In recent years, the number of tourists visiting Sri Lanka has significantly increased, attracting travelers from all over the world not only for its beautiful clean beaches but also for its cultural program. Thanks to its deep and diverse history, Sri Lanka has accumulated many unique cultural attractions.

In this article, you will learn how to most effectively and interestingly explore the main attractions of Sri Lanka, who organizes excursions on the island, what the prices for these services are, which routes are most popular among tourists, and how to choose reliable tour organizers.

Excursion Organizers in Sri Lanka

There are several official state organizations on the island offering excursions, each of which has state certification, a team of Russian-speaking guides, and professional drivers. Prices for excursion services are almost the same, differing only in their approach to details. Tourists' reviews of the excursions can be viewed at this link.

Local residents also offer their services on the beaches and in tourist shops. Although their prices may be lower, the quality of their services can be unpredictable.

What types of excursions are there and how many people are in a group?

All excursions can be divided into group and individual. Group excursions with a maximum of 14 participants are organized three times a week – on Tuesday, Saturday, and another day, which is scheduled depending on demand. Tourists are picked up from their accommodation in a comfortable bus at a pre-arranged time and brought back after the excursion. The guides are fluent in Russian and have extensive knowledge of the island's history.

Best Excursions in Sri Lanka 2024:

We offer a variety of routes, but the most popular excursions among tourists in 2024 are:

🛻 Safari in Yala National Park

This park attracts tourists with its biodiversity. You will spend 3-4 hours exploring the jungle in large jeeps, observing animals such as leopards, elephants, buffaloes, bears, crocodiles, various types of monkeys, birds, lizards, and other interesting creatures.

Detailed information about the Safari in Yala National Park excursion can be found in a separate article available here.

Two-day Excursion ♥️ Heart of Sri Lanka

This is a well-balanced route. On the first day you will visit Ella, Ravana Falls, feed the monkeys, climb Little Adam's Peak, take a train ride over the famous bridge, and explore the town of Nuwara Eliya. You will also visit the Old English Post Office, a tea factory, and learn how the famous Ceylon tea is made. After the first day's program, you will have dinner and spend the night at the Ramboda Falls Hotel with a view of the waterfall.

On the second day, after breakfast, you will climb the spiral tower of Ambuluwawa, visit a Hindu temple, ride elephants, learn about the history of the Golden Temple of Dambulla, explore the Spice Garden, and finish with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site - Sigiriya Rock. To reach the top of the rock, you will need to climb 1200 steps or about 40 minutes of ascent. If this climb is not convenient for you, you can admire Sigiriya from the side by climbing Pidurangala Rock.

To learn more about the exciting "Heart of Sri Lanka" excursion, read our detailed article Two-day Excursion "Heart of 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka" | BIG Travel Chat Blog.

One-day Excursion ⛰ Ella and 🐘 Udawalawe Elephant Park

During this tour, you will visit the famous highland town of Ella, Little Adam's Peak, Ravana Falls, take a train ride over the Nine Arches Bridge, collect tea leaves on a vast tea plantation, visit a tea shop, and see elephants in Udawalawe Park. This comfortable and eventful tour lasts a little over 8 hours.

If you are interested in immersing yourself in the atmosphere of the "Ella and Udawalawe Elephant Park" excursion, our article will tell you all the details. You can find the details by following this link.

🐋 Whale Watching

Under the guidance of an experienced captain, you will set off from Mirissa port in search of giant blue whales. The best time for whale watching in Mirissa is from November to April. During this period, thousands of whales migrate from the Arabian Sea to the warm tropical waters of southern Sri Lanka, joining the local whales that inhabit these waters. The sailing lasts up to 4 hours, and tourists are offered seasickness tablets if desired to make the trip comfortable for novice sailors.

Detailed information about the "Whale Watching in Sri Lanka" excursion can be found in our article "Whale Watching in Sri Lanka" Excursion.

