Sri Lanka Tours 2026: Prices, Hotel Pickup and Guest Reviews

Pickup

from your hotel

Guide

English-speaking

Planning

from $65

Sigiriya, Ella, Yala safari, whale watching in Mirissa: 15 group tours with an English-speaking guide. We pick you up from your hotel and bring you back, with tickets included in the price. Below you'll find 2026 prices, what's included, and how to choose a route for kids and your budget.

All tours
Sri Lanka Tours 2026: Prices, Hotel Pickup and Guest Reviews — photo 1

Which tour to choose: 4 common situations

Traveling with kids
Traveling with kids

🐘 Elephants at Udawalawe, monkeys and a waterfall in one day. Children aged 6–12 pay half price, and under 6 travel free. The journey is by air-conditioned bus.

Ella and elephants — $65
Want mountains and tea?
Want mountains and tea?

⛰ Ella, the Nine Arch Bridge, Nuwara Eliya and Sigiriya in 2 days with an overnight hotel stay. Accommodation, dinner and breakfast are included.

Heart of Sri Lanka — $135
Travelling as a group
Travelling as a group

🐋 Blue whales and dolphins from November to April. Early morning departure, 3–4 hours. For a large group, book the whole yacht.

Whale watching in Mirissa — $90
Don't like long drives?
Don't like long drives?

🏰 Galle Fort, turtles and a river safari close to the south coast resorts. No long transfers, lunch included.

Galle and safari — $70
tours and day tripsDurationPrice per person
Ella and Udawalawe Elephant Orphanage1 day$65
Galle Fort and river safari1 day$70
Ella and Ravana Pool Club1 day$70
Jeep safari in Yala Parkhalf day$90
Whale watching in Mirissamorning, 3–4 hours$90
Ella and Diyaluma Falls1 day$90
Sigiriya in 1 day1 day$120
Ella and Yala safari1 day$125
Sigiriya, Ella and elephants2 days$135
Heart of Sri Lanka2 days$135
Kandy tour1 day$150
Sri Lanka Golden Circle3 days$280
Private toursto suit your schedulefrom $300
Custom island tours5–9 daysfrom $2000

Our Sri Lanka tours with English-speaking guides

Jeep safari in Yala Park
Jeep safari in Yala Park
Jeep safari in Yala Park
Jeep safari in Yala Park
Jeep safari in Yala Park

Jeep safari in Yala Park

One day
Yala National Park is the heart of Sri Lanka's wildlife. Here you'll go on an exciting jeep safari, tracking leopards, elephants, crocodiles, deer, peacocks and many other animals in their natural habitat. It's a true safari, where every turn can bring an unexpected encounter with the jungle's residents.
Included:
Transfer
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 days
You'll climb Little Adam's Peak, see Ravana Falls and ride the scenic train across the Nine Arch Bridge through Ella. The next day, visit Sigiriya or Pidurangala, see Dambulla Cave Temple (exterior view only) and a Hindu temple. Visit a tea factory, walk through the plantations, climb Ambuluwawa Tower and finish with an elephant encounter.
Included:
Transfer
Entrance tickets
Breakfast
Dinner
English-speaking guide
Hotel accommodation
135 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 days
Start your day with breakfast with elephants by the river. Then climb Sigiriya Rock or Pidurangala, and explore the village of Sigiriya. Visit the Dambulla Golden Temple (exterior view only), the botanical garden and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy. In Ella, take the train across the bridge, see Ravana Falls, climb Little Adam's Peak, visit a tea factory and the old English Post Office, and climb Ambuluwawa Tower.
Included:
Transfer
Entrance tickets
Breakfast
Dinner
English-speaking guide
Hotel accommodation
280 USD
5
19 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
Your tour starts at Ravana Falls. Among the misty hills of Ella, you climb Little Adam's Peak and walk across the Nine Arches Bridge, watching trains pass through the jungle. You also ride the train yourself. Next comes the old English Post Office, the tea slopes, a tea factory and a tea plantation. The following morning, you have breakfast with elephants by the river in Pinnawala, a moment you will remember for a long time. You then climb Ambuluwawa Tower, visit the Dambulla temple and hike up Sigiriya or Pidurangala.
Included:
Transfer
Entrance tickets
Breakfast
Dinner
English-speaking guide
Hotel accommodation
135 USD
5
20 reviews
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, where the climb up Little Adam's Peak begins, with breathtaking views. Then comes the roaring Ravana Falls, the impressive Nine Arches Bridge and a scenic train ride through the jungle. Next are the beautiful tea plantations and a cosy tea shop. The day ends at the Udawalawe Elephant Sanctuary, where you can watch these graceful animals up close as they play and interact. It is a heartwarming finish to a full day.
Included:
Transfer
Entrance tickets
English-speaking guide
65 USD
5
27 reviews
Ella and Yala National Park Jeep Safari
Ella and Yala National Park Jeep Safari
Ella and Yala National Park Jeep Safari
Ella and Yala National Park Jeep Safari
Ella and Yala National Park Jeep Safari

