Budget Tours to Sri Lanka
UNESCO sites dot Sri Lanka, from ancient kingdoms, temples, fortifications. Are you ready to see them, even on a budget? Look forward to elephant encounters at sanctuaries, and cultural tours through centuries. Climb Sigiriya Rock to test your muscles, and visit temples that reveal Buddhism's roots. Sri Lanka's adventures includes ancient kingdoms, colonial history, beaches, tea plantations, and friendly people.
10 best Budget Sri Lanka tour packages
Compiled by
NinaSri Lanka travel expert at TourRadar
- Simply Sri Lanka (8 destinations)
- Sri Lanka Uncovered
- 8-Day Wildlife Wonders Of Sri Lanka
- "Serenade of Sri Lanka: Nature, Culture, and Wildlife Odyssey" All inclusive
- Serenity and Adventure - A 16 -Day Odyssey Through Sri Lanka's Wonders
- Sri Lanka Lifetime Adventure
- Explore The Top Destination in Sri Lanka With in 8 Days
- Sri Lankan North East Adventure W/Trincomalee Beach break
- Sri Lankan Rhythms : Top sights, Temples, Scenic Train ride, Elephant & Leopard Safaris, 5 Star beach stay W/Meals & Turtle Hatchery visit !
- Sri Lanka Encompassed
Simply Sri Lanka (8 destinations)
15 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was a wonderful experience. Ajith was very knowledgeable, kind and professional.”
Margaret, traveled in January
A week in Sri Lanka costs around $100 per day, covering 7 nights' accommodation and daily breakfasts. The tour features UNESCO sites like Sigiriya Rock and Temple of the Tooth, with optional activities ranging from $20 elephant safaris to $55 urban food tours in Colombo.
Duration 8 days Destinations Negombo, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Kandy, Unawatuna, Galle, Matara, Colombo Age Range Ages 15+ Price Per Day $135 Operator Intrepid Travel From $1,345
20% Off- NZ$1,076You save $269
Sri Lanka Uncovered
500 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“All of the hotels were amazing and the itinerary was great as well. The tour was the perfect mixture of culture, nature and relaxation.”
Imogen, traveled in August
Boutique hotels and glamping tents cost approx. $140 per day, including most meals. The package features train rides, cooking classes, temple visits and safari drives. Waterfall swims and village dinners are included authentic experiences.
Duration 10 days Destinations Negombo, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Udawalawe National Park, Unawatuna Age Range Ages 18-39 Price Per Day $174 Operator TruTravels From $2,479
30% Off- NZ$1,735You save $744
At $271 per day, experience luxury lodging at Leopard Trails Cloud and Uga Jungle Beach. Price includes half-board meals, private transport, and entrance fees to all parks including Wilpattu and Minneriya. Complimentary airport transfers and English-speaking guide services included.
Duration 8 days Destinations Negombo, Wilpattu National Park, Trincomalee, Sigiriya, Gal Oya National Park, Nuwara Eliya, Horton Plains National Park, Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Balapitiya, Kosgoda Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $365 Operator STM Tours LLC From $4,173
30% Off- NZ$2,921You save $1,252
"Serenade of Sri Lanka: Nature, Culture, and Wildlife Odyssey" All inclusive
20 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We've had a super fun journey throughout our tour in Sri Lanka and Thili was very knowledgeable about the places to see and visit which was super helpful.”
Hanna, traveled in May
Luxurious 4-5 star hotels like Cinnamon Lakeside and Amaya Hill cost approx. $190 per day. The price covers all entrance fees to Sigiriya Rock, Yala Safari, and Temple of the Tooth, plus private transport and guided tours.
Duration 11 days Destinations Colombo, Negombo, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Yala, Mirissa, GalleSee all destinations Age Range Ages 10+ Operated in English, German, Italian Price Per Day $262 Operator Mango Vacations From
30% Off- NZ$2,884
Luxurious 4-5 star accommodations, including stays at Mahoora Camp and beachfront resorts in Weligama, cost around $200 per day. The package includes breakfast, dinner, private transport, and a multilingual guide.
Duration 16 days Destinations Negombo, Chilaw, Wilpattu National Park, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Dambulla, Kandy, Peradeniya, MahiyanganayaSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Chinese, Dutch, Russian Price Per Day $387 Operator Apple Vacations Pvt Ltd From
30% Off- NZ$6,192
Sri Lanka Lifetime Adventure
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“From the breathtaking temples to the stunning scenery and everything in between – it exceeded our expectations.”
Lisa, traveled in February
Duration 12 days Destinations Negombo, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Haputale, Ella, Yala, Hambantota, Mirissa, HikkaduwaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-35 Price Per Day $178 Operator Capital Lanka Tours From $2,731
22% Off- NZ$2,130+$102 upfront costsYou save $601
Seven nights across Sri Lanka's top destinations cost around $90 per day. The tour includes an English-speaking guide, air-conditioned transport, daily breakfast and dinner, plus complimentary water bottles and seasonal fruits. Minneriya safari is available as an optional activity.
Duration 8 days Destinations Negombo, Colombo, Pinnawala, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Kitulgala, Bentota Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $159 Operator Apple Vacations Pvt Ltd From
22% Off- NZ$1,272
Four-star hotels in Colombo and Trincomalee cost approx. $210 per day. The package includes 9 dinners, all transfers, Wilpattu safari, and UNESCO site entries. Pigeon Island visits are available as optional activities.
