How to Choose Tours in Sri Lanka and How Much They Cost

The morning of the second day begins with breakfast on the hotel terrace overlooking a quiet river where dozens of elephants bathe. This is a rare chance to watch majestic animals in their natural habitat. After breakfast, you can choose an optional activity: elephant riding and bathing, which turns meeting these giants into a personal adventure.

Next, the route leads to the Golden Temple of Dambulla (exterior visit). The next stop is the Spice Garden, where you can see how famous Sri Lankan spices and oils are grown. Here you will discover the island's scents and colours, and spice souvenirs will become a unique keepsake of your trip.

The day ends with the climb to Sigiriya or Pidurangala. Sigiriya, or Lion Rock, is an ancient fortress rising above the jungle and tea plantations, with panoramic views of the surroundings and the ruins of royal gardens. The climb takes about 45–60 minutes, but every step is worth it for the breathtaking views.

Your day starts early with a hotel pickup. On the way, your guide will set the scene for Sri Lanka, sharing legends and stories about the places you will visit. The first stop is the climb to Little Adam's Peak. The walk does not take long, but the reward is huge: from the top you get one of the best views of Ella. Next is Ravana Falls, a powerful cascade of water tumbling over the cliffs. For some fun, you can take part in feeding the monkeys. These clever animals happily take treats from your hand.

The next stop is the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, a masterpiece of colonial engineering. You will see a train slowly cross it, surrounded by lush jungle greenery. It is one of the most photogenic spots in Sri Lanka. To take in the scenery fully, you will enjoy a 20-minute train ride. Sitting by the window, you will watch a constant stream of views: waterfalls, mountain gorges and plantations, like the most beautiful film. Before the safari, you will visit a tea plantation and learn how the famous Ceylon tea is made.

The highlight of the day is the safari in Yala National Park. Transferring to a sturdy jeep, you will head into the wild. Yala is home to leopards, elephants, axis deer, buffalo and many exotic birds. An experienced tracker-driver will steer along dirt roads, aiming to show you as many of the park's residents as possible. The setting sun turning the savannah golden makes a spectacular finish to your adventure.

This tour brings together the highlights of central Sri Lanka for a full day of vivid experiences. In the morning, your English-speaking guide meets you and the journey starts with a climb to the foot of Little Adam's Peak. It is an easy trek that offers stunning views of green hills covered with tea plantations.

The next stop is Ravana Falls, a powerful, majestic cascade pouring off sheer cliffs. On the way to the next point, travelers often spot playful monkeys, adding liveliness and fun to the route. The tour then continues to the Nine Arch Bridge, a true masterpiece of colonial architecture hidden among mountains and tea fields.

The tour culminates at the Udawalawe Elephant Nursery. Here you can watch baby elephants growing up in conditions as close to their natural habitat as possible. This heartwarming encounter will stir plenty of emotion and stay with you for a long time.

Your tour starts with a convenient transfer from your hotel. At the agreed time, your driver will meet you at the entrance, and you will head to the south coast of Sri Lanka, to the historic city of Galle.

On arrival, you step into the atmosphere of the colonial era. The Galle Dutch Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a city within a city. The route covers the main highlights: the Galle Lighthouse with superb coastal views, the old Dutch Reformed Church, antique shops where you can find real treasures, and narrow lanes that still seem to hold the spirit of the colonial age.

After learning the history, you will travel to a village with a moonstone mine. Next is a stop at the Tsunami Memorial for the victims of the 2004 tsunami, a moving and important place of remembrance that reminds us of the power of nature and how fragile human life is. The next stop is a turtle farm, where you will meet sea turtles of all ages, from tiny hatchlings to large adults.

Then you will visit Hikkaduwa Beach, one of the best places for swimming and snorkelling. Here you can swim side by side with giant sea turtles, an experience you will remember for a long time.

After lunch, the route continues by boat on a river safari on the Bentota River. You will cruise through dense mangroves, where you may spot crocodiles, monitor lizards, monkeys and dozens of tropical bird species. This part of the tour is especially enjoyed by those who love untouched nature and a little adventure.

Departure is early in the morning, when the air is still cool and fresh. We recommend light clothing, sunscreen, a hat and comfortable shoes.

