Private Tours & Trips in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka? Yes please! Colombo’s vibrant Pettah bazaar will assault your senses wonderfully. - it’s a must visit. Explore Anuradhapura’s ancient Bo-tree, which is said to have grown from Buddha's original tree. Sigiriya Rock rises 200 meters vertically, and climbing it challenges most visitors. Sri Lanka packs remarkable variety into a relatively small island - where will you start?
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Maciej • traveled in January
We would like to thank Mrs. Ewa Lewandowska and Payless Tours for the excellent and very professional preparation of the trip to Sri Lanka. The expedition was planned perfectly in every detail. A varied, comprehensive sightseeing program, easy to follow, under the supervision of professional local guides. We had individual transport with a wonderful driver. We were ensured maximum safety at every stage. Constant contact with the organizer gave a sense of confidence and allowed us to adapt the travel plan to current conditions. It was a great choice!!! We are very pleased! Greetings to all globetrotters.
Explore and rest Sri Lanka, Private Car Tour - B
Brian • traveled in November
This is the first time we have been in Sri Lanka, so we were a little nervous at first. Our drive/ private tour guide was Dinesh. He was very pleasant and was very knowledgeable. He was very accommodating with our request, especially when it came to the PCR test required to fly out of Sri Lanka. Overall, I give this tour a 5 star and would recommend it to anyone looking to do a private tour in this country.
sri lanka multi-day tours 5 days with private driver, vehicle and H/B accommodations - JT
Joo • traveled in December
Dinesh was a great manager of the tour. The locations that he suggested was great and the driver that he hired to drive us around was a very safe driver. He always pulled to the side of the road to make calls Booking was very easy. Dinesh was in constant communication and ensured I understood the itenary and customized it to the number of people and the places we wanted to visit Since we arrived a day early we stayed at a local hotel and Dinesh and Salim the driver arrived the following morning. Punctuality is one of the key things that set Dinesh and Salim. We never had to wait for them On the first day Dinesh treated us to king coconut. Which was so fun. We visited a lot of places in short amount of time and the different guides that Dinesh found at the different sites were knowledgeable and friendly All in all a good trip I would say of all the places. Lion rock is not to be missed, yala National Park, pollanaru and Galle and Mirissa. We didn’t get to see much of Ella and nuwara Eliya due to the weather.
Sri Lanka budget tours (8 Days, 7 Nights) with private driver, vehicle and H/B accommodations
10 best Private Sri Lanka tour packages
Compiled by
NinaSri Lanka travel expert at TourRadar
- Essential Sri Lanka 7 Day Private Car Tour
- Sri Lanka budget tours (8 Days, 7 Nights) with private driver, vehicle and H/B accommodations
- Blissful Sri Lanka: Private Tour
- Best of Sri Lanka 7 Days, Private Tour
- Explore and rest Sri Lanka, Private Car Tour
- sri lanka multi-day tours 5 days with private driver, vehicle and H/B accommodations
- Central Sri Lanka Explorer with Whale-Watching (Private Tailored)
- Sri Lanka Ancient Culture Expedition (Private Tailored)
- Exclusive Tea Tour, Private Tour
- Best Classic Highlights of Sri Lanka – Private 7 Nights 8 Days Tour in Sri Lanka
An English-speaking guide leads visits to Sigiriya Rock and Dambulla Caves. The flexible schedule includes local dining and customized wildlife safaris in Yala National Park.
Duration 7 days Destinations Colombo, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Yala National Park, Galle Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Payless tours india From $2,828
50% Off- NZ$1,414You save $1,414
Sri Lanka budget tours (8 Days, 7 Nights) with private driver, vehicle and H/B accommodations
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“If I could give a 7 star rating instead of 5 I definitely would. His depth and breadth of knowledge seems boundless and truly made our tour a most memorable and unforgettable experience.”
Susan, traveled in November
Your private driver-guide leads tours of Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Polonnaruwa Ancient City. The schedule allows for village tours, spice garden visits, and wildlife viewing at Yala National Park, with 4-star accommodations throughout.
Duration 8 days Destinations Colombo, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Habarana, Kandy, Peradeniya, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Tissamaharama, TangalleSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Lanka Safe Tours From
50% Off- NZ$1,697
Private AC vehicles and dedicated guides take you through seven cities. The route spans from Trincomalee's ancient temples to Nuwara Eliya's tea estates, with stays at luxury properties like Grand Kandyan Hotel.
Duration 7 days Destinations Colombo, Chilaw, Trincomalee, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Kataragama, Tissamaharama Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator MTA Destination Management Company From $1,663
20% Off- NZ$1,330You save $333
Best of Sri Lanka 7 Days, Private Tour
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Good trips, nice to include Columbia museum as an option as it's so good.”
karen, traveled in January
An English-speaking chauffeur-guide accompanies you throughout Sri Lanka. Private touring covers Kandy's cultural sites, Yala National Park safaris, and Galle Fort exploration, staying at upscale properties like Heritance Tea Factory and Radisson Kandy.
Duration 7 days Destinations Colombo, Kandy, Peradeniya, Nuwara Eliya, Yala National Park, Tissamaharama, Galle, Hikkaduwa, Bentota, Ahungalla Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, French, Spanish, Dutch Operator Aitken Spence Travel From $2,478
15% Off- NZ$2,106You save $372
Explore and rest Sri Lanka, Private Car Tour
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Sri Lanka is a beautiful island with so many places to explore! We felt really well looked after.”
Richard, traveled in October
Your dedicated driver-guide leads visits to UNESCO sites like Sigiriya Rock and Dambulla Cave Temples. Personal touches include tea plantation tours in Nuwara Eliya and private safaris in Yala National Park.
