Complex geography makes for complex micro-climates on this small island. Broadly speaking the predominant weather patterns (and showers) arrive from the east during the Oct to May period and the west from Nov to April. Our two different itineraries are designed to reflect the best time of year at the places visited.

More info can be found on our Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka post.

Our Sri Lanka tours are ideal for single travellers and a fully escorted, genuinely small-sized groups with family-style meals format makes you feel like you are travelling with a group of friends rather than a typical tour group. We don't charge single-person supplements although if you prefer not to share then single-rooms are available for a supplement.

We are happy to include flights from the UK to Columbo in the tour package should you so wish. These are usually with Sri Lanka Airlines or Emirates but we'll try our hardest to find the best prices and routes for you. (Note that 'with flight' prices on the website are approximate.)

Sri Lanka has no compulsory inoculations although hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus and polio are recommended.

A useful resource for travel health info is the Travel Health Pro site.

The simple answer is no as we're happy to announce that the WHO declared Sri Lanka malaria-free in 2016.

Tips are always discretionary although our ground staff appreciate a gesture for the hard work and efforts they make. We're reluctant to give a precise guideline before a tour as it does depend on the group size and length of tour but additional suggestions and recommendations are provided on the relevant, individual tour pages.

We require a 10% deposit to confirm your tour while the balance should be paid at least 60 days prior to departure. No surcharges are applied for card payments and all major cards are accepted.

Accommodation on our Sri Lanka tours consists of a mixture of smaller, low-key resorts with historic, heritage-style hotels. All fall into a 3 to 4* category and are ensuite with a/c (or heating in the case of Nuwara Eliya.) The camping in Wilpattu provides ensuite, furnished tents with electric fans.

Approximately half the meals on your Sri Lanka tour are inclusive and half 'free'. This provides a guided tour of the varied cuisine of the island, by our expert guides, as well as allowing you the opportunity to do your own thing and avoid any dangers of getting 'riced-out'.

Note that a more detailed description of the wonderful Sri Lankan cuisine can be found on our What’s the food like in Sri Lanka? post.

Absolutely, although fish is a staple, Sri Lankan cuisine includes a huge range and variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes and with higher hygiene levels than several of its neighbours, is certainly one of the best vegetarian destinations in Asia.

While Sri Lanka does still possess some archaic laws, the culture in general and local inhabitants are very tolerant and easygoing. As with most south and Southeast Asian destinations areas outside of cities and large towns are often still conservative so outward displays of public affection - of any orientation - are frowned upon.