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
Like the sound of a cuisine that’s renowned for a diverse range of flavors and vibrant spices? Then you’ll want to try the traditional food in Sri Lanka. Located in the Indian Ocean, this tropical paradise offers a culinary experience that reflects the country's vibrant culture, rich history and geographical location. To fully appreciate the cuisine here, it's important to acknowledge its influences.
18th July 2023 - Sri Lanka Food & Drink
The only thing we love more than organising holidays for our clients is hearing about the highlights of the trip upon their return. Our travel experts take great care and pride in weaving together tailor-made itineraries, complete with every possible intricacy. It’s this attention to detail that sets us apart and makes our holidays truly original, so hearing about the best bits is incredibly rewarding.
16th March 2023 - Sri Lanka Travel Inspiration
The silence is deafening as you sit aboard a little boat with an expert naturalist in Gal Oya Valley National Park. Drifting quietly between the towering rigor mortis-like limbs of petrified trees, all eyes are trained on the dense forest that surrounds the lake and all ears listen out for the splash of a distant trunk disturbing the reservoir’s calm waters. And then you hear it. The silence is shattered by an outburst of trumpeting from the undergrowth, followed by the thundering of feet as a herd of Sri Lankan elephants appear for their morning dip.
3rd November 2022 - Sri Lanka Conservation
A plateau palace carved into the rock... Rulers have long built imposing palaces to intimidate their subjects and terrify their enemies (two not always mutually exclusive parties), but few can have achieved the desired effect to the extent of Sigiriya in Sri Lanka. Into the lion's den... This vast solitary rock plateau rises, almost sheer, 1,000 foot from the surrounding plains, and was the 5th century seat of power of one King Kassapa.
28th June 2021 - Sri Lanka Travel Inspiration
From sandy beaches to tea plantations via imperial cities and vibrant temple complexes, discover Sri Lanka and its fun and adventurous feel. This is the island of joy and smiles, simplicity, nature and spirituality, with a host of treasures to explore at a leisurely pace. Head South Leave Colombo Airport and go towards the south of the island, following the coast. En route, fix your gaze on the Indian Ocean as it glows under the setting sun.
28th June 2021 - Sri Lanka Travel Inspiration
Explore Sri Lanka, the one-time colony of Ceylon, in old-world style on the train from Colombo, the island's capital, to Kandy, its religious heart. The journey lasts three hours, travelling through natural landscapes of gardens, forests, coconut groves and lotus lakes. It's a truly magical Sri Lankan train journey. Forget about Colombo. Sri Lanka's capital, home to 800,000 of the country's 23 million inhabitants, is the obvious gateway to the start of your journey, but only deserves a visit as long as the time it takes to recover from your (minor) jet lag.
28th June 2021 - Sri Lanka Slow Travel
As a real foodie I was extremely excited at the opportunity of travelling to Sri Lanka on my recent research trip to sample first hand some of their culinary delights such as hoppers and curries, and I was not disappointed. Having spent the last fortnight in Sri Lanka I have realised that it is not only the food here that is truly captivating but also the spectacular scenery, the friendly and welcoming people and the incredible diversity of Sri Lanka which will entice me to return.
28th June 2021 - Sri Lanka Travel Inspiration
Cooking classes, street food tours and lovely local restaurants - Sri Lanka is one of the best travel destinations for food lovers. Prime for a tasting tour, each region boasts its own unique style of cuisine and flavour combinations making it ideal for anyone who fancies a cross-country culinary feast. Read on to discover the best foodie experiences in Sri Lanka and our top tips for feasting your away around the country.
28th June 2021 - Sri Lanka Food & Drink
Kandy House The ancestral home of one of Kandy's most influential aristocratic families, built in 1804, retains the atmosphere of a private country house, while its colonial influence, providing seclusion and serenity in its countryside setting only a short distance from Kandy. The refurbishment of the 'Walauwa', with its airy white interiors, polished hardwood floors, Dutch-style antique furniture and careful injections of colour, works perfectly.
28th June 2021 - Sri Lanka Hotels
After getting married earlier this year in March, my new hubby and I headed off to Sri lanka for the honeymoon of a lifetime. Here are my favourite three hotels from my Sri Lanka honeymoon ... The Sun House: It has to make number one Perched up on a mini hill in Galle on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, the Sun House is a quaint, rickety looking old colonial house oozing with charm and beautiful interior design.
28th June 2021 - Sri Lanka Honeymoon
Amanwella Situated in a mature coconut grove above a tropical beach on the southern tip of the country's Indian Ocean coastline, this is coastal luxury at its most chic. Situated mostly on the hillside, the Suites have views of the coconut grove and ocean. Floor-to-ceiling glass and latticed panels open onto a private courtyard and plunge pool, with the terrace side opposite affording open views. The contemporary design of the resort is also sympathetic to the surroundings; distinctive terracotta roof tiles, hand-hewn stone walls, water features, terrazzo floors and sliding terrace doors.
28th June 2021 - Sri Lanka Hotels
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.
28th June 2021 - Sri Lanka Travel Inspiration
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
