Est. 1970
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is one of the gems of the Indian Ocean. A small teardrop that falls from the great Indian subcontinent, it's a colourful and chaotic, diverse and devoted country - where Buddhism and an infatuation with the national cricket team take precedent. The ‘Island of Serendipity' - as Sri Lanka is known - has been on the tourist trail for some time. And yet the bounteous enthusiasm of its local communities and the immensity of its cultural and historical treasures make even luxury Sri Lankan holidays feel like real exploration.
Sri Lanka's attractions are numerous and varied. There are lush and steeply terraced tea plantations, one of the clearest legacies of old Ceylon. Splendid beaches, too, some frequented by surfers, others empty and untamed. The energy of the country's largest city, Colombo, and its abundant historical sites are other highlights of Sri Lanka travel. The latter include the fortified old town of Galle, on the southwest coast, sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree at Anuradhapura, the cave temples at Dambulla and the mighty rock fortress at Sigiriya.
Sri Lanka's natural scenery is just as stunning, whether you decide to visit the central highlands around Kandy - home to the Temple of the Tooth - or the rainforest at Sinharaja Forest Reserve, which is home to leopards and plentiful birds. For a relatively small island Sri Lanka certainly packs a lot in. But take in some of its many charms and you're sure to have an unforgettable Sri Lanka holiday.
Sri Lanka holiday
Click on a place name below to find out more. Alternatively, to start planning where to go in Sri Lanka, talk to one of our destination specialists on 020 7590 0613.
Beaches
Colombo
Galle & South Coast
Kandy
Tea Plantations
World Heritage Sites and National Parks
The Practical information displayed here is taken from The Traveller's Handbook, published by WEXAS (2009). While all possible care was taken to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, we are aware that situations change, so for the latest information and up-to-date visa requirements, talk to one of our destination specialists on 020 7590 0613.
Weather
Warm all year, except in the highlands, which are cool and wet. Monsoons occur from May-August (Yala) and October-January (Maha).
Festivals
Buddhist and Hindu festivals feature prominently. The Duruthu Perahera Festival commemorates the visit of Buddha to Sri Lanka and is celebrated in January in Colombo. Esala is a season of festivals from July to August – the full moon of Esala signifies its climax. Kandy Esala Perahera is the most magnificent, a medieval pageant for ten nights with Kandyan chieftains, dancers and drummers, all dressed in colourful costumes. Full moon day (Poya) is celebrated each month. Diwali, the Hindu festival of Light takes place around October each year. Sri Lanka’s National Day is on 4 February.
Food & drink
Spicy curries, often made with coconut milk, sliced onion, green chilli, cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, saffron and aromatic leaves. Local produce is excellent, particularly seafood and fruit, of which the durian fruit is considered a great delicacy. Toddy is a popular drink made from the sap of a palm tree. Fermented, it becomes arrack, which is available in different strengths. Tea is the national drink and of a very high standard, coming straight from the island’s plantations.
Etiquette
Shaking hands is a normal form of greeting. Punctuality is important and, when visiting, a token of appreciation is always welcomed. It is customary to be offered tea when visiting and it is impolite to refuse. Visitors should be appropriately dressed when visiting temples, where shoes and hats must be removed. Western dress is suitable.
Safety
Politically volatile. A separatist guerrilla war by the Tamil Tigers periodically sweeps across the north and east and accordingly travel to these areas is advised against. Terrorist attacks have also taken place in major cities, including the capital Colombo. Visitors should seek the latest information at the time of their visit.International airport
Colombo Bandaranaike (CMB) is 29 km from city.
Internal travel
Good road and train networks. Some flights.
Visa
For short stays, 30-day tourist visas are issued on arrival.Vaccination
BCG, Hep. A, Hep. B, JE, Malaria, Rabies, Typhoid, Fever2.Driving
International Driving permit. (A temporary local driving licence can be obtained instead, but this needs to be endorsed at the AA office in Colombo).Capital
Colombo. (Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte is the administrative capital).Language
Sinhala, Tamil, English.People
Sinhalese (74%), Tamil (9%), Arab or European descent.Religion
Mainly Buddhist. Hindu, Christian and Muslim minorities.Size
65,610.Population
21,128,773.Population density
322.04.Life expectancy
M 72.95, F 77.08.Currency
Sri Lanka rupee (Rp) = 100 cents.Finance
Credit cards and travellers cheques widely accepted, although credit card fraud is a problem. ATM machines are located in major cities.Business hours
0900-1730 Monday-Friday, 0900-1300 Saturday.Time difference
+5.5.Voltage
230, 50 Hz.International dial code
94.The itinerary ideas listed below are designed to give you a flavour of the things to do in Sri Lanka. We can adjust any element and tailor-make your trip though, to suit your individual needs and available time. To start planning your trip, talk to one of our destination specialists on 020 7590 0613.
Sri Lanka & The Maldives
Sri Lanka Boutique Experience
Sri Lankan Highlights
Elephants & Leopards of Sri Lanka
Discover Sri Lanka
Whales and Leopards of Sri Lanka
Sublime Sri Lanka - Family Holiday
Tropical Island Wanderer - Family Holiday
Cycle the Backroads of Sri Lanka
Highlands of Sri Lanka
The places to stay listed below only represent a handful of the accommodation options available in Sri Lanka. We can also recommend and arrange accommodation to suit your personal tastes and budget. To start planning where to stay in Sri Lanka, talk to one of our destination specialists on 020 7590 0613.
AVANI Kalutara Resort Sri Lanka
Saman Villas, Bentota, Sri Lanka
The Fortress, Sri Lanka
Ceylon Tea Trails, Sri Lanka
The types of holiday listed below are just a flavour of the experiences available in Sri Lanka. We can also suggest and plan alternative types of holiday to take into account your individual interests. To start planning what to do whilst away, talk to one of our destination specialists on 020 7590 0613.
Activity & adventure holidays
History and culture
Spa breaks
Nicola Michael - Asia Specialist
To make an enquiry or to start planning your trip talk to our team of specialists on 020 7590 0613
WHEN TO GO
- BEST
TIME - GOOD
TIME - SOME LIMITATIONS
Essential Experiences (6)
Recommended Itineraries (2)
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