Sri Lanka tailor-made holidays
Introduction
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.
At a glance
Flying time from UK
11 hours
Time Zone
GMT +5½
Currency
Sri Lanka rupee (Rp) = 100 cents
Language
Sinhala, Tamil, English
Visa
Please check the
FCO
for latest advice
Where to go in Sri Lanka
Colombo is Sri Lanka's boisterous commercial capital. The country's largest city is a dusty modern metropolis that sways chaotically to the rhythms and routines of Sri Lanka's rich cultural traditions.
The island of Sri Lanka has more than 800 miles of coastline, along which stretch some of Asia's most beautiful beaches. Golden sands, gin-clear seas, a cooling breeze and the reaching shade of a tall palm tree come as standard.
When to go
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Average temperature (℃)
Average rainfall (mm)
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Rainfall
Sri Lanka is tropical and has two very distinct seasons, though confusingly, because of a double monsoon, these take place at different times in the north and south. Monsoons occur between May and August in the southwest and October and January in the northeast. It's wettest in the south, with up to 4,000mm of rain falling each year. Sri Lanka is warm all year round, with temperatures averaging around the mid-to-high 20s. It can be very humid in the low-lying regions during the wet seasons, but Kandy and the higher plateaus of the central province offer some temperate relief.
Top itineraries in Sri Lanka
A tailor-made journey through Sri Lanka, visiting its most impressive ancient monuments and beautiful beaches, taking in Anuradhapura, Trincomalee, Kandy, Polonnaruwa and more. Discover architectural wonders dating back to the 11th century, beautiful, white-sanded beaches and natural harbours.
From sweeping tea plantations to UNESCO-listed treasures and the wildlife of the Yala National Park, spend two memorable weeks exploring the history, culture and beaches of this Indian Ocean gem, a land of smiles that's long made it a travellers' favourite.
Top places to stay in Sri Lanka
Launched in 2014, this gorgeous property is the latest addition to Jetwing’s Sri Lankan portfolio, offering a fine stretch of shoreline and sleek modern design in a peaceful corner of the southern coast. Due to its location, the Jetwing works equally well as a luxury beach resort and as a base from…
A world-class safari lodge, Sri Lanka’s Cinnamon Wild Yala is a winner of TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence and one of the best places from which to explore the wilderness of Yala National Park. A fetching blend of modern functionality and rustic charm, the hotel offers guests a stretch of st…
Special offers in Sri Lanka
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Save up to £400 per couple
Book by: 31 March 2017
In the company of your own driver guide you’ll explore the Dutch-colonial gems and stunning Indian Ocean beaches of Sri Lanka’s southwest corner.
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