Tours of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, Temples & Tea

Tour Map of Sri Lanka, Temples & Tea

Discover the fabulous diverse scenery of exotic Sri Lanka on this spectacular journey through the country's cultural heritage. During this South Asian adventure we explore Sri Lanka's many glorious attractions, from its charming coastal cities to its mountain temple retreats, and from its ancient royal palaces to its magnificent Buddhist monuments.

Get beyond the tourist façade of the countries you visit. Focus on the local culture, past and present, and discover the lifeblood of any country – its people. Discovery and culture tours uncover different ways of life, and offer the opportunity to meet and sometimes stay with local people or tribal groups. Our discovery tours explore cultural sites – both ancient and modern – and help you learn about the people and their culture. Visit the remote tribes of Ethiopia’s Rift Valley, live the nomad life in desert camps or meet the local people of the high Andean altiplano in Peru. There’s no better way to get to the true heart of a country than through its people.

Buddha's Island + Maldive Dhoni Cruise

Tour Map of Buddha's Island + Maldive Dhoni Cruise

On this tour we discover the spiritual world of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and sail amongst the remote atolls of the idyllic Maldives. We start in the region known as ‘Buddha’s Island’ to uncover ancient statues, rock carvings and gilded temples. We visit sacred sites including the Bo-Tree in Anuradhapura, the ‘cradle of Buddhism’ in Mihintale and the caves of Dambulla. From here we fly to Male in the Maldives and board a traditional dhoni for a relaxing cruise. We eat and sleep aboard the boat as we sail between the unspoilt palm-fringed tropical islands of South Male, Felidhoo and Meemu. We dock in small fishing villages to experience the Maldivian way of life and drop anchor off uninhabited coastlines to swim and snorkel over the beautiful coral reefs.

The Best of Sri Lanka

Tour Map of The Best of Sri Lanka

‘Sri Lanka’ translates in Sanskrit as ‘resplendent island’ but, before its modern name and evocative ‘Ceylon’, this country was known as ‘Serendib’, inspired through the 18th century writings of Horace Walpole the word ‘serendipity’ - the fortunate discovery of unexpected pleasures. This latter description is perhaps the most apt, as visitors to this teardrop-shaped Indian Ocean may happen across magnificent fortresses atop mountains of rock, romantically ruined ancient capitals in the midst of dense forest land, cool hillside villages producing the world’s best tea, elephants stalking beautiful national parks and gentle reminders of a British colonial past.

Get beyond the tourist façade of the countries you visit. Focus on the local culture, past and present, and discover the lifeblood of any country – its people. Discovery and culture tours uncover different ways of life, and offer the opportunity to meet and sometimes stay with local people or tribal groups. Our discovery tours explore cultural sites – both ancient and modern – and help you learn about the people and their culture. Visit the remote tribes of Ethiopia’s Rift Valley, live the nomad life in desert camps or meet the local people of the high Andean altiplano in Peru. There’s no better way to get to the true heart of a country than through its people.

Secrets Of Sri Lanka

Tour Map of Secrets Of Sri Lanka

Staying in stylish and comfortable hotels, we travel to some of Sri Lanka's greatest sights: from ancient Buddhist monuments to tea plantations and historic cities. We visit the Temple of the Tooth, search for elephants in Yala National Park and relax by the idyllic Indian Ocean coast.

North Sri Lanka - Eclipse

Tour Map of North Sri Lanka - Eclipse

This trip explores Northern Sri Lanka while taking in the solar eclipse from the small island of Analaitivu, located just off the coast of Jaffna, the welcoming and busy capital city of the north. At Wilpattu National Park we'll search for elephant, leopard and other wildlife, while at Mannar Island we see the legendary graves of Adam and Eve and explore the small fishing communities. We also take in the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Lion's Rock and the Dambulla cave temple on an exciting 10-day adventure to this lesser known part of the 'Paradise Island'.

Great value, reasonable prices, quality experiences. Comfortable and varied tourist-class accommodations chosen for location and character. Mix of public and private transport for the best overall experience. All the top highlights included, plus plenty of time to explore on your own.

The trips we've build our reputation on. Designed for maximum variety, these trips are geared towards travellers searching for a healthy mix of active exploration, uncommon landscapes, amazing wildlife and local cultures.

Sri Lanka & Maldives Adventure

Tour Map of Sri Lanka & Maldives Adventure

This 14-day combo trip brings together the best of Sri Lanka's cultural highlights and the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sail the islands of the Maldives aboard a traditional dhoni boat. Experience a safari in Yala National Park, discover cultural treasures of Negombo and Kandy, and then spend an entire week sailing from tiny and perfect atoll island to island, snorkelling in crystal-clear waters and stretching out on blazing white-sand beaches. From culture to paradise, this tour's got all of it.

North Sri Lanka Explorer

Tour Map of North Sri Lanka Explorer

This trip provides an opportunity to venture into unchartered territory and discover the less visited north of the island. Wild donkeys, palm trees and quaint fishing communities characterise Mannar, while Jaffna is a wonderful mix of Hindu temples, colonial charm and Tamil culture. There are many opportunities to spot wildlife including blue and sperm whales at Trincomalee, wild elephants and leopards in Willpaththu and birdlife almost everywhere. Dambulla, Sigiriya and Colombo are also visited making this a wonderful adventure on a beautiful island.

Our Discovery collection draws together the best of our holidays that focus on the culture of a destination, as well as on visiting iconic sights and embracing local traditions. Some of these Discovery holidays will also have an element of activity, combining sightseeing with short walks, for example. Others might have a multi-activity holiday format, including biking and/or rafting, for instance, and these holidays are specifically designed for the adrenaline seeker! Also within our discovery collection are those of our holidays with a wildlife emphasis, photographic workshops, and polar cruise holidays. Never too physically demanding, these are predominantly touring holidays and their grade (usually towards the lower end of our 1 to 12 scale) reflects, in part, the remoteness of the area visited and the conditions likely to be encountered. Our Discovery holidays allow the discerning traveller to get right to the heart of many of the world's most stimulating destinations.

