Sri Lanka Tour Schedule 2026–2027

Season

2026–2027

Guide

English

Planning

from $65

Find out when group tours in Sri Lanka run: Ella and elephants, Yala, Sigiriya, Golden Circle, Galle, whale watching and deep-sea fishing. Hotel pickup and an English-speaking guide. Check available seats with our travel advisor before booking.

All tours
Sri Lanka Tour Schedule 2026–2027 — photo 1

Tour schedule by day of the week

Monday
Monday

🐘 Ella + Udawalawe. Daily: whale watching and deep-sea fishing. Golden Circle runs with 10 or more guests.

Ella and Udawalawe — $65
Tuesday
Tuesday

🦁 Ella + Yala, Ella + Sigiriya (2 days), Golden Circle, Yala safari. Daily: whale watching and deep-sea fishing.

Ella and Yala — $125
Wednesday
Wednesday

🐋 Whale watching and deep-sea fishing. Golden Circle runs with 10 or more guests.

Whales — $90
Thursday
Thursday

⚠️ Other group tours are temporarily not running. From 15 October, Ella + Yala runs on Thursdays. Daily: whale watching and fishing.

Ella and Yala — $125
Friday
Friday

🐘 Ella + Udawalawe. Daily: whale watching and deep-sea fishing. Golden Circle runs with 10 or more guests.

Ella and Udawalawe — $65
Saturday
Saturday

🏯 Ella + Yala, Ella + Sigiriya (2 days), Golden Circle, Yala safari. Daily: whale watching and deep-sea fishing.

Golden Circle — $280
Sunday
Sunday

🏰 Fort Galle + river safari. Daily: whale watching and sea fishing.

Galle and river safari — $70
tours and day tripsDays of operationPrice per person
Ella + UdawalaweMonday and Friday$65
Ella + YalaTuesday and Saturday, also Thursday from 15 October$125
Ella + Sigiriya (2 days)Tuesday and Saturday$140
Golden Circle of Sri Lanka (3 days)Tuesday and Saturday; Monday, Wednesday and Friday with a group of 10 or more$280
Yala safariTuesday and Saturday$90
Whale watchingDaily — Unawatuna, Weligama, Mirissa$90
Sea fishingDaily — Hikkaduwa, Galle, Unawatuna, Koggala, Weligama, Mirissa, Matarafrom $350 per boat
Fort Galle + river safariSunday$70

Tours in the schedule: itineraries and prices

Ella and Udawalawe elephant sanctuary
Ella and Udawalawe elephant sanctuary
Ella and Udawalawe elephant sanctuary
Ella and Udawalawe elephant sanctuary
Ella and Udawalawe elephant sanctuary

Ella and Udawalawe elephant sanctuary

One-day
Ella greets you with fresh mountain air, and the climb to Adam's Peak begins here, with breathtaking views. Then comes the thundering Ravana Falls, the famous Nine Arch Bridge and a scenic train ride through the jungle. Next, tea plantations and a cosy tea shop. The day ends at the Udawalawe elephant sanctuary, where you can watch graceful elephants up close as they play and interact. A heartfelt end to a full day.
Included:
Transfer
Entrance tickets
English-speaking guide
65 USD
5
27 reviews
Ella and Yala Jeep Safari
Ella and Yala Jeep Safari
Ella and Yala Jeep Safari
Ella and Yala Jeep Safari
Ella and Yala Jeep Safari

Ella and Yala Jeep Safari

One-day
Ella is a scenic hill town where the climb to Adam's Peak begins. On the way, you'll see the powerful Ravana Falls, the famous Nine Arch Bridge and a memorable train ride through green hills. Next, you'll visit an aromatic tea plantation and smell fresh Ceylon tea. The day ends with a safari in Yala National Park. Ride in an open jeep and look for leopards, crocodiles, peacocks, deer, bears, water buffalo, elephants and other wild animals of Sri Lanka.
Included:
Transfer
Entrance tickets
English-speaking guide
Jeep rental
125 USD
5
15 reviews
Ella, Sigiriya and Elephants Combo Tour
Ella, Sigiriya and Elephants Combo Tour
Ella, Sigiriya and Elephants Combo Tour
Ella, Sigiriya and Elephants Combo Tour
Ella, Sigiriya and Elephants Combo Tour

Ella, Sigiriya and Elephants Combo Tour

Two-day
We start the tour at Ravana Falls. Among the misty hills of Ella, we climb Little Adam's Peak and walk across the Nine Arch Bridge, watching the train pass through the jungle. Then you can ride the train yourself. Next comes the old English Post Office, the tea slopes, the tea factory and the tea plantation. The next morning, you'll have breakfast with elephants by the river in Pinnawala, a moment you'll remember forever. We climb the Ambuluwawa Tower, see the Dambulla Temple and climb Sigiriya or Pidurangala.
Included:
Transfer
Entrance tickets
Breakfast
Dinner
English-speaking guide
Hotel accommodation
140 USD
5
20 reviews
Sri Lanka Golden Circle
Sri Lanka Golden Circle
Sri Lanka Golden Circle
Sri Lanka Golden Circle
Sri Lanka Golden Circle

