Best Sri Lanka tours for 2019

G Adventures

Experts in small group tours with a local and ecotourism focus, G Adventures provides you with local guides and insider access into the true nature of Sri Lankan life and culture.

• Best for: Active travellers
• Cost: Low to mid-range
• Our favourite itinerary: The Sailing Sri Lanka North Coast tour lets you explore the nation's hidden gems by water, calling in at remote islands and their deserted beaches, traditional villages and inviting waters.

Intrepid

From in-depth cultural experiences to adventurous and active tours, Intrepid is an expert in keeping costs low and experiences high.

• Best for: Backpackers, budget savvy
• Cost: Mid-range
• Our favourite itinerary: Circle Sri Lanka is a 15 day taster of the country, ideal for first-timers seeking to see and do it all. It starts in Negombo and winds through Dambulla, Kandy, Mirissa and Galle before ending in Colombo.

Wendy Wu

With over 23 years of touring under its belt, the terms Wendy Wu and luxury Asian travel are practically synonymous.

• Best for: Luxury travellers, seniors
• Cost: High-range
• Our favourite itinerary: Pearl of the Indian Ocean delves into unique local experiences, from witnessing stilt fisherman catch their dinner to sipping on freshly plucked ceylon tea and saying hello to the rehabilitated elephants in Udawalawe National park, you'll discover the true heart of Sri Lanka and its people.

BH Sri Lanka Tours

With professional tour guides, exceptional attention to personalisation and a wide range of tours throughout the nation, BH Sri Lanka Tours can provide you with that unique and memorable experience of Sri Lanka.

• Best for: In-depth cultural experiences
• Cost: Mid to high-range
• Our favourite itinerary: The Unique Sri Lankan Splendour takes you through the nation's lush landscape of UNESCO World Heritage formations, tea plantations, gushing waterfalls and surf and sunbathing spots.

Aitken Spence Travel

Adventure and cultural exploration is coupled with the perfect price point to bring you a well curated series of tours that won't break the budget.

• Best for: Families
• Cost: Low-range
• Our favourite itinerary: For the time-poor, Aitken Spence Travel's Sri Lanka In a Nutshell tour whips you through the highlights of the capital, Colombo and the neighbouring city of Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia, which is rife with beautiful beaches and temples.

Ecotourism and volunteerism

• G Adventures: Advocate responsible tourism with a tour company that gives back by supporting local communities and businesses.
• Bamba Experience: Heighten your experience and knowledge of Sri Lanka with volunteer programs and projects that nurture your soul.
• Wendy Wu Tours: The luxury tour company calls into Udawalawe National Park and its elephant orphanage on various tours in support of the local wildlife and its rehabilitation work.

Budget

• Aitken Spence Travel: Stay on budget with tours that can cost as little as $58 per day.
• Geckos Adventures: Explore the best of Sri Lanka with a youthful tour company that is as cost and budget savvy as you. Tours start from $380 for a 5 day tour.
• Gate 1 Travel: Combine your tour with flights for a budget-friendly holiday without any nasty out-of-pocket surprises. Land-based tours start from $999 while air and land packages start from $1,919 for 8 day tours.

Rail tours

• J F Tours: With a train network that extends across the country, J F Tours features rail packages to suit all budgets and itineraries.
• Intrepid Travel: Circle Sri Lanka by land, soaking up the sights with a mix of coach, train, biking and hiking options for the ultimate adventure.

Sailing tours

• G Adventures: Sail the waters of the north, east and south coast and gain a different perspective of this captivating nation.
• BH Sri Lanka Tours: Spend your days on the coast, soaking up the sun and indulging in the best marine experiences Sri Lanka has to offer.