Sri Lanka Holidays Specialist Travel Agent

Lying off the South East coast of the Indian subcontinent, Sri Lanka is one of the most diverse destinations in the Indian Ocean, with a wide range of exotic experiences to tempt the discerning traveller. The coastal regions host a growing number of beach resorts from the cheap-and-cheerful end to opulent luxury, but with so much to see and do few are likely to choose Sri Lanka to simply fly-and-flop.

Whether your interests lie in cultural heritage, wildlife & nature, sightseeing or adventure, we'll put together the ideal itinerary to your precise requirements in order to take in all that this incredible destination has to offer.

What to Do in Sri Lanka

Culture

This lush, colourful island boasts a deep, rich heritage that comes to the fore in the 'Cultural Triangle' situated roughly between the former capital Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Dambulla in the North-Central region. Explore a wealth of fascinating temples, giant Buddha monuments, and archaeological ruins, crowned by the extraordinary Sigiriya Rock Fortress, which many consider should be designated the world's 'Eighth Wonder'.


Culture is brought to life through theatre, dance and festivals, often celebrating both the predominantly Buddhist religious calendar and Sri Lanka's beloved elephants, revered in equal measure.

Hill Country

Start from the old British administrative centre of Kandy, host to the spectacular 10-day Esala Perahera festival each July/August, and head up into the hills and plains where a more temperate climate is perfect for producing some of the finest teas in the world.


Here you'll find that former plantation bungalows have been converted to serene, boutique hotels, perfect for sampling the local produce. The more adventurous can trek along hillside paths, scale Adam's Peak, or try their hand at white-water rafting.

Wildlife

Sri Lanka is something of a hidden gem when it comes to exotic biodiversity, although it's well-known amongst bird-lovers as a twitcher's paradise. Any tour is worth including a visit to at least one of the many National Parks.


Search for the elusive 'spotted ghost' leopard in Yala, or witness 'the gathering' of wild elephants in Minneriya. As well as snorkelling and diving spots, the coastal areas offer some of the best whale and dolphin watching to be found in the Indian Ocean.

Beaches

Where the Indian Ocean meets Sri Lanka you'll find long stretches of pristine beaches, ideal for relaxing for a few days after a head-spinning tour of the island. Try your hand at water sports, surfing or diving, or venture out from your resort to observe coastal life where epxert fishermen balance on stilts to keep their catch off guard.

City Life

Spend a night or two in boutique luxury to soak up the atmosphere in the hustle and bustle of Sri Lanka's cities, such as the capital Colombo or the fortified Galle in the South. Take a guided walking tour, and shop for trinkets, spices and gemstones in the markets, or indulge in the island's famed culinary delights.

Golf

Sri Lanka is undoubtedly renowned for its cricketing prowess; however, golf is finding a foothold in the jewel of the Indian Ocean, which is now host to three, and soon to be four, exciting courses. This is not to say that Sri Lanka has no golfing heritage: established in 1879, the Royal Colombo Golf Club is believed to be the second oldest club outside of Britain. Indeed, the Sri Lanka Amateur Golf Championship is the second oldest national championship in the world, starting in 1891.

Guests in the country’s capital can enjoy the Royal Colombo Golf Club, just 20 minutes from the centre this historic course is an oasis of tranquillity. Those visiting Kandy are just 45 minutes from the famously scenic Victoria Golf & Country Resort, which boasts a massive 500 acre setting. Residents exploring tea country have access to Nuwara Eliya Golf Club, where the colonial heritage and verdant environment matches the ‘East meets West’ ambience of the surrounding area. Finally, the Shangri-La Hambantota is set to open their on-site, 18-hole course in August this year, promising ‘spectacular views and distinctive challenges for both casual and seasoned players’. Each of the island’s courses occupy a range of different terrains, all offering something different to the intrepid player. Regardless of ability though, all players will find splendid courses, which offer a dramatic, tropical setting.

Getting Around

Sri Lanka's attractions are spread throughout the country, and if you want to make the most of your visit you'll need to travel around. Most journeys are by car, and all our tours include the services of a knowledgeable and experienced English speaking driver & guide, who will add colour and context to all the places of interest on your itinerary. He'll also seek out off-the-beaten track lunchspots, or help you barter for spices in the local markets.

Some journeys can be made by train, and the route up from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya in the Hill Country is a real treat, with breathtaking views and charming stations from a bygone era.


