Sri Lanka tickets and tours

Negombo - Dambulla Cave Temple and Pidurangala Rock Tour

Two of Sri Lanka's historic hotspots feature on this full day tour from the east. Dating back to the 1st century, Dambulla Cave Temple stands as one of the most impressive sites on the island. Spend the morning exploring the complex, as well as hiking to Pidurangala Rock for great views over Sigiriya and the surrounding countryside.You'll head to Dambulla Cave Temple – or The Golden Temple of Dambulla – first. This cave complex has been a pilgrimage site in Buddhism for 22 centuries, and its spiritual importance helped it to gain UNESCO World Heritage Site status. The well-preserved rock painting and statues here are without doubt the finest in the country.Next up is Pidurangala Rock. Grab your walking boots for a moderate trek, showcasing the rich biodiversity Sri Lanka has to offer. And when you reach the summit, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the landscape, including a unique perspective of Sigiriya Rock.

Trincomalee - Sigiriya, Dambulla and Minneriya Park Safari Tour from the East Coast

Visiting two contrasting UNESCO World Heritage Sites in one day calls for a great day out in Sri Lanka. Combine that with a chance to see the country's fauna, and you're on to an even bigger win. You'll see both Sigiriya's Lion Rock and Dambulla Cave Temple on this full day tour from the east, ending the day with a wildlife safari at Minneriya National Park. You'll start the day in Sigiriya's Lion Rock. It juts out into the sky, and its frescoes and landscaped gardens make for an awe-inspiring sight. Climb the steps of this fortress and you'll be met with panoramic views across Sri Lanka's jungles, hills and lakes. Then, it's onto Dambulla Cave Temple. The well-preserved rock painting and statues here are without doubt the finest in the country.After lunch in a tropical village, the tour ends on a high with a wildlife safari at Minneriya National Park. With your cameras at the ready, you'll have the chance to spot elephants, leopards and much more. The park is also renowned for its birds, with over 170 species recorded here.

Galle - Kandy, Sigiriya and Dambulla Two-Day Tour

Three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 48 hours. As calling cards go, few can beat this history-drenched two-day tour of Kandy, Sigiriya and Dambulla in central Sri Lanka. You'll visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, the Rock Temple and the ‘Lion Rock'. Half-board overnight accommodation and lunches included.

Negombo - Colombo City Tour

Like four cities in one, Colombo is a grand mix of colonial architecture, verdant cricket greens and gleaming skyscrapers. Discovering all its contrasts, you'll visit the bustling shopping district of Pettah and the British monuments of the Fort area as well as Galle Face and the Cinnamon Gardens – all the must-sees of Sri Lanka's capital.Boasting countless monuments, museums and architectural wonders, this Colombo city tour is jam-packed. Throughout the day, you'll see sights like the Buddhist Gangaramaya Temple, Wolvendaal Church and the impressive Independence Square. You'll call by plenty more interesting places too.Drop in at the Fort area and tour elegant boulevards and buildings that hark back to the days of British rule. Then, at Galle Face, you'll see kids play cricket on the beach and view the mansions of Cinnamon Gardens. The vibrant Pettah district is famed for its bazaar and Dutch colonial architecture – pick up some souvenirs before rounding off with views across the Indian Ocean at the Galle Face Green and hotel.

Trincomalee - Kandy Day Tour from the East Coast

It's almost non-stop action on this immersive tour of Sri Lanka's cultural hub. Not only is Kandy home to the magnificent Temple of the Tooth Relic, but it's also a city of tree-lined streets crammed with hawkers, tuk-tuks and vintage buses. You'll also visit a spice garden, a tea plantation and botanical gardens.You'll start the tour at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya. It's home to more than 4,000 species of plants – including orchids and spices – and a hefty collection of trees, too. Stretch your legs and try to spot the garden's cheeky residents – toque macaques, a monkey species native to Sri Lanka. Then, it's time for a traditional lunch.Once you've appeased your appetite, you'll head into Kandy city for a guided tour and some free time for shopping. Among the sights you'll see is the Tooth Relic temple – a UNESCO World Heritage Site that's home to a relic of Buddha's tooth. And as we continue through the Central Highlands, we'll stop at a fragrant spice garden in Mawanella and a tea plantation and factory – for a proper cup of Ceylon tea – in Giragama.

Negombo - Kandy Two-day Tour by Train

Kandy is jam-packed with things to see and do, so look no further than this overnight stay, giving you two days to explore the cultural capital to its fullest. Not only will you get to see the city, you'll have ample chance to visit its surrounding gems, including a spice garden, botanical gardens, museums and more.Day one starts with a scenic train ride into the city, and your first stop will be at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya. It's home to more than 4,000 species of plants – including orchids and spices – and a hefty collection of trees, too. Stretch your legs and try to spot the garden's cheeky residents – toque macaques, a monkey species native to Sri Lanka. After lunch, you'll visit the Gem Museum, and there's a cultural show to look forward to before the evening at your leisure.It's an early start on day two, where you'll enjoy a guided tour of Kandy and some free time for shopping. Among the sights you'll see is the Tooth Relic temple – a UNESCO World Heritage Site that's home to a relic of Buddha's tooth. And as we continue through the Central Highlands, we'll stop at a fragrant spice garden in Mawanella and a tea plantation and factory – for a proper cup of Ceylon tea – in Giragama.

