Sri Lanka Summer Tour

A wild gem,
the Pearl of the Indian Ocean.
We head east-bound.

Sri Lanka packs a punch and fulfills many a traveller’s dream. Strikingly beautiful coastlines along the Indian Ocean boasting some of the most beautiful and tropical beaches invite to relax and explore its stunning underwater world. Sri Lanka is home to a diverse wildlife, from Asian elephants to the most colourful birds, which you will see from near and from a distance. Its spectacular nature with dotted UNESCO heritage sights throughout the country offer breathtaking vistas to enjoy and marvel at. Marrying spirituality, cultural heritage and modern-day life, Sri Lanka offers a unique blend for the curious traveller and the island country’s fragrant cuisine with its array of spices and herbs, colourful fruits and street food vendors let any foodie’s heart beat faster. Sri Lanka’s heartwarming locals welcome you with open arms.

We have partnered up with our local tour operator, and have crafted a unique and personal itinerary, that is also off the tourist path and thus more original and authentic. In this tour, we go east-bound and explore some of Sri Lanka’s treasures — and there are plenty of it. Our well-rounded itinerary ticks a lot of boxes that provide you with a genuine insight into Sri Lanka — and we are certain you will be enamoured!

  • GROUP TOURS:
    Our tours are limited in size and dates. This tour is available on the following dates:

    • 9-19 August 2024

    • 6-16 September 2024

    CUSTOMISE OUR TOUR:
    Would you like to join but the dates don't match your availability? Please contact us and we are happy to make you an offer for an individual tour for you if you prefer to travel solo or with your partner, your friends or family. We work with a roster of tour guides and are able to offer a tour at any time.

  • Each of our tours are small and and intimate to ensure you have the best experience. For this tour, there will be 2 travellers minimum, 7 maximum, 1 tour host accompanying you.

  • Regular price: 3.500 EUR, per person

    Exclusive price for newsletter subscribers: 3.400 EUR, per person

  • This 11-day tour starts with your arrival and departure at the airport in Colombo. Would you like to extent your stay in Sri Lanka after our tour ends? Please let us know, we are very happy to assist you with recommendations.

    *Please let us know your arrival and departure time, so that we can schedule your pick-up. If your flight connection allows, please arrive early, so that we can schedule a catamaran ride in the lagoon for you. (That would be such a nice introduction into Sri Lanka for you and we think you would really enjoy that.)

  • We have partnered up with our local tour operator, who has crafted a unique and personal itinerary for us, that is also off the tourist path and thus more original and authentic. Our itinerary ticks a lot of boxes that provide you with a genuine and well-rounded insight into Sri Lanka.

    Some of the highlights of this tour include:

    Snorkeling on Pigeon Island - elephant safari - lunch with local Sri Lankan family - trekking in rainforest - sunset yoga with guru instructor - cultural and spiritual sites - trekking in UNESO natural park - scenic train ride - beach - cooking lesson - visit tea plantation and tea workshop - and so much more

  • This high-end tour is for the curious traveller who would like to experience Sri Lanka's true beauty and all its facets with our local tour host and who prefers the company of travellers to explore together. Get the very best of Sri Lanka and benefit from our local expertise, unique accommodations off the tourist path and get genuine and local insight - by locals themselves.

Our itinerary

  • Ayubowan! Hello, and welcome to Sri Lanka!

    You touch down in Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, where you will be warmly welcomed and greeted by our tour host at the airport lounge*, who will accompany you to our first accommodation this tour north of Colombo. Relax as you are whisked to our resort, and put down your suitcase and decompress from your travels. The eco-friendly resort is located on a peninsula where mangrove forests and winding rivers converge to meet the sea, enjoy the amenities of this beautiful hotel. Should you arrive early, we will leave on a lovely catamaran ride in the lagoon. Once all of your fellow travellers arrived, we will gather again for a welcome drink and a seafood welcome dinner**. Meet and get to know your fellow travellers and your tour host and toast to your adventure ahead. Welcome to Sri Lanka, we are happy to have you on board!

    Included: Pick-up and transportation from airport, accommodation, welcome seafood dinner* and welcome drink.

    *Please let us know your arrival and departure time, so that we can schedule your pick-up. If your flight connection allows, please arrive early, so that we can schedule a catamaran ride in the lagoon for you. (That would be such a nice introduction into Sri Lanka for you and we think you would really enjoy that.)

    ** Please let us know your dietary preferences, so we can adapt your welcome dinner if you wish.

    Included: Pick-up by tour host, transportation, accommodation, welcome dinner and welcome drink.

