Answers to the questions we're asked most often, from planning your first enquiry to what to pack for the highlands. If you can't find what you're looking for here, our travel specialists are always happy to help.
Whether you're exploring one of our carefully curated journeys or creating something completely your own, our team is here to make planning Sri Lanka simple, personal and seamless.
Both. We offer a curated collection of Classic, Premium, Signature, Special Interest, and Scenic Escape packages ranging from 6 to 15 days, as well as day tours. If none of these fit exactly what you're after, our tailor-made service lets you build an itinerary entirely around your own interests, pace and travel dates.
We recommend booking at least 2 to 3 months in advance, particularly for travel during peak season (Dec to April) or if your itinerary includes in-demand experiences such as the Nanu Oya to Ella scenic train, festival-period travel or premium accommodation. That said, we regularly accommodate shorter-notice requests wherever availability allows.
It starts with a conversation. Share your travel dates, group size, and initial ideas, and our specialists will ask about your travel style, pace, interests and any special requirements. We then design a detailed day-by-day itinerary for your review, and refine it together, with no limit on revisions, until it feels exactly right. Once confirmed, we handle every booking and logistical detail on your behalf.
Broadly: your travel dates or preferred season, the number of travellers and any children's ages, your interests and preferred pace, your accommodation style and budget, and any dietary, health or mobility considerations. Our Client Information Sheet covers all of this and takes just a few minutes to complete.
Absolutely. We welcome your feedback and will refine the itinerary until it matches your expectations. Once your final itinerary is confirmed and booked, changes remain possible where availability allows, though amendments made close to your arrival date may involve additional costs, particularly for pre-booked components such as train tickets.
A deposit is required to secure your booking, with the balance due approximately 30 to 45 days before arrival. Full payment details, including accepted payment methods, are provided in your booking confirmation.
Inclusions and exclusions vary by package and are listed clearly against each itinerary. As a general rule, our packages include private transport, an English-speaking guide, accommodation, daily breakfast, and listed entrance fees and activities. International flights, visas, travel insurance, meals beyond those specified, tips and personal expenses are typically excluded. Full details are set out in each itinerary.
Cancellation charges are calculated based on how much notice is given before your arrival date, ranging from loss of deposit for early cancellations to full charge for late cancellations or no-shows. Full details are set out in our Terms and Conditions. We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers trip cancellation.
Most visitors require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) prior to arrival. Requirements vary by nationality and are subject to change, so we recommend confirming the current requirement for your passport with the relevant Sri Lankan immigration authority ahead of your trip.
Yes, we strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellation and personal belongings for every traveller, and it is required for participation in certain adventure activities, such as white-water rafting and abseiling.
There is no universal vaccination requirement for entry, though recommendations can vary depending on your country of origin and personal health history. We recommend consulting your doctor or a travel health clinic 4 to 6 weeks before departure for up-to-date advice.
Sri Lanka's compact geography means there's a good time to visit somewhere on the island almost year-round. Broadly, the west, south and hill country enjoy their best weather from December to April, while the east coast, including Trincomalee and Arugam Bay, is at its best from May to September. Our specialists will factor seasonality into your itinerary when planning your route.
Our round tour packages and tailor-made itineraries are conducted with private, air-conditioned transport and a dedicated English-speaking driver-guide throughout, exclusively for your group. Selected day tours and specific experiences, such as whale watching excursions, may be conducted on a shared basis with other travellers, as noted in the relevant tour description.
Yes. Several of our packages are purpose-built for families, with age-appropriate pacing, hotel selections and activities. We also happily tailor any itinerary to suit travelling with children of any age.
It varies, from easy village walks and tea estate strolls to active hikes, white-water rafting and multi-hour treks. Every activity in our Experiences section is labelled with an activity level (Easy, Moderate or Active) and approximate duration, and our specialists will help you choose an itinerary matched to your group's fitness and appetite for adventure.
Every Velvet Lanka Tours journey includes access to 24/7 in-destination support. Should you need assistance at any point during your trip, whether a medical concern, itinerary disruption or general query, our local emergency contact is available around the clock.
Tipping is customary and appreciated, though never obligatory, for drivers, guides and hotel staff. As tips are not included in our package pricing, we're happy to advise on appropriate amounts based on your itinerary and group size.
Our travel specialists are always happy to help with anything not covered here, from route suggestions to special requests. Get in touch, and we'll get back to you promptly.
