Places we have actually slept in
Hotels
Tea bungalows, fort villas, safari camps and beach houses, chosen by people who check the mattresses.
We do not list 3,000 hotels. We keep a short list of around 80 across the island, in three price bands, that we visit every year. Every itinerary quote names the hotels so you can look them up, and we will swap any of them for something you would rather try.
Three honest bands
Comfortable (clean, well-run, good breakfast), Boutique (character, design, small), and Luxury (the famous names, plus a few that should be). Prices are shown per band, not hidden in a package.
Stay where the place is
Inside Galle Fort, not on the highway. A bungalow among the tea, not a tower block in town. Walking distance to the safari gate, so you are in the park at 6 am.
Family and long-stay friendly
Connecting rooms, cots, kids' menus, and villas with a cook for a slow week on the coast.
We book direct
Rates come from the hotel, not a third-party site, and you get the room category and the breakfast that were promised.
Honest price guide
What it costs, before you ask.
- Comfortable Double room with breakfast
- US$ 45 to 90 / night
- Boutique
- US$ 110 to 220 / night
- Luxury
- US$ 280+ / night
Guide prices for 2026. Your quote is fixed once you approve it, and it lists every line.
Good to know
Common questions
Straight answers. If yours is not here, WhatsApp us and a human replies.
Do I need a visa for Sri Lanka?
Most visitors need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before arrival, applied for online at eta.gov.lk. Since May 2026 the fee is waived for citizens of 40 countries including the UK, USA, most of the EU, India, Australia, Canada, China and Japan; other nationalities pay US$ 50. The ETA gives 30 days with double entry. We send you a step-by-step guide when you book.
When is the best time to visit?
Sri Lanka has two monsoons that hit opposite sides of the island, so there is always a dry coast. December to April is best for the south, west and hill country. May to September is best for the east coast (Trincomalee, Arugam Bay) and still fine for the Cultural Triangle. We route every trip around the season, so you are never on the wrong beach.
How much does a trip cost?
A private tour with your own driver and mid-range hotels runs from about US$ 120 to 180 per person per day, two sharing, including breakfast. Boutique and luxury hotels move that up. Our sample itineraries show a from-price; your quote lists every hotel and every entrance fee, so there are no surprises.
Is it safe to travel in Sri Lanka right now?
Yes. Sri Lanka welcomed a record 2.36 million visitors in 2025 and is on track for more in 2026. The roads are the main risk, which is why we use experienced drivers and never drive at night in the hills. We follow Foreign Office and State Department advice and will tell you honestly if anything changes.
Tell us your dates. We will do the rest.
A day-by-day plan with named hotels, in your inbox within 24 hours. No deposit until you are happy with it.