🗿Galle Fort + 🛶 River Safari

This excursion is an exciting journey that begins with a visit to the ancient Dutch Galle Fort, a symbol of Sri Lanka's colonial era, and continues with a tour of the Galle Lighthouse, standing guard on the island's shores. Participants will also explore the Moonstone Mine, where they will discover the unique processes of mining and processing this stone, and visit Cinnamon Island to learn about the traditional methods of growing one of the world's most famous spices. The route ends with a river safari through the mangrove forests, where participants will encounter unique flora and fauna, making this excursion an unforgettable immersion into the history, culture, and natural wonders of Sri Lanka.

Learn more about the exciting "Galle Fort and River Safari" excursion or book your adventure on the page at this link.

🏜Sigiriya in One Day

The excursion starts with climbing Sigiriya or Pidurangala Rock, each offering magnificent landscapes. Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is known for its ancient frescoes and archaeological finds, where the climb takes up to 60 minutes over 1200 steps. Alternatively, Pidurangala offers a more adventurous climb with unique views of Sigiriya. The excursion includes a visit to the Golden Temple of Dambulla, a Hindu temple, the Royal Botanical Garden, the Nelligala Buddhist Temple, and a tour of the tea production process at a tea factory and plantation. This is an immersion into the rich history, culture, and natural wonders of Sri Lanka.

Discover all the details of the unique one-day excursion to Sigiriya by visiting our page here.

🏯 One-day Excursion "Kandy Tour"

The one-day "Kandy Tour" starts with a visit to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, where you will have the opportunity to observe these majestic animals, feed them, and even take a ride on an elephant. Next, we visit the Ambuluwawa Tower - an architectural masterpiece with a rich history. We continue our journey to the Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya, where you can see unique orchid species and the Memorial Trees Alley. A special place in the route is the Temple of the Tooth Relic - a sacred place for all Buddhists. The tour concludes with a visit to a tea factory and plantation, where you will learn all about the process of making the famous Ceylon tea.

For more detailed information about "Kandy City" and the excursion route, please visit our page at this link.

🎣 Fishing in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a paradise for fishing enthusiasts, where everyone can find something special for themselves, thanks to the rich variety of fishing spots and fish species. The open waters of the Indian Ocean and numerous freshwater bodies on the island offer unique opportunities for fishing lovers.

One of the most remarkable places for fishing in Sri Lanka is deep-sea fishing in Mirissa. This adventure begins with a boat trip into the open ocean, where anglers can catch giants such as mighty trevally, yellowfin tuna, huge groupers, sailfish, large sea bass, and barracudas, as well as many coral fish and unique dorado.

Deep-sea fishing excursions usually start early in the morning and last 3-4 hours, during which professional fishing guides ensure not only safety and comfort but also assist in choosing gear and determining the best fishing spots, using their many years of experience.

Read the article Fishing in Sri Lanka: Where to Catch the Best Catch to learn more about deep-sea and ocean fishing in the Indian Ocean.

🐘 Breakfast with Elephants

Imagine enjoying a morning meal on the balcony of a restaurant while witnessing a breathtaking sight: a gathering of magnificent elephants taking part in their daily bathing ritual. In this charming scene, you will not only see these gentle giants in their element but also witness the touching interaction between mothers and their playful calves. This unforgettable encounter is a testament to the enchanting beauty of Sri Lanka, where nature and culture come together to create lasting memories.

Detailed information about the unique "Breakfast with Elephants" excursion can be found in our article. To learn more, follow this link.

🚤 Yacht Excursion

Explore the magnificence of Sri Lanka from the deck of a luxurious yacht by choosing one of the available time slots: morning from 08:00 to 14:00 or evening from 15:00 to 21:00. The catamaran excursion includes comfortable transfer, snorkeling gear, breakfast and lunch** or dinner and fishing. For those who prefer exclusivity, the option to rent the entire yacht is available. The journey covers secluded bays, fishing villages, and allows you to fully enjoy the underwater world.

Discover the magic of a yachting trip around Sri Lanka by exploring all the details on the page “Yacht Rental in Sri Lanka”.

👑 Golden Ring of Sri Lanka

The "Golden Ring of Sri Lanka" excursion offers the perfect balance between organized activities and personal time, allowing for a deep dive into the island's nature and culture.

