Sri Lanka Small Group Tours & Trip Packages

Sri Lanka Small Group Tours & Trips

179 Sri Lanka trips. Tours from 73 tour companies. 704 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating.

75 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Small Group Tour
14 Day Treasures of Sri Lanka
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3.7/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Colombo, Ella, Kandy, Negombo, Nuwara Eliya, Sigiriya, Weligama, Yala National Park

Highlights

  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Polonnaruwa, where kings ruled Sri Lanka over 800 years ago Tour the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress dating back over 1500 years, rising from the central plains Glimpse into village life in Hiriwadunna where you are welcomed with a hosted lunch Visit a national park in the Cultural Triangle, one of the best places in Sri Lanka to view wild elephants At the inspirational cave temples of Dambulla, view golden Buddha statues and murals Tour the gold-roofed Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred sites In Kandy, dinner at the home of a local family with specially prepared Sri Lankan dishes Travel to the town of Nuwara Eliya in the center of Sri Lanka’s magnificent tea country Learn about the growing, harvesting and processing of “Ceylon” tea at a tea estate factory A Jeep Safari at Yala National Park highlights Sri Lanka’s astonishing wildlife and stunning landscapes Tour the colonial town of Galle, with its historic fort built in the 1500s by the Portuguese Visit a turtle hatchery, to learn about the rescue and protection of turtle eggs †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We have loved Gate 1 and always sing their praises. We've been on 7 tours with another one booked for fall. We were supposed to leave for Ecuador this week, however the country is in a 60 day state of emergency with the escape of 2 infamous gang members. Tourists are advised to stay indoors and there is a daily curfew from 11pm-5am. (our flight was to land at 11:15pm). Our trip included stays in 2 of the main cities of unrest. There have been shootings, car bombings, hostage taking, closing of embassies, and other countries issuing do not travel warnings. Other tour companies have cancelled tours or offered refunds or rescheduling. Travel insurance does not cover wars or civil unrest, but we are clearly afraid to go there. Both we and our travel agent have reached out multiple times with our concerns and asked if we could reschedule or get some sort of credit. We continue to get the same reply either in person or via email...Gate 1 has your safety as our highest priority and we feel you are safe ("they are not targeting tourists") and your itinerary should not be impacted. What? Their highest priority is $ and not our safety. There is no way that's the tour we anticipated. We cancelled the trip and took a 90% penalty, loss of deposit, and $276 airline penalty. It's a LOT of money, but we would have been terrified, and it's not worth getting hurt or worse. Sorry, but it's not the company I want to do business with in the future."

Trip dates & details
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14 Day Treasures of Sri Lanka
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
3.7/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Colombo, Ella, Kandy, Negombo, Nuwara Eliya, Sigiriya, Weligama, Yala National Park

Highlights

  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Polonnaruwa, where kings ruled Sri Lanka over 800 years ago Tour the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress dating back over 1500 years, rising from the central plains Glimpse into village life in Hiriwadunna where you are welcomed with a hosted lunch Visit a national park in the Cultural Triangle, one of the best places in Sri Lanka to view wild elephants At the inspirational cave temples of Dambulla, view golden Buddha statues and murals Tour the gold-roofed Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred sites In Kandy, dinner at the home of a local family with specially prepared Sri Lankan dishes Travel to the town of Nuwara Eliya in the center of Sri Lanka’s magnificent tea country Learn about the growing, harvesting and processing of “Ceylon” tea at a tea estate factory A Jeep Safari at Yala National Park highlights Sri Lanka’s astonishing wildlife and stunning landscapes Tour the colonial town of Galle, with its historic fort built in the 1500s by the Portuguese Visit a turtle hatchery, to learn about the rescue and protection of turtle eggs †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We have loved Gate 1 and always sing their praises. We've been on 7 tours with another one booked for fall. We were supposed to leave for Ecuador this week, however the country is in a 60 day state of emergency with the escape of 2 infamous gang members. Tourists are advised to stay indoors and there is a daily curfew from 11pm-5am. (our flight was to land at 11:15pm). Our trip included stays in 2 of the main cities of unrest. There have been shootings, car bombings, hostage taking, closing of embassies, and other countries issuing do not travel warnings. Other tour companies have cancelled tours or offered refunds or rescheduling. Travel insurance does not cover wars or civil unrest, but we are clearly afraid to go there. Both we and our travel agent have reached out multiple times with our concerns and asked if we could reschedule or get some sort of credit. We continue to get the same reply either in person or via email...Gate 1 has your safety as our highest priority and we feel you are safe ("they are not targeting tourists") and your itinerary should not be impacted. What? Their highest priority is $ and not our safety. There is no way that's the tour we anticipated. We cancelled the trip and took a 90% penalty, loss of deposit, and $276 airline penalty. It's a LOT of money, but we would have been terrified, and it's not worth getting hurt or worse. Sorry, but it's not the company I want to do business with in the future."

