Sri Lanka Holidays

A tropical, tear-drop shaped paradise set in the balmy waters of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is an island that effortlessly enchants. Small in size but vast and varied, here your days can be filled with exploration, discovery or all out relaxation; we recommend a mixture of all three!

An island of spirit and spice, with a rich history that spans centuries, in Sri Lanka you can spend your time hopping between hazy beaches and cool, emerald tea hills, admiring ancient cities and rock-hewn temples to experiencing bustling, culture-filled cities, exploring lush, pristine wilderness in search of elephants, leopards and brightly hued birds to dipping your toes in balmy, wildlife-filled seas. All this adventure will be fuelled by delicious local food; steaming plates of rice and curry, egg hoppers and Lion beers sipped at sunset.

If you’re looking for a holiday to a destination that packs a punch while being utterly irresistible, you’ve come to the right place.

History & Culture

Shaped by ancient kingdoms, colonial rule and a rich mix of communities, Sri Lanka’s history and culture tell a story of thousands of years of history. One of the best places to explore this history is the Cultural Triangle, which stretches between the city of Kandy and the ruins of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, an area traditionally known as The King’s Land. Incorporating the ruins of the ancient Sinhalese civilisation, here you’ll find some of Asia’s most richly rewarding and impressive heritage. UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Sigiriya (Lion Rock), the cities of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura, capitals of old kingdoms, and Dambulla’s cave temples are all unmissable sights.

For culture, Kandy is the heart of the island, geographically and spiritually. The city has its own unique music, dress and architecture, a legacy of years resisting the colonial rule of the Portuguese and Dutch. It is also home to Sri Lanka’s most sacred place of worship – the Temple of the Tooth. Kandy is also the best place to catch a cultural show of Sri Lanka’s performing arts.

Wildlife

Sri Lanka’s diverse landscapes include tropical rainforests, misty mountains, wetlands, grasslands, and dry forests, each supporting different ecosystems and a huge variety of animals and birds.  Home to elephants, leopards, sloth bears, crocodiles, monkeys, and hundreds of winged species, it is a paradise for nature enthusiasts.

National parks and protected reserves provide excellent opportunities for guided safaris, where you can seek out and observe animals in their natural habitats. Udawalawe National Park is one of the best places in the world to see elephants, with vast stretches of grassland and bush forest that make spotting resident pachyderms reasonably easy. For leopards, head to Yala, Sri Lanka’s premiere national park, a huge expanse of dry woodland and open grassland dotted with rocky outcrops and lakes. In its wilds, you’ll find the world’s largest concentration of leopards as well as elephants, monkeys and a huge variety of birds.

Marine life is equally impressive, with seasonal whale and dolphin watching from places like Marissa and Trincomalee.

Beaches

Sri Lanka can boast swathes of gorgeous beaches, ranging from stretches of golden, palm backed sands to untamed, surf-battered and rocky. Head to the west coast for lively, more developed resorts, whilst the south coast offers an altogether quainter, quieter experience.

Beyond sunbathing, the beaches offer opportunities to experience local fishing villages, fresh seafood restaurants, and unforgettable sunsets over the Indian Ocean. Galle is one of Sri Lanka's most captivating coastal destinations, renowned for its beautifully preserved 17th-century Dutch Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, charming, cobbled streets, and colonial architecture. Just down the coast you’ll find the iconic stilt fishermen, a traditional fishing method that is still practiced and makes for excellent photographs, particularly at sunset.