At Avenir Holidays, we offer customized plans for travelers who are uncertain about the best order to visit their chosen destinations. Simply tell us the places you’d like to visit, and our knowledgeable team will create an itinerary that maximizes your time and provide a quote.

For a smoother process, we recommend booking at least 45 business days before your planned departure. However, we do accept bookings closer to your departure date based on flight and hotel availability. If booking close to departure, please ensure your passport remains valid and keep in mind that a visa is required for entry into Sri Lanka and India. Since visa processing can take time, early reservations are advised.

If you’re uncertain about the visa application process, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Avenir Holidays can also apply for a visa on your behalf. For this service, we’ll need a copy of your passport and a completed request form. Just contact us to get started.

If you need to modify your departure date or trip duration after booking, please contact us as soon as possible. Changes can be made if availability allows before the cancellation fee date. If changes are requested after the cancellation fee date, a cancellation charge may apply. Please consult with us to discuss options.

To book a flight, please provide the correct spelling of your name as it appears on your passport. When issuing your ticket, we’ll also need your passport number, expiration date, nationality, and date of birth, so kindly send us a photo of your passport.

Yes, we can arrange flights to and from cities served by SriLankan Airlines, including Colombo. Feel free to reach out to us for assistance.

Yes, you can travel to Colombo via Bangkok or Singapore on a codeshare flight with JAL departing from Haneda or Kansai. We can issue tickets that include a connecting flight on your outbound journey and a direct flight on your return, so please contact us to discuss options.

If you test positive for COVID-19 during your trip and are unable to return on the original date, contact us as soon as possible. FIX tickets usually cannot be modified, but in some cases, the airline may allow us to calculate the fare difference for a flexible ticket. We can help advise on the options available based on your booking class and current fares.

SriLankan Airlines offers both free and paid seat options. Free seat selections are limited and subject to change, though priority is available for business class, certain economy classes (Y, B, P, or H), infants, and wheelchair users. If you qualify, let us know so we can make the request. Additionally, you may select an available seat for free during online check-in, starting 48 hours before departure. If you want a guaranteed seat, you can purchase a Chargeable Seat at least 48 hours before the flight (e.g., Narita-Colombo $30 one way, Male-Colombo $10 one way).

If you are 11 on your departure date but turn 12 during your trip, please note that the adult fare will apply.

For hotels managed directly by our company, we can usually offer lower rates. However, for other hotels, discounts may be available online when there’s high room availability. Be cautious, as some initial online prices may appear low but don’t include local taxes, service fees, or additional charges. For instance, travelers who booked through reservation sites during peak times sometimes faced unexpected costs at check-in, such as seasonal or gala dinner fees not included in the initial price.

We typically do not arrange guesthouses. Many guesthouses don’t offer accommodation for drivers, which adds a separate fee of $15 to $20 for the driver’s lodging. Even with a budget guesthouse, the total cost often ends up close to the rate for a standard hotel when including the driver’s accommodation. Therefore, we recommend opting for a standard hotel.

In Sri Lanka, some hotels allow a triple booking, including infants sharing existing beds. However, most hotels have strict room occupancy limits, with some exceptions for specific resorts. A family of four typically requires either two rooms or a family villa.

Avenir Holidays offers four private car options to match your travel preferences:

1. With Japanese Guide: A driver and a licensed Japanese-speaking guide who can offer in-depth explanations about the history and culture.
2. Japanese Driver Only: A Japanese-speaking driver (not licensed as a guide) who can drive but won’t provide guided tours. We can arrange a licensed driver-guide if needed.
3. English Driver-Guide: A driver with an English national guide license who can guide you at tourist spots, although at some sites, like Sigiriya Rock, they may not accompany you to the entrance.
4. English Driver Only: An English-speaking driver without guide services.