The first day begins with a visit to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, home to rescued elephants. This is followed by a climb to Sigiriya or Pidurangala, offering majestic views and rich history. After an active morning, the excursion continues through the village of Sigiriya, where you will get acquainted with the local way of life and embark on a safari on a river catamaran. The evening will feature a demonstration of Sri Lankan cuisine and dinner.

The second day includes a visit to the Royal Botanical Garden in Kandy, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, the Ambuluwawa Tower, a gem factory, and a tea factory, where you will learn about the production of Ceylon tea. The day ends with dinner at the Ramboda Falls Hotel with a view of the waterfall.

The third day unveils the picturesque mountainous area of Ella. We will visit the local post office, take a train ride, walk over the Nine Arches Bridge, and explore Little Adam's Peak, visit Ravana Falls and feed the monkeys before returning to the hotel.

For those who wish to delve into the details of an exceptional journey around the "Golden Ring of Sri Lanka", we invite you to explore the full information and booking options on our page.

List of all one-day excursions in Sri Lanka:

• 🏜 Sigiriya in One Day — $90
• 🗿 Galle Fort + River Safari — $65
• ⛰ Ella and Udawalawe Elephant Park — $70
• 🍓 Resort Club Ella and Scenic Ravana Pool Club — $70
• 🛻 Safari in Yala National Park — $90
• 🐋 Whale Watching — $90
• 🏯 Kandy Tour - $120
• 🚤 Yacht Excursion - $200
• 🤿 Diving - from $80

List of all two-day excursions in Sri Lanka:

• ♥️ Heart of Sri Lanka – from $140
• 🌟 Wonders of Sri Lanka – $140
• 🎯 Central Sri Lanka — $160
• ☕️ Breakfast with Elephants – $150
• 🌺 Sigiriya + Kandy – from $170
• 🎈 Hot Air Balloon Excursion – $440

Three-day excursion:

• 👑 Golden Ring of Sri Lanka – $280

All prices include transfers, guides (if provided), tickets, hotels, breakfasts, dinners, etc. Children from 6 to 12 years old pay half price, and children under 6 years old are free.

Preparation before an excursion in Sri Lanka

Each excursion is an unforgettable adventure that needs to be prepared for in advance.

• If you are heading to the central part of the island, be sure to bring a windbreaker or sweatshirt, as it can be cool in the highlands in the evenings.
• Wear closed-toe shoes, as leeches may attach to you while walking on the Nine Arches Bridge. If your hotel offers breakfast, ask them to prepare it in a container that you can take with you.
• On many such excursions, "Madu-Tour" offers the services of a personal photographer for just $20, who will follow you throughout the route, capturing you at various landmarks.

Real Reviews of Excursions

To read real reviews of tourists about excursions, you can visit this link. Here are personal impressions and ratings from travelers that will help you get a more complete picture of the excursions you are interested in.

Conclusion

The natural beauty and cultural richness of Sri Lanka will leave you with unforgettable impressions, but visiting excursions is an important and responsible process that requires a lot of energy and some financial costs. Therefore, it is very important to choose the right tour organizers, try to choose licensed companies with a good reputation and experience, read reviews on websites and in relevant Telegram channels.

Frequently Asked Questions about Excursions in Sri Lanka

1. Should excursions be booked in advance?

Answer: Yes, booking excursions in advance ensures your place in the group and allows you to avoid disappointment if the excursion is fully booked. Additionally, it gives you the opportunity to better plan your time in Sri Lanka.

2. Can you find excursions in Russian in Sri Lanka?

Answer: Yes, many guides and travel agencies in Sri Lanka offer excursions with Russian-speaking guides. This is especially convenient for tourists who do not have sufficient proficiency in English.

3. What safety measures should be followed when going on excursions?

Answer: During excursions, it is important to follow the guide's instructions, especially when visiting national parks or jungle excursions. Wear closed-toe shoes, protect yourself from the sun and insects, and always carry enough drinking water.

4. Which excursions in Sri Lanka are the most popular among tourists?

Answer: The most popular excursions in Sri Lanka include visiting Yala National Park, an excursion to the city of Kandy, Sigiriya (Lion Rock), a safari to watch whales in Mirissa, and visiting tea plantations. These places attract a large number of tourists due to their unique beauty and cultural value.