Sri Lanka Holidays

What are the best options for a Sri Lanka holiday?

Sri Lanka's cultural heritage marks the country out as a truly extraordinary luxury holiday destination. The Cultural Triangle in the northern centre of the country, comprising the tongue-twisting cities of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura, as well as Dambulla and the island's crowning glory - the rock fortress of Sigiriya - together making this an astonishing heritage heartland. Heading south the leafy holy city of Kandy and Sri Lanka's tea plantations are also highlights. Finally, Yala and Wilpattu National Parks might not have the tigers that make India's reserves so popular, but they are both beautiful and home to populations of leopards.

And then there are the beaches. Palm-fringed and stretching for mile upon mile, Sri Lanka's beaches are some of the least spoiled in Asia. The south coast is home to some of the very best, with an ever growing number of charming boutique hotels looking straight out onto the ocean. The centre of the south coast action is the wonderful walled city of Galle, like a Lankan Lucca and potentially worth a day or two's exploration before the lure of the beach overwhelms all your other luxury holiday plans.

Who is Sri Lanka best for?

A Sri Lanka holiday is perfect for travellers who want to push themselves to their limits and find wisdom. For travellers who want a bit of everything in a single trip. Nature and culture, sea and mountains, walks and relaxation, cuisine and spirituality. For those who might not necessarily believe in the existence of heaven, but want to be convinced otherwise. For those who already acknowledge the existence of heaven, but want to spend more time there. For those who want to surf, walk, climb, meditate and taste new foods all in the same day. For travellers dreaming of visiting tea plantations. For those who want to meet Buddha, or rather, 'Buddhas'. For those who want to visit both king's palaces and colonial houses. For travellers who like history and stories. For family travellers who want to introduce the next generation to another culture, especially a warm and welcoming one. For real travellers.

These are some things that can only be found in Sri Lanka.

Arugam Bay offers a variety of surf spots and almost deserted beaches. Visit giant stone Buddhas, like those in Buduruwagala and Maligawila, or go blue whale watching off the beautiful beaches between Mirissa and Tissamaharama. See the fast-flowing Kelaniya Ganga river where you can go rafting. Explore the city of Galle, founded by the Portuguese in the 16th century. Then head to Kandy, the last capital of the Sinhalese kingdom before the British arrived. Kandy and its Temple of the Sacred Tooth with the relic of Buddha's tooth. A major site of pilgrimage for faithful Buddhists. See the Buddhist and Brahmanic remains in Polonnaruwa - Sri Lanka's former royal capital. Above all, Sri Lanka holidays offer the delights of a gentle lifestyle and hospitality like nowhere else. And last but not least, it offers sublime cuisine.

Enjoy an original experience on your Sri Lankan journey

As the sun rises over the Maskeliya district and the town of Dikoya, take a walk along dirt trails in the tea plantations and see women with their wicker baskets, leaning over and tending to the shrubs. With their delicate hands, they pick just two buds between their fingers; no more, no less. Continue along the paths and you will see children on their way to school or perhaps a woman adjusting her bright pink sari. At the bottom of the hill, a Buddha watches over a selection of amulets and offerings. Sit and rest for a while and allow yourself to be overcome by an immense sense of calm. Feel the light breeze, hear the call of a bird, the laughter of a child, the whispering of the wind among the tea pickers. Experience a sense of fulfillment. A feeling of gratitude. This is what Sri Lanka can do to you.

Visit the banyan tree at Anuradhapura that - 2,300 years ago - Sangamitta brought back as a cutting from India. This was the tree beneath which Buddha attained awakening, and which continues to thrive, attended to night and day by a team of seven monks who care for it, and a crack team of 1,000 soldiers and policemen who protect it. Votive lamps illuminate the sacred tree to a soundtrack of mantras chanted by devotees who believe that one day the venerable and venerated tree will return to the void where everything springs from.

FAQs

Things to do

What can I experience in Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka offers visitors the chance to experience some of the most picturesque landscapes on Earth. This island is full to the brim with lush rainforests, expanses of golden sand, historical monuments and soaring mountains – despite being roughly half the size of England. It’s also got a reputation for being reasonably priced, meaning that travellers can access some unique experiences without breaking the bank. So, whether you want to see the native wildlife and natural beauty on a safari tour, snorkel in the clear waters or reflect in the shade of the ancient temples, there will be plenty to keep you entertained.