Sri Lanka Golden Circle

Three-day
Start your day with breakfast with elephants on the riverbank. Then climb Sigiriya Rock or Pidurangala, and explore the village of Sigiriya. Visit the Golden Temple of Dambulla (exterior view), the botanical garden and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy. Finish in Ella by train across the bridge, past Ravana Falls, Little Adam's Peak, the tea factory, the old English Post Office and the climb to Ambuluwawa Tower.
Included:
Transfer
Entrance tickets
Breakfast
Dinner
English-speaking guide
Hotel accommodation
280 USD
5
19 reviews
Yala National Park Jeep Safari
Yala National Park Jeep Safari
Yala National Park Jeep Safari
Yala National Park Jeep Safari
Yala National Park Jeep Safari

Yala National Park Jeep Safari

Day trip
Yala National Park is the heart of Sri Lanka's wildlife. On an exciting jeep ride, you'll look for leopards, elephants, crocodiles, deer, peacocks and many other animals in their natural habitat. This is a true safari, where every turn could bring an unexpected encounter with the animals of the jungle.
Included:
Transfer
Jeep with driver
Entrance tickets
90 USD
5
15 reviews
Whale watching
Whale watching
Whale watching
Whale watching
Whale watching

Whale watching

Day trip
Boats leave from Mirissa harbour early in the morning, when the sea is at its calmest. Guests board the boat to search for whales and dolphins, a unique natural show on the open ocean. This is a real chance to see whales, dolphins and orcas in their natural habitat. All around you there is complete silence, with only the lap of the waves and the breathing of these sea giants. It is a thrilling, unforgettable sight, truly a wonder.
Included:
Transfer
Tickets
Sandwiches on board
Seasickness tablets
90 USD
5
8 reviews
Deep-sea fishing

Deep-sea fishing

Daily
Head out into the Indian Ocean with a local fishing crew from Hikkaduwa, Galle, Unawatuna, Koggala, Weligama, Mirissa or Matara. Daily, price per boat.
Included:
Boat
Fishing crew
Rods and bait
350 USD
5
8 reviews
Galle and river safari
Galle and river safari
Galle and river safari
Galle and river safari
Galle and river safari

Galle and river safari

Day trip
Galle Fort and its whitewashed lighthouse take you back to the colonial era. Next, visit a moonstone mine to see how the gems are extracted. On the way, stop at the tsunami memorial and a turtle farm, where sea turtles are raised and cared for. Finish with a relaxing break on Hikkaduwa beach, where you may spot giant tortoises, followed by an exciting safari on the Bentota river through mangroves and wildlife.
Included:
Transfer
English-speaking guide
Entrance tickets
70 USD
5
15 reviews
What's included: hotel transfer, guide and tickets — photo 1

What's included: hotel transfer, guide and tickets

Transfer

Included

Children 6–12

−50%

Under 6

Free

🚐 We pick you up from your hotel on the coast and bring you back. No need to find a taxi or agree on a price with a driver. Your travel advisor will confirm the pickup time for your hotel.

🎫 On group tours, entrance tickets to the sights are already included, and the guide speaks English. Children aged 6–12 get −50%, and under 6 travel free.

Before you book: what to know

Early pickups are normal
Early pickups are normal

🌙 Tours to Sigiriya, Ella and Pidurangala start before dawn so you beat the heat and the crowds. Ask your hotel for a packed breakfast to take on the road.

Season matters

🐋 Whale watching runs November to April. In Yala National Park, blocks 1 and 2 are closed from 14 September to 15 October 2026 due to drought, while the other zones remain open. Your travel advisor will tell you what is open on your dates.

Season matters
Travelling with kids, stress-free
Travelling with kids, stress-free

👶 Children aged 6–12 get 50% off, and children under 6 travel free. Little ones enjoy the elephants, turtles and Galle most; Little Adam’s Peak and Sigiriya are best left for older kids.

Temple dress code

🙏 At temples, cover your shoulders and knees, and remove your shoes at the entrance. Bring a light scarf and socks, as the stone gets hot during the day.

Temple dress code

Where we go: every tour stop on one map

Before you book: what to know

Thursday: no group tours

Thursday: no group tours

⚠️ Group tours are temporarily not running on Thursdays. The exception is Ella + Yala, which runs on Thursdays from 15 October.

Golden Circle on other days

Golden Circle on other days

🏯 The Golden Circle runs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays with a group of 10 or more guests.

Whales and fishing: every day

Whales and fishing: every day

🐋 Whale watching trips from Unawatuna, Weligama and Mirissa, plus sea fishing, run daily, except on stormy days.

Confirm your seats in advance

Confirm your seats in advance

📅 Before you book, chat with us. Our travel advisor will confirm your seats and hotel pickup time.

Sri Lanka entrance tickets in 2026: how much they cost

🏛 Ancient cities: Sigiriya, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura

Sigiriya Rock: $35 for foreign visitors (SAARC countries: $20).

Dambulla Cave Temple: 3,000 rupees.

Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura: $30 each.

