Sri Lanka Only ground transport Tours & Trip Packages

Sri Lanka Only ground transport Tours & Trips

179 Sri Lanka trips. Tours from 73 tour companies. 706 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating.

96 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Only ground transport
Premium Sri Lanka
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy

Visits

Colombo, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Polonnaruwa

Highlights

  • Learn about the country’s past during your Feature Stay at the gorgeous Grand Hotel in Nuwara Eliya – established in 1891, this colonial-era hotel has a modern outlook on sustainable practices.
  • Discover the beauty and mastery of Sri Lanka’s craft traditions and try them for yourself – from brass making and pottery to woodwork and ancient palm leaf writing.
  • Get an exclusive and immersive look at rural life in Ambagasthenna, where you’ll walk through tea plantations and paddy fields and learn about sustainable farming with a local guide.
  • Spot elephants, monkeys and tropical birds on a safari through the wild grasslands of Minneriya National Park.
  • Uncover ancient treasures in Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle as you explore the temples, ruins and stupas of Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa and Kandy with the expert guidance of your local leader.
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Themes

High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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Health Safety +

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Sri Lanka & Maldives Adventure
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Ella, Kandy, Negombo, Udawalawe

Highlights

  • Search for wildlife on a safari
  • Spend the night at a local tea plantation and estate
  • Cruise through some of the world's most beautiful islands
  • Uncover isolated beaches
  • Swim and snorkel the vibrant coral reefs of the indian ocean
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Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

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Sri Lanka with Maldives Cruise: Spice Gardens & Seasides
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Ella, Hikkaduwa, Kandy, Negombo, Nuwara Eliya, Sigiriya

Highlights

  • Uncover isolated beaches
  • Swim and snorkel the vibrant coral reefs of the indian ocean
  • Trek through luscious green hills
  • Inhale local flavours at a spice garden
  • Savour local cuisine

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

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India to Sri Lanka: The Pink City & Spice Gardens
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Agra, Alleppey, Amber Fort, Delhi, Ella, Goa, Hikkaduwa, Jaipur, Kandy, Kochi, Mumbai, Negombo, Nuwara Eliya, Sigiriya, Taj Mahal, Udaipur

Highlights

  • Tour the famous taj mahal
  • Explore the pink city and amber fort
  • Get a taste of village life with a traditional lunch
  • Climb to the spiritual temple of savitiri
  • Explore bustling mumbai
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What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

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Sri Lanka Express
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Ella, Kandy, Negombo, Udawalawe

Highlights

  • Explore stunning beaches
  • Search for wildlife on a safari
  • Gain insight into the national heritage at a tea plantation
  • Indulge in the world-class flavours of sri lanka
  • Stay overnight at a local tea estate
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Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

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Highlights of Sri Lanka 7D/6N
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By Bamba
preferred
4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Colombo, Dambulla, Kandy, Negombo

Highlights

  • Enjoy Kaudulla national park Visit the 5th century Sigiriya Fortress and its frescoes Marvel at Kandy Temple of tooth

What travelers are saying

"We had an amazing experience in South Korea thanks to Bamba. The itinerary was well-planned, the transportation was comfortable, and the tours were unforgettable. We would definitely book with them again!"

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Generous cancellation

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India & Sri Lanka Uncovered
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By TruTravels
preferred
4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Delhi, Ella, Jaipur, Kandy, Negombo, Sigiriya, Taj Mahal, Udaipur, Udawalawe

What travelers are saying

"My experience with TruTravels has been one of the best travel experiences to date. I was a little concerned about having a small group - but the tour leaders have made every activity fun and engaging. I would definitely say they are friends. The organisation and local knowledge was great, they were great fun whilst remaining professional and in control. The nights out in Canggu were great, getting to meet the other tour leaders and Tru staff meeting the other tour groups is a great idea. I really cannot stress enough how much of a great trip I've had with TruTravels. From booking, to pre-tour communications, through to the last 10 days - it has been well organised, managed and delivered by amazing guides. Thanks so much to Rianna, Marta and Jonny for their enthusiasm throughout the tour, their concern for when I was sick and generally for everything they did to make this an amazing Bali Experience. Much love for the tour guides!!!I would definitely recommend a trip with TruTravels!!"

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Generous cancellation

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Sri Lanka
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5/5 Excellent
16 reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Why we love them
Their accessibility specialists have traveled with their own disabilities so they have a deep understanding of how to accommodate different needs.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Negombo

Highlights

  • Visit Colombo
  • Explore the great treasures of the island.
  • Eplore the great archeological site of Polonnaruwa
  • Visit Matale, spices gardens with pepper, cardamom, chilly etc.
  • Visit Yala National Park

Themes

Accessible & Limited Mobility, Culinary & Wine, Cultural, Family Friendly

What travelers are saying

"I recently booked a trip to Mexico with Tarita for my family. I use a wheelchair and have two small children, and Tarita was a wealth of knowledge about which resorts would be both accessible AND kid friendly, which was awesome. Access was at the top of her list and she handled all the details. Really happy that I found her!"

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96 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Only ground transport

Sri Lanka Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
706  Reviews
See all Sri Lanka tour reviews
Excellent
253
Great
79
Average
6
Disappointing
2
Terrible
0
A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Great trip!

