Sri Lanka tour operator recommendations

[Jedstre]

I’m looking to book Sri Lanka next summer for family of four ( me, DH and kids will be 18 and 15)
Are there any tour operators you’d recommend please who are knowledgable with itineraries etc

We have used Ampersand travel several times and they have been great, provide a contact in Sri Lanka in case of any issues and have an excellent knowledge.

I went with my mum; flew LHR evening flight to land Columbo lunchtime, 3/4 days in Hatton (in land tea growing area) , safari in Yala National park and finished with a few days at the coast .

My mum didnt want any early starts or too much travelling and this worked well.

If you are keen on swimming in the sea/water activities ask specifically about this as the sea can be pretty rough, some people were swimming but the life guards recommend against it , and I definitely wasn't go in!

We weren't fussed about this as walking on the beach and chilling at the resort was enough, we stayed at the Tea trails resort, Chena Huts and Amanwella coast resort.

It’s a while ago now but we used an amazing driver from https://www.srilankawidetours.com. We actually booked all our own accommodation but they could have done it. Our driver was called Dinesh and he made the holiday: new great and usual places to go and to eat; helped us avoid tourist traps and less ethical experiences; was endlessly cheerful and patient. Great to use a local company too.

Thanks @Janeeyrre and @Notexactlyasplanned

Place marking as possibly visiting

I think Sri Lanka is easy enough to do yourself - use a driver for some parts as PP have suggested.
Check out the itineraries that G Adventures or Intrepid use and just follow that.

Sri Lanka is amazing. Definitely one of the best places I’ve ever been to.

Thanks @iamnotalemon I’ll take a look at the itineraries you’ve suggested. Just getting started on planning

Agree @iamnotalemon : it did take quite a lot of work but we managed it fine and travelled around loads. There are some amazing bnbs that we stayed in that had cooked provided who would cook your supper to your requests at a small fee. Look at the ‘back of beyond’ sites too: we stayed in a treehouse one night. Turning the lights out to de our beds were surrounded by fireflies and then being woken by the dawn chorus in the morning were honestly amazing experiences!

Thanks @Notexactlyasplanned how did you book your accommodation? To be honest we have never been on a holiday where we’ve planned our own itinerary and accommodation so very much a novice.

Ours was 90% Airbnb. But we usually go independent so it was normal for us! I’ll try and find some of our favourites…

These two were lovely: both had excellent private cooks: https://www.airbnb.com/l/dOpT4jbZ
https://www.airbnb.com/l/5XVCaYYR

This guy was amazing: an ex wildlife ranger, he has a Jeep and we booked a safari with him too. He also took us to the elephant sanctuary he used to work at, and out to see the fruit bats nearby emerging in the evening https://www.airbnb.com/l/roqruzqz

For something a bit different: this is actually a primate research centre! The accommodation is basic but amazing wildlife tours: www.airbnb.com/l/OxigarmU

This was our tree house; www.backofbeyond.lk/locations/dehigaha-ela

And this has made we realise we actually did more hotels than I’d remembered. I don’t have so many details kept of them though sorry

So helpful @Notexactlyasplanned thank you

Oh yes I loved the National park and the elephant orphanage, definitely a highlight of my trip to Sri Lanka.

Definitely go to Udawalawa National Park and to the nearby elephant orphanage and catch the scenic train from Kandy to Ella.

I was travelling on a budget but just used booking.com for my accommodation as most have free cancellation so you can cancel if you need to.

Sri Lanka is a great place - people are lovely and the food was great. I spent about 2 months travelling around.