Useful Information for Sri Lanka Explorer

You will get to sample the best of Sri Lankan food... and it is so, so tasty. Breakfasts are typically Western dishes that you would expect to find back home. Sometimes you will have a buffet-style breakfast, and in other locations, you will have simple eggs on toast with fruit. We get that if you just need to satisfy that craving for a pizza or burger! Western food is usually available everywhere on the tour. As the tour explores different areas of Sri Lanka, you will have the opportunity to taste the various cuisine styles from around the country. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options will also be provided.

Vegetarians will be happy to know that Sri Lanka is very accommodating for vegetarians. Your tour guide can instruct any kitchen to create a local dish without meat. The meals will always have a vegetarian option. Please note vegan diets may not be available for some included meals.

Yes and so delicious! If you see Sri Lankan locals eating it then that’s the best indication that the food is safe. Tip: Eat where the locals eat; the longer the queue the more delicious you can assume the food will be. But as with anything, use caution. If something looks or smells suspect, better to leave it alone. And never drink from the tap! We thought we had to mention this in case the idea ever crosses your mind!

We only sell our tour directly to you through our website, not through a travel agency, which cuts out a major expense incurred by other tour companies (and for you)! That's a win-win all around.

Please arrange your flights to and from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). Feel free to arrive at any time, we provide transfers all day. Please note that your accommodation may not be ready until 2 PM. You can also book extra accommodation from your account, this includes airport transfer and breakfast.

Your airport pick-up and drop-off are both included on this private tour. Our team meets you at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) whenever you land on day 1, and your driver takes you back to the airport in time for your flight on the last day.

Once your flights are booked, log in to your account and add them under Flight Details so we can plan around them. Arriving early? You can add extra nights from your account, with the pick-up included.

Yes, but for most of our travellers it is now free. Everyone needs an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), Sri Lanka's online tourist visa, before they fly, and since 25 May 2026 it is issued free of charge to citizens of 40 countries, including the UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and many European countries. It gives you 30 days with double entry, and your passport needs at least six months' validity from the day you arrive.

Apply only on the official site, eta.gov.lk: copycat sites charge for an ETA that is free there. Some passports, including Irish and Portuguese, still pay the standard fee.

Rules do change, so check what applies to your passport here, or read our full Sri Lanka visa guide. Any questions, just ask.

Please wait for your booking confirmation email, which tells you when we recommend arriving and departing. You can search and book flights on our flights page.

We will send you your airport transfer information one week before the tour or programme begins.

International flights are not included in the price of any tour and will need to be booked separately. You’re free to book your own flights or book here.

Once you've booked your flights, log in to My Account on our website and enter your flight arrival details. That is how your group leader knows when you are landing.

Arriving before the tour starts, or staying on at the end? Let us know as early as you can so we can check availability and pricing on extra nights.

Please let us know as soon as possible. If you are already en route and a connecting flight changes, contact your group leader or email us so we can still meet you at the airport.

Your deposit ensures your reservation for the tour or program. It guarantees your spot until 60 days prior to the scheduled commencement date, at which time the outstanding balance must be settled in full. Failure to complete payment by the specified deadline will result in the cancellation of your reservation, and the vacancy may be offered to another prospective participant. The remaining balance can be found in your account, and multiple reminders will be sent in advance of the due date to ensure timely payment.

For group tours, your place is confirmed once enough travellers have booked, and always at least four weeks (28 days) before your tour starts. Most group tours are confirmed around six months before departure.

For volunteer or private bookings, please allow 2-3 working days.

If a tour does not run, you get a full refund.

Yes! After placing your deposit, you can pay off the tour in instalments of your choosing, whenever suits you. The remaining balance is due 60 days before your tour starts, and you can see it at any time in your account.

Yes, as long as you give us at least 60 days' notice before your original departure date, so another traveller can take your place. A £30 administration fee applies to a date change.

We recommend packing:

• 1 pair of long trousers
• 1 light but waterproof jacket (nothing too thick!)
• 1 long-sleeved top
• A simple padlock to lock up your belongings
• 1 electrical converter (to avoid blowing out that hairdryer or beard trimmer)
• Shoes that are suitable for hiking, and waterproof shoes if you have them
• Shoes that are easily removed, as you will be expected to take them off at temples and many buildings as a sign of respect, so the easier the better
• Swimwear
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen. Lots of sunscreen
• A camera to remember the experience!

And of course the usual: passport, spending money, adventurous curiosity, positive attitude. Try to keep your bag under 20kg, as you carry your own luggage between destinations.

Backpacks are preferred and will be more convenient for you but suitcases work, too. You’ll never have to carry your luggage for too long at any one time. Try to find something that’s easily accessible and waterproof if possible. And please bring a smaller daypack for short trips throughout the tour.

Yes, please! Most of our accommodation offers laundry at very reasonable prices, so there is no need to pack for every single day of the trip.

Yes, the dress code is seen as a show of respect to the culture, temple and monks that often live in the temples. Men should wear long pants and no cut-off sleeves. Women should wear trousers, a long skirt, or dress that extends fully below the knees and covers their shoulders - the knees should be fully covered. Tank tops and low cut shirts should also be avoided by both genders.

Sri Lanka runs on 230 volts. Newer buildings mostly have UK-style three square-pin sockets (Type G), but many older hotels and guesthouses still have round-pin Type D and M sockets, so pack a universal adapter.

Power cuts are occasional, so a power bank is useful.

The tour finishes after breakfast on the last day, and your drop-off at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is included. Add your flight details in your account and we will time the transfer around your flight.

Flying later in the day? You are welcome to use the hotel's luggage storage and explore a little more first. Staying on in Sri Lanka or heading somewhere new? Just ask and we will suggest where to go next.

Not at all! The deposit confirms your place on the tour. We kindly ask that you provide the remaining balance no less than 60 days before your tour begins.

Yes! This is your own time to explore Sri Lanka as you please. If you want to stay back at the hotel to relax or want to explore a bit on your own, just let your tour guide know.

The trip starts and finishes in Colombo.