Sri Lankan people are warm and welcoming, but English-speaking guides are often used to serving Western tourists, so it’s best to clearly communicate your needs by expressing “YES” or “NO” when necessary. Japanese-speaking drivers, with experience in Japan, are more familiar with Japanese preferences, so it’s also helpful to clearly communicate even small preferences.

They will wait at the exit with a sign displaying your name. Before departure, we’ll provide the names and contact numbers of your guide and driver, so you can easily reach them if necessary.

By default, guides and drivers dine at a separate table. However, if you’d like them to join you, just let us know. Be aware that, in Sri Lanka, it’s customary to pay for any drinks ordered by your guide.

Typically, your guide or driver is with you from hotel pick-up until you’re dropped off at the end of the day. If you need assistance after-hours, you can contact them on their mobile, and they’ll be happy to help.

It’s customary to tip guides and drivers at the end of your trip. Suggested amounts are 2,500–3,000 rupees per day for guides and 2,500 rupees per day for drivers. Feel free to adjust this based on your satisfaction.

Female guides are rare, so it may not be possible to guarantee one. However, our male guides and drivers are highly experienced in supporting solo travelers, so rest assured.

Yes, we can arrange that. However, transfer costs for tourist cars are calculated based on the entire round trip from Colombo. Therefore, even for a segment like Anuradhapura to Kandy, the price reflects the round trip from Colombo to Anuradhapura and back. It may be more cost-effective to arrange a transfer directly from Colombo or the airport.

Absolutely. Since we offer chartered private cars, you’re free to add stops or detours. At LIONROYAL, we calculate the price based on the original distance quoted, so you can settle additional miles with the driver locally. Please confirm the extra cost with the driver before adding any destinations.

We can arrange a late-night transfer, but please be aware that the area around Sigiriya has unlit roads and potential hazards like wild elephants. For safety reasons, we suggest staying overnight near the airport and traveling the next morning. However, if you wish to proceed, please let us know.

To book a tourist car, we’ll need the following: the full passport name of each traveler, round-trip flight numbers, hotel details, and your choice of an English- or Japanese-speaking driver.

Sri Lanka is a year-round destination, with the dry season typically running from November to March and the rainy season from April to October. However, beach resort seasons vary: from April to October, the east coast has favorable beach conditions, while from November to March, the southwest coast is ideal. In April and October, rain may be heavier due to the monsoon, especially in the evenings, so it’s good to be prepared for sudden showers or thunderstorms. In rare cases, mountainous areas may experience flooding, regardless of the season.

Poya Day, a full moon holiday in Sri Lanka, generally prohibits the sale of alcohol (with hotels as an exception). On these days, some stores, shopping malls, and museums may close or reduce their hours. Many locals visit temples on Poya Days, which can make them busier than usual, but the decorations are often stunning, with lanterns adding to the festive atmosphere. Check the holiday schedule on our website to see if a Poya Day aligns with your travel dates.

It’s best to exchange Japanese yen for Sri Lankan rupees at Colombo Airport, as exchange rates at hotels can be unfavorable and banks in town are often crowded. Tipping is customary, so it’s useful to have small denominations ready. If you’re planning a 6-night stay with all-inclusive meals and sightseeing, around 15,000 to 25,000 yen per person is usually sufficient, especially if you use a credit card for larger purchases like jewelry or Ayurvedic treatments.

Here are general tip amounts for different services. Feel free to adjust based on your satisfaction with the service:

• Elephant trainer or Ayurvedic therapist: 700–1,000 rupees
• Hotel porter or airport porter: 1,000 rupees
• Hotel bed maker: 500 rupees
• Safari guide: 2,000 rupees
• Safari driver: 1,000–1,500 rupees
• Restaurant staff: Round up the bill slightly and leave the change as a tip
• Japanese guide: 3,000 rupees per day
• Driver: 2,500 rupees per day

For family travel, we recommend a plan that includes a Japanese-speaking guide or driver for ease of communication. To keep children comfortable, choose non-spicy options at buffets and bring familiar snacks such as furikake, instant miso soup, cup noodles, and rice crackers. Limit long travel distances where possible, ensure they stay hydrated, and carry essentials like cold medicine, diarrhea medicine, motion sickness relief, cooling sheets, a thermometer, and insect bite treatment. Should any health issues arise, we’re here to assist with itinerary adjustments or hospital visits for peace of mind.