Duration 10 days Destinations Colombo, Anuradhapura, Jaffna, Trincomalee, Negombo Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $356 Operator Wanderful Holidays LLC From
22% Off- NZ$3,561
Premium 4-5 star accommodations across Sri Lanka, including luxury stays in Beruwala, cost around $240 per day. The package includes 22 meals, entrance fees to Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage, Temple of the Tooth, and Yala National Park, plus guided tours and cultural performances.
Duration 11 days Destinations Colombo, Habarana, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Tissamaharama, Beruwala Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $416 Operator Wanderful Holidays LLC From
22% Off- NZ$4,579
Sri Lanka Encompassed
27 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Plenty to do if you like to keep busy and equally plenty of opportunities to relax if that's your thing.”
Dana, traveled in July
Rich cultural immersion costs approx. $160 per day, covering 13 hotel nights, most meals, and entrance fees to sites like Sigiriya Rock Fortress. The price includes local transport, guided tours, and unique stays like the nature resort in Digana.
Duration 14 days Destinations Colombo, Negombo, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Yala National Park, Mirissa, Galle Age Range Ages 12+ Price Per Day $249 Operator G Adventures From
22% Off- NZ$3,479
What people love about Budget Tours in Sri Lanka
- "Serenade of Sri Lanka: Nature, Culture, and Wildlife Odyssey" All inclusive
We spontaneously booked a car and driver for three days in March 22. Hasanka was a very careful driver and he is a very kind and attentive person who always tried to fullfill everybody's needs. We had a great time, saw as much as possible, soaked in the spirit of the country. Hasanka even took care of our daughter when she refused to leave the car in the heat of Polunaruwa. Great service, thanks!!
- Sri Lanka Classic 12 Day - One Life Adventures
Amazing! Want to go back already. Joe the tour guide was brilliant took us to the best places and had so much fun. Will definitely be recommending to my friends and family. Thanks.
Sri Lanka had been on my list to do for so long but was too nervous to go alone. Going with TruTravels meant I didn't have to think or plan and I learnt so much about a truly beautiful Country! I was a little worried about the Sigiriya rock hike but it actually turned out to be my favourite day and the safari getting up close and personal with elephants was such an amazing experience ❤ I can't recommend TruTravels or Sri Lanka tour enough! Dean was our guide and he had SOOO much energy and made all activities so much fun! He's an absolutely legend
Sri Lanka Uncovered
What our customers ask about Budget Tours to Sri Lanka
What are the best budget-friendly areas to visit in Sri Lanka?
The Cultural Triangle region and hill country areas provide excellent value for budget travelers. In Sigiriya Dambulla and Polonnaruwa you'll find reasonably priced hotels and major cultural sites. Ella and Nuwara Eliya in the hills offer affordable guesthouses and hiking opportunities. Along the southern coast Mirissa and Unawatuna combine budget accommodations with activities like whale watching. Hotels such as Ozo Colombo and Topaz Kandy serve as good starting points for exploring these regions. A TourRadar traveler shared: "Ella was a highlight - great hiking affordable guesthouses and amazing train journey views without breaking the bank."
What is a realistic daily budget for meals not included in the tour?
Expect to spend USD 15-25 per day on meals outside your tour package. A typical rice and curry meal at a local restaurant costs USD 3-5 while mid-range restaurants charge USD 8-12 per meal. Near the Lake Bar Hotel in Kandy numerous restaurants serve authentic Sri Lankan food at reasonable prices. A TourRadar traveler shared: "Food was very affordable - local rice and curry meals were delicious and cost around USD 4 while fancier restaurants in tourist areas were still reasonable at USD 10-15 per meal."
How much should I budget for local transportation costs during free time?
Set aside USD 5-10 daily for getting around. Short tuk-tuk rides within cities cost USD 1-3 and local buses charge less than USD 1. The popular Kandy to Ella train journey runs USD 2-5. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "Local transport was very affordable - tuk-tuks in Colombo cost around USD 2-3 and the scenic train journey to Ella was incredibly cheap at USD 5 for first class."
When is the most affordable time to visit Sri Lanka on a budget tour?
Travel during April-June or September-November for the best rates and smaller crowds. Hotels like Beacon Beach in Negombo reduce prices during these shoulder seasons. Prices jump 20-30% during peak season from December to March. As confirmed by a TourRadar traveler: "We went in May and got great deals on hotels plus sites like Sigiriya Rock were less crowded and the weather was still good despite occasional rain."
What type of accommodation can I expect on a budget tour in Sri Lanka?
Budget tours typically cover entrance costs for main attractions including Sigiriya Rock Fortress (USD 30) Temple of the Tooth in Kandy and Dambulla Cave Temples. Optional activities cost extra such as Minneriya National Park safari (USD 40-50) or whale watching in Mirissa (USD 35-45). As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The tour included all major entrance fees which was great for budgeting we only paid extra for optional activities like the whale watching which was totally worth it."
What is the average cost per day for budget tours in Sri Lanka?
Daily tour costs range from USD 58-240 with most quality options falling between USD 120-150. This usually covers accommodation transport and some meals. The Sri Lanka Heritage tour at USD 58 per day includes UNESCO sites and stays at comfortable 3-star properties like Galway Forest Lodge in Nuwara Eliya. As one TourRadar traveler mentioned "The tour was really well organised and packed with lots of activities...and lots of beach time too. Great value for everything included."