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
Travel advice
Check the
FCO
for latest visa & travel advice
Special offers in Sri Lanka
offer
– Save up to £110 pp
Book by: 31 January 2019
Visiting Sri Lanka's most impressive ancient monuments and beautiful beaches in utter luxury, enjoying the services of a private driver throughout and staying in only the finest hotels. Think beach villas and palatial country manors.
offer
– Save up to £100 pp
Book by: 31 January 2019
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.
cruise offer
Receive $500 credit per suite and free 3-night land tour
Book by: 31 December 2019
Take advantage of special fares and on board credit. Guests in all suite categories can enjoy a FREE 3-Night Essence of Bangkok pre-cruise land program or a FREE 3-Night Abu Dhabi, Dubai Dunes and Sharjah post-cruise land program on this voyage.
cruise offer
Exclusive - Receive $500 Spa or shipboard credit per suite
Book by: 31 May 2019
East meets Middle East on this spectacular sailing aboard Seven Seas Voyager where you'll discover glamorous cities, seldom-explored deserts and Indian beach towns before it all culminates in Asia's foodie capital, Singapore.
Top itineraries in Sri Lanka
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.
offer
– Save up to £110 pp
Book by: 31 January 2019
Visiting Sri Lanka's most impressive ancient monuments and beautiful beaches in utter luxury, enjoying the services of a private driver throughout and staying in only the finest hotels. Think beach villas and palatial country manors.
offer
– Save up to £100 pp
Book by: 31 January 2019
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.
What our clients say about our Sri Lanka holidays
Top places to stay in Sri Lanka
Galle Face Hotel is an iconic historic hotel that's situated in the heart of Colombo, on a beautiful seafront. The property is a historic 19th century building that was built in 1864 and has hosted royalty and celebrities. The Classic Wing is currently undergoing restoration.
Wallawwa Hotel near Negombo is located in a beautiful colonial manor house, in three acres of manicured gardens
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 to Sri Lanka
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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.
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