Sri Lanka Tours 2026: Day Trips, Safaris and Prices from $70

Guest reviews

500+

Format

Small groups

Pickup

From your hotel

Elephants, tea hills and ancient rock fortresses — we plan the day, pick you up at the hotel and bring you back. Clear prices, no hidden fees.

Sri Lanka Tours 2026: Day Trips, Safaris and Prices from $70 — photo 1
Yala National Park Jeep Safari
Yala National Park Jeep Safari
Yala National Park Jeep Safari
Yala National Park Jeep Safari
Yala National Park Jeep Safari

Yala National Park Jeep Safari

One-day
Yala National Park is the heart of Sri Lanka's wild nature. Enjoy an exciting jeep ride tracking leopards, elephants, crocodiles, deer, peacocks and many other animals in their natural habitat. This is a true safari, where every turn could bring an unexpected encounter with the wildlife of the jungle.
Included:
Transfers
Jeep with driver
Entrance tickets
90 USD
5
15 reviews
Heart of Sri Lanka
Heart of Sri Lanka
Heart of Sri Lanka
Heart of Sri Lanka
Heart of Sri Lanka

Heart of Sri Lanka

Two-day
You'll climb Little Adam's Peak, see Ravana Falls and ride the scenic train across the Nine Arches Bridge through Ella. The next day, visit Sigiriya or Pidurangala, stop at Dambulla Cave Temple (exterior view) and a Hindu temple. Visit a tea factory, walk through the plantations, climb Ambuluwawa Tower and then meet an elephant.
Included:
Transfers
Entrance tickets
Breakfast
Dinner
Russian-speaking guide
Hotel accommodation
135 USD
5
20 reviews
Golden Circle of Sri Lanka
Golden Circle of Sri Lanka
Golden Circle of Sri Lanka
Golden Circle of Sri Lanka
Golden Circle of Sri Lanka

Golden Circle of Sri Lanka

Three-day
Start the day with breakfast with elephants on the riverbank. Then climb Sigiriya Rock or Pidurangala and explore Sigiriya village. Golden Temple of Dambulla (exterior view), the botanical garden and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy. In Ella, take the train across the bridge, see Ravana Falls and Little Adam's Peak, visit a tea factory and the English Post Office, and climb Ambuluwawa Tower.
Included:
Transfers
Entrance tickets
Breakfast
Dinner
Russian-speaking guide
Hotel accommodation
280 USD
5
19 reviews
Private Heart of Sri Lanka
Private Heart of Sri Lanka
Private Heart of Sri Lanka
Private Heart of Sri Lanka

Private Heart of Sri Lanka

Private
Two-day
You'll set off on an exciting journey across Sri Lanka: climb Little Adam's Peak, see Ravana Falls and ride across the Nine Arches Bridge in Ella. The next day, visit Sigiriya or Pidurangala, Dambulla Temple (exterior view) and a Hindu temple. You'll visit a tea factory, walk through the plantations, climb Ambuluwawa Tower and meet an elephant. Private tours give you freedom, comfort and the full attention of a personal guide, making your trip truly special.
Included:
Transfer
Entrance tickets
Breakfast
Dinner
Entrance tickets
Hotel accommodation
740 USD
5
20 reviews
Ella, Sigiriya and Elephants Combo Tour
Ella, Sigiriya and Elephants Combo Tour
Ella, Sigiriya and Elephants Combo Tour
Ella, Sigiriya and Elephants Combo Tour
Ella, Sigiriya and Elephants Combo Tour

Ella, Sigiriya and Elephants Combo Tour

Two-day
We start with Ravana Falls, then climb Little Adam's Peak among the misty hills of Ella, walk across the Nine Arches Bridge, watch trains pass through the jungle, and ride the train yourselves. Then the old English Post Office, the tea slopes, the factory and a tea plantation. The next morning, have breakfast with elephants by the river in Pinnawala, a moment you'll remember forever. We climb Ambuluwawa Tower, see Dambulla Temple and climb Sigiriya or Pidurangala.
Included:
Transfer
Entrance tickets
Breakfast
Dinner
Russian-speaking guide
Hotel accommodation
135 USD
5
20 reviews
Ella and Udawalawe Elephant Orphanage
Ella and Udawalawe Elephant Orphanage
Ella and Udawalawe Elephant Orphanage
Ella and Udawalawe Elephant Orphanage
Ella and Udawalawe Elephant Orphanage