Where should I go in Sri Lanka?

There’s no one best spot in Sri Lanka, but some timeless traveller favourites include:

- Colombo, for rich culture, bustling streets and plenty of shops and restaurants
- Sigiriya Lion Rock, to see one of the most visited attractions in Sri Lanka
- Nuwara Eliya or Ella, to experience the tea hills
- Kandy, to visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
- Yala National Park, for wildlife spotting, particularly leopards and elephants

Culture

What should I wear in Sri Lanka?

The temperature in Sri Lanka remains around 27/28 degrees celcius year-round, so you’ll want to ensure that you’re wearing light, cotton fabric to combat the heat and humidity. It’s important to remember that Sri Lanka is a predominantly Buddhist country, and as such, you’ll need to dress appropriately when entering religious sites. This means long trousers and modest tops – you can bring a shawl to wrap around yourself if you don’t want to cover up completely all day.

If you’re visiting between December and April, or the south-west between May and June and the north-east between October and November, you’ll want to pack a raincoat to ensure you’re kept dry, as Sri Lanka does experience a lot of rain at these times.

Learn more about what to pack for your Sri Lankan adventure with our helpful list.

What is the ‘cultural triangle’ in Sri Lanka?

The term ‘cultural triangle’ in Sri Lanka refers to the area that encompasses Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Dambulla and Kandy. These ancient and sacred cities are designated World Heritage cultural sites, and their geographical proximity make up a triangle shape, hence the name. As well as the beauty of the sites themselves, one of the reasons the cultural triangle is so popular is because visitors can marvel at some of the best cultural spots in Sri Lanka without the need for excessive amounts of travel.

Planning your trip

Where is Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka is located in the Indian Ocean, just south-east of India. It is an independent country, and is part of the continent of Asia.

When is the best time to visit Sri Lanka?

The dry season in Sri Lanka runs from December to March, so if you’re looking for warm weather, this is the best time to visit. However, this does mean that tourist numbers increase, so if you prefer a quieter break, April, September and October may be better.

It’s good to note that Sri Lanka has two monsoon seasons – from May to the end of August in the south-west regions, and October to the end of January in the north-east area. If you’re planning to travel during these months, it’s best to consider your location choice carefully to avoid regular rainfall.

Local information

What is the time difference between the UK and Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka is five and a half hours ahead of the UK during Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), or four and a half hours during British Summer Time (BST).

What language is spoken in Sri Lanka?

The official languages of Sri Lanka are Sinhala and Tamil. English is widely spoken across the country as a second language.

What plugs are used in Sri Lanka?

Plug types D and G are used in Sri Lanka – type G is the same as the UK. It’s still best to carry a travel plug adaptor just in case you encounter type D plugs. The voltage is the same as the UK, at 230v.

What currency does Sri Lanka use?

Sri Lanka uses the Sri Lankan rupee as the main currency. You’ll need to carry cash, but there are ATMs available in many towns. Tipping is expected, with recommended rates of around 10% in restaurants, 100 rupees to hotel workers and 50 rupees to airport porters.

Travel information

Where can I find the latest travel advice for Sri Lanka?

The latest travel advice for Sri Lanka can be found on the government website.

How long does it take to fly to Sri Lanka from the UK?

The flight time from London to Colombo is around 12 hours and 35 minutes, usually with at least one changeover.

Do I need a visa to visit Sri Lanka?

British nationals require a tourist e-visa to enter Sri Lanka, which is then valid for 30 days. You’ll also need to complete an arrival form – this can be done up to three days ahead of time, and can be done online.

What are the passport requirements for Sri Lanka?

British passport holders will be required to have an expiry date on their passport that is at least six months after the day they arrive in the country.

Do I need vaccinations to visit Sri Lanka?

You will need to have a certificate to prove you’re vaccinated against yellow fever if you’re arriving from a country that is deemed a transmission risk. The UK is not currently on the ‘at risk’ list. It is advisable to be up-to-date with your measles-mumps-rubella and diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccinations, but these are not compulsory.