Ella and Yala National Park Jeep Safari

One-day
Ella is a scenic mountain town where the climb up Little Adam's Peak begins. On the way, you see the powerful Ravana Falls, the famous Nine Arches Bridge and an unforgettable train ride through green hills. Then you visit an aromatic tea plantation and enjoy the scent of fresh Ceylon tea. To finish, you go on 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 hire
125 USD
5
15 reviews
Galle Fort and River Safari
Galle Fort and River Safari
Galle Fort and River Safari
Galle Fort and River Safari
Galle Fort and River Safari

Galle Fort and River Safari

One-day
Galle Fort and the white lighthouse take you back to the colonial era. Next, visit a moonstone mine to see how the stones are extracted. On the way, you stop at the tsunami memorial and a turtle farm, where sea turtles are raised and cared for. The tour ends with time at 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
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

One-day
We start in Ella, a mountain town. Then we climb Little Adam's Peak, with stunning views of the mountain scenery, and afterwards cool off at the roaring Ravana Falls. We walk across the Nine Arches Bridge, followed by a scenic train ride through misty tea hills. To finish, we visit a tea plantation and a cosy Ceylon tea shop, and enjoy a well-earned rest at the stylish Ravana Pool Club.
Included:
Transfer
English-speaking guide
Entrance tickets
70 USD
5
8 reviews
Whale watching
Whale watching
Whale watching
Whale watching
Whale watching

Whale watching

One-day
The whale watching trip leaves from Mirissa Harbour early in the morning, when the sea is calmest. Guests board a boat and head out to look for blue whales and dolphins, a natural show in the open ocean. You can spot whales, dolphins and orcas in their natural habitat. Out on the water it is peaceful and quiet, with only the sound of waves and the breath of these giant animals. It is an unforgettable experience.
Included:
Transfer
Tickets
Sandwiches on board
Motion sickness tablets
90 USD
5
8 reviews
What's included: hotel pickup, guide and tickets — photo 1

What's included: hotel pickup, guide and tickets

Transfer

included

Children 6–12

−50%

Under 6

free

🚐 We pick you up from your hotel on the coast and take you back, so there's no need to find a taxi or arrange a driver. Our travel advisor will confirm the pickup time for your hotel.

🎫 On group tours, entrance tickets to attractions are already included, and the guide speaks English. Children aged 6–12 pay 50% less, and children under 6 go free.

'Heart of Sri Lanka' in 2 days: how the route works

Key stops on the route

  • Ravana Falls
  • Little Adam's Peak
  • Nine Arch Bridge
  • Nuwara Eliya
  • Ambuluwawa Tower
  • Sigiriya Rock
2 days · overnight in hotel · from $135
Day 1 — Ella and Ravana Falls
Nine Arch Bridge
Nuwara Eliya tea hills
Day 2 — Hindu temple
Jungle view near Sigiriya
Tea factory and tasting

Day 1 — Ella. Early hotel pickup, Ravana Falls and monkeys (bananas for them are already included), then a climb to Little Adam's Peak with a view over the valley.

