Sri Lanka Tour Schedule 2026–2027

Season

2026–2027

Guide

English-speaking

Planning

from $65

Find out when group tours in Sri Lanka run: Ella and elephants, Yala, Sigiriya, Golden Circle, Galle, whale watching and deep-sea fishing. Hotel pickup and an English-speaking guide. Check available seats with our travel advisor before booking.

All tours
Sri Lanka Tour Schedule 2026–2027 — photo 1

Tour schedule by day of the week

Monday
Monday

🐘 Ella + Udawalawe. Daily: whale watching and deep-sea fishing. Golden Circle runs with 10 or more guests.

Ella and Udawalawe — $65
Tuesday
Tuesday

🦁 Ella + Yala, Ella + Sigiriya (2 days), Golden Circle, Yala safari. Daily: whale watching and deep-sea fishing.

Ella and Yala — $125
Wednesday
Wednesday

🐋 Whale watching and deep-sea fishing. Golden Circle runs with 10 or more guests.

Whales — $90
Thursday
Thursday

⚠️ Other group tours are temporarily not running. From 15 October, Ella + Yala runs on Thursdays. Daily: whale watching and fishing.

Ella and Yala — $125
Friday
Friday

🐘 Ella + Udawalawe. Daily: whale watching and deep-sea fishing. Golden Circle runs with 10 or more guests.

Ella and Udawalawe — $65
Saturday
Saturday

🏯 Ella + Yala, Ella + Sigiriya (2 days), Golden Circle, Yala safari. Daily: whale watching and deep-sea fishing.

Golden Circle — $280
Sunday
Sunday

🏰 Fort Galle + river safari. Daily: whale watching and sea fishing.

Galle and river safari — $70
tours and day tripsDays of operationPrice per person
Ella + UdawalaweMonday and Friday$65
Ella + YalaTuesday and Saturday, also Thursday from 15 October$125
Ella + Sigiriya (2 days)Tuesday and Saturday$140
Golden Circle of Sri Lanka (3 days)Tuesday and Saturday; Monday, Wednesday and Friday with a group of 10 or more$280
Yala safariTuesday and Saturday$90
Whale watchingDaily — Unawatuna, Weligama, Mirissa$90
Sea fishingDaily — Hikkaduwa, Galle, Unawatuna, Koggala, Weligama, Mirissa, Matarafrom $350 per boat
Fort Galle + river safariSunday$70

Tours in the schedule: itineraries and prices

Ella and Udawalawe elephant sanctuary
Ella and Udawalawe elephant sanctuary
Ella and Udawalawe elephant sanctuary
Ella and Udawalawe elephant sanctuary
Ella and Udawalawe elephant sanctuary

Ella and Udawalawe elephant sanctuary

One-day
Ella greets you with fresh mountain air, and the climb to Adam's Peak begins here, with breathtaking views. Then comes the thundering Ravana Falls, the famous Nine Arch Bridge and a scenic train ride through the jungle. Next, tea plantations and a cosy tea shop. The day ends at the Udawalawe elephant sanctuary, where you can watch graceful elephants up close as they play and interact. A heartfelt end to a full day.
Included:
Transfer
Entrance tickets
English-speaking guide
65 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 town where the climb to Adam's Peak begins. On the way, you'll see the powerful Ravana Falls, the famous Nine Arch Bridge and a memorable train ride through green hills. Next, you'll visit an aromatic tea plantation and smell fresh 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, water buffalo, elephants and other wild animals of Sri Lanka.
Included:
Transfer
Entrance tickets
English-speaking guide
Jeep rental
125 USD
5
15 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 the tour at Ravana Falls. Among the misty hills of Ella, we climb Little Adam's Peak and walk across the Nine Arch Bridge, watching the train pass through the jungle. Then you can ride the train yourself. Next comes the old English Post Office, the tea slopes, the tea factory and the tea plantation. The next morning, you'll have breakfast with elephants by the river in Pinnawala, a moment you'll remember forever. We climb the Ambuluwawa Tower, see the Dambulla Temple and climb Sigiriya or Pidurangala.
Included:
Transfer
Entrance tickets
Breakfast
Dinner
English-speaking guide
Hotel accommodation
140 USD
5
20 reviews
Sri Lanka Golden Circle
Sri Lanka Golden Circle
Sri Lanka Golden Circle
Sri Lanka Golden Circle
Sri Lanka Golden Circle