    Board: Half Board

  • Cultural sites and walks introducing Sri Lanka

    After having enjoyed your breakfast, we check out from our accommodation and embark on a spiritual journey at the Ridi Vihara Temple, a site steeped in 2500 years of history and adorned with ancient art. As you explore these serene grounds, connect with the profounds spirituality that has drawn pilgrims for centuries. On your way to our accommodation, a luxury homestay, rejeuvinate at the Kinniya hot water springs, which is famed for its healing power. The warm, mineral rich waters offer a soothing retreat, believed to enhance wellness and vitality. This unique blend of spiritual and physical healing enriches your journey through Sri Lanka’s cultural and natural treasures.

    Decompress and enjoy the amenities and relax.

    Included: transportation, accommodation, breakfast, meals, entry

    Board: Bed and Breakfast

  • Pigeon Island and snorkelling, beaching at Rice Grain Sand Beach

    Today, after breakfast, we will hop onto the national park Pigeon Island, Sri Lanka’s snorkeling hot spot off the shore of Sri Lanka. Here, you will find a 200 meters long coral reef, Sri Lanka’s best preserved reef. Dive into crystal-clear water to explore vibrant reefs teeming with colourful marine life. Enjoy some secluded snorkeling and take in this marvelous wonder, while you will see fish in different colours, or relax at the beach for a while. In the evening, we will visit Rice Grain Sand Beach, Arisimale Beach, which has its Tamil name from its sand resembling rice grains. With ist yellow sand and its tranquil vibes, this is a wonderful spot to wind down.

    Included: transportation, accommodation, breakfast, meals, entry

    Board: Bed and Breakfast

  • Elephant Safari at Minneriya National Park

    Enjoy your breakfast with your fellow travellers and check out in the morning. Today, we will leave for the north, following a very special experience in our itinerary. First, we visit the famous ‘Girihandu Seya’, an ancient stupa built on a small hill. In fact, it is the world’s first stupa and the only stupa built while Lord Buddha was alive, which gives this temple a particular significance. Enjoy the surroundings, while you learn more about this magnificent place, which offers a profound glimpse into early Buddhist architecture and history.

    We continue our journey to our accommodation for the next two nights, a marvelous premium forest lodge, which is famed for its ecological and sustainable character, only using and re-using natural materials. Enjoy this lovely heaven of tranquility in the midst of a forest and look forward to waking up to bird’s songs in the mornings.

    After you put down your luggage, we leave for Minneriya National Park, where hundreds of elephants roam free. On our safari in a jeep, spot and experience these majestetic animals in their natural habitat and enjoy the spectacular nature. This 8,890 hectar parc is home to the world’s largest known Asian elephant population. This is truly a special moment! In the evening, reminisce with your fellow travellers over dinner and enjoy your evening in your natural heaven in the forest.

    Included: transportation, accommodation, breakfast, meals, entry and guide.

    Board: Full Board

  • Sigiriya Rock and sunset Yoga session with yoga instructor

    Good morning! Have some breakfast and enjoy the amenities. Today, we visit the famous and spectacular monolith Sigiriya Rock, a fifth century fortress in Sri Lanka which has been carved to be a hill of hard volcanic rock. Around 1,200 stairs lead up to the Lion’s Rock Fortress, from where you have the most stunning vista onto the area. The garden leading up to the Sigiriya Rock is a wonderful area to enjoy, too.

    As the day winds down, stretch your muscles during a sunset Yoga session on Pidurangala Rock with Guru Kingsley. The breathtaking views of the setting sun over Sigiriya create a tranquil and inspiring atmosphere. A unique experience, perfect to rejuvinate your body and mind.

    Included: transportation, accommodation, breakfast, meals, entry and guide.

    Board: Full Board

  • Dambulla Cave Temple

    After having enjoyed your breakfast, we check out of our accommodation and discover the famous Dambulla Cave temple with a wishing well water spring, famed for its Buddha status and its intricate cave paintings. We journey on to the secret temple of goddess Paththini Kiri Amma Ulpahta‘. This hidden gem features a sacred wishing well and a water spring believed to hold divine blessings. Engage yourself in the spiritual ambiance, making heartfelt wishes at the spring. After discoving these beautiful sites, enjoy some free time and enjoy the stunning amenities of your the accommodation for the next two days, a luxury accommodation high above a tea plantation.

    Included: transportation, entry, accommodation, breakfast, meal.