Trip dates & details
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Sri Lanka Untouched Wildlife
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5/5 Excellent
20 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Wheelchair Accessible
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Dambulla, Hikkaduwa, Kandy, Minneriya National Park, Mirissa, Negombo, Nuwara Eliya, Sigiriya, Yala National Park

Highlights

  • Go whale and Dolphin Watching off the Coast of Mirissa
  • Take a Scenic Train Ride from Nuwara Eliya to Ella
  • Track leopard in the Yala National Park
  • Witness the Sixth Greatest Wildlife Spectacle in the World

Themes

Birding, Climbing & Mountaineering, Cultural, Cycling & Biking, Education / Learning, Family Friendly, High Adventure, Hiking & Walking, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Relaxing Retreats, Safari, Trekking & Expeditions, Yoga, Meditation & Wellness, Photography, Festivals & Special Events

What travelers are saying

"We were really happy with all the arrangements that were made. Skyhaven Tours were planned out beautifully, and Lahiru, our tour planner, did a fantastic job with this itinerary. This was a relatively last-minute trip, and it all came together nicely. I would highly recommend this tour company."

Trip dates & details
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Sri Lanka Cultural Round Island
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5/5 Excellent
20 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Dambulla, Ella, Kandy, Mirissa, Negombo, Nuwara Eliya, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Yala National Park

Highlights

  • Explore the last royal kingdom of Kandy
  • Climb Sigiriya’s Lion Rock
  • Marvel at magnificent temples
  • Explore the ruined cities of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura

Themes

Birding, Cultural, Hiking & Walking, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"We were really happy with all the arrangements that were made. Skyhaven Tours were planned out beautifully, and Lahiru, our tour planner, did a fantastic job with this itinerary. This was a relatively last-minute trip, and it all came together nicely. I would highly recommend this tour company."

Trip dates & details
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Sri Lanka Adventure Escape
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5/5 Excellent
20 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Dambulla, Ella, Hikkaduwa, Kandy, Mirissa, Negombo, Nuwara Eliya, Sigiriya, Yala National Park

Highlights

  • See the World Heritage Rock Fortress at Sigiriya
  • Climb Adam's Peak
  • Discover the fascinating Caves Temple at Dambulla
  • Experience the one of the most scenic train journeys in the world

Themes

Birding, Climbing & Mountaineering, Cultural, Education / Learning, Hiking & Walking, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Relaxing Retreats, Safari, Trekking & Expeditions, Yoga, Meditation & Wellness, Photography, Scuba Diving, Festivals & Special Events

What travelers are saying

"We were really happy with all the arrangements that were made. Skyhaven Tours were planned out beautifully, and Lahiru, our tour planner, did a fantastic job with this itinerary. This was a relatively last-minute trip, and it all came together nicely. I would highly recommend this tour company."

Trip dates & details
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Sri Lanka Spice Trails
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4.9/5 Excellent
35 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Themes

Cultural, Cycling & Biking

What travelers are saying

"Very good company"

Trip dates & details
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Sri Lanka Tip to Tip by Road Bike
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.9/5 Excellent
35 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Themes

Cultural, Cycling & Biking

What travelers are saying

"Very good company"

Trip dates & details
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Sri Lanka Heritage by Bicycle
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4.9/5 Excellent
35 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Themes

Cultural, Cycling & Biking

What travelers are saying

"Very good company"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
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Small Group Tour
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Sri Lanka Reviews & Ratings

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

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Discovery Sri Lanka 25/02/2017

Were can I begin as this was the most amazing holiday I have ever had . From the beginning to the end there was so many great things I did, everyday was so differe...

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....

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

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

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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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