Duration 12 days Destinations Colombo, Anuradhapura, Mihintale, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, MirissaSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Payless tours india From $3,699
50% Off- NZ$1,849You save $1,849
sri lanka multi-day tours 5 days with private driver, vehicle and H/B accommodations
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Sigiriya was amazing! Well worth the 1000 step climb. Lanka Safe communication and organization before the tour was good.”
Anthony, traveled in June
Personal English-speaking guide leads your Sri Lankan journey. Private vehicle reaches Minneriya National Park's elephant gathering with flexible exploration of Polonnaruwa ruins. Customized stops at Ramboda Falls and tea plantations en route to Nuwara Eliya.
Duration 5 days Destinations Colombo, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Habarana, Sigiriya, Dambulla, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Pinnawala Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Lanka Safe Tours From
50% Off- NZ$2,613
Central Sri Lanka Explorer with Whale-Watching (Private Tailored)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The fantastic tour itself, tailored to our needs, and the constant monitoring of our progress by Odynovo during the tour, was exceptional.”
M, traveled in August
A private tour with English-speaking guide showcases UNESCO sites like Anuradhapura and Dambulla Cave Temple. The itinerary includes stops at Negombo Fish Market, whale watching in Trincomalee, and village experiences in Hiriwadunna.
Duration 10 days Destinations Colombo, Negombo, Anuradhapura, Trincomalee, Sigiriya, Kandy Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Odynovo From
50% Off- NZ$4,699
Sri Lanka Ancient Culture Expedition (Private Tailored)
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Every moment felt like a magic carpet ride through the sands of time. The Nile Cruise unfolded the mysteries of ancient temples.”
KP, traveled in December
An 8-day tour with private guide and driver costs around $2,100. The itinerary winds through Sigiriya's ancient frescoes, Dambulla Cave Temple's 157 Buddha statues, and intimate village life in Hiriwadunna.
Duration 8 days Destinations Colombo, Negombo, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Kandy Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Odynovo From
50% Off- NZ$3,554
Exclusive Tea Tour, Private Tour
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The country, the people, their entire culture. I highly recommend it.”
Susana, traveled in January
This 10-day tour with private guide features Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Kandy's Temple of Tooth. Private transport includes dedicated safari jeep at Yala and flexible visits to Peradeniya Botanical Gardens and tea plantations.
Duration 10 days Destinations Colombo, Negombo, Pinnawala, Sigiriya, Matale, Kandy, Peradeniya, Nuwara Eliya, Tissamaharama, Yala National ParkSee all destinations Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Aitken Spence Travel From $3,378
15% Off- NZ$2,871You save $507
Duration 8 days Destinations Negombo, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Matale, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Yala, Mirissa, GalleSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Look Lanka Tours From $1,055
4% Off- NZ$1,013You save $42
What our customers ask about Private Tours & Trips in Sri Lanka
What is the typical duration and price range for private tours in Sri Lanka?
Private tours in Sri Lanka span 6-14 days with daily rates between USD 150-350. The 13-day "Tailor-Made Sri Lanka Tour" is available from USD 2709 while a shorter 6-day "Cultural Highlights" tour costs USD 1396. Most packages come with stays at quality hotels such as Jetwing Sea Hotel in Negombo or Amaara Forest in Sigiriya. Each tour includes a dedicated guide an air-conditioned vehicle and flexibility to adjust the schedule. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "Having a private guide made all the difference in experiencing Sri Lanka at our own pace."
What is the best time of year for a private tour in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka's ideal touring season changes by region. The cultural triangle (Sigiriya Polonnaruwa Anuradhapura) sees its best weather from December to March with temperatures between 25-30°C. Hill country around Nuwara Eliya works well from January to March. Wildlife enthusiasts should visit Yala National Park between February and July. The east coast near Trincomalee shines from April to September while southern beaches like Bentota are best from November to April. One TourRadar traveler commented: "We visited in February and had perfect weather for both cultural sites and wildlife viewing."
What types of accommodation can I expect on a private tour in Sri Lanka?
Accommodation options range from high-end resorts to character-filled boutique properties. The Cultural Triangle features properties like Amaara Forest Hotel in Sigiriya with mountain views. Coastal stays include Centara Ceysands in Bentota right on the beach. In hill country the historic Blackpool Hotel in Nuwara Eliya offers old-world charm. Near wildlife parks like Udawalawe visitors can stay in upscale tented camps such as Kottawatta Village Eco Retreat. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The hotels were carefully selected to give us both comfort and authentic Sri Lankan hospitality."
How much cultural immersion can I expect on a private tour of Sri Lanka?
Private tours let you connect deeply with Sri Lankan culture through personal experiences. Visits include UNESCO heritage sites like ancient Polonnaruwa cooking workshops in Kandy and time at the Sacred Temple of the Tooth. Tours often stop at spice gardens in Matale tea estates in Nuwara Eliya and traditional villages near Sigiriya. Guides provide cultural context and can arrange special activities like dance performances or local market visits. One TourRadar traveler shared: "Our guide helped us understand the rich cultural heritage and arranged meetings with local families that made our trip truly special."
What wildlife experiences are available on private tours in Sri Lanka?
Wildlife viewing centers on private safaris in Yala and Wilpattu National Parks where visitors often see leopards elephants sloth bears and diverse bird species. Udawalawe National Park is particularly known for its elephant herds. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The safari at Wilpattu was incredible - we saw elephants leopards and so many other animals in their natural habitat."
What dining experiences are included in private Sri Lanka tours?
Tours include daily hotel breakfasts plus chances to explore Sri Lankan cooking. Special meals often feature home-cooked village dishes and tea plantation tastings. Hotels like Thilanka in Kandy and Casamara offer both local and global menu options. One TourRadar traveler shared: "The authentic countryside food experiences were a highlight of our private tour."