    Board: Half board

  • Lipton’s seat and a tour of the tea factory

    Have some hearty breakfast, rest and enjoy the property ' s serene atmosphere, rejuvenating in its tranquil surroundings. Rise early for a visit to Lipton’s Seat, where you can catch breathtaking panoramic views of the lush, rolling hills as the morning light paints the landscape. This iconic viewpoint, once favored by Sir Thomas Lipton, offers an unparalleled glimpse into Sri Lanka’s tea country. Following this, visit a woman owned artisan organic tea garden and tea tasting session where the most exclusive tea varieties are handmade by artisan tea specialists. Learn the intricate process of tea production, from leaf to cup and how to correctly make your ‘Cup of Tea’.

    Included: accommodation, breakfast, meals, entry.

    Board: All-Inclusive

  • Train ride to Horton Plains, trek through national park

    Check out after an early breakfast or take a packed one, depending on your group ' s preference. We will depart nice and early to capture stunning morning views. Enjoy a scenic train ride from Bandarawela to Pattipola, experiencing the beauty of Sri Lanka ' s highlands, as we make our way to the Horton Plains, a stunning national park and one of Sri Lanka’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Take a trek through Horton Plains, marveling at its unique flora, fauna, and the breathtaking World’s End viewpoint. Continue your adventure into the rainforest, immersing in the pristine beauty and tranquility of Sri Lanka ' s diverse landscapes.

    Included: transportation, accommodation, breakfast, meal, entry.

    Board: Half board

  • Trek to Sinharaja Rainforest - Lunch with local Sri Lankan family

    Good morning! Wake up to a stunning sight of the rainforest around you from your accommodation sitting elevated in the midst of beautiful and unique nature. Enjoy some breakfast before we embark on an epic trek through the lush Sinharaja Rainforest, a UNESCO World Heritage site teeming with biodiversity. Navigate through dense foliage, spotting rare wildlife and vibrant plant species, until you reach a serene natural cave yard. Here, you can relax and take in the untouched beauty of your surroundings. Following the trek, enjoy an authentic Sri Lankan lunch with a local family. Savor traditional dishes prepared with fresh, local ingredients, and experience the warmth of Sri Lankan hospitality. This combination of adventure and cultural immersion provides a deeply enriching experience in the heart of Sri Lanka’s natural and cultural heritage.

    Included: accommodation, breakfast, transportation, meal, lunch.

    Board: Half board

  • Cooking Class in rainforest village and farewell seafood dinner

    After having enjoyed our breakfast, we check out and journey to a hidden rainforest village, disconnected from the rest of the world. Explore the unique produce of the rainforest and participate in cooking lessons to learn traditional methods of preparing local dishes. Engage with the villagers and experience their daily routines, gaining insight into their harmonious relationship with the natural environment.

    As the day draws to a close, we will gather for our last dinner on this tour and drive to Negombo. For tonight, we have organised a farewell seafood dinner. Savor fresh, flavorful dishes in a serene, natural setting, and raise a glass and toast to this tour and our last evening. Reminisce with your fellow travellers. It was so lovely to have you on tour and we dearly hope you have enjoyed travelling with us and have gained an insight into Sri Lanka’s culture and the beauty this country holds.

    Included: transportation, accommodation, breakfast, cooking lesson, farewell dinner.

    Board: B&B

  • Your Departure

    Today is your last day in Sri Lanka, before we head off to the airport to catch your flight. We leave as a group but if you prefer to leave individually, please let us know.* Enjoy your breakfast and your remaining time. Our tour ends here, but we’re here for you until your departure.

    If you need anything, please let us know.

    We hope you leave inspired by Sri Lanka’s true beauty and culture experienced over these past days, and return home feeling invigorated. Thank you for coming on tour with us, it was a pleasure to have you on tour! Keep in touch and safe travels home.

    *Late check-out can be arranged at an additional charge on request of individual passengers due to varying flight times, individual drop offs come with additional charges for the individual traveller. Please kindly let us know your arrival and departure date so we can schedule check-out and pick-ups for you.

In May 2024, Sri Lanka experienced one of the worst floods situation which put many villages under water destroying the crops of their farm lands and access roads, thus tarnishing the livelihood of many who lived in these remote villages. With our tours to Sri Lanka, we donate a portion to help restore these destroyed farm lands and also to conserve the river banks of the village to minimise harm in future natural disasters in the small village ‘Pahalapola’ in Sabaragamuwa Province, neglected and forgotten by authorities. Our help goes directly to our tour operator Summer Explorers, and together, we help more farmers as well as provide disaster management rescue equipment for the villagers. 

Experience the beauty of Sri Lanka,
genuienly and with your local host.
An unforgettable experience.

Responsible travel

We support and approach responsible travel holistically. For each trip to Sri Lanka, our Sri Lankan tour operator plants 16-18 trees on our behalf in a Sri Lankan Reforestation Programme.