Sri Lanka Golden Circle

Three-day
Start your day with breakfast with elephants on the riverbank. Then climb Sigiriya Rock or Pidurangala, and explore the village of Sigiriya. Visit the Golden Temple of Dambulla (exterior view), the botanical garden and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy. Finish in Ella by train across the bridge, past Ravana Falls, Little Adam's Peak, the tea factory, the old English Post Office and the climb to Ambuluwawa Tower.
Included:
Transfer
Entrance tickets
Breakfast
Dinner
English-speaking guide
Hotel accommodation
280 USD
5
19 reviews
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

Day trip
Yala National Park is the heart of Sri Lanka's wildlife. On an exciting jeep ride, you'll look for 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 animals of the jungle.
Included:
Transfer
Jeep with driver
Entrance tickets
90 USD
5
15 reviews
Whale watching
Whale watching
Whale watching
Whale watching
Whale watching

Whale watching

Day trip
Boats leave from Mirissa harbour early in the morning, when the sea is at its calmest. Guests board the boat to search for whales and dolphins, a unique natural show on the open ocean. This is a real chance to see whales, dolphins and orcas in their natural habitat. All around you there is complete silence, with only the lap of the waves and the breathing of these sea giants. It is a thrilling, unforgettable sight, truly a wonder.
Included:
Transfer
Tickets
Sandwiches on board
Seasickness tablets
90 USD
5
8 reviews
Deep-sea fishing

Deep-sea fishing

Daily
Head out into the Indian Ocean with a local fishing crew from Hikkaduwa, Galle, Unawatuna, Koggala, Weligama, Mirissa or Matara. Daily, price per boat.
Included:
Boat
Fishing crew
Rods and bait
350 USD
5
8 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 trip
Galle Fort and its whitewashed lighthouse take you back to the colonial era. Next, visit a moonstone mine to see how the gems are extracted. On the way, stop at the tsunami memorial and a turtle farm, where sea turtles are raised and cared for. Finish with a relaxing break on Hikkaduwa beach, where you may spot giant tortoises, followed by an exciting safari on the Bentota river through mangroves and wildlife.
Included:
Transfer
English-speaking guide
Entrance tickets
70 USD
5
15 reviews
What's included: hotel transfer, guide and tickets — photo 1

What's included: hotel transfer, guide and tickets

Transfer

Included

Children 6–12

−50%

Under 6

Free

🚐 We pick you up from your hotel on the coast and bring you back. No need to find a taxi or agree on a price with a driver. Your travel advisor will confirm the pickup time for your hotel.

🎫 On group tours, entrance tickets to the sights are already included, and the guide speaks English. Children aged 6–12 get −50%, and under 6 travel free.

Before you book: what to know

Early pickups are normal
Early pickups are normal

🌙 Tours to Sigiriya, Ella and Pidurangala start before dawn so you beat the heat and the crowds. Ask your hotel for a packed breakfast to take on the road.

Season matters

🐋 Whale watching runs November to April. In Yala National Park, blocks 1 and 2 are closed from 14 September to 15 October 2026 due to drought, while the other zones remain open. Your travel advisor will tell you what is open on your dates.

Season matters
Travelling with kids, stress-free
Travelling with kids, stress-free

👶 Children aged 6–12 get 50% off, and children under 6 travel free. Little ones enjoy the elephants, turtles and Galle most; Little Adam’s Peak and Sigiriya are best left for older kids.

Temple dress code

🙏 At temples, cover your shoulders and knees, and remove your shoes at the entrance. Bring a light scarf and socks, as the stone gets hot during the day.

Temple dress code

Where we go: every tour stop on one map

Before you book: what to know

Thursday: no group tours

Thursday: no group tours

⚠️ Group tours are temporarily not running on Thursdays. The exception is Ella + Yala, which runs on Thursdays from 15 October.