When visiting Buddhist temples, it’s respectful to wear modest clothing, covering shoulders and knees. Women should avoid exposing their shoulders and opt for items like a scarf for coverage. Wearing white clothing is ideal. Men in shorts can use a sarong, a traditional garment sold locally, which serves as both a practical and memorable souvenir. Since you may need to remove your shoes at certain sites, worn socks can protect your feet from hot surfaces, and wet tissues are handy for cleaning them afterward.

Since Ayurveda focuses on oil-based treatments, disposable shorts and a sarong for mobility are recommended. Many Ayurveda hotels limit mobile phone use, so check beforehand to ensure a relaxing, uninterrupted experience.

• General attire: Light summer clothing is best due to Sri Lanka’s warm climate, but bring thin long sleeves for air-conditioned places.
• Safari sightseeing: Opt for long sleeves and pants in natural colors to deter mosquitoes. Sunglasses, a secure hat, and plenty of water are essential.
• Highland areas like Nuwara Eliya: Temperatures can be cooler, sometimes as low as 10°C, so bring a thick jacket.
• HILL CLUB (Nuwara Eliya): Formal dress is required—summer dresses for women and collared shirts with long pants for men.
• Sinharaja Forest Reserve: Prepare for wet conditions with a raincoat, jumper, long sleeves, long pants, and trekking shoes.
• Climbing Sripada (Adam’s Peak): At the summit, temperatures can dip to 10–15°C, so pack a sweater or fleece for warmth.

• Essential items: Passport, e-ticket, VISA, travel insurance card, cash, clothes, underwear, pajamas, toiletries, basic medications, insect bite medicine, sandals, umbrella, sunscreen, swimsuit, camera, chargers, hand towel, pocket tissues, wet tissues, writing implements, and multi-plug/transformer.
• Convenient extras: Hat, sunglasses, hair dryer, insect repellent, calculator, scarf, guidebook, Japanese snacks, and worn socks.

The typical Sri Pada tour is designed for an early morning summit. You’ll usually check into a nearby hotel, such as in Nuwara Eliya, to rest before beginning the climb. Starting around 8-10 p.m., the ascent begins between 9-11 p.m., taking approximately 4-5 hours with rest breaks, allowing you to reach the peak by sunrise at around 5 a.m. The temperature drops significantly near the summit, so a warm jacket, such as a fleece, is essential. After the sunrise, you’ll descend and return to the hotel, where it’s advised to stay an additional night to recover fully.

• Passekudah: Known for its extensive shallow waters, Passekudah is ideal if you’re seeking a relaxing beach experience with minimal waves and plenty of space. It offers privacy and is an excellent choice for leisurely swimming or wading.
• Nilaveli (near Trincomalee): With calmer waters and incredible clarity around Pigeon Island, Nilaveli is perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. This area has a stronger focus on water activities, making it ideal if you’re looking for an interactive beach experience.

• With new domestic flights, Jaffna is now more accessible. Although tourism infrastructure is still developing, Jaffna offers unique sights, including ancient Hindu and Buddhist temples, remnants of Dutch colonial architecture, and scenic beaches. As interest in Jaffna grows, it is expected to become a prominent destination for travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences in northern Sri Lanka.

Located near Tangalle on the southwest coast, Rekawa Beach offers opportunities to witness sea turtles laying eggs, particularly from evening into the night. Full moon days are considered more likely times for sightings, although turtle appearances vary. Staying nearby in Tangalle allows you to wait at the beach for this unique natural event, though there may be nights when turtles do not arrive.