Local, certified tour host

Discover Sri Lanka with a local, knowledgeable and government certified tour guide, providing you with a local perspective. We are here for you — before, during and also after your tour.

No worries policy

Holidays are fun and we want you to fully enjoy yours on tour with us. We do the planning for you, so you can sit back and relax. Enjoy our No Worries Policy and look forward to your trip!

Personal and genuine tours

Together with our tour operator in Sri Lanka, we have curated both insightful and meaningful small group tours, all providing you with genuine insights & encounters with locals to connect.

Why travel
to the north-east
of Sri Lanka?

In this tour, we travel from Colombo to the centre and head north-east. The north and east enjoy a slower paced life, are still less travelled and boast untouched landscapes. The north-east is shaped by dry flat lands that clash against turquoise beaches and is home to sunken Hindu relics. Perhaps you’ll see Hindu Kovils, temples, that come alive with drumming at pooja time and its underwater world while snorkeling on Pigeon Island. For this tour, we made sure to include some of the best beach destinations and hidden natural beauties for you to discover. We visit some must-sees in these regions for its cultural significance and balance it out with a less frequented national park to witness elephant and other wildlife from near and afar and unique accommodations, exuding local charm.

Learn about our services

  • • Your knowledgeable local host, accompanying you, local guides, drivers.

    • Transportation to and from the airport in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Please note, that in case our group has various different departure times, there might be an additional fee for individual drop offs.

    • Modern style accommodation exuding local charm, sustainability supporting. All acommodations are audited.

    • All activities listed in your itinerary for this trip.

    • Meals and drinks where noted in our complete itinerary. We always make sure that you have enough.

  • • Flights into and from Colombo, Sri Lanka.

    •Mandatory travel insurance.

    • Visa if needed.

    •Alcohol except when it is noted

    • Incidental costs and expenses in your free time.

    • Tips that you would like to leave for guides.

  • All of our accommodations on our tours in Sri Lanka are audited by our tour operator and meet our quality standard. The accommodations on all tours range from boutique hotels to beautiful quality accommodations that feature interesting sustainability concepts off the beaten path, and we choose quality accommodations that exude local charm, boutique or high-end hotels and generally opt for smaller and intimate accommodations that are also not in the main touristy spots. We make sure to include a mix of all of these depending on the length of the tour and destination.

    Staying in pure luxury hotels throughout the trip would increase the tour price significantly, and we would like to keep the price in a range that is accessible for all travellers.

  • Our Sri Lanka tours include your pick-up from the airport and also at the end of the tour the drop at the airport during your flight time. The drop off at the airport at the end of the tour is included for everyone if your tour departs from the hotel together.

    Please note, that in case our group has various different departure times, and if you decide to leave at various different times, there might be an additional fee. For the winter tours, the fee will be around $100. For the summer tour an estimated $15.

    All transportation to all activities and to the hotels, restaurants etc. as per our itinerary, including drivers and cars, are of course included as part of our No Worries Policy.

  • We want you to enjoy your tour and food and lovely meals are a big part of the experience. We always recommend: Be curious and try the local cuisine and delicacies, it is part of getting to know the local culture and our hosts are always there for you.

    Please find the board of each accommodation in our itinerary of your tour. On our tours and also on our Sri Lanka tours we make sure that meals are included as per our itinerary, so that there are no additional costs for you, unless you decide to eat outside of our tour.

    This tour includes all your main meals in the tour package: Meals at hotels as per booked meal plan basis and lunch on excursion days, snacks & tea/coffee including tasting of local street food on the go, water bottles with filtered water and refilling of the bottle with filtered or boiled water unlimitedly are available. Please note, that for environmental reasons, our tour operator has stopped using single used plastic water bottles.

    Alcoholic drinks including beer, ordering room service and additional drinks/food ordered from the accommodation hotel restaurants outside of the main meals are not included.

    On all of our tours, the arrival and departure days are special and we organise special dinners for you. On our welcome and farewell dinners, an alcoholic drink per person is included.

    Our guides and hosts will be making sure that meals are provided at the hotel or during excursions, so you travellers don’t have to worry.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Hi, thank you for being here and for taking us into consideration, we feel truly honored. We are aware that there is a lot of fantastic choices for you to pick for your next trip.

    At tova travel, we curate small group round trips for our travellers, that focus on showing a country from a local and personal perspective. We want you to immerse yourself in the culture, learn from locals, taste the food, smell the air, sip the drinks and the hidden gems of every country and of every place with your local guide who knows best. We are not visitors - we live and breathe a culture.

