We've compiled useful information for pre- and post-booking the Sri Lanka tour! Find everything to know below.
Please book your flights into Bandaranaike International Airport in Negombo (CMB Colombo Bandaranayake) on day 1 and out of the same airport on day 15 of your tour. You also have the option to extend your stay with us.
Yes, you will need a pre-arranged visa to enter Sri Lanka. Most all passport holders - with at least 6 months validity remaining on their passport - will be granted a 30-day e-visa that is very simple to arrange online. You can find the government website for this process by clicking here. The cost of the visa upon arrival at either airport is $20 USD. Please allow at least three days for the evisa to process. If you have any questions about the process, we’re always here to help!
The 15-day Sri Lanka tour included all activities (30+), accommodation, in-country transport with airport transfer included and 18 tasty meals!
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.
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.
Yes, please! Most accommodation offers the chance to do your washing at very reasonable prices. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even go for the bucket wash - the price is right.
Of course! We encourage everyone to talk over our social networks. You can find a list of them at the bottom of this page. If you’ve joined a tour, we will send you an invite to a dedicated Facebook group made for your tour a few weeks before it starts. Your tour guide and a tour manager will also be in the group to answer any questions you may have. You can also join the General Discussion Board on Facebook!
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.
Your accommodation will be clean, comfortable and offer western toilets at all times. You will be sleeping in twin, triple and dormitory rooms, paired up randomly. We attempt to put people in same-sex rooms as much as possible and can accommodate that in each location upon request. Couples will be always paired together. Hot showers and AC is provided on most days.
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. If you just need to satisfy that craving for a pizza or burger, we get that! 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 styles of cuisine from around the country. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options will also be provided.
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!
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.
Once your tour has been confirmed, you can arrange your flights. We will inform you if you should go ahead and book your flights or wait until tour confirm when you book your spot. Please enter your flight information in the ‘Login’ area so we can arrange transfer from the Negombo Airport (Bandaranaike International Airport) to the hotel when you arrive.
Yes, please just give us at 28 days' notice in order to allow another traveller to take your spot.
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.
We recommend the following: - 1 pair of long trousers - 1 light but waterproof jacket (Nothing too thick!) - Simple padlock to lock up your belongings - 1 long sleeved top - 1 electrical converter (to avoid blowing out that hairdryer or beard trimmer) - Shoes that are suitable for hiking - Waterproof shoes if you have them - Shoes that are easily removed. (Upon entering temples and many buildings you will be expected to remove your shoes as a sign of respect. The easier, the better.) - Swimwear - A camera is highly suggested to remember your experience! - Insect repellent - Sunscreen. Lots of sunscreen And of course, the usual: passport, spending money, adventurous curiosity, positive attitude, etc!
We recommend arriving before 4pm on day 1 of your tour. Check in at the hotel on day 1 is at 2 pm with early check in available subject to hotel vacancy. You are free to use the hotel facilities - including the pool - and leave your bags in a secure place if you arrive early before checking in. On departure, we suggest leaving after 12pm in order to enjoy a final breakfast with everyone but if you can find a cheaper flight early in the day, that's no problem at all! Just let us know your flight details in the ‘Login’ area. If your flight arrives before the starting date, we can arrange extra accommodation which includes hotel transfer and breakfast. Please let us know if you want us to arrange this for you.
Your place will be confirmed when 6 or more people have signed up for your tour and at least four weeks (28 days) prior to the start of your tour. After booking, we will email you to confirm and we will refund you the full amount if the tour is cancelled. Typically, tours are confirmed six months before departure.
No problem at all - just make sure to arrive at the hotel for the starting date of the tour! We can arrange early night’s accommodation at the hotel and airport transfer or provide easy-to-use directions for getting from the airport in Negombo to our hotel where there are many other accommodation options if you prefer to shop around for pricing.
After you have booked your tour and received confirmation from us, you can begin searching for flights. When you have booked your flight, please login to your account and enter the flight details under Flight Details. Please note that airport transfer is included in the cost of the tour and is available from 4 am - midnight on day 1 of your tour in Negombo (Bandaranaike International Airport) and from 5 am - 10 pm on day 15 of your tour also in Negombo. If you would like to come a few days early or extend your stay to get the most of your 30 day visa, then you can book extra days accommodation through our Additional Trips page located on the My Account page. This price includes airport transfer, whereas if you decide to book separate accommodation then airport transfer is restricted to days 1 and 15 of your trip.
Yes, many travellers—both male and female—travel alone throughout Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia. Most group members on our trips will be solo travellers and we absolutely love it. Upon arrival, we will pick you up from the airport, you will meet your travel mates and the adventure begins.
Yes, all of the accommodation on our tour offers wi-fi as well as most cafes and restaurants. You also have the option to purchase a 4G sim card for about £7 ($10USD) upon arrival.
We have a minimum age requirement of 18 years old to join the tour. Group members aged 16-17 years old are welcome to join the tour but only with a family member that will act as their guardian whilst on tour. Aside from that, no age requirements at all! While our target age is 18-35, we have had many 35+ year old group members join us on tour. It is more about mindset than anything else so if you are looking for a backpacking experience, with backpacker style accommodation and expectations for transportation and evening activities (always optional), then we invite you to join us for an adventure.
Not at all! The deposit confirms your place on the tour. We kindly ask that you provide the remaining balance no less than 28 days before your tour begins.
Yes, please just give us at 28 days' notice in order to allow another traveller to take your spot.
Yes! After placing your deposit, you can pay off the tour in installments of your choosing and at your convenience. The final remaining balance is due at least 28 days before your tour is set to begin.
Yes, please arrange an appointment with your local physician and explain your travel plans. Most hospitals have travel clinics with helpful information and vaccinations on site. We suggest doing this well before your trip is to begin to ensure there are no unexpected waiting periods during this process! Please visit here for more information: CDC
Your deposit secures your place on the tour. This holds your spot on the tour up until 28 days before your tour is set to begin when the remaining balance is due in full. If payment is not received by this point, your spot on the tour will be cancelled and the spot will be offered to another potential group member. The remaining balance is displayed in your account. Several reminders will go out before this date to remind you of when your payment is due!
We provide transfer to the airport in Negombo on day 15 of the tour. We will arrange this once we receive your flight itinerary. At the hotel, you have free use of the storage room if you want to spend some more time exploring the city before you depart. Or we can give you can head off for another adventure in a new country.