Ella and Udawalawe Elephant Orphanage

One-day
Ella greets you with fresh mountain air, where the climb to Little Adam's Peak begins, with breathtaking views. Then the thundering Ravana Falls, the impressive Nine Arches Bridge and a scenic train ride through the jungle. Next, beautiful tea plantations and a cosy tea shop. The day ends at the Udawalawe Elephant Orphanage, where you can watch these graceful animals up close as they play and interact. A touching end to a full day.
Included:
Transfers
Entrance tickets
Russian-speaking guide
70 USD
5
27 reviews
Ella and Yala Jeep Safari
Ella and Yala Jeep Safari
Ella and Yala Jeep Safari
Ella and Yala Jeep Safari
Ella and Yala Jeep Safari

Ella and Yala Jeep Safari

One-day
Ella is a scenic hill-country town where the climb to Little Adam's Peak begins. Along the way you will see the powerful Ravana Falls, the famous Nine Arch Bridge and a memorable train ride through green hills. Next comes an aromatic tea plantation with the fresh smell of Ceylon tea. The day ends with a safari in Yala National Park. Ride in an open jeep and look for leopards, crocodiles, peacocks, deer, bears, buffalo, elephants and other wild animals of Sri Lanka.
Included:
Transfer
Entrance tickets
Russian-speaking guide
Jeep rental
125 USD
5
15 reviews
Galle and River Safari
Galle and River Safari
Galle and River Safari
Galle and River Safari
Galle and River Safari

Galle and River Safari

Day tour
Galle Fort and its white lighthouse bring you into the atmosphere of the colonial era. Then visit a moonstone mine to see how the stones are extracted. On the way, stop at the tsunami memorial and a turtle farm, where sea turtles are raised and cared for. The day ends with a relaxing break on Hikkaduwa Beach, where you may see giant tortoises, followed by an exciting safari on the Bentota River through mangroves and wildlife.
Included:
Transfers
Russian-speaking guide
Entrance tickets
70 USD
5
15 reviews
Ella and Ravana Pool Club
Ella and Ravana Pool Club
Ella and Ravana Pool Club
Ella and Ravana Pool Club
Ella and Ravana Pool Club

Ella and Ravana Pool Club

Day tour
We start in Ella, a hill town. Then we climb Little Adam's Peak for stunning views of the mountains, and cool off at the roaring Ravana Falls. Walk across the Nine Arch Bridge, then take a scenic train ride through misty tea hills. To finish, visit a tea plantation and a shop selling Ceylon tea, then relax at the stylish Ravana Pool Club.
Included:
Transfers
Russian-speaking guide
Entrance tickets
70 USD
5
8 reviews

Most booked trips in Sri Lanka

Heart of Sri Lanka from $135
Heart of Sri Lanka from $135

2 days: Little Adam's Peak, the Nine Arch Bridge and the train through Ella, Sigiriya, tea plantations and an elephant encounter.

More details
Yala National Park Jeep Safari — 90 $
Yala National Park Jeep Safari — 90 $

Leopards, elephants, crocodiles and peacocks in the national park: a real jeep safari.

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Whale Watching — 90 $
Whale Watching — 90 $

An ocean trip from Mirissa to see the largest animals on the planet.

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Golden Ring — 280 $
Golden Ring — 280 $

3 days through the main sights of Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle.

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Ella and Udawalawe Elephants — 70 $
Ella and Udawalawe Elephants — 70 $

Hill-country Ella and an elephant orphanage in one trip: our most affordable option.

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Galle and River Safari — 70 $
Galle and River Safari — 70 $

Historic Galle Fort and a boat ride on the river through the mangroves.

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Every tour stop on one map

Not sure which tour to choose?

Tell us your dates and where you are staying. We will suggest a route that fits your schedule and send the price — usually within an hour.

What travelers say about our tours

Overall Rating

5.0

27 reviews

Olga

05/28/2026

Thank you for the 2-day tour. I'm delighted. We had a wonderful group, and we still keep in touch 🤩 The guide is an amazing, warm and friendly person who speaks excellent Russian, and the photos and videos he took are fantastic! Thank you, Oshan ❤️ Olga, thank you for the detailed information. You helped me choose the right tour. Without you, I would have gone on a one-day tour and missed a lot. I came away with only positive impressions. One note: if you get motion sickness like me, be aware that the mountain roads are winding and very strong. Luckily, Oshan bought pills. Thank you again for that. They didn't make me sleepy, they relieved the symptoms and my memories of the trip stayed wonderful. You make dreams come true! ✨

Maksim

05/28/2026

Hi everyone! I took a 2-day tour with guide Ishar and his trainee Rashen, and I really enjoyed it. It was a packed tour, and we visited some beautiful places! On day 1 we saw the Nine Arch Bridge, Little Adam's Peak, a tea plantation and much more. On day 2, Sigiriya and the elephant hotel stood out most. There were an incredible number of elephants, around 40. I've never seen so many. You could write a whole story about Sigiriya, it's the 8th wonder of the world! Everything went smoothly, without a single hitch. Great job, guys! We also had a superb driver who got us to every place quickly and comfortably. I recommend seeing all this beauty. You won't regret it!

