Excursions in Sri Lanka 2024. Prices, Best Routes, Organizers, and Reviews.

In recent years, the number of tourists visiting Sri Lanka has significantly increased. Travelers from all over the world are attracted not only by the beautiful clean beaches but also by the island's cultural program. Thanks to its deep and diverse history, Sri Lanka has accumulated many unique cultural attractions.

In this article, you will learn how to effectively and interestingly see the main attractions of Sri Lanka, who organizes excursions on the island, what are the prices for these services, which routes are the most popular among tourists, and how to choose reliable tour organizers.

Tour Organizers in Sri Lanka

There are several official state organizations on the island that offer tours, each of which has a government certificate, a team of Russian-speaking guides, and professional drivers. Prices for tour services are almost the same; they differ only in their approach to details. You can read tourist reviews about tours at this link.

Local residents also offer their services on the beaches and in tourist shops. Although their prices may be lower, the quality of their services can be unpredictable.

Types of Tours and Group Sizes

All tours can be divided into group and individual. Group tours with a maximum of 14 participants are organized three times a week – on Tuesday, Saturday, and another day, depending on demand. Tourists are picked up from their place of residence in a comfortable bus at a pre-agreed time and brought back after the tour. The guides are fluent in Russian and have extensive knowledge of the island's history.

Best Tours in Sri Lanka 2024:

We can offer many diverse routes, but the most popular tours among tourists in 2024 are:

🛻 Safari in Yala National Park

This park attracts tourists with its biodiversity. You will spend 3-4 hours exploring the jungle in large jeeps, observing animals such as leopards, elephants, buffaloes, bears, crocodiles, various types of monkeys, birds, lizards, and other interesting creatures.

Detailed information about the Safari tour in Yala National Park can be found in a separate article, available at this link.

Two-day tour ♥️ Heart of Sri Lanka

This is a well-balanced route. On the first day you will visit Ella, Ravana Falls, feed monkeys, climb Little Adam's Peak, ride a train over the famous bridge, and explore the city of Nuwara Eliya. You will also visit the Old English Post Office, a tea factory, and learn how the famous Ceylon tea is made. After the first day's program, you will have dinner and spend the night at the Ramboda Falls Hotel with a view of the waterfall.

On the second day, after breakfast, you will climb the spiral tower of Ambuluwawa, visit a Hindu temple, ride elephants, learn about the history of the Golden Temple of Dambulla, explore the Spice Garden, and finish by visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site - Sigiriya Rock. To reach the top of the rock, you will need to overcome 1200 steps or about 40 minutes of climbing. If this climb is not convenient for you, you can admire Sigiriya from the side by climbing Pidurangala Rock.

To learn more about the exciting "Heart of Sri Lanka" tour, read our detailed article, Two-day tour "Heart of 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka" | BIG Travel Chat Blog.

One-day tour ⛰ Ella and 🐘 Udawalawe Elephant Park

During this tour, you will visit the famous highland city of Ella, Little Adam's Peak, Ravana Falls, ride a train over the Nine Arch Bridge, collect tea leaves on a vast tea plantation, visit a tea shop, and see elephants in Udawalawe Park. This comfortable and rich tour lasts just over 8 hours.

If you are interested in immersing yourself in the atmosphere of the "Ella and Udawalawe Elephant Park" tour, our article will tell you all the details. You can find the details by following this link.

🐋 Whale Watching.

Under the guidance of an experienced captain, on a ship from the port of Mirissa, you will go in search of giant blue whales. The best time for whale watching in Mirissa is from November to April. During this period, thousands of whales migrate from the Arabian Sea to the warm tropical waters of southern Sri Lanka, joining the local whales that inhabit these waters. The trip lasts up to 4 hours, and tourists are offered seasickness pills if desired to make the trip comfortable for novice sailors.

Detailed information about the "Whale Watching in Sri Lanka" tour can be found in our article "Whale Watching Tour in Sri Lanka".

🗿Galle Fort + 🛶 River Safari

This tour is an exciting journey that begins with a visit to the ancient Dutch Fort of Galle, a symbol of Sri Lanka's colonial era, and continues with an excursion to the Galle Lighthouse, standing guard on the island's shores. Participants will also explore the moonstone mine, where they will discover unique processes of mining and processing this stone, and go to Cinnamon Island to learn about traditional methods of growing one of the world's most famous spices. The route concludes with a river safari through the mangrove forests, where participants will encounter unique flora and fauna, making this tour an unforgettable immersion in the history, culture, and natural wonders of Sri Lanka.