At Mirissa beach, you will get a safety briefing, life jackets and get ready to head out to open sea. After a short break, the group boards the boat and heads into the ocean to look for whales, moving carefully over the waves. Whale watching usually takes 3–4 hours at a relaxed pace, giving you the chance to see these magnificent sea giants in their natural habitat.

Your adventure begins in Ella, where you'll visit Ravana Falls and see friendly monkeys. Then you'll climb to Little Adam's Peak with views over the surroundings. The next stop is the historic Nine Arch Bridge, followed by a scenic train ride.

After a full day of tours, you'll unwind by the pool at Ravana Pool Club with beautiful views of nature. Here you can relax, swim in the pool and enjoy a tasty lunch at the local restaurant.

Breakfast comes with a stunning view. Then you'll head to Ambuluwawa Tower, the start of your cultural journey. Next, you'll step into the atmosphere of a Hindu temple and meet a lone elephant. Your journey continues with a visit to the Golden Temple of Dambulla (exterior view), part of UNESCO World Heritage. The day ends with a climb to the top of Sigiriya Rock or Pidurangala, each offering unique historical and cultural perspectives.

Day three takes you to Ella, the green heart of the Sri Lankan hills, with the scent of tea plantations and a cool mountain breeze.

The first stop is the famous Nine Arch Bridge: emerald hills, tea terraces and a blue train slowly passing by, like a postcard coming to life.

Then take an easy walk up Little Adam's Peak. The climb suits everyone, and from the top you'll see jungle, mountain ranges and valleys in the morning mist. Next, feel the power of Ravana Falls: roaring streams, cool spray and striking photos at the base. Around Ella, we also stop at scenic spots where you can watch monkeys in their natural habitat (at organised stops, supervised feeding is allowed).

In the evening, return to your hotel for the quiet of a mountain resort, a starry sky and a full reset before the next discoveries.

Diving in Sri Lanka means warm water, a gentle introduction to the underwater world and a real adventure without extreme risk. Mirissa, Unawatuna and Hikkaduwa are close together, but each has its own mood.
In Mirissa, you will find calm reefs and easy depths for your first dives, plenty of bright tropical fish, sometimes moray eels, lionfish and octopuses, and on lucky days, larger sea visitors;
Unawatuna is known for its variety of dive sites, where reefs alternate with rocks and wrecks off the coast of Galle;
Hikkaduwa is the more postcard-perfect choice, with coral gardens and frequent encounters with sea turtles in shallow water, which is why it is especially loved by those who want plenty of living beauty from day one.
The tour is designed to feel comfortable for both beginners and those who have dived before: the price includes an English-speaking instructor, all the necessary equipment and two dives. The first is a training dive, where you settle into breathing, technique and the feeling of being underwater. The second is deeper and works as a full underwater trip with beautiful locations and marine life all around.
The result is a light, safe and very rich experience: the ocean feels truly alive, and these three towns let you choose your own atmosphere, from calm first steps in Mirissa to classic reef diving in Hikkaduwa and more varied routes in Unawatuna.

We start with a short lesson on the sand, covering stance, safety, take-off technique and how to handle the board. You don't need any prior experience or special training. Everything is explained in simple terms.

Next, we head into the water to the whitewater, where the wave has already broken and flows in a gentle, safe rush. Here, beginners learn to catch a wave, stand up on the board and keep their balance, which makes this a perfect step towards a confident start. If you have surfed before, we take you out to the line-up, further from shore, where green waves form. They roll in smoothly, give you more speed and let you try your first turns and long rides.

Lessons build up step by step. In the first lesson, you use a soft 8'6 softboard for stability. In the second, you move to a more manoeuvrable 7'6 board. In the third, you make your first attempts on a shortboard, a lightweight performance board for the next level. The best time for lessons is in the morning, from 08:00 to 11:00, or closer to sunset, from 16:00.

Surfing is available in Sri Lanka year-round thanks to stable weather. Lessons suit adults and children aged 7 and up. Our instructors are experienced surfers with an international lifeguard certificate from the National Body for Life Saving and Water Safety. At our school, Lahi Booking Centre, no student has yet failed to stand up on a wave. We teach gently, safely and with an individual approach, so you can expect fun and real progress.