Golden Circle on other days

Golden Circle on other days

🏯 The Golden Circle runs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays with a group of 10 or more guests.

Whales and fishing: every day

Whales and fishing: every day

🐋 Whale watching trips from Unawatuna, Weligama and Mirissa, plus sea fishing, run daily, except on stormy days.

Confirm your seats in advance

Confirm your seats in advance

📅 Before you book, chat with us. Our travel advisor will confirm your seats and hotel pickup time.

Sri Lanka entrance tickets in 2026: how much they cost

🏛 Ancient cities: Sigiriya, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura

Sigiriya Rock: $35 for foreign visitors (SAARC countries: $20).

Dambulla Cave Temple: 3,000 rupees.

Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura: $30 each.

🐆 National parks: Yala, Udawalawe, Minneriya, Horton Plains

Yala and Minneriya: $25, Udawalawe: $15, Horton Plains: $25 entry.

The jeep with driver is paid separately. In our Yala safari, the jeep and tickets are already included.

🙏 Temples and gardens: Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Peradeniya

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy: 2,000 rupees.

Peradeniya Botanical Garden: about 3,540 rupees.

🎫 Do I need to buy tickets myself?

On Big Travel group tours, entrance tickets are included in the price, so you don't need to pay on site. Entry prices are current for 2026 and may change on site, so please check with your travel advisor.

Our guests on tour

Our guests on tour — photo 3
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Guest reviews

Overall Rating

5.0

75 reviews

Ekaterina

19.09.2025

We got back yesterday from a two-day tour with an overnight stay at Elephant Bay hotel and the climb to Sigiriya (choose exactly this rock for the climb). It was AMAZING!!!! WONDERFUL!!! Best tour!!! Our guide Denis (Dinesh) was simply brilliant. He kept us laughing the whole way, told us the history of Sri Lanka, answered all our questions, shared lots of interesting facts and helped us with photos and videos! All the stops on the tour were chosen very well, and everything felt heartfelt! A special thank you to our driver Shalinda, who drove us safely and with style! Emotions for a whole year, maybe for a lifetime! Those two days felt like we had travelled for a week through different countries, with different climates, nature and architecture, all in one place on a small island, Sri Lanka.

Sofia

11.09.2025

I'm thrilled with the Heart of Sri Lanka tour! It was a beautifully organised trip! We saw an incredible number of sights and felt the atmosphere of an amazing country. A special thank you for helping us with the most important moment of our trip: a marriage proposal at the top of Sigiriya! Help choosing the perfect moment and place among the wonders of the world made this day truly unforgettable. A special mention goes to the night at Mountain Heavens hotel. In the morning, stepping out onto the balcony and seeing elephants walking by was wonderful! The main thing that made the trip perfect was our guide Yasir, the soul of the tour :) He told us about every sight with great charm, knew the best angles for photos and anticipated our wishes. His care, attentiveness and great sense of humour created a truly friendly and comfortable atmosphere. We felt completely safe and as if we were travelling with an old friend. Thank you to Yasir and the whole team! We will definitely recommend you to our friends!

Lisa

02.09.2025

Sharing our impressions on the way home from the wonderful two-day Heart of Sri Lanka tour! Other reviews already say everything about the tour itself, so we'd like to describe the impressions we got thanks to our guide Yasir and driver Usama. A few words about the road: the car was comfortable and new, the air conditioning saved us the whole way, and the driver, despite the winding roads, followed all the traffic rules like a European driver. But a special thank you goes to Yasir. He helped us with every little question along the way. He is very caring and attentive. When someone tried to sell us something expensive, he took us to another place where the same thing cost less. At the tea factory during the tasting, they wanted to give us just one type of tea. Yasir stood up for us, and in the end we got to try all the varieties. On the way he showed us many inexpensive places where we could get tasty food and fruit. Yasir also turned out to be a very interesting person. We chatted for both days about the culture of his country and compared it with ours. His English is excellent, he is a deeply knowledgeable and well-read person, and he speaks several languages. He even gets our memes :) To our surprise, Yasir varied our programme. At the end of the second day we managed to visit a village where we were shown traditional customs and lifestyle, and we were fed traditional food and sweets. We even got to break a coconut 🥥 And it would be a sin not to mention that Yasir is a professional photographer. In fact, you can see his photos in this message. We are now nearly at our villa to rest after such an eventful and emotional programme. Many thanks to the organisers, Yasir, Usama and the local people of Sri Lanka!

