FAQ's
Find answers to your questions before joining a tour so that you can find out exactly what you want to know. If you have more question please feel free to reach us via contact form.
Pricing, Inclusions & Payments
1: What is included in your private driver quote?
All Sithu Tours quotes are 100% all-inclusive regarding the vehicle and driver. Your price includes:
Private air-conditioned vehicle (Sedan or High-Roof Van).
Dedicated English-speaking chauffeur guide (Vimukthi or an associate senior driver).
Vehicle fuel for your entire itinerary.
Highway express tolls and parking fees.
Driver lodging, meals, and overnight stay expenses.
Airport pickup and drop-off transfers.
2: Are there any hidden costs or surcharges during the tour?
No, there are zero hidden fees. The rate quoted to you on WhatsApp or email is the final price for your vehicle and driver. You will never be asked for additional fuel money, toll fees, or driver accommodation surcharges during your journey.
3: What is NOT included in the driver rate?
To keep your itinerary completely flexible, the following are paid directly by you as you travel:
Your hotel bookings and personal daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Attraction entry tickets (e.g., Sigiriya, Tooth Temple, Botanical Gardens).
Activity fees (4×4 safari jeep hire, Madu River boat ride, whale watching boats).
Personal expenses and discretionary driver tips.
4: How and when do we pay for our tour?
We accept cash payments in USD, EUR, GBP, or LKR upon arrival in Sri Lanka. Typically, a small advance payment is arranged via PayPal or bank transfer to hold your dates, with the balance paid in cash directly to your driver during the tour.
Vehicles, Safety & Luggage
5: What vehicles do you use, and which one is right for my group?
We operate two primary vehicle tiers, both equipped with dual air-conditioning and full commercial passenger insurance:
Sedan Car (1–3 Passengers): Comfortable, modern sedan (e.g., Toyota Axio/Allion) ideal for couples or solo travelers with 2–3 large suitcases.
High-Roof Van (4–6 Passengers): Spacious van with reclining captain seats, high headroom, and massive rear boot space for up to 6–10 large suitcases—perfect for families and groups.
6: Will our suitcases stay safe in the vehicle when we are sightseeing?
Yes, 100%. Your driver stays with the vehicle whenever you are exploring a temple, national park, or restaurant. Your luggage remains locked safely inside the vehicle at all times, so you never have to carry heavy bags around during sightseeing stops.
7: Do you provide child safety seats for families traveling with toddlers?
Yes! If you are traveling with young children, let us know on WhatsApp before your trip, and we will arrange a clean, secure child car seat or booster seat free of charge.
Driver Accommodation & Meals
8: Do we need to book a hotel room for our driver every night?
No. You do not need to book or search for driver rooms. Most tourist hotels in Sri Lanka provide free driver quarters on-site. If a hotel does not offer driver accommodation, Vimukthi manages his own overnight stays nearby. This is fully covered in our price.
9: Do we need to pay for or buy meals for our driver?
No. All driver meals are included in our pricing. While many guests kindly invite Vimukthi to join them for a tea or meal, there is no obligation whatsoever. Your driver respects your privacy during breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
10: Is tipping expected, and how much is customary in Sri Lanka?
Tipping is not strictly mandatory, but it is a widely appreciated customary practice in Sri Lanka for good service. If you are happy with Vimukthi’s driving, safety, and guidance, a customary tip ranges between $10 to $20 USD per day for the group, handed to your driver at the end of the tour.
Route Planning, Itineraries & Trains
11: How flexible is our daily schedule once the tour starts?
You have 100% daily schedule flexibility. Unlike group bus tours, you set the departure time each morning. If you want to sleep in, stay longer at a waterfall, or stop at a roadside fruit stall or tea view point for photos, simply tell your driver!
12: How does the famous Nanu Oya to Ella train ride work with a private driver?
We make the scenic train ride completely stress-free:
Vimukthi drops you off directly at the train station entrance (Nanu Oya / Nuwara Eliya or Kandy).
All your heavy suitcases safely stay in the van—you only board the train with your small day-packs and cameras!
Vimukthi drives the vehicle across the mountain pass and meets you right on the platform when your train arrives in Ella.
13: Can you help us arrange safari jeeps and train tickets in advance?
Yes! We arrange reserved train tickets (subject to railway availability) and connect you directly with trusted local 4×4 safari jeep drivers in Yala, Udawalawe, and Minneriya at fair local prices without middle-agent markups.
Airport Logistics & Booking Process
14: How do we find Vimukthi when we land at Colombo Airport (CMB)?
After passing through customs and baggage claim, walk into the main arrival lobby. Vimukthi will be waiting in the arrival hall holding a clear name board with your name on it (“Sithu Tours – [Your Name]”). We also track your flight number online for real-time arrival updates.
15: What happens if our flight is delayed?
Do not worry! Because we monitor your live flight status using your flight number, your driver adjusts his arrival time automatically. There are no penalty charges for flight delays.
16: How far in advance should we book our driver?
High season in Sri Lanka (December to April and July to August) fills up very quickly. We recommend reserving your driver 3 to 5 months in advance to guarantee availability for your preferred travel dates and secure high-roof van options.
Have a trip in mind?
Ready to Plan Your Sri Lanka Journey?
Skip the forms and hold times. Send Vimukthi a message on WhatsApp to discuss your trip, check availability, and get an instant quote.
