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Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers on planning a route, what happens when you book, how changes and cancellations work, and what to expect once you are on the road.
Before you commit
Planning Your Trip
Do you offer tailor-made tours?
Yes. Every itinerary on this site is a starting point rather than a fixed product — we adjust the route, the pace, the overnight stops and the balance of sightseeing to free time around what you actually want. Tell us roughly how long you have and what you care about, and we will send back a plan built for that.
When is the best time to visit Sri Lanka?
There is no single off-season, because the island has two monsoons rather than one. The south and west coasts and the hill country are driest from December to April; the east coast is at its best from May to September. We plan routes around whichever window your dates fall into, so a "wrong" month usually just means a different coast.
How long should my trip be?
Our tours run from a single day up to ten days. A day tour works well if you are based in one place or have a free day either side of a flight. Seven to ten days is enough to combine the Cultural Triangle, the hill country and a stretch of coast without spending the whole trip in the car.
Can you arrange safari experiences?
Yes — we arrange game drives in Yala, Udawalawe and Wilpattu, and can build them into a longer route or run them as a transfer-and-safari day. Each park has a different character and a different best season, so tell us what you hope to see and we will point you at the one that fits your dates.
How it works
Booking & Payment
How do I book a tour?
Send an enquiry with your dates and what you have in mind. We reply with an itemised quote that shows exactly what is included and what is not, before any payment is requested. Once you are happy with it, we confirm the booking in writing and the trip is held.
Is my booking confirmed as soon as I submit an enquiry?
No. An enquiry on its own does not reserve dates, vehicles or accommodation — your booking is only confirmed once we have acknowledged it in writing. Until then nothing is held, so for busy travel dates it is worth enquiring early.
When do I pay, and how much is the deposit?
The deposit amount and the date your balance is due are set out on your booking confirmation, so you see both before you commit. You will never be asked for money on terms you have not already been shown in writing.
What payment methods do you accept?
Accepted payment methods are confirmed at the time of booking, and we will always tell you which currency you are being charged in so there are no surprises on your statement.
If plans move
Changes & Cancellations
What happens if I need to cancel?
Your cancellation terms are set out on your booking confirmation and depend on how much notice we have. Where hotels, parks or transport providers hold deposits that are not refundable to us, those amounts are passed on to you at cost and never marked up.
Can I change my dates or route after booking?
Wherever our suppliers allow it, yes — dates, routes and group size can usually be adjusted. If a change carries a cost we will tell you before anything is altered, not afterwards.
What if you have to cancel or change my trip?
If we have to cancel or materially change your trip, we will offer you an alternative or refund everything we have not already paid out on your behalf. We would rather tell you early that something no longer works than run a day that disappoints.
On the road
On Tour & Practicalities
Is transport included?
It depends on the package — each tour page lists its inclusions and exclusions in full. Where transport is included you travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned private vehicle with your own driver, and drive times are planned to keep days realistic rather than rushed.
Do I need travel insurance?
We strongly recommend comprehensive cover for every traveller: medical treatment and repatriation, trip cancellation and curtailment, and your personal belongings. If your itinerary includes safaris, hiking, water sports or ziplining, check those activities are named in your policy. We are a tour operator, not an insurer, so we cannot arrange cover on your behalf.
What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection and a hat cover most days. For temples and other religious sites you will need shoulders and knees covered, and shoes come off at the entrance — so something easy to slip on helps. Anything specific to your route is flagged when you book.
What do you do with my personal data?
We use your enquiry details to answer you and to plan and operate your travel, and we share only the minimum necessary with the hotels, drivers and park authorities on your itinerary. We do not sell your data or pass it to anyone for their own marketing. You can ask what we hold, or ask us to delete it, at ceilontravels@gmail.com.
Still wondering?
Ask Us Anything
If your question isn't here, just send it over. A real person who has driven these routes will answer it — usually the same day.