Discover Sri Lanka

Stunning Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean should be on everyone's list. With palm fringed beaches, ancient cities, friendly people, wildlife & lush hill country, there is so much to discover. I was lucky enough to spend a couple of weeks here & really enjoyed the fascinating culture, amazing scenery, atmospheric temples & incredible food. Its a place I'd love to return to.

Colombo

The capital city is worth spending some time in before (or after) heading off to explore more of the island. We liked the historic Dutch Hospital in the Fort district, with its colonial style & relaxed feel, now a shopping & dining complex. 

For a fascinating insight to the history of Sri Lanka, a visit to the National Museum is recommended. Housed in an impressive neo-Baroque building, you can discover ancient arts & crafts, colonial weapons & religious artefacts.

A visit to the R. Premadasa Stadium to catch a game is a must for cricket fans, its the most popular sport. 

Beaches 

Around this island, there are plenty of stunning beaches to choose from depending when you visit.

From Dec to April, we recommend the beaches in the southwest. Try Tangalle for gorgeous sandy beach & great beach front dining. For swimming, Silent Beach is the place to go - golden sands, crystal clear water & the shade of the palm trees. Simply beautiful. 

From May to Sep, we recommend the north or west side of the island. We stayed in Trincomalee & loved the relaxed ambiance at Uppuveli Beach. 

Enquire to start your Sri Lanka holiday. 

Ancient Cities

Mighty Sigiriya dates back to the fifth century AD, this ancient rock fortress in its lofty position is unique. Its quite a climb so not ideal if you have a fear of heights (which I do) but oh so worth it. The gardens, reservoirs & ruins have to be seen to be believed. 

We enjoyed exploring the Dambulla Cave Temple which again is a must do. Wandering the incense-infused caves filled with buddha statues alongside devout believers was a memorable experience for me. 

Visit Polonnowa for the best rock carvings. Don't miss the iconic 14 metre long reclining Buddha statue. 

Hill Country 

Lakeside Kandy is delightfully chaotic & busy, with atmospheric temples, local restaurants & gorgeous colonial hotels. From here, we recommend visiting the spectacular hill country. We took the train to Ella & loved the stunning vistas of tea plantations & lush landscapes. This little town was one of my highlights of Sri Lanka, with plenty of hiking trails & stunning views from our modest accommodation of the valley below & the peaks in the distance. 

If you can push the budget though, we loved the location of the 5 star Majentra Ella hotel. We only visited for a refreshment break but could have easily stayed much longer, it was such a peaceful place to enjoy the views. 

What else should you do? 

• Galle  
  • Explore the historic fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site & the old town with Portugese, Dutch & British colonial influences. A walking tour is a great way to learn more about the fascinating history & see the sights. 
• Wildlife 
  • Visit Yala National Park, widely considered home to the highest concentrations of leopard in the world as well as elephants, jackals, sloth bears & aquatic birds. Most people see at least one leopard whilst on safari here but its never guaranteed. 
  • Wild elephants roam free in Minneriya National Park so this is another great choice. During the dry summer months, you can se the Elephant Gathering. This is where approx. 300 elephants all congregate around the watering place. A sight to behold! 

When is the best time to go?  

Generally, we recommend visiting from December to March in the dry season with temperatures ranging from mid 20's to mid 30's centigrade.

Speak to our Sri Lanka experts & we'll be delighted to help you create your perfect Sri Lankan escape. 

Complete the enquiry form to book your Sri Lankan holiday.