    For each trip to all of our offered itineraries, we have decided to travel in small groups of minimum 2 travellers (plus a host) and maximum 7 travellers (plus one host). Some of the small group trips are even smaller, please see all country pages. This allows us to be present for you, and you to be part of a group as opposed to be part of an anonymous tour. Also, the idea of a small group is much more accessible for locals than larger groups.

    Please read more about our philosophy here.

  • Please note that your flights are not included, we kindly ask to book separately and please let us know your arrival and departure details prior to your touch down, so that we can arrange your pick up and departure at the airport.

    All travellers and participants must be 18 years of age or older to travel with us unless it is stated otherwise, in which case a minor under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an authorized adult. We ask you for written proof of that.

    We also ask you to send us a copy of your travel insurance - it is mandatory for all of our trips.

    Please get your visa or check visa regulations for your country, it is mandatory to enter the country.

    Please also check your vaccinations in case you need to refresh those.

    Any questions or need some clarifications? Let us know, drop us a message.

  • Are you a curious traveller? Would you like to travel but solo travelling is not for you and you prefer the company of fellow travellers. Us, too, so we think we might be a good match!

    At tova travel, we want to make sure that you get the best experience and best time when coming on a tour with us. Read our Traveller Values and find out if our idea match with your idea of travelling.

    If you are still unsure, and would like to speak to us first, please reach out and send us a message. We are also happy to talk with you. Please just let us know, we’re here.

  • Yes, absolutely. We understand that you need some time on your own, to unwind and charge your social batteries. When we curated the tours for you, we integrated free time for you as well, which you can spend however you feel like it.

    If you do not feel like doing a specific experience on the trip with us, and would like to spend the time for yourself, you can of course let us know and opt out. Kindly understand that these experiences are non-refundable.

    Please always entrust your trip host with your needs, we will always make sure you feel comfortable.

  • Payment can be made via PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay and all accepted Credit Cards.

    If you wish payment via bank transfer, please contact us before proceeding with your booking at tovatraveltours@gmail.com. Thank you.

    Please check our Booking Process and Payment section for more info and our Booking Terms and Conditions for more details on our 3-step payment schedule we have decided for to allow easier budgeting for you.

    As always: We are always happy to hear from you and if you have any questions, please reach out.

  • Travelling should be fun and we understand that there is cost involved. We have decided on this payment cycle to allow easier budgeting for you as a traveller.

    If you book 60+ days and more prior to your booked trip’s scheduled start:

    Upon booking: You are required to pay a non-refundable deposit of EUR 500 for your booking to be confirmed. Preferably, this may be through booking on our website www.tovatraveltours.com or with us via e-mail at tovatraveltours@gmail.com. If you book with us via e-mail, please note that the payment must be made within 48 hours in order to be confirmed.

    Second payment: The second payment is with us upon receiving your first invoice after booking. A payment of 50% of the trip’s price minus the EUR 500 deposit is due no later than 14 days after receiving the invoice. We will send you an e-mail with your booking confirmation and your invoice stating the due dates and balance due so you have all the information. This second payment of 50% of the trip’s price also includes a non-refundable EUR 500 trip planning fee.

    Third payment: The third and last payment of the remaining balance is due no later than 30 days before the scheduled trip start date. You will have received the date and balance due with the order confirmation.

    If you book less than 60 days and more prior to your booked trip’s scheduled start:

    If you book less than 60- days prior or less to your booked trip’s scheduled start:

    Upon booking: For bookings made less than 60 days or sooner before the trip departure date, you are required to pay a non-refundable deposit of EUR 500 for your booking to be confirmed. The deposit of EUR 500 will be deducted from the total trip price and is non-refundable.

    Second and last payment: Upon receiving our booking confirmation we include an invoice to you via e-mail. Upon receiving our invoice, the second and last payment is with a final payment of the remaining balance of the trip, minus the EUR 500 deposit payed upon booking. This payment is due no later than 30 days before the trip departure date.

    Please find further detailed information in our Booking Terms and Conditions.

    If you would like to speak to us, please reach out any time. We are here for you.

Contact us

If you have questions about this trip or about the booking process, please contact us at anytime either via the contact form here or drop us a message directed at tovatraveltours@gmail.com

Monday — Friday: 9 am - 5 pm CET
Please allow 48 hours for our reply.

  • Hi, I’m Katharina and I’m the founder of tova travel tours.

    At tova travel, I accompany your booking process.

    If you have questions about this trip or about the booking process, please contact me at anytime either via the contact form here or at tovatraveltours@gmail.com.

    I'll be in touch briefly. Thank you!