For those keen to cut down the time on the road, there's a network of small local airports for making short hops by light aircraft or seaplane.

Cuisine

Sri Lankan cuisine is synonymous with variety, so expect to be presented with a dazzling array of succulent treats aimed at stimulating your taste buds. Whether you are at a hotel or out sightseeing on the busy streets of Colombo, items such as kottu, hoppers, pittu, string hoppers and rotti – made complete with a dash of chilli sambol – will be available in abundance.

Rice & Curry

A favourite amongst villagers and city dwellers, rice and curry serves as the staple diet of many. The rice in Sri Lanka comes in many varieties and colours, and visitors can select from a wide choice of veggie and meat dishes to complement a memorable culinary journey. A host of other accompaniments, including coconut sambol, pickle and dried fish, are often available.

Seafood

Happen to be holidaying by the coast? Then why not pick and choose from an assortment of seafood dishes, prepared in accordance with recipes that have thrilled foodies the world over. From juicy jumbo prawns to spicy crab curry, these dishes will not only provide diners with a fabulous experience, but would also serve as a great insight into local food traditions.

Desserts

Whether it is a mix of buffalo curd with coconut treacle or vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce, the desserts found in Sri Lanka are sure to leave you craving for more. There are numerous ice cream parlours on the island, while at the resorts and hotels you are sure to be offered a tempting fresh fruit platter.

Traditional Sweets

The best time to get a taste of the traditions and customs of the country would be during the religious festivals that are held throughout the year. Hot oil cakes referred to as ‘kavum’, ‘aluwa’ and ‘kokis’ can be enjoyed during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year while ‘Watalappam’, a pudding made with jaggery and egg white will be offered during the celebration of Ramadan.

Fruits

From sweet oranges, bananas, pomegranates and many varieties of mangoes, to the freshest strawberries grown in the cool climes of Nuwara Eliya, one is given plenty of choice for healthy indulgence. Start the day with a glass of papaya juice, then try the more exotic fruits such as rambutan, durian and mangosteen.

Travel Advice

Health

When travelling to Sri Lanka you should seek advice from your doctor or health professional well in advance of travel to check what vaccinations and/or any other health requirements may be necessary.

Travellers to Sri Lanka should also be aware that the country experiences outbreaks of the mosquito-borne dengue fever. It is therefore recommended that you take appropriate measures to try and avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

Visas

Visas are required for travel to Sri Lanka. The recent change to eVisas has been overturned by the courts, so visitors will again need to apply for visas upon arrival in the country.

Further advice for both entry requirements and health matters can be found on the FCDO Travel Advice and the NHS Fit for Travel websites.

Sri Lanka & the Maldives

Given its location and all it has to offer, Sri Lanka twins perfectly with the Maldives. We can think of no better way to round off a heady, whirlwind tour than balanced with a few, low-key days on one of the Maldives' 'no-news, no-shoes', remote desert island resorts.


With our intimate knowledge of these destinations, we'll help choose the perfect place to complement your Sri Lanka experience for an unforgettable holiday or honeymoon.

Take a look at a sample itinerary for Sri Lanka & the Maldives.

Sri Lanka Holiday FAQs

How do you get to Sri Lanka?

Sri Lankan Airlines fly daily from London Heathrow arriving in Colombo the next day, with excellent service on Airbus A330 aircraft on all London routes, including flat beds in Business Class. The schedule connects well with the short hop down to Male if twinning with a stay in the Maldives, with a day flight return to London.

Emirates also offer a daily service with a stop-over in Dubai en route.

When is the best time to visit Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka is a tropical destination with warm temperatures year round and regional, seasonal climates across the island. As is normal in the tropics, plenty of sunshine is interspersed with rain showers, sometimes heavy, that give the island its verdant foliage.

December to April tends to see calmer, sunny weather in the south & southwest, and it's also a lovely time to visit the central hills and plains.

In the summer months, southwesterly winds crossing the Indian Ocean tend to bring more rainfall and choppier weather to the southern coastal areas. This is a good time to visit the cultural triangle and east/northeast coasts (with new resorts popping up regularly), which can experience long dry spells.

Can I alter the Sri Lanka itineraries?

Yes, absolutely! All our Sri Lanka trips are completely bespoke, individual itineraries. It's entirely up to you how much or little you would like to take in or combine. The Sri Lanka itineraries listed on our website are just food for thought but our first step is to discuss with you what you would like to experience and get out of your visit to this amazing destination.