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. 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. Optional excursions are also available for a more personalized experience. The detailed inclusions can vary by tour, so always review the specific itinerary of the tour you are interested in for precise details.

Our Small Group tours are designed to accommodate up to 16 people, allowing for more immersive and personalized 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. Enjoy daily breakfast included in your itinerary, as well as a number of group lunches and dinners. 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.

On an Independent tour, you will travel from city to city on your own, exploring Sri Lanka at your own pace. Independent itineraries include 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 easily and comfortably. Take a look at 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 comfortable 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 meters. 

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

Classic tours typically feature up to 26 people per tour, Small Group tours feature up to 16 people per tour, and our Platinum tours will have 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 group tours of Sri Lanka 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 at the time of 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. Having 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 your guided tour of 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 your Sri Lanka travels and 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 for your Sri Lanka travels 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 personal interests and the type of experiences you enjoy.

Inspiring Vacations strives to accommodate dietary needs and preferences. When booking, please inform us of any specific dietary requirements such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergies. We will communicate these needs to our service providers to ensure suitable meal options are available. Sri Lankan cuisine is a delightful blend of flavours, heavily influenced by its diverse cultural heritage and our guides can assist in recommending 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.

While our Sri Lanka tours follow a set itinerary to ensure a comprehensive experience, there are some opportunities for personalized 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 from the available optional activities on your tour booking page or call us if you’d like us to help tailor your tour to your interests. For more extensive customization, private tours can be arranged, providing a more exclusive and personalized travel experience.

Inspiring Vacations provides extensive support throughout your tour of Sri Lanka. Our tours are fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader who will assist with logistics, provide insights into the local culture, and address any concerns that may arise during the tour. Additionally, our customer service team is available 24/7 to assist with emergencies or unexpected situations. This ensures that you have a worry-free and enjoyable travel experience from start to finish.

Booking a Sri Lanka tour with Inspiring Vacations is easy 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 1 888 356 2021 to speak with one of our helpful 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 offer flexible payment options, and our team is available to answer any questions and provide additional information to ensure you choose the perfect Sri Lanka tour for your needs.