Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a compact island nation that packs a serious punch: palm-studded white sand beaches, virgin rainforest and lush forested highlands, World Heritage sites and ancient cave-temples, vibrant culture, incredible food, constant festivals and a deeply spiritual and welcoming people.

Visit the sacred city of Kandy for ancient architecture and Buddhist relics; see magnificent palaces, monasteries and the sacred Bodhi tree in Anuradhapura; and walk among temples, tombs and monuments in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa.

Savour the spicy, aromatic flavours of Sri Lankan cuisine; shop for colourful textiles, leatherwork and handicrafts in busy markets; and unwind among the coconut palms on Sri Lanka's endless tropical beaches.

Explore the lush forests, rock-top temples and sacred peaks of the Central Highlands; journey by bike through the scenic tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya; and head to the Yala National Park to see exotic wildlife including the majestic Sri Lankan elephant.

Marvel at the lion-shaped palace of Sigiriya, dramatically perched atop a colossal rock; explore the 2,300-year-old Buddhist cave-temples of Damballa; canoe down the jungle-clad Kalu River; and hike the 5,500 steps to the top of Adam's Peak, Sri Lanka's holiest mountain.

It's easy to make your way around, safe and affordable, uncrowded, exciting, relaxing and utterly photogenic. Check out our unique program of itineraries and start planning your Sri Lankan adventure.

The famous Stilt fisherman of Sri Lanka  | Richard I'Anson

Find your Sri Lanka adventure

Sri Lanka highlights

 

Why travel with us

Our all inclusive approach

Our trips offer exceptional value for money featuring good quality, centrally located hotels and expert leadership. We aim to incorporate as many inclusions as possible in the tour cost such as most meals, entrance and permit fees, transfers and excursions.

Authentic experiences

From the palm fringed west coast to the beaches of the south and the rolling hill country, our adventures encompass the highlights of Sri Lankan culture. For those eager to explore under their own steam, our cycling itineraries allow you to discover this unique land at handlebar level with the comfort of a support vehicle.

Experienced local guides

Our guides in the field will make your Sri Lanka adventure special. Their professionalism and expertise will shine through as they share their knowledge of local highlights, the country's history and the most authentic restaurants and shops with you.

Leaders in responsible travel

Responsible travel practice is at the heart of every program that we offer in Sri Lanka. When you book one of our adventures you're supporting true sustainability in the protection of local communities, natural environments and wildlife.

Responsible travel

 

'No' to elephant rides

We advocate against the practice of riding on the back of an elephant as part of a tourism experience and as such, we do not include elephant rides in our Sri Lanka itineraries. In the interest of public safety and animal welfare we also discourage travellers from partaking in such activities outside of our itineraries.

Leave No Trace

We operate our itineraries following the principles of Leave No Trace, ensuring that we take out all waste that we bring in and more where possible.

Child safe tourism

Children working and living in tourist areas are especially vulnerable to physical, emotional and sexual abuse. We protect vulnerable children by adhering to our Child Protection Code of Conduct.

Accommodation

Hotels

In cities or large towns you will be accommodated in 3 to 4 star properties that are centrally located, atmospheric and reliable.

Camping

Enjoy our fully supported camping in quality two person tents erected in scenic wilderness.

Custom made itineraries

A custom made itinerary is the ultimate way to see the world how YOU want. They are created especially for you, giving you complete freedom to choose what you want to see, where you want to go and when you want to do it. If you love our current itineraries but want to customise it privately as a couple, a group of friends, family, club, business or school, you have the freedom to add or remove as many elements as you like to suit the interests of your group. Alternatively, you can start with a blank canvas and create a new and exciting itinerary from scratch! Our well-travelled consultants can give you firsthand suggestions and eliminate any uncertainty with trip planning to ensure you maximise the quality of your experience and get truly off the beaten track. Simply email, phone or visit us to start planning your dream adventure.

Trip reviews

Videos

'My Sri Lanka' with Peter Kuruvita

Country information

Currency

Sri Lankan Rupee

We recommend that you take US dollars with you as it is readily changeable.

American Express, VISA and MasterCard are accepted at hotels and in larger stores for retail purchases.

International Dialing Code

+94

Electricity
Type D plug

Electricity in Sri Lanka is 230 Volts, at 50 hertz. The most common pin types are D (3 pin round) and G (UK – 3 prong).

Visas

Travellers from AU, NZ, CA, US and UK can get and pay for a Sri Lanka ‘Electronic Travel Authorisation’ (ETA) online, a few days before you arrive. You should get your approval notice within 24 hours, and you can use this to enter Sri Lanka. You can apply here at the official website of the Department of Immigration and Emigration www.eta.gov.lk.

It is also possible for travellers from AU, NZ, CA, US and UK to apply for a 30-day tourist visa on arrival if you land at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. However, the Department for Immigration strongly advise visitors to apply for an ETA before entry to Sri Lanka, as the approval of an arrival visa cannot be guaranteed. A visa on arrival costs 60 US dollars, which is 10 US dollars more than the ETA.

Travellers from AU, NZ, CA, US and UK can complete an online arrival form 3 days before arriving in Sri Lanka. The service is free and may save time when you arrive. If you want to stay for more than 30 days, up to 180 days, you need to apply online as you cannot apply on arrival.

Please ensure that your passport has an expiry date of greater than 6 months during your visit to Sri Lanka.

Safety

Your safety is our number one concern. Our safety track record is exemplary thanks to careful management and thorough consultation with local partners. Our industry leading risk management procedures have become a skill that we continue to refine. Our leaders in the field are highly trained and have safety as their number one priority. Expert leaders, risk assessments, quality inclusions and your financial security all come standard when you travel with us.

Please refer to our Travel Advisory page for updates on recent events, travel warnings and advice.

We strongly recommend that all clients take out travel insurance at the time of booking to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. Insurance information is enclosed with your pre-departure information. Please contact us if you would like to obtain a quote for your trip duration.

We suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.

Money and valuables should always be stored safely when travelling. Keep your passport with you at all times and do not leave it in your main luggage. You will need it to change money and check into hotels. Where safety deposit boxes are available, we recommend that you use them. Keep jewellery and valuables to a minimum.