Learn more about the exciting "Galle Fort and River Safari" tour or book your adventure on the page at this link.

🏜Sigiriya in One Day

The tour begins with climbing Sigiriya or Pidurangala Rock, each offering magnificent landscapes. Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its ancient frescoes and archaeological finds, where the climb takes up to 60 minutes via 1200 steps. Alternatively, Pidurangala offers a more adventurous climb with unique views of Sigiriya. The tour includes visits to the Golden Temple of Dambulla, a Hindu temple, the Royal Botanical Garden, the Nelligala Buddhist Temple, and a tea factory and plantation, learning about the tea production process. This is an immersion into the rich history, culture, and natural wonders of Sri Lanka.

Discover all the details of the unique one-day tour to Sigiriya by visiting our page here.

🏯 One-day tour "Kandy Tour"

The one-day "Kandy Tour" begins with a visit to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, where you will have the opportunity to observe the lives of these majestic animals, feed them, and even ride an elephant. Next, we will head to the Ambuluwawa Tower - an architectural masterpiece with a rich history. We will continue our journey to the Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya, where you can see unique species of orchids and the Memorial Tree Avenue. A special place in the itinerary is the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic - a sacred place for all Buddhists. The tour concludes with a visit to a tea factory and plantation, where you will learn all about the process of making the famous Ceylon tea.

For more detailed information about "Kandy City" and the tour itinerary, please visit our page at this link.

🎣 Fishing in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a paradise for fishing enthusiasts, where everyone can find something special for themselves, thanks to the rich variety of fishing spots and types of fish. The open waters of the Indian Ocean and the numerous freshwater bodies on the island offer unique opportunities for fishing lovers.

One of the most remarkable places for fishing in Sri Lanka is deep-sea fishing in Mirissa. This adventure begins with a boat trip into the open ocean, where anglers can catch giants such as mighty trevally, yellowfin tuna, huge groupers, sailfish, large sea bass, and barracudas, as well as numerous coral fish and the unique dorado.

Deep-sea fishing tours usually start early in the morning and last 3-4 hours, during which professional fishing guides ensure not only safety and comfort but also help choose the gear and determine the best fishing spots, using their years of experience.

Read the article Fishing in Sri Lanka: Where to Catch the Best Catch** to learn more about deep-sea and marine fishing in the Indian Ocean.**

🐘 Breakfast with Elephants

Imagine enjoying a morning meal on a restaurant balcony while witnessing the breathtaking sight of a gathering of magnificent elephants taking part in their daily bathing ritual. In this enchanting scene, you will not only see these gentle giants in their element but also witness the touching interaction between mothers and their playful calves. This unforgettable encounter is a testament to the enchanting beauty of Sri Lanka, where nature and culture come together, creating unforgettable memories.

Detailed information about the unique "Breakfast with Elephants" tour can be found in our article. To learn more, follow this link.

🚤 Yacht Tour

Explore the magnificence of Sri Lanka from the deck of a luxury yacht, choosing one of the available time slots: morning from 08:00 to 14:00 or evening from 15:00 to 21:00. The catamaran tour includes comfortable transfer, snorkeling gear, breakfast and lunch** or dinner and fishing. For those who prefer exclusivity, renting the entire yacht is available. The journey covers secluded bays, fishing villages, and allows you to fully enjoy the underwater world.

Discover the magic of a yacht trip around Sri Lanka by exploring all the details on the page «Yacht Rental in Sri Lanka».

👑 Golden Ring of Sri Lanka

The "Golden Ring of Sri Lanka" tour offers the perfect balance between organized activities and personal time, allowing you to deeply immerse yourself in the nature and culture of the island.

The first day begins with a visit to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, home to rescued elephants. Next is the climb to Sigiriya or Pidurangala, offering majestic views and rich history. After an active morning, the tour continues through the village of Sigiriya, where you will learn about the local way of life and embark on a river safari on a catamaran. The evening includes a demonstration of Sri Lankan cuisine and dinner.

