Published 28th Jun. 2021
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For an island that's approximately four times smaller than the UK, Sri Lanka packs quite the punch with a huge diversity of landscapes; from Ceylon tea blanketing rolling hills and mountainsides to national parks which are home to the highest density of leopards on earth (with 40 believed to roam in Yala), and beautiful golden beaches sprinkled with surfers and sun seekers in-the-know. And, the teardrop-shaped country happens to also be home to equally unique and diverse experiences. Discover five of our favourite experiences to enjoy which are all entirely exclusive to a trip to Sri Lanka...
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Sri Lankan cuisine is vastly underrated with its larger Indian neighbours often stealing the show. Rice and curry - Sri Lanka's national dish - is simplified by language but lacks no imagination and flavour in execution. Learn to make an array of unique local dishes made up of myriad vegetables which can be sautéed in spices, boiled in coconut milk, tempura-d (technical term), deep fried, caramelised and even served raw with grated coconut. If you have any special requests, such as the hugely popular egg hoppers, then just let your guide know. At the end of the class, enjoy the fruits of your labour in a lotus leaf which you can eat local style - with your fingers!
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Sri Lanka has a rich cultural history with evidence of pre-historic human settlements dating back at least 125,000 years. Around the world, rulers have long built imposing palaces to intimidate their subjects and flaunt their wealth to their enemies, but very few have gone to the effort of building a fortress on a vast solitary rock plateau rising almost sheer, 1,000 feet above the surrounding plains. Once the fifth century seat of power of one King Kassapa, climb the 1,200 steps at Sigiriya Rock Fortress to explore the foundations of the ancient ruins. Back on the ground, explore Sri Lanka's oldest ancient kingdom of Anuradhapura, dating back to the fourth century BC, by bicycle with an expert guide and marvel at the ancient archaeological ruins and ingenious irrigation systems.
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Originally built to transport Ceylon tea from the hill country to Colombo in 1864, Sri Lanka's traditional rail line now primarily transports passengers, especially commuters to and from Colombo and is, in our humble opinion, one of the most beautiful and scenic railway journeys in the world. Hop aboard one of the daily scheduled trains stopping at Kandy, Hatton, Nuwara Eliya, Ella and finally Badulla and journey through the tea-clad mountains, offering views that you won't see from the road. From vintage carriages replicating the glory days of the British Raj to standard second class with the daily commuters, we can tailor a train journey to suit your needs.
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Unique to the island, the Vedda are a forest-dwelling, indigenous tribe who have inhabited central Sri Lanka's land for thousands of years. Embark on an exclusive opportunity to spend a day in the life of a Vedda with a village chief, learning about daily life, cultural customs and the tribe's history. Walking through the ancient jungle, the forest truly comes alive as he delves into how his ancestors lived off the land, created local medicine from local plants and sourced food in traditional hunter-gatherer style, as you are shown ancient hunting grounds and cave dwellings too.
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Thanks to southern Sri Lanka's unique setting in the Indian Ocean, being unusually close to the continental shelf, large marine life is able to thrive in the deep water while still feeding off the nutrients that flow from the shore. This makes for an excellent habitat for blue whales and sperm whales, and an excellent whale-spotting location for us. During peak season (between December and April when the sea is calm) there are such large groups of whales swimming in these waters that sightings are usually guaranteed (disclaimer: usually...).
Leave your Sri Lanka holiday planning to our skilled consultants, who use their firsthand knowledge of time spent on the isle to tailor every experience to you and the time of year. Be it walking with the Indigenous Veddha or cooking with a local family, in-country, we work with vetted local guides who think outside the box to make your trip unforgettable. Our fantastic Concierges are just a text away, helping with everything from insider tips to last-minute changes. And whether you’re after boutique hotels or eco-lodges, we’ve got our finger on the pulse for exciting new openings and can recommend the best properties to suit you.
ENQUIRE NOWPractical advice and inspiration for your next trip
Sri Lanka’s verdant rolling hills, pristine coastline and rich cultural tapestry are enticing draws for travellers. Unsurprisingly, this teardrop-shaped isle draws visitors from near and far; the tourism sector contributes over ten per cent of its annual GDP, a figure which is only set to rise. This mass influx of tourists has consequences, however. Hotels across Sri Lanka consume nine times more water than a single household per night per person, while the tourism industry itself creates twice the volume of solid waste that municipalities produce.
15th May 2024 - Sri Lanka Responsible Travel
Last updated: June 2025 by Frances Mavor, our Conde Nast Traveler Sri Lanka specialist. Sri Lanka, the small teardrop-shaped island nation in the Indian Ocean, is well known - and loved - for its breathtaking landscapes and rich culture. Its locals are friendly, its beaches are beautiful, its waters are crystal-clear, and its temples and palaces are shrouded in a timeless charm. But despite its irresistible allure, past events make it legitimate to ask, ‘is it safe to travel to Sri Lanka right now?
5th March 2024 - Sri Lanka Travel Tips
Sri Lanka is rightfully renowned for its diverse landscapes, attracting travellers from across the globe to experience some of Mother Nature’s finest work. Whether you’re travelling with your other half or with youngsters in tow, the scenery leaves little room for disappointment; think lush tea hills, stirring mountains and enticing coastlines. Eager to fly to the uniquely pear-shaped island? We’ve compiled a list of some of the most unmissable landscapes in Sri Lanka.
11th September 2023 - Sri Lanka The Natural World
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