Essential Sri Lanka – 10-Day Economy Journey

Traveler Reviews

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  Tatyana

  January 3rd, 2026
  From the very beginning, when we requested a quotation, this company was extremely professional in their responses....
  From the very beginning, when we requested a quotation, this company was extremely professional in their responses. That professionalism is what made us choose them out of about 30 companies we consulted. Unlike most, they didn’t simply reply “OK” to our proposed itinerary—they analyzed and commented on every step, giving ideas, advice, and references to what would be impossible to achieve and why. They even adjusted our plan to make it more feasible, showing their expertise right from the start. They stayed in constant contact with us and answered all our questions promptly. Our tour in Sri Lanka began with unexpected challenges caused by nature. Unfortunately, we arrived during the aftermath of a cyclone that severely affected the country in late November 2025. We landed in Negombo at night when the worst had already passed, but we knew about landslides, flooded areas, blocked roads, and we weren’t sure what would be possible during our 9-day trip. We contacted the company to ask if the tour could still proceed, and they reassured us that our driver was assessing and revising the plan according to the situation. Through several adjustments and alternative routes, the driver Ruwan found ways to keep the tour going and even suggested new experiences that were not originally included in our plan. Although we couldn’t visit the mountainous areas or most national parks, we still had a fantastic time and visited many sites. Our itinerary was shorter than planned due to road and infrastructure conditions, but the driver Ruwan remained attentive and caring throughout. We had to cancel hotels in the mountain regions, and he was dedicated to finding alternative accommodations for us. During the 9 days, the van was spacious, comfortable, and always clean, maintained carefully by the driver. In cities without running water or open restaurants, he went out of his way to find places for us to eat. He also kept the company updated on our progress and explained the revised itinerary. We were extremely impressed with the professionalism, friendliness, and helpfulness of both the company and our driver. We highly recommend this company 100%, and when we return to explore the mountainous regions, we will definitely use their services again.Show more
  Traveled in December 2025
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  Roshan

  August 26th, 2025
  The tour was great as we were able to visit all the interesting places around Sri Lanka at a very comfortable pace...
  The tour was great as we were able to visit all the interesting places around Sri Lanka at a very comfortable pace and got to relax at the same time. The guide/driver, Manjula, was very knowledgeable and was willing to go out of his way to make sure we got to see and experience all that Sri Lanka had to offer.Show more
  Traveled in August 2025
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  Glenn

  April 11th, 2025
  Great company. Tour was well organised and as promised. Driver was very informative and supportive of any changes we...
  Great company. Tour was well organised and as promised. Driver was very informative and supportive of any changes we would have wanted to make. On the whole we were taken care of very well. I highly recommend wether it's couples or friends of any of age.Show more
  Traveled in March 2025
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  Jonathan

  April 7th, 2025
  First of all this was a great journey with many unforgettable memories. It was well planned and we felt safe. We were...
  First of all this was a great journey with many unforgettable memories. It was well planned and we felt safe. We were very lucky with our guide/driver Mr. Ruwan. He is a very kind and happy person. Without him our journey would have been only half so good. But you should be aware that despite Sri Lanka is a relative cheap country for travelers from the western hemisphere there is a big differentiation between local and foreign people. So you can eat very cheap in local restaurants but in the tourist regions it is much more expensive. And above all in the big sightseeing spots (government run) like the lions rock or Polonnaruwa and the jeep safari in Yala national park you have to pay an extraordinary entrance fee around 40 USD per person. In summary it wasn’t a journey as cheap as we expected. Despite the costs the most trips are worth the money, and we recommend the most. The hotels in summary were good. They are in no way comparable to European standards. But for the Sri Lankan standard the hotels were good. Especially the Grovenor hotel in Nuwara Eliya (a old colonial styled bungalow) and the fresh wave hotel (hotel own beach!). There a two kind of people in Sri Lanka: the one who wants only money at any cost from you and the other one who are very kind and will do everything for you out of pure hospitality. Fortunately you will meet the second kind more often. Following some tips we would been glad to know before the journey: - at the second day our guide suggested an additionally trip to an elefant safari in Anuradhapura. Do this! It was the most magical feeling to see a group of elefants grazing only a few meters in front of you. - In Sri Lanka you are supposed to give tip to everyone. Don’t let you get pushed to give to much money (like we did: we were pushed to give 2000 Rupies. This is very much money for the lokal people!). 100-500 Rupies are good enough unless you want to give more - At the last day we did the Madu river tour (River safari). The tour per se was good, not great. You will drive with a speed boat around 30-40 min. They charged 50 USD for 2 persons and at each included station like the fishfarm were employees which wanted more and more money. So this trip was not great and much to expensive for what you get. We wouldn’t recommend to do it! - Mail your passport numbers at least 1 month before departure to tourradar/showlanka tours, so that they can purchase the train tickets in Ella - Always have enough cash at hand, many shops and restaurants and also many sightseeing tours don’t accept card.Show more
  Traveled in March 2025
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  dennis

