Our Independent tours allow you to travel from city to city on your own, exploring Sri Lanka at your own pace. Each independent itinerary includes accommodation, some arranged transportation, and day tours. Enjoy the time and flexibility to linger longer or pick up the pace and see as much as possible. As you will be responsible for your luggage for the entirety of the trip, we recommend taking a small to medium suitcase to ensure you can travel with ease. Read up on the individual tour inclusions to confirm airfares, transfers, and optional extras.

Prepare to be spoiled! Our Platinum tours guide you through 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.

The physical demands of our Sri Lanka tours vary by itinerary, but most are designed to be manageable for travellers across a wide age range, so long as you have a good level of general fitness. Make sure your shoes are comfy and that you are fit enough to spend most of each day on your feet. Some itineraries include a visit to Sigiriya, also known as Lion Rock.  If you have a fear of heights, you might prefer to skip this excursion as climbing the rock requires navigating numerous uneven, narrow steps and confined walkways. In our Classic, Small Group and Independent tours, you will be expected to carry your luggage, including upstairs and escalators, as well as on and off coaches and trains (where included). Although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage, you are expected to be able to walk and handle your luggage for a few hundred metres. 

For those with mobility concerns, we suggest you contact us before booking to discuss the best tour option for you. Specific tour descriptions on our website also provide details of the level of physical activity required so you can choose a tour that best matches your comfort level.

We offer a few different options for our guided tours of Sri Lanka. Classic tours typically have up to 26 people per tour, Small Group tours between 6 and 14 people per tour, and our Platinum tours, 16 people or less. In addition, our Independent tours ensure your accommodation, transportation and sightseeing are all pre-arranged, and you get to travel at your own pace and be your own guide. We also offer exclusively designed Private tours and unique Tailor-Made tours if you want complete flexibility and customisation of your Sri Lanka adventure. Detailed information about group sizes can be found in the specific tour descriptions on our website.

Our Sri Lanka tours from New Zealand provide a wealth of cultural encounters, including visits to ancient landmarks, cooking demonstrations, and traditional dance performances. Guided excursions often include sites like Colombo’s museums, Negombo’s lively markets, and the tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya. Culinary delights such as fish curry, roti, and hoppers are another highlight. These experiences give insight into the rich history and unique traditions of Sri Lanka. For detailed inclusions, consult the itineraries of each tour.

We strive to create inclusive travel experiences for all. If you use mobility aids like a cane, walker, or wheelchair, please notify us during booking. While our tours may involve walking on uneven terrain or climbing stairs, we aim to offer alternatives where possible. Open communication helps us better tailor the tour experience to your needs and ensures our local guides can assist you effectively.

Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months after your planned return and check if a visa is required (see our Visa FAQ for guidance). Pack comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and any essential medications. We also recommend notifying your bank of your travel plans and purchasing travel insurance for added peace of mind. Before your departure, we’ll provide detailed information to help you prepare for your unforgettable trip.

Yes, most travellers will need a visa to visit Sri Lanka. Whilst it's your responsibility to obtain any necessary visas, we have created a helpful Visa Entry Requirements page to help guide you. We recommend sorting this out as soon as possible to ensure you have plenty of time to prepare your documents and complete the application process. 

Sri Lanka’s year-round warmth is accompanied by two monsoon seasons. The southwestern monsoon occurs from May to July, while the northeastern monsoon happens from October to November. Despite these seasonal rains, you can always find dry regions to explore this beautiful country. Refer to our Sri Lanka travel guide for detailed recommendations on the best travel periods based on your interests.

We do our best to accommodate dietary needs such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergy-related preferences. Please inform us of your requirements during booking so we can notify our service providers to ensure your requests are accommodated. Sri Lanka’s delightful cuisine is diverse, and our guides can recommend suitable dishes and delicious local restaurants. While we strive to meet all dietary requests, we recommend bringing snacks or supplements for those with stricter dietary needs.

While our itineraries are thoughtfully curated, there are opportunities for customisation through optional excursions or during free time. Slower-paced Small Group tours, for example, might offer more flexibility for additional activities. For Sri Lanka, our optional 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. Check the booking page of your selected tour for available extras, or contact us to explore further customisation. Our private tours can also be arranged for a fully tailored experience.

At Inspiring Vacations, we’re here to support you every step of the way on your Sri Lanka tour. You’ll have a dedicated tour leader by your side to take care of logistics, share fascinating insights into the local culture, and help with any questions or concerns that come up during your journey. Plus, our friendly customer service team is available 24/7 to assist with any emergencies or surprises along the way. With us, you can relax and enjoy a smooth, worry-free travel experience from start to finish!

Booking is simple: explore our website to find detailed itineraries, inclusions, and prices for your desired tour, or call us at 0800 475 025 to speak with a consultant who can guide you. Once you’ve chosen your tour, complete your booking online through our secure system or contact our team for support. We offer flexible payment options and are here to ensure you find the perfect Sri Lanka tour.