Anna

05/28/2026

We took a 2-day tour with our child to Ella, Sigiriya, Ravana Pool and Pinnawala. Our guide was Dilan and our driver was Chamara. We were lucky with them. The tour felt relaxed and they took all our wishes into account. Dilan did his best to bring us to every location first, with as few other tourists as possible. He is also an interesting person to talk to. We learned a lot and had fun. Oh, and our child adores Dilan and says he will miss him :) That says a lot. Thank you to the driver for the great driving. We got through all the winding mountain roads comfortably and without any problems, even our 5-year-old. Thank you, it was fantastic!

Yuliya

05/28/2026

My friend and I took the two-day Ella + Pinnawala + Sigiriya tour. Huge thanks for the tour! The route is out of this world: Sigiriya, ancient history with an incredible view; the Pinnawala nursery, a sea of joy from the elephants; a great hotel, tasty breakfast and dinner, plus live music in the evening! Ella is home to the famous Nine Arches Bridge and the train. Nuwara Eliya has fairytale tea plantations and clean mountain air. Everything was perfectly organized, punctual and very full. Our guide Ishara is wonderful, a person with mega positive energy. His stories are a pleasure to listen to! Thanks also to Rashan for the photos and interesting stories! Special thanks to the driver for comfort and safety on the winding mountain roads. Sri Lanka made us fall in love with it for good! I recommend this tour to everyone. It's worth it! ❤️

Andrey

05/28/2026

We took the Golden Ring tour with the coolest guide in Sri Lanka 🔥 yes, yes, Oshan, that's you) Thank you so much for a productive and packed trip around the island. We saw everything, made it everywhere, and most importantly, in good company and with a positive mood.

Irina

05/28/2026

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the tour you organized for me! Everything was organized really well: the transfer, the hotel, the flight tickets. Everything was clear. It was very nice that everyone I dealt with was so friendly. I hope this wasn't my last time in Vietnam, and if I come back, I'll contact only you! You are wonderful professionals! Thank you once again! Special thanks to your colleagues who organized all the transfers! Guys, well done!! All the drivers were great! I wish you all prosperity!! Irina Mulaleva

Family pricing: kids travel cheaper

All-inclusive. No hidden fees.

The price already includes transport, accommodation, meals, tickets and a guide.

All-inclusive. No hidden fees.

Children under 4 travel free

The tour suits even the youngest travelers.
Up to 4 years old: free of charge.

Children under 4 travel free

Child rate for ages 4–6: just 25 USD

Tour at a reduced child rate. Convenient for families with young children.

Child rate for ages 4–6: just 25 USD

Children aged 7–11: 50% off

Child rate for the tour: half the price. An accompanied tour with care for the whole family.

Children aged 7–11: 50% off

How to get ready for a tour in Sri Lanka

Hotel lunch box

Hotel lunch box

If your hotel provides a packed lunch for tours, it is a convenient option for day trips and excursions.

Swimwear essentials

Swimwear essentials

Pack swimwear, a towel and a change of clothes for tours that include swimming.

Sun protection

Sun protection

Sri Lanka is a tropical country, so sunglasses and a cap will protect you from the strong sun.

Comfortable footwear

Comfortable footwear

Wear comfortable, closed shoes so you feel at ease in any situation.

Chargers

Chargers

Don't forget your chargers so you stay connected and can capture the moments of your tour.

Cash for Personal Expenses

Cash for Personal Expenses

Although the main costs are included in the tour, it's useful to carry some cash for shopping and souvenirs.

Rain Jacket

Rain Jacket

During the rainy season in Sri Lanka, a light raincoat will help you stay dry and enjoy your trip.

Good to know before you book

Safety first

Safety first

Comfortable cars, insurance and vetted drivers.

Private tours

Private tours

Choose your route: with a guide or an experienced driver.

Russian-speaking guides

Russian-speaking guides

Our guides know the island well and speak excellent Russian.

