Frequently Asked Questions

TAND Tours offers comprehensive travel services, including inbound tour packages covering transportation, accommodation, dining, and unique experiences. We offer more than 25 tour categories, from adventure and luxury to MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), wildlife encounters, and more. Group Travel options are available, with full logistical support for accommodation, transport, and activities.

Yes, we cater to a wide range of travel interests and preferences, including group vacation planning, customized tours, and hotel reservations. As a top provider of tourism experiences in Sri Lanka, we aim to fulfill every travel need with personalized service.

TAND Tours is a tour operator and a Destination Management Company (DMC).

TAND Tours was established in 2020 by national tour guide lecturer Mr. Niroshan Samarakoon. Starting as a guide service, the company has evolved into a full-service travel agency.

Yes, Sri Lanka is considered a safe destination. With improved stability since 2009, the country has fully restored essential services. However, travelers are advised to stay informed on current conditions and follow local guidelines.

Absolutely! Sri Lanka is known for its family-friendly beaches, wildlife, and cultural sites. When traveling with young children, bring essentials like insect repellent and check for kid-friendly accommodations.

Yes, Sri Lankans are known for their hospitality and warmth, often going out of their way to make visitors feel welcome. Engaging with locals offers a deeper insight into Sri Lankan culture.

A 10-14 day trip allows for a well-rounded experience, covering cultural sites, hill country, and beaches. For shorter trips, a week can cover key highlights like Sigiriya, Kandy, and southern beaches.

For the south and west coasts, December to March is ideal, while the east coast is best visited from May to September. Hill country has pleasant weather year-round but can be cooler from December to February.

The southwest coast (Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna) is ideal from November to April, while the east coast (Arugam Bay, Trincomalee) is best from May to September.

The best months are January to March when the weather is drier and temperatures are more comfortable.

October to February is recommended for cool, pleasant weather in Ella and Nuwara Eliya.

Highlights include Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Kandy with its Temple of the Tooth, Galle with its colonial fort, tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya, and Yala National Park for wildlife. Each region offers a unique blend of culture and natural beauty.

Sri Lanka is known for tea plantations, beaches, wildlife, heritage sites (like Sigiriya and Anuradhapura), cultural festivals, Ayurveda wellness practices, and outdoor adventures.

Popular activities include surfing, whale-watching, trekking, white-water rafting, safaris, and scuba diving. For thrill-seekers, there are options like kiteboarding, zip-lining, and waterfall abseiling.

Tourists can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online via the official Sri Lanka Immigration website or get a visa on arrival at Colombo Airport.

https://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/visainfo/center.jsp?locale=en_US

Tourist visas are typically issued for 30 days and can be extended up to 270 days. Extensions can be requested online or in person.

Requirements generally include a valid passport, return flight itinerary, accommodation details, proof of sufficient funds, and travel insurance.

Sri Lanka is affordable compared to many other destinations. Budget travelers can save by eating at local eateries, using public transport, and staying in guesthouses or homestays.

Tips include using local transportation (buses, trains), staying in budget accommodations, eating local food, and bargaining at markets.

Sri Lanka uses the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). Currency exchange services are available at airports, banks, hotels, and ATMs.

Yes, tipping is customary. In restaurants, 10% of the bill is typical, while drivers and guides may be tipped based on service quality. Some tour packages include tips as part of the cost.

Routine vaccinations are recommended, along with Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Rabies for those engaging in outdoor activities. Dengue fever is present in Sri Lanka, so travelers should use insect repellent.

Dengue risk is highest in Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, and Kandy. Preventive measures, like using insect repellent, are encouraged.

Options include trains for scenic routes, buses for budget-friendly travel, tuk-tuks for short distances, and private taxis for added convenience.

Tickets can be booked on the Sri Lanka Railways website or at stations. The ride from Nanu Oya to Ella offers the most scenic views.

Sri Lanka offers diverse accommodations, including guesthouses, star-class hotels, villas, glamping sites, eco-lodges, and homestays.

Top dishes include hoppers (bowl-shaped pancakes), kottu roti (stir-fried bread with vegetables and meat), pol sambol (coconut relish), watalappan (coconut custard dessert), and fish ambul thiyal (tangy fish curry).

Yes, Sri Lankan cuisine is known for its use of spices, though most dishes can be adjusted for mild flavors if requested.

Respect for elders, modest dress at religious sites, and removing shoes before entering temples are important customs. Avoid public displays of affection, and use polite gestures when interacting with locals.

A common greeting is a nod and a smile, or “Ayubowan” with hands folded in a prayer gesture for elders or religious figures.

Top parks for elephant viewing include Minneriya, Kaudulla, and Udawalawe, with high elephant populations and opportunities to see other wildlife.

Whale-watching tours are available in Mirissa from November to April and in Trincomalee from March to September.

Yala National Park is the largest, covering 979 square kilometers and known for its leopards, elephants, and bird species.

Sri Lanka uses the Type G plug (same as the UK), with a 230V supply voltage.

Yes, UK plugs (Type G) can be used without adapters in Sri Lanka.