The second day includes a visit to the Royal Botanical Garden in Kandy, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, the Ambuluwawa Tower, a gem factory, and a tea factory, where you will learn about the production of Ceylon tea. The day ends with dinner at the Ramboda Falls Hotel with a view of the waterfall.

The third day reveals the picturesque mountainous region of Ella. We will visit the local post office, take a train ride, walk over the Nine Arch Bridge, and explore Little Adam's Peak, visit Ravana Falls, and feed monkeys before returning to the hotel.

For those who want to delve into the details of the exceptional "Golden Ring of Sri Lanka" journey, we invite you to explore the full information and booking options on our page.

List of all one-day tours in Sri Lanka:

• 🏜 Sigiriya in One Day — $90
• 🗿 Galle Fort + River Safari — $65
• ⛰ Ella and Udawalawe Elephant Park — $70
• 🍓 Ella and Scenic Ravana Pool Club — $70
• 🛻 Safari in Yala National Park — $90
• 🐋 Whale Watching — $90
• 🏯 Kandy Tour — $120
• 🚤 Yacht Tour — $200
• 🤿 Diving — from $80

List of all two-day tours in Sri Lanka:

• ♥️ Heart of Sri Lanka — from $140
• 🌟 Wonders of Sri Lanka — $140
• 🎯 Central Sri Lanka — $160
• ☕️ Breakfast with Elephants — $150
• 🌺 Sigiriya + Kandy — from $170
• 🎈 Balloon Tour — $440

Three-day tour:

• 👑 Golden Ring of Sri Lanka — $280

All prices include transfers, guides (if provided), tickets, hotels, breakfasts, dinners, etc. Children aged 6 to 12 pay half price, and children under 6 are free.

Individual Tours and Custom Trips

All listed routes can be visited on an individual tour, where your group will be accompanied by a personal guide and driver. The administrators of "Madu-Tour" can create an individual itinerary for you based on your preferences, covering any number of days and distances. You can study the prices for individual tours in the channel "Individual Tours Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 Custom Trips".

A more detailed article on this topic - "Individual Tours in Sri Lanka: A Guide to Creating a Unique Journey".

Preparation for a Tour in Sri Lanka

Every tour is an unforgettable adventure that needs to be prepared for in advance.

• If you are heading to the central part of the island, be sure to bring a windbreaker or sweatshirt, because it can be cool in the highlands in the evenings.
• Wear closed-toe shoes, as leeches may attach to you while walking along the Nine Arch Bridge. If your hotel offers breakfast, ask to have it prepared in a container that you can take with you.
• On many such tours, "Madu-Tour" offers the services of a personal photographer for just $20, who will follow you throughout the route, capturing you in front of various attractions.

Real Reviews of Tours

To read real reviews of tourists about tours, you can visit this link. Here are personal impressions and ratings from travelers, which will help you get a more complete picture of the tours you are interested in.

Conclusion

The natural beauty and cultural richness of Sri Lanka will leave you with unforgettable impressions, but visiting tours is an important and responsible process that requires a lot of energy and some financial costs. Therefore, it is very important to choose the right tour organizers, so try to choose licensed companies with a good reputation and experience, read reviews on websites and in relevant Telegram channels.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tours in Sri Lanka

1. Should I book tours in advance?

Answer: Yes, booking tours in advance ensures you a place in the group and avoids disappointment if the tour is fully booked. In addition, it allows you to better plan your time in Sri Lanka.

2. Can I find tours in Russian in Sri Lanka?

Answer: Yes, there are many guides and travel agencies in Sri Lanka that offer tours with Russian-speaking guides. This is especially convenient for tourists who do not speak English well enough.

3. What safety measures should be taken when going on tours?

Answer: During tours, it is important to follow the guide's instructions, especially when visiting national parks or jungle tours. Wear closed-toe shoes, protect yourself from the sun and insects, and always carry enough drinking water.

4. What are the most popular tours in Sri Lanka among tourists?

Answer: Among the most popular tours in Sri Lanka are visits to Yala National Park, a tour to Kandy, Sigiriya (Lion Rock), a safari to watch whales in Mirissa, and visits to tea plantations. These places attract a large number of tourists due to their unique beauty and cultural value.