What is Accessible Travel / Tourism?

Accessible Travel is a collection of efforts to ensure tourist destinations, products and services are accessible to all people, irrespective of their physical limitations, disabilities, or age. There is a misunderstanding that people with a disability do not travel. But they do and their travel ambitions are very similar to the general travelers. 

World Accessible Travel Population

Approximately 15% of the world’s population, lives with some sort of disability. Accessible travel is ensuring equal access to accessible travelers worldwide by providing maximum possible accessible travel infrastructures. 

Wheelchair Accessible Travel Sri Lanka

If you use a wheelchair and you’re dreaming about a holiday in Sri Lanka, you’re probably wondering if it would be worth your while. The answer is yes!
Find out all about luxurious wheelchair accessible holidays in Sri Lanka and why exploring this country is an exceptional idea. We’ve covered everything you need to know about exploring this part of the world while on a wheelchair.

Is Sri Lanka Wheelchair Friendly?

Sri Lanka’s natural gems and ancient historical sites make it a jewel among holiday destinations. However, there’s still much work to be done to make the country more accessible for people with disability or mobility issues.
There are considerable developments are initiated in different aspects of accessible tourism infrastructures such as wheelchair accessible hotels / accessible transport / train services / accessible sightseeing + tourist destinations / accessible restaurants etc. 
While some ancient sites are more accessible than others, they’re all preserved as close to their natural state as possible. This can make accessibility difficult, if not impossible, without assistance. Other potential obstacles are the lack of pavements in towns and villages outside Colombo, and buses, trains, and tuk-tuks not being adapted for use by people with reduced mobility or disability. That said, modern buildings and other newer facilities on the island are accessible, thanks to sloped paths, ramps, lifts, and other features.

Can I plan my accessible trip through Ceylon Expeditions?

The best way to enjoy an unforgettable visit to the island where myth and legend come to life is to choose a wheelchair accessible holiday in Sri Lanka with Ceylon Expeditions. Our Accessible Team will plan the perfect itinerary for your needs by carefully evaluating all accessible needs of the travellers. You’ll stay in accessible hotels in Sri Lanka, travel in comfortable adapted low-carbon vehicles, and receive the necessary assistance when visiting attractions that aren’t wheelchair friendly. You’ll also explore the country with an English-speaking guide, enjoy plenty of opportunities to make lasting memories, and experience the country and its cultures at their very best.

What are the best wheelchair accessible attractions in Sri Lanka?

Numerous attractions can form part of your fully accessible holiday in Sri Lanka. Some attractions are easily accessible for people who use wheelchairs. Other attractions aren’t accessible without assistance. But don’t let that put you off visiting the island; not when the team at our accessible holiday travel agency in Sri Lanka is available to offer the assistance you need to see as many of those attractions as possible.
In Colombo, you can visit wheelchair accessible attractions such as the vibrant markets and the gorgeous Galle Face Green coastal park / Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple etc. You can also enjoy a whale-watching boat trip at nearby Mirissa and see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
In other parts of the country, you can experience the delights of other wheelchair friendly attractions such as a safari at Minneriya National Park near Habarana, or a visit to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Plus, you can explore the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kandy, pay a visit to the picturesque highland town of Nuwara Eliya, go on a safari at Yala National Park, and spend time on the beach and Dutch Fort in Galle.
With the assistance that you receive when you book a wheelchair accessible holiday in Sri Lanka, you’ll also be able to visit attractions that aren’t 100% wheelchair friendly. 

Are There Activities For People of All Ages With Disability?

Whether you’re a younger or older person with a disability or you’re treating your child with disability or mobility issues to an accessible tailor-made holiday in Sri Lanka, you’ll find activities and attractions for people of all ages.
If you’re hoping to spend as much time as possible soaking up the sun and enjoying the salty sea air, an accessible beach holiday in Sri Lanka will take you to some of the island’s best-loved beaches. Are you more interested in the island’s exotic animals and is majestic scenery more your thing? You can visit several different national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and animal orphanages and breeding grounds where it’s possible to go on wheelchair accessible safaris. Or you can immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere of highland tea plantations and other places of outstanding natural beauty.