Real traveler reviews

Real traveler reviews

Hundreds of positive reviews.

24/7 Support

24/7 Support

Our team is always available by messenger.

Comfortable buses

Comfortable buses

All transfers are made in modern vehicles.

Prefer to travel at your own pace? Book a private driver — photo 1

Prefer to travel at your own pace? Book a private driver

Set off on an exciting journey along a scenic route with a professional English-speaking driver. They will show you all the main sights and make your trip comfortable and memorable.

Sri Lanka through our guests’ cameras

Sri Lanka through our guests’ cameras — photo 3
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Sri Lanka tours: the essentials

Sri Lanka tours are the best way to get to know the island, its nature, history and culture. Each region is unique: the south has golden beaches and the ocean, the centre has tea hills and waterfalls, and the north has ancient cities and Buddhist sites. Thanks to a well-developed network of routes and professional guides, travelers can see the main attractions of Sri Lanka in just a few days.

Private and group tours are especially popular. Private tours suit those who want to travel at a comfortable pace, while group tours are a great way to meet other travelers and save money. Russian-speaking guides are often available, which makes the trip easy to follow and full of detail.

The best-known destinations include Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Yala, Galle, Unawatuna and Mirissa. Travelers can choose island-wide sightseeing tours, safaris in national parks, tea plantation routes, trips to temples and waterfalls, or sea tours to watch whales.

The advantage of tours with local operators is that they know every detail, from opening hours of attractions to safe routes. The trip is comfortable, and transport and tickets are included in the price.

If you want to see as much as possible without spending time on planning, Sri Lanka tours with BigTravel are a reliable choice. We will meet you at your hotel, show you the best spots, help with photos and share things you won't find in guidebooks. This format lets you discover the island from a different side: lively, natural and truly inspiring.

Useful Big Travel services in Sri Lanka

Frequently asked questions about tours in Sri Lanka

What are the best tours in Sri Lanka in 2026?

The most popular tours are: the safari in Yala, a trip to Ella and Udawalawe Park, whale watching in Mirissa, the Galle Fort tour with a river safari, and multi-day tours: 'Heart of Sri Lanka' and 'Golden Circle of Sri Lanka'.

How much do tours in Sri Lanka cost?

Prices vary:

  • one-day tours: from 70 to 130 USD;

  • two-day routes: from 140 to 170 USD;

  • three-day tours: around 280 USD;

  • special tours (hot air balloon, yacht, diving): from 80 to 600 USD.
    Children under 5 travel free, children aged 5 to 11 pay half price.

Which safari should you choose in Sri Lanka: Yala or Udawalawe?

  • Yala National Park is known for leopards, water buffalo and a huge variety of birds.

  • Udawalawe Park is more associated with elephants in their natural habitat.
    If you want to see the most animals, choose Yala. If elephants are your dream, choose Udawalawe.

When is the best time to go on tours in Sri Lanka?

The best time to travel around Sri Lanka is from November to April. Rainfall is minimal and the weather is ideal for trips. The whale-watching season also runs from November to April.

What is included in the price of tours in Sri Lanka?

Usually included: transfers, entrance tickets, guide services, accommodation (for multi-day tours), meals (breakfast and dinner), plus extra activities such as fishing, snorkeling or wildlife watching.

Private or group tour: how do you choose?

  • Group tours cost less and run with up to 18 people, 2–3 times a week.

  • Private tours cost more, but you travel only with your own guide and driver, and you choose the route and the pace.

How do I prepare for tours in Sri Lanka?

To make your trip comfortable, we recommend that you:

  • pack light, comfortable walking shoes for strolls and climbs;

  • bring clothing that covers your shoulders and knees for visiting temples;

  • take a raincoat or umbrella in case of tropical rain;

  • ask your hotel for a lunch box for breakfast or a snack on the road;

  • carry some cash for personal expenses and souvenirs;

  • pack a charger or power bank for your gadgets.

Proper preparation makes your tour not only interesting but also as comfortable as possible.

Are there tours with a Russian-speaking guide?

Yes. On many tours, such as the Heart of Sri Lanka tour, you will be accompanied by a Russian-speaking guide. Any tour can also be booked without a guide, with an experienced driver.

Can I take children on a tour?

Yes. Children get discounts, and the youngest travel for free. The exact child rate depends on the tour, so check with our travel advisor when you book.

Can I see whales in Sri Lanka?

Yes, there is a group whale-watching tour from Mirissa for 90 $ per person. You can find it with the “Whales” filter.

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