Nine Arch Bridge — we wait for the train for the trip's signature photo. Then the tea hills of Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka's 'little England'.

Evening — dinner and a night at your hotel with a view of Ramboda Falls.

Day 2 — the heart of the island. The spiral tower of Ambuluwawa, a Hindu temple, an elephant encounter and Sigiriya Rock. In the evening, we drive back to your hotel.

How much does a tour in Sri Lanka cost in 2026?

Group, 1 day
Hotel pickup
Tickets included
English-speaking guide

Ella, Galle, Yala, whales, Sigiriya, Kandy. The most popular format — you travel in a small group.

from 65 $
Group, 2–3 days
Overnight stay
Dinner and breakfast
Mountains and Sigiriya

Heart of Sri Lanka and Golden Circle: all the highlights in one trip with no self-planned logistics.

from 135 $
Private
Private car
Flexible schedule
Family-friendly

The same route, but just for your family or group: pickup when it suits you, with stops as you wish.

from 300 $

Before you book: what to know

Early starts are normal
Early starts are normal

🌙 For Sigiriya, Ella and Adam's Peak, pickups happen before dawn so you arrive before the heat and crowds. Ask your hotel for a packed breakfast to take on the road.

Season matters

🐋 Whales: November to April. In Yala, blocks 1 and 2 are closed from 14 September to 15 October 2026 due to drought, while other zones stay open. Your travel advisor can tell you what's open on your dates.

Season matters
Easy travel with kids
Easy travel with kids

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

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

8 tips you'll only learn once you're there

Book 1–2 days ahead

Book 1–2 days ahead

📅 In season (December–April), group places for Sigiriya and whale watching sell out early. Chat with us at least a day before your trip.

Cash in rupees

Cash in rupees

💵 For tips to your guide, coconuts by the road and souvenirs, carry small rupee notes. Cards are not accepted everywhere, especially in the hills.

Closed-heel shoes

Closed-heel shoes

👟 Sigiriya has about 1,200 steps, and Little Adam's Peak is a steep trail. Leave flip-flops for the beach.

Pack a warm layer

Pack a warm layer

🧥 In Nuwara Eliya and Ella, evenings are cool, around +15 °C. A warm layer helps even in the hot season.

Don't feed the monkeys yourself

Don't feed the monkeys yourself

🐒 Monkeys can snatch bags and phones. Food is only through your guide, and keep your belongings closed.

Prone to car sickness?

Prone to car sickness?

🚐 Mountain roads have long, winding bends. Take a motion sickness tablet and ask for a seat at the front.

The sun is stronger than it looks

The sun is stronger than it looks

☀️ Close to the equator: SPF 50, a cap and water are essential, even on a cloudy day.

Elephant photos: no flash

Elephant photos: no flash

📸 On safaris and at elephant sanctuaries, flash scares the animals. Take photos with the flash off and stay inside the jeep.

Sri Lanka Entrance Tickets 2026: How Much They Cost

🏛 Ancient cities: Sigiriya, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura

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

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 a driver is paid separately. On 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, attraction tickets are included in the price, so there's nothing to pay on site. Entrance fees are based on 2026 data and may change on site, so please check with your travel advisor.

Our guests on tour

Our guests on tour — photo 3
+5
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Guest reviews

Overall Rating

5.0

75 reviews

Ekaterina

19.09.2025

We came back yesterday from a two-day tour with an overnight stay at Elephant Bay hotel and a climb to Sigiriya (choose this rock for the climb). It was AMAZING!!!! WONDERFUL!!! The best tour!!! Our guide Denis (Dinesh) was a genius. 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 warm and personal! Special thanks to our driver Shalinda, who drove us safely and with a bit of speed! Memories for a year ahead, maybe for life! These 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

We loved the Heart of Sri Lanka tour! It was a beautifully organised trip. We saw an incredible number of sights and really felt the atmosphere of an amazing country. Special thanks for helping us with the most important moment of our trip: a marriage proposal at the top of Sigiriya. Your help choosing the perfect moment and place among the wonders of the world made the day truly unforgettable. A separate highlight was the night at Mountain Heavens hotel. In the morning, stepping onto the balcony and seeing elephants walking below was wonderful! The thing that made the trip perfect was our guide Yasir, the soul of the tour. He told us about every sight with great charm and knew the best angles for photos. He anticipated our wishes before we even voiced them. His care, attentiveness and great sense of humour created a truly friendly and comfortable atmosphere. We felt completely safe, 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!