Passikudah - Ancient Polonnaruwa and Minneriya Park Safari Tour from the East Coast

A perfect mix of history and nature awaits on this full day tour from the east. First, you'll delve into the past at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of ancient Polonnaruwa – a 10th-century kingdom that helped shape the nation of Sri Lanka. Then, spend the afternoon on a thrilling wildlife safari in Minneriya National Park, spotting monkeys, elephants and more.You'll head into Polonnaruwa early-morning to avoid the rising heat. Follow in the footsteps of ancient kings that once ruled the kingdom with a guided tour of its well-preserved ruins. You'll get to see relics such as the King's Palace and Gal Vihara - a collection of four Buddha statues carved from a single slab of granite.After lunch, it's time to get wild. With your cameras at the ready, enjoy a 4x4 safari through Minneriya National Park, where you'll have the chance to spot herds of elephants, monkeys, deer and plenty more. The park is also renowned for its birds, with over 170 species recorded here.

Trincomalee - Polonnaruwa Ancient City Day Tour from the East Coast

Before there was Sri Lanka, there was Polonnaruwa. This late-10th century city left behind a treasure trove of palaces, temples and statues – these well-preserved ruins gained it the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site. On this early morning tour from the east, you'll be able to follow in the footsteps of ancient kings that once ruled the kingdom with a guided tour.You'll head into Polonnaruwa first thing to avoid the intense midday-sun. This ancient kingdom reached its peak under the rule of King Parakramabahu I, and, with a local expert in tow, you'll get the lowdown on the ruins, many of which were created under his reign.Observe some of the most impressive relics, like Gal Vihara - a collection of four Buddha statues carved from a single slab of granite – and Lankatilaka Temple – a large, hollowed-out stupa with tall walls. You'll also see the King's Palace, monasteries and reservoirs. And watch out for the native 'temple monkeys' that reside in and around the area.

Bentota - Mirissa Whale Watching Tour

Between November and April, the seas off Mirissa are absolutely brimming with whales and dolphins – and this cruise offers you the chance to see them basking and cavorting in the Indian Ocean. As well as dolphins, blue, killer and sperm whales can be spotted off southern Sri Lanka. You'll also enjoy some free time on Unawatuna beach.You'll head out on a trip to catch a glimpse of these huge creatures, known to take residence off southern Sri Lanka at this time of year. Keep an eye out for any spurts of water in the distance – a sign that one of the whales is near. And you can hear them a mile off, as their songs can reach almost 200 decibels – that's louder than a jumbo jet.On the way back to port, you might encounter pods of dolphins racing with the boat. Back on dry land, lunch will be served, and after there's time to chill out on Unawatuna beach – kick back and relax or go for a dip.

Negombo - Kandy Day Tour with Temple of the Tooth Relic

Cultural hotspot Kandy, the last capital of a pre-colonial Sri Lankan kingdom, is a must-visit. As well as touring the city, you'll also visit a spice garden, a tea plantation and botanical gardens. Aashvi, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Kandy's most famous and magnificent temple houses the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha, one of the most revered artifacts in Buddhism. The temple complex is a tranquil contrast to the city itself, which is a hive of activity with tree-lined streets crammed with hawkers, tuk-tuks, and vintage buses.'It's almost non-stop action on this cultural tour. As you weave through the central highlands, you'll stop at a fragrant spice garden in Mawanella and a tea plantation and factory – for a proper cuppa of Ceylon tea – in Giragama. The sight of undulating hills covered in row after row of tea plants is one of the most emblematic images of Sri Lanka. Aashvi adds, ‘Tea is the world's favourite drink if you discount water, with the highest consumption of any beverage. Good quality tea like that found in Sri Lanka contains a high level of polyphenol, which is a health-promoting antioxidant.'As part of your city tour of Kandy, you'll visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic temple – a UNESCO World Heritage Site that's home to Buddha's tooth – and the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, which are home to more than 4,000 species of plants. To make the day extra special, a traditional lunch is included.

Negombo - Kandy, Ella, Yala Park Safari and Galle Four-day Tour

This four-day adventure is jam-packed full of not-to-be-missed places in Sri Lanka. You'll tour the cultural hub of Kandy, hike to Ella's Rock, set off on a wildlife safari at Yala National Park and see the UNESCO-listed fort in Galle. All of that, combined with a few more surprises, and you've got yourself a trip you're likely to never forget. Day one is dedicated to what's best known as the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, Kandy. Starting at the Royal Botanical Gardens, you'll venture into the city for a guided tour and some time for shopping. See the Tooth Relic temple before ending the day with a show. Day two starts with a scenic train to Ella, where you can hike to see Little Adam's Peak and Ella's Rock.Ramp up the fun with a thrilling wildlife safari in Yala National Park on day three – this huge park is home to leopards, elephants and more. Your final day will see you explore the historic city of Galle. Here, you'll visit its impressive fort, visit a turtle hatching centre and have some lunch and free time in a beach resort.

Bentota - Kandy Day Tour by Train

A train ride through the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka is one of the most scintillating ways to discover the country. You'll trundle through the verdant hills to discover the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy, as well as a few other green delights on this full day tour.A scenic train ride through the Central Highlands sets the tone for a great day of exploration. Watch the rolling hills, tea plantations and lush wilderness pass as you make tracks towards Kandy. Once you're there, it's off to the Temple of the Tooth Relic – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's Sri Lanka's most sacred temple, and the complex also includes a royal palace.And you can also look forward to visits to a botanical garden, a tea plantation and factory in Giragama, and a spice garden in Mawanella. What's more, lunch is included.