Do you prefer cultural experiences and places of historical interest?

An accessible tour in Sri Lanka will take you to citadels, forts, and temples. It will give you opportunities to attend cooking demonstrations and cultural evenings, tour cities and towns, and sample the local cuisine too. 
Whatever your age or interests, the best wheelchair holidays in Sri Lanka offer you a chance to enjoy the holiday of a lifetime. All without the hassle of worrying about accessible activities, attractions, accommodation, or transportation.

Will I Need To Make My Own Way From And To My Hotel In Sri Lanka?

If you book a wheelchair accessible holiday in Sri Lanka with Ceylon Expeditions, you don’t need to worry about getting from the airport to your hotel when you arrive. Or from your hotel to the airport when you leave. 
Our team will meet you at the airport when you arrive. You’ll be transferred to one of the top wheelchair accessible hotels in Sri Lanka in a vehicle that’s adapted for people with disability or reduced mobility. At the end of your holiday, our team will transfer you to the airport and ensure you board the aircraft safely and comfortably.  

Are All the Hotels I’ll Stay In On An Accessible Tour In Sri Lanka Wheelchair Friendly?

With us, you can rest assured that you will stay in some of the best wheelchair accessible hotels in Sri Lanka. We work with wheelchair- and disability-friendly hotels in cities and towns such as Colombo, Galle, Kataragama, Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, Habarana, and Negombo.

When Is The Best Time of Year To Visit Sri Lanka?

If you want to enjoy the best weather in Sri Lanka, consider booking your trip for sometime between January and April. Different regions of the island experience heavy rainfall in different seasons. However, the heaviest rainfall in most regions tends to happen outside of those months.
Those months tend to be less hot and humid than the summer months, which is good news if you’re not used to high temperatures and high humidity. 

Will I Need A Visa To Visa Sri Lanka?

Yes, but you can do this on arrival and it will cost you $40. However, it’s easier to apply for an eTA (electronic travel authorization) visa online. This will cost you $30 and is issued within 24 hours of application. Your visa is valid for 30 days, but you can increase it to 90 days.

Do I Need Travel Insurance When Visiting Sri Lanka?

As a rule, having travel insurance is as important. During COVID-19, Sri Lanka introduced mandatory travel insurance for every visitor entering the country which cost 12 $ per person. While this may change in the future, it’s advisable that you have cover, especially if you have health issues related to your use of a wheelchair. This will give you complete peace of mind so that you can enjoy every second of your holiday. 
Let us plan your wheelchair accessible holiday in Sri Lanka https://www.ceylonexpeditions.com/wheelchair-accessible-holidays-sri-lanka 

Does Ceylon Expeditions guarantee adapted rooms?

Yes, we confirm the tour ONLY upon confirmation of the availability of adapted rooms from all hotels.
 
Do I get accessible car from Ceylon Expeditions?

Yes, wheelchair accessible van available. We manually up-lift the wheelchair to the commuter. 

Do I receive a private wheelchair handler during my holiday in Sri Lanka?

Yes we provide a dedicated English Speaking wheel chair handler for your accessible holiday in Sri Lanka 

Do I receive assistance from the airport?

Of course. You will receive personal care from arrival up to the departure. We meet you just after the landing of the aircraft, before immigration / customs. From there onwards, we will assist you till the end of the accessible tour in Sri Lanka. 
 
Can I bring my own manual / electric wheelchair / scooter?

Yes, all the airlines will accept to carry all forms of chairs.

Can I request wheelchair from Ceylon Expeditions?

 

Yes of course. But you need to inform in advance.

Can I visit Elephant Orphanage / UNESCO World Heritage sites on wheelchair?

Yes, with the help of our dedicated accessible holiday team, you definitely can!