🐆 National parks: Yala, Udawalawe, Minneriya, Horton Plains

Yala and Minneriya: $25, Udawalawe: $15, Horton Plains: $25 entry.

The jeep with driver is paid separately. In our Yala safari, the jeep and tickets are already included.

🙏 Temples and gardens: Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Peradeniya

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy: 2,000 rupees.

Peradeniya Botanical Garden: about 3,540 rupees.

🎫 Do I need to buy tickets myself?

On Big Travel group tours, entrance tickets are included in the price, so you don't need to pay on site. Entry prices are current for 2026 and may change on site, so please check with your travel advisor.

Our guests on tour

Our guests on tour — photo 3
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Guest reviews

Overall Rating

5.0

27 reviews

Maksim

05/28/2026

Hi everyone! I took a 2-day tour with guide Ishar and his trainee Rashen, and I really enjoyed it. It was a packed tour, and we visited some beautiful places! On day 1 we saw the Nine Arch Bridge, Little Adam's Peak, a tea plantation and much more. On day 2, Sigiriya and the elephant hotel stood out most. There were an incredible number of elephants, around 40. I've never seen so many. You could write a whole story about Sigiriya, it's the 8th wonder of the world! Everything went smoothly, without a single hitch. Great job, guys! We also had a superb driver who got us to every place quickly and comfortably. I recommend seeing all this beauty. You won't regret it!

Anna

05/28/2026

We took a 2-day tour with our child to Ella, Sigiriya, Ravana Pool and Pinnawala. Our guide was Dilan and our driver was Chamara. We were lucky with them. The tour felt relaxed and they took all our wishes into account. Dilan did his best to bring us to every location first, with as few other tourists as possible. He is also an interesting person to talk to. We learned a lot and had fun. Oh, and our child adores Dilan and says he will miss him :) That says a lot. Thank you to the driver for the great driving. We got through all the winding mountain roads comfortably and without any problems, even our 5-year-old. Thank you, it was fantastic!

Yuliya

05/28/2026

My friend and I took the two-day Ella + Pinnawala + Sigiriya tour. Huge thanks for the tour! The route is out of this world: Sigiriya, ancient history with an incredible view; the Pinnawala nursery, a sea of joy from the elephants; a great hotel, tasty breakfast and dinner, plus live music in the evening! Ella is home to the famous Nine Arches Bridge and the train. Nuwara Eliya has fairytale tea plantations and clean mountain air. Everything was perfectly organized, punctual and very full. Our guide Ishara is wonderful, a person with mega positive energy. His stories are a pleasure to listen to! Thanks also to Rashan for the photos and interesting stories! Special thanks to the driver for comfort and safety on the winding mountain roads. Sri Lanka made us fall in love with it for good! I recommend this tour to everyone. It's worth it! ❤️

Andrey

05/28/2026

We took the Golden Ring tour with the coolest guide in Sri Lanka 🔥 yes, yes, Oshan, that's you) Thank you so much for a productive and packed trip around the island. We saw everything, made it everywhere, and most importantly, in good company and with a positive mood.

Irina

05/28/2026

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the tour you organized for me! Everything was organized really well: the transfer, the hotel, the flight tickets. Everything was clear. It was very nice that everyone I dealt with was so friendly. I hope this wasn't my last time in Vietnam, and if I come back, I'll contact only you! You are wonderful professionals! Thank you once again! Special thanks to your colleagues who organized all the transfers! Guys, well done!! All the drivers were great! I wish you all prosperity!! Irina Mulaleva

Anna

05/25/2026

Good afternoon! Yesterday we went on a tour to Galle and a river safari. We were lucky, because our guide was Dilanchik again :) It was interesting and exciting. Thank you, Dilan, for your attention and care, and for the relaxed atmosphere. The bus was also good and comfortable :) I will definitely recommend you to my friends and acquaintances. Sri Lanka is wonderful and has truly stolen my heart ❤️

More Big Travel services in Sri Lanka

Questions about the Sri Lanka tour schedule

Which days do group tours run in Sri Lanka?

Ella + Udawalawe: Mondays and Fridays. Ella + Yala, Ella + Sigiriya, the Golden Circle and the Yala safari: Tuesdays and Saturdays. Galle Fort + river safari: Sundays. Whale watching and deep-sea fishing run daily.

Why are there no group tours on Thursdays?

On Thursdays, group tours are temporarily unavailable. From 15 October, only Ella + Yala runs on Thursdays, plus daily whale watching and fishing trips.

Can I join the Golden Circle tour on another day?

Yes, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, if the group has 10 or more guests. If you need a different day, book a private tour.

Where can you watch whales and where do fishing trips leave from?

Whale watching: Unawatuna, Weligama, Mirissa. Deep-sea fishing: Hikkaduwa, Galle, Unawatuna, Koggala, Weligama, Mirissa and Matara.

How much do the tours on the schedule cost?

Day tours are from $65 to $125 per person, Ella + Sigiriya for 2 days is $140, and the Golden Circle for 3 days is $280. Deep-sea fishing is from $350 per boat.

How do I book a place?

Chat with us and tell us the date, your hotel and the number of guests. We will confirm available places and the hotel pickup time before you book.