  January 31st, 2024
  We had a great guide that showed us many different things with very good knowledge of the country. He also did what...
  We had a great guide that showed us many different things with very good knowledge of the country. He also did what ever he could to make our family comfortable. Dennis and familyShow more
  Traveled in January 2024
  

  Reply from: showlanka tours

  Dear Mr Denis, Thank you for you shared your Sri Lanka experienced in here. We hope you get what you expect from a travel agency & We thank you for placing your trust in us. Best wishes !! Nimali

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  Gerald

  May 30th, 2023
  Exelent organisation we recomand this tour everyone
  Traveled in May 2023
  

  Reply from: showlanka tours

  Dear Mr Glaser, We already know your Srilanka vacation blissful with tour guide Mr.Ruwan. He is the one of best tour guide who know the history of ancient Srilanka. As well as, you are the great person as a senior citizen. You were never skip any attractions even Sgiriya rock fortress while your way. Thank recommended & best regards !! Nimali Tour co-ordinator showlanka team.

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  Paula

  May 23rd, 2023
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  The trip was very interesting, our driver Rowan was an excellent driver and very careful! We finished our tour in...
  The trip was very interesting, our driver Rowan was an excellent driver and very careful! We finished our tour in Balapitiya on May 20 as scheduled. We had a commitment from them to take us to Colombo airport on May 28. Since we consumed one day and one night less, we expect a favorable offer in return. With kind regards Paula GlaserShow more
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  Traveled in May 2023
  

  Reply from: showlanka tours

  Dear Mrs Paula, We already know that you spent 10 days with us in Sri Lanka very happily. Ruwan has given you helpful support as a tour guide and he has worked with you as a good friend. Furthermore, thank you your stress for written review & it's helpful for us. Thanks Nimali Tour coordinator showlanka team

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  Nicole

  January 13th, 2020
  Mr Chamara was our driver and tried to make sure our trip was rich and varied whist keeping us safe and comfortable....
  Mr Chamara was our driver and tried to make sure our trip was rich and varied whist keeping us safe and comfortable. We saw all the highlights from the cool Highlands to the sweltering beaches, complete with gorgeous wildlife, fascinating culture and delicious food. The business is well on its way to becoming a well-oiled machine. Travellers should feel free to ask lots of questions to customise their holiday in the best way that suits them.Show more
  Traveled in December 2019
  

  Reply from: showlanka tours

  Dear Ms,Nicole , we are highly appreciated your measurement. It will be helpful other travelers who are looking contact good travel agency for their vacation. wishes best of all !!! Thanks Janaka wanniarachchi showlanka Team.

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  Sebastian

  October 27th, 2019
  Tour was great, felt like I covered a lot of Sri Lanka and my driver was a really friendly, helpful and accommodating.
  Traveled in September 2019
  

  Reply from: showlanka tours

  Dear Mr,Sebastian Zentilomo , we are highly appreciated your measurement. It will be helpful other travelers who are looking contact good travel agency for their vacation. wishes best of all !!! Thanks Janaka wanniarachchi showlanka Team.

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  David

  September 22nd, 2019
  I booked a 10 day tour with Show Lanka and it completely surpassed my expectacions. The guide / driver, Malin, was...
  I booked a 10 day tour with Show Lanka and it completely surpassed my expectacions. The guide / driver, Malin, was fantastic, flexible and very knowlegable. The food was amazing and all the activities were planned perfectly! Would very much recommend travelling with them! I will definetly come back :)Show more
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  Traveled in September 2019
  

  Reply from: showlanka tours

  Dear Mr, David Singh , we are highly appreciated your measurement. It will be helpful other travelers who are looking contact good travel agency for their vacation. wishes best of all both of you !!! Thanks Janaka wanniarachchi showlanka Team.

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