Sri Lanka Highlights Tour

The island state of Sri Lanka has been known variously as ‘the Pearl of the Indian Ocean', the ‘Teardrop of India', the ‘Spice Island' for its native cinnamon, and ‘Ceylon' - the home of tea. Few places on earth can boast such diversity of geography, wildlife and culture in such a small area. This makes Sri Lanka the ideal touring destination with only short transfers required between its very different and richly rewarding regions. On this new discovery holiday you will encounter 2000 year old civilisations, visit the ‘Temple of the Tooth' in Kandy, go out on the lake with local fishermen, travel through the tea-growing ‘hill country' to charming old colonial hill stations, discover spectacular scenery, and meet a host of wildlife including river crocodile, sea turtles and elephants and possibly even a leopard! From the ancient cities in the north to the palm-fringed beaches of the south, Sri Lanka is a true paradise island and this latest easy touring holiday will enable you to discover its many secrets.

All the adventure you want, with a softer landing. Handpicked, character-rich accommodations with upgraded amenities services. Upgraded and private transport, including flights to maximize time. More included meals, activities and transfers.

Discover Sri Lanka

Tour Map of Discover Sri Lanka

Take 11 unforgettable days to discover the exceptional island country of Sri Lanka. Explore Sigiriya Rock Fortress and find your own peace at the unusual Dambulla Cave Temple – a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk through spice gardens and tea plantations, and ride through Wilpattu National Park with a forest ranger in search of elephants and leopards. Experience a unique part of the world so few travellers get to.

Get beyond the tourist façade of the countries you visit. Focus on the local culture, past and present, and discover the lifeblood of any country – its people. Discovery and culture tours uncover different ways of life, and offer the opportunity to meet and sometimes stay with local people or tribal groups. Our discovery tours explore cultural sites – both ancient and modern – and help you learn about the people and their culture. Visit the remote tribes of Ethiopia’s Rift Valley, live the nomad life in desert camps or meet the local people of the high Andean altiplano in Peru. There’s no better way to get to the true heart of a country than through its people.

Buddha's Island

Tour Map of Buddha's Island

With this enticing trip to Sri Lanka we enter the spiritual world of Buddhism. We travel to the region known as Buddha's Island to uncover ancient statues, rock carvings and gilded temples. Other highlights include the tea plantations, the ancient highland town of Kandy and an idyllic tropical coastline. Along the way we are welcomed by generous hospitality and friendly faces. We also join pilgrims making an ascent of sacred Adam's Peak, reaching the top for sunrise.

Great value, reasonable prices, quality experiences. Comfortable and varied tourist-class accommodations chosen for location and character. Mix of public and private transport for the best overall experience. All the top highlights included, plus plenty of time to explore on your own.

The trips we've build our reputation on. Designed for maximum variety, these trips are geared towards travellers searching for a healthy mix of active exploration, uncommon landscapes, amazing wildlife and local cultures.

Cultural Sri Lanka

Tour Map of Cultural Sri Lanka

For most travellers, Sri Lanka has been off the map for too long. Well, it's back. Discover the vibrant colours, diverse cultures, and swaying palm trees of this tropical jewel on a 14-day trip designed to please. You'll explore tea plantations and rock fortresses, and be moved at an elephant sanctuary. This trip is about more than just beaches and stunning views; it's about the inspiring people you'll meet along the way.

Highlights of Sri Lanka

Tour Map of Highlights of Sri Lanka

Join us on this one week trip exploring Sri Lanka's highlights. From searching for wild leopard and elephants in Willpaththu National Park to exploring the country's Buddhist temples at Mihintale and Dambulla. We stop in Kandy to visit the revered Temple of the Tooth before relaxing on the pristine beaches of the west coast.

Great value, reasonable prices, quality experiences. Comfortable and varied tourist-class accommodations chosen for location and character. Mix of public and private transport for the best overall experience. All the top highlights included, plus plenty of time to explore on your own.

The trips we've build our reputation on. Designed for maximum variety, these trips are geared towards travellers searching for a healthy mix of active exploration, uncommon landscapes, amazing wildlife and local cultures.

Sri Lanka Express

Tour Map of Sri Lanka Express

Take eight days out of your life and get yourself somewhere incredible. This cultural and natural tour of major Sri Lanka highlights is the perfect introduction to such a unique destination. Explore a spice plantation, experience a safari at Yala National Park, and stay in the rainforest in Kitulgala. Departing from Colombo, this tour is designed to allow you to add on some amazing beach time at the end.

Excellent value, amazing prices, quality experiences. Simple and clean hotels, guesthouses and hostels chosen for location and character. Affordable public and private transport for maximum cultural interaction. Plenty of optional activities tailored to your interests and budget.

Popular with 18-30-somethings. Yolo trips are built for those who want to take on the planet in a fun and affordable way with a small group of like-minded travellers. Skip the oversized tour bus and truly connect with your destination. Hit the highlights without giving up the freedom to mix it up according to your own tastes.

Sri Lanka on a Shoestring

Tour Map of Sri Lanka on a Shoestring

Get yourself to a destination that's long been a culture-loving backpacker's dream, on this affordable 12-day whirlwind tour of the southern half of Sri Lanka. Discover beautiful ruins, hike through tea plantations, tour a spice garden, and then chill out on the serene Unawatuna Beach. Explore Sri Lanka with a group of new friends and you'll never want to travel alone again.