Vlad

09.08.2025

We are simply thrilled with the SAFARI YALA + ELLA day tour! It was an incredible adventure that left a lot of vivid memories. We especially want to mention our guide Ishar. He was simply wonderful! Ishar is a true professional. He speaks English excellently and has deep knowledge of the history, culture and nature of Sri Lanka. Thanks to him, the tour was not just sightseeing but an exciting journey into the world of this amazing country. The safari in Yala National Park impressed me the most. Four hours flew by in a moment! We saw a huge number of wild animals: majestic elephants, a leopard (it was truly incredible!), deer, buffaloes, monkeys, crocodiles, monitor lizards and many beautiful birds. Ishar and the safari driver skilfully found the most interesting spots and told us about the animals' habits, which made the safari even more exciting. Ravana Falls, Little Adam's Peak, the Nine Arch Bridge, the train ride and the tea plantation were all wonderful, but the Yala safari was the real highlight of the tour. I highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants to see the real Sri Lanka and have unforgettable experiences. And be sure to ask for Ishar as your guide (by the way, he is from Belarus)! You won't regret it. Thank you for a wonderful day!

Yulia

05.07.2025

We've just returned from the 🗿Galle Fort + 🛶 River Safari tour! It was wonderful! I recommend it to everyone! Of course, a lot of the tour depends on the guide. Ours was beyond praise! His name is Mano. He speaks English very well, knows the history of Sri Lanka brilliantly, answers all questions, makes subtle jokes at just the right moments and takes professional photos. In short, we are very happy with both the organisation of the tour and how it was run! A special thank you to the driver too! The tour itself is fire! 🔥🔥🔥 We liked absolutely everything!!! THANK YOU!

Alyona

21.06.2025

Hello! We chose a one-day tour to Kandy. The excursion was very interesting and full, and it was led by a professional English-speaking guide, Denish. Denish is a very friendly, knowledgeable and conscientious guide with a great sense of humour. If you want to take unforgettable trips and learn a lot about Sri Lanka, we are sure you should contact this company! It will definitely not be boring.

Reham

16.06.2025

Hello, I had an amazing 3-day tour in Sri Lanka, thanks to our fantastic tour guide and driver. Our tour guide Mr Deshan was incredibly knowledgeable, kind, and caring. He did everything to make sure every part of the trip was enjoyable, informative, and perfectly organized. The driver Mr Jagath was equally wonderful, always punctual, professional, and made us feel comfortable throughout the journey. Together, they made this trip truly unforgettable. I highly recommend them to anyone visiting Sri Lanka. You'll be in great hands.

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Questions about the Sri Lanka tour schedule

Which days do group tours run in Sri Lanka?

Ella + Udawalawe: Mondays and Fridays. Ella + Yala, Ella + Sigiriya, the Golden Circle and the Yala safari: Tuesdays and Saturdays. Galle Fort + river safari: Sundays. Whale watching and deep-sea fishing run daily.

Why are there no group tours on Thursdays?

On Thursdays, group tours are temporarily unavailable. From 15 October, only Ella + Yala runs on Thursdays, plus daily whale watching and fishing trips.

Can I join the Golden Circle tour on another day?

Yes, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, if the group has 10 or more guests. If you need a different day, book a private tour.

Where can you watch whales and where do fishing trips leave from?

Whale watching: Unawatuna, Weligama, Mirissa. Deep-sea fishing: Hikkaduwa, Galle, Unawatuna, Koggala, Weligama, Mirissa and Matara.

How much do the tours on the schedule cost?

Day tours are from $65 to $125 per person, Ella + Sigiriya for 2 days is $140, and the Golden Circle for 3 days is $280. Deep-sea fishing is from $350 per boat.

How do I book a place?

Chat with us and tell us the date, your hotel and the number of guests. We will confirm available places and the hotel pickup time before you book.