Liza

02.09.2025

We're sharing our impressions on the way home from the wonderful two-day Heart of Sri Lanka tour! Other reviews have already said 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, and the air conditioning saved us the whole way. Despite the winding mountain roads, the driver drove by all the 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 a very caring and attentive person. When someone tried to sell us something expensive, he took us to another place where the same thing cost less. At the tea factory, the tasting was supposed to offer 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 to 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, and he is a deeply knowledgeable person and a polyglot too. He even gets our memes! To our surprise, Yasir changed our programme. At the end of the second day we visited a village where we were shown traditional life and customs, and we were fed traditional food and sweets. We even got to break a coconut 🥥 And we must mention that Yasir is a professional photographer. The photos you see in this message are his. We're just arriving at our villa to rest after such a full and emotional programme. Big thanks to the organisers, Yasir, Usama and the local people of Sri Lanka!

Vlad

09.08.2025

We are simply thrilled with the one-day SAFARI YALA + ELLA 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 excellent English and has deep knowledge of the history, culture and nature of Sri Lanka. Thanks to him, the tour was not just a sightseeing trip but an exciting journey into the world of this amazing country. The Yala National Park safari impressed me most of all. Four hours flew by in an instant! We saw a huge number of wild animals: majestic elephants, a leopard (it was truly incredible!), deer, buffalo, 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, making the safari even more exciting. Ravana Falls, Little Adam's Peak, the Nine Arch Bridge, the train ride and the tea plantation were all lovely, 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 come back from the 🗿Galle Fort + 🛶 River Safari tour! It was wonderful! I recommend it to everyone! Of course, a lot depends on the guide in a tour. Ours was beyond praise! His name is MANO. He speaks excellent English, knows the history of Sri Lanka very well, answers all questions, makes subtle, well-timed jokes and takes professional photos. In short, we are very happy with both the organisation of the tour and how it was run! Special thanks to the driver too! The tour itself is fire! 🔥🔥🔥! We liked absolutely everything!!! THANK YOU!

Alyona

21.06.2025

Hello! We chose the one-day Kandy tour. It was a very interesting and full day, 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 unforgettable travel and lots of knowledge and impressions about Sri Lanka, we are sure you should definitely contact this company! You won't be bored for a second.

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 organised. The driver, Mr Jagath, was equally wonderful, always punctual and 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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Frequently asked questions about Sri Lanka tours

How much do tours in Sri Lanka cost in 2026?

Group day tours cost from $65 to $150 per person, and 2–3 day tours cost from $135 to $280. Private tours start at $300 per route.

Do you pick up from hotels?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the price of group tours. Our travel advisor will confirm the pickup time for your hotel.

Do the tours have an English-speaking guide?

Yes, with an English-speaking guide. You can also book a private guide.

Which tours are suitable for children?

Elephants at Udawalawe and Pinnawala, Galle with its turtles, the Yala safari and whales. Children aged 6–12 pay 50% of the price, and children under 6 travel free.

When is the best time to see whales?

From November to April, departure from Mirissa port early in the morning, and the trip lasts 3–4 hours. Price: $90 per person.

Is Yala National Park open in October?

Blocks 1 and 2 are closed from 14 September to 15 October 2026 due to drought, while other zones of the park remain open. Check with a travel advisor before booking.

Which is better: a group tour or a private tour?

Group tours are 3–5 times cheaper. A private tour is more convenient with young children, elderly parents, or if you want to change the route along the way.

How do I book a tour?

Chat with us using the button on this page. Tell us your dates, hotel and number of people. We will confirm your pickup place and time.