Budget Tours to Sri Lanka
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10 best Budget Sri Lanka tour packages
Compiled by
NinaSri Lanka travel expert at TourRadar
- Simply Sri Lanka
- Dream Path Of Sri Lanka
- Sri Lankan North East Adventure W/Trincomalee Beach break
- "Serenade of Sri Lanka: Nature, Culture, and Wildlife Odyssey" All inclusive
- Sri Lanka Express
- Sri Lanka Uncovered
- Sri Lanka: Spice Gardens & Seasides
- 8-Day Wildlife Wonders Of Sri Lanka
- So Heritage
- Full Sri Lanka Adventure 14D/13N
Simply Sri Lanka
13 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Everything was organized perfectly.”
מירי,, traveled in November
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 $110 Operator Intrepid Travel From $1,170
25% Off- NZ$878You save $292
Dream Path Of Sri Lanka
19 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour itself is well planned and the itinerary was Ideal for us. Accommodation and meals are up to standard.”
Angelo, traveled in December
Stays at Kassapa Lions Rock resort cost around $160 per day, including daily breakfast and eight dinners. The package features train journeys, cultural shows, and guided tours, with optional whale watching excursions available.
Duration 10 days Destinations Negombo, Kurunegala, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Yala, MirissaSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Spanish, Dutch Price Per Day $200 Operator BH Lanka Tours From $2,673
25% Off- NZ$2,005You save $668
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 $320 Operator Wanderful Holidays LLC From $3,551
10% Off- NZ$3,196You save $355
"Serenade of Sri Lanka: Nature, Culture, and Wildlife Odyssey" All inclusive
18 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Exploring Sri Lanka on this tour was an absolute revelation! The warmth and hospitality of the Sri Lankan people truly made me feel at home.”
Michelle, traveled in March
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 $284 Operator Mango Vacations From
10% Off- NZ$3,130
Sri Lanka Express
16 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The whole tour was fantastic. Transparency on Tipping and additional expenses so no surprises.”
Wayne, traveled in November
A comprehensive tour featuring AMBA Estate and wildlife safaris in Udawalawe National Park costs approx. $180 per day. The package includes 6 breakfasts, entrance fees to Temple of the Tooth, and guided tours of Galle Fort. Ella Rock treks start from just $10.
Duration 8 days Destinations Negombo, Kandy, Ella, Galle, Udawalawe National Park Age Range Ages 12+ Price Per Day $168 Operator G Adventures From $1,919
30% Off- NZ$1,343You save $576
Sri Lanka Uncovered
451 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The experience in Sri Lanka would not have been the same without you. You have an infectious smile and bring joy to those all around.”
Lauren, 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 $131 Operator TruTravels From $2,175
40% Off- NZ$1,305You save $870
Sri Lanka: Spice Gardens & Seasides
22 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Quality tour that gives a real in depth experience of Sri lanks.”
Gideon, traveled in January
Comfortable hotels and guesthouses across Sri Lanka cost around $90 per day. The tour features breakfast at Sthree Craft Shop, traditional village lunch, and guided tours of Sigiriya Rock Fortress and spice gardens, with optional activities from $5-70.
Duration 12 days Destinations Negombo, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Hikkaduwa Age Range Ages 18-39 Price Per Day $90 Operator G Adventures From $1,439
25% Off- NZ$1,079You save $360
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 Wilpattu National Park, Trincomalee, Sigiriya, Gal Oya National Park, Nuwara Eliya, Horton Plains National Park, Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Balapitiya, Kosgoda, Negombo Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $459 Operator STM Tours LLC From $4,082
10% Off- NZ$3,674You save $408
The approx. $60 per day package includes 7 nights' accommodation, daily breakfast and dinner, private AC transport, and expert guiding. Take in 8 UNESCO sites including Sigiriya Rock and Kandy's Temple of the Sacred Tooth, while enjoying complimentary water bottles throughout.
Duration 8 days Destinations Negombo, Wilpattu National Park, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Dambulla, Kandy, Colombo Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $357 Operator Apple Vacations Pvt Ltd From
10% Off- NZ$2,859
At approx. $190 per day, this Sri Lankan journey offers 13 nights in 2-4* hotels, daily breakfast, and English-speaking guide. Complimentary cultural shows in Kandy, wildlife safaris, and UNESCO site visits create value for budget-conscious travelers.
Duration 14 days Destinations Negombo, Sigiriya, Dambulla, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Yala National Park, Tissamaharama, Unawatuna Age Range Ages 10+ Price Per Day $317 Operator Bamba Travel From
10% Off- NZ$4,441
What people love about Budget Tours in Sri Lanka
- Dream Path Of Sri Lanka
I had an amazing time on this trip. It was a great group of people of mixed ages all travelling to experience the adventure and wildlife.Our guide was really good and was happy to seek out specialty restaurants and places if we wanted to try something we had read, seen or heard about. I made some new friends and continue to email them about our next trip plans. Our accommodation was great and I felt like we were really close to the nature and not the busy touristy hotel. Food and transportation also equally good. Highlight of the trip had to be the Kitulgala adventure Park - there are so many activities. This is not to be missed. Love Sri Lanka so much!
We went out for 2 days to Yala National Park from Colombo to go on a jeep safari in December 2021. Neel, our driver, picked us up on time and took us along the beach route to the South. He showed several places, like the sea turtle hatchery and stopped whereever we wanted to get out for drinks or just enjoy the beach. Our driver was professional from the first moment, opened doors, kept the car clean, organized really everything, so we could enjoy our weekend and feel safe. The car was a spacious Toyota sedan car with more than enough leg space. Planning and communication with Nadeeka from Mango Vacations was easy and on point. Everything was exactly as planned. Nothing to complain. Highly recommendable!
"Serenade of Sri Lanka: Nature, Culture, and Wildlife Odyssey" All inclusive
- Sri Lanka Express
The Sri Lankan Express tour was a great experience. For someone who doesn't tend to join tour groups this one was perfect as it was short- only 8 days but still managed to cover everything I wanted to and more! The accomodation exceeded my expectations in each location and I enjoyed how the tour was broken up into travel days and free days to explore. We had Tiran as our guide and he was wonderful- constantly making sure that everyone was happy, comfortable and looked after. His happy and positive nature couldn't help but smile and have a laugh with him, he definitely contributed to making my experience a positive one!
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."