A thoroughly enjoyable and well planned trip. Our guide Sujan was great. Hotels of good standard. Good bunch of people. Seeing the devotion of old people climbin...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

A Great Experience

A fantastic experience. The weather wasn't always with us, but we enjoyed ourselves anyway. The treks were varied and very interesting. The whale watching trip is ...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Highlands of Sri Lanka

A wonderful experience in a beautiful country. The welcoming smiles of the Sri Lankan people. Sujee was excellent - caring, helpful and knowledgeable with a passio...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Excellent

This was one of the best trips I have ever done. The country was beautiful and very varied with excellent walking. The superb local and historical knowledge of our...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Highlands of Sri Lanka

A thoroughly enjoyable group tour of the southern half of Sri Lanka. Highlights included an overnight ascent of Adam's Peak and whale watching off the south coast....

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Sri Lanka Tour Selection Trips

  • Sri Lanka is so rich in attractions that you’ll need to allow at least a week to tour the major sites. 
  • If you have a specialized interest in archaeology, history, birding, or the production of tea, gems, or spices, you can find tours that emphasize or include those activities and more. 
  • Sri Lanka offers a surprising number of adventure travel tour opportunities, such as whitewater rafting, mountain biking, hiking, Scuba diving, and wildlife safaris.
  • Some tours combine Sri Lanka with extensions to Kerala in southern India, which is just a 45-minute flight from Colombo. 
  • While you’ll need to pack light tropical-weight clothing for most of your stay, the air in the highlands is much cooler, so bring a jacket or sweater as well.

Additional details

Where is Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka is an island country in southern Asia. Sri Lanka sits in the Indian ocean, off the south-eastern coast of India.

What is the Weather like in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has pretty ideal weather year round, if you’re looking for a warm getaway. The key to this is knowing what side of the island to visit at what time of the year.

The summer months (from about May to September) are a great time to visit the eastern and northern regions of the country if you want dry and sunny weather. This is when the west and south gets hit with rain.

The opposite is true for the winter. October through February brings sunny and dry weather to the west and south, and the eastern and northern part of the country gets hit with monsoon season. Though October-mid November brings questionable weather across Sri Lanka, with the possibility of rain and thunderstorms.

You can expect anywhere from upper 60s to low 80s depending on the time of the year and where you are visiting in Sri Lanka. Colombo sits on the western coast and averages upper 80s (Fahrenheit, about 30 degrees C) year round. Colombo is often a hot, wet, and humid city, with abundant rainfall  in the spring and fall. Kandy is pretty central on the island, averaging temperatures in the mid-upper 70s year round.

Who will enjoy traveling in Sri Lanka?

Anyone who loves beautiful nature, warm weather, wildlife, and awesome food will enjoy a trip to Sri Lanka. Dive with blue whales, watch dolphins leap through the water or visit one of the many national parks to get some incredible animal experiences.

One of the highlights of Sri Lanka is the wildlife. Sri Lanka has the biggest concentration of leopards in the world, there are opportunities to see wild elephants migrate, and other wildlife opportunities when visiting Sri Lanka.

Many people love to visit Sri Lanka for the religious and cultural experience. The country is filled with temples and history, and the annual festivals are a great way to experience Sri Lankan culture. Sri Lankans are friendly and genuine, and love to engage with conversation.

Scenic opportunities are everywhere in Sri Lanka. Enjoy the beautiful beaches on the coast of Sri Lanka, or take a train throughout the country. Sri Lanka is home to one of the most scenic train rides in the world, between Ella and Kandy. Spend seven hours on the train riding through the luscious green landscapes, through tea plantations, waterfalls, local villages and gorgeous mountain views.

Train rides are so popular among both tourists and locals, it’s almost an attraction itself! Because of the small size of the country, it’s easy to travel between landscapes of beaches to mountains to rainforest within a few hours. Sri Lanka is fairly affordable as well. There are few places that match the scenery and experiences that Sri Lanka offers, and there will always be something for everyone in the group.

Packing list for Sri Lanka

Beyond the essentials (passports, money, adaptors, etc.), many people are curious what to pack on a trip to Sri Lanka. Especially if you’re traveling around the whole island, there’s an opportunity to run into rain.

A lightweight rain jacket should be packed to keep you dry. Sunscreen and mosquito repellent are two more must pack items. If you forget, these items are purchasable once you touch down in Sri Lanka, but it’s good to be prepared and not have to spend time searching.

Sunscreen is important to protect the skin from the sun, and other forms of sun protection, such as sunglasses and a sun hat, are good items to pack as well.

In Sri Lanka, many places such as shops, cafes, and temples, require for shoes to be off, so slip-on sandals are recommended for easy removal. Sarongs are also recommended, as they are extremely versatile! Whether you need a towel, a scarf, a skirt, or a cover up, a sarong can do the trick.

Is Sri Lanka safe?

As of September 2019, yes, Sri Lanka is safe for travelers. A 30-year long civil war ended in 2009, which before, kept tourists away. Since the end of the war, tourism has be inclining and rebuilding, increasing the number of visitors each year. Investments have been made to accommodate the growing number of tourists every year.

There has been some terrorist attacks in recent years, which is why the U.S. government has marked Sri Lanka as a travel 2 advisory, meaning exercise with increased caution. As long as travelers use common sense and stay alert, most of the travel within Sri Lanka is safe for tourists.

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