Sri Lanka holidays
Sri Lanka, the teardrop-shaped island nestled off the southern coast of India, is a paradise brimming with diversity. From ancient UNESCO World Heritage Sites and wildlife-rich national parks to verdant country landscapes and idyllic golden-sand beaches, Sri Lanka offers something for everyone.
Whether you’re elephant-spotting, heading out on a tea trail or surfing wild waves, we’ve rounded up our hand-picked collection of Sri Lanka hotel stays and holidays with flights included, so you can experience its kaleidoscope of colour, beauty and culture from country to coast.
Here are some of our favourite things to do and places to see in Sri Lanka:
Colombo: Explore the vibrant capital city, with its mix of Colonial architecture, bustling markets, and trendy bars. Don't miss the Pettah Floating Market, the President's House, and the historic Dutch Hospital Precinct.
Polonnaruwa: Cycle through the ruins of this medieval kingdom, marveling at the Vatadage, Rankot Vihara stupa, and the awe-inspiring Gal Vihara Buddhas. Witness the magic of sunset paint these ancient wonders in a golden glow.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress: Ascend the iconic Lion Rock, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and discover its ancient frescoes, water gardens, and breathtaking views from the summit.
Dambulla Cave Temple: Immerse yourself in the artistic heritage of Sri Lanka at the Golden Temple, adorned with intricate Buddhist sculptures and paintings. Be prepared for some cheeky monkey encounters!
Kandy: Experience the spiritual heart of Sri Lanka at the Temple of the Tooth Relic and take a serene walk around the city's picturesque lake. Learn about spices at Luckgrove Spice Garden and admire the craftsmanship at Lakruka woodcraft workshop.
Minneriya National Park: Embark on a Jeep safari through this wildlife sanctuary and witness elephants, water buffalo, and colorful birds congregating around the ancient rainwater reservoir.
Adam's Peak: Hike to the summit of Sri Lanka's sacred mountain during pilgrimage season (December to May) and be rewarded with breathtaking sunrises and panoramic views. Be prepared for a challenging climb with over 5,000 steps!
Beruwala and Bentota: Unwind on the golden sands of these idyllic beaches, indulge in Ayurvedic treatments, or try exciting water sports like snorkelling, diving, and windsurfing.
Galle: Explore the charming UNESCO World Heritage fort, with its Dutch-Colonial architecture, narrow streets, and bohemian boutiques. Visit the Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project and witness the majestic sea turtles being rescued and protected.
Mirissa: Catch waves at this surfer's paradise, known for its beautiful clear waters and laid-back vibes. Spot whales and dolphins during the season, or travel to Koggala to see the iconic stilt fishermen perched above the water.
Kandy to Ella train ride:Take a scenic train journey from Kandy to Ella through the verdant Hill Country, passing tea plantations, waterfalls, and stunning landscapes.
SRI LANKA TRAVEL GUIDE:
When is the best time to visit Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka makes a great destination for winter sun getaways and escaping the bitter cold back home. For the best weather across the country, aim for December to April on the west and south coasts, and February to September on the east coast. This is the dry season, with plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures. If you don't mind short bursts of rain and prefer to beat the crowds, May to August is the low season. The Yala monsoon brings rain to the west and south coasts, but the east coast remains sunny and dry.
September to October and April are the shoulder seasons, offering a good balance of good weather and fewer crowds. This is a great time to go trekking in the Hill Country or surfing in the east.
What currency is used in Sri Lanka?
The official currency used in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). You won't be able to get it outside of the country, so exchanging your money or using ATMs when you arrive is recommended. Remember, it's also illegal to take Sri Lankan Rupees out of the country, so make sure to exchange any remaining Rupees back before you leave.
Which languages are spoken in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka boasts a diverse linguistic landscape! The national languages are Sinhala (spoken by around 70% of the population, primarily in the south, west, and central regions) and Tamil (spoken by approximately 25% of the population).
English is also widely understood and used in the tourism industry, government, and business. Other languages include Malay, Vedda and several other minority languages.
What are the entry requirements for Sri Lanka?
Your passport will need to be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date from Sri Lanka. Most visitors will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter Sri Lanka. This is an online visa that can be obtained easily beforehand for a fee. You can apply for an ETA on the official Sri Lankan Immigration website. You may also need to show proof that you have a flight booked out of Sri Lanka before you're allowed to enter. If you're planning to stay for longer than 30 days, you may need to apply for a visa at the Sri Lankan embassy.
What plug types are used in Sri Lanka?
The power plugs and sockets in Sri Lanka are of type D and G, with a standard voltage of 230 V and a standard frequency of 50 Hz.
Whether you’re elephant-spotting, heading out on a tea trail or surfing wild waves, we’ve rounded up our hand-picked collection of Sri Lanka hotel stays and holidays with flights included, so you can experience its kaleidoscope of colour, beauty and culture from country to coast.
Here are some of our favourite things to do and places to see in Sri Lanka:
Colombo: Explore the vibrant capital city, with its mix of Colonial architecture, bustling markets, and trendy bars. Don't miss the Pettah Floating Market, the President's House, and the historic Dutch Hospital Precinct.
Polonnaruwa: Cycle through the ruins of this medieval kingdom, marveling at the Vatadage, Rankot Vihara stupa, and the awe-inspiring Gal Vihara Buddhas. Witness the magic of sunset paint these ancient wonders in a golden glow.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress: Ascend the iconic Lion Rock, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and discover its ancient frescoes, water gardens, and breathtaking views from the summit.
Dambulla Cave Temple: Immerse yourself in the artistic heritage of Sri Lanka at the Golden Temple, adorned with intricate Buddhist sculptures and paintings. Be prepared for some cheeky monkey encounters!
Kandy: Experience the spiritual heart of Sri Lanka at the Temple of the Tooth Relic and take a serene walk around the city's picturesque lake. Learn about spices at Luckgrove Spice Garden and admire the craftsmanship at Lakruka woodcraft workshop.
Minneriya National Park: Embark on a Jeep safari through this wildlife sanctuary and witness elephants, water buffalo, and colorful birds congregating around the ancient rainwater reservoir.
Adam's Peak: Hike to the summit of Sri Lanka's sacred mountain during pilgrimage season (December to May) and be rewarded with breathtaking sunrises and panoramic views. Be prepared for a challenging climb with over 5,000 steps!
Beruwala and Bentota: Unwind on the golden sands of these idyllic beaches, indulge in Ayurvedic treatments, or try exciting water sports like snorkelling, diving, and windsurfing.
Galle: Explore the charming UNESCO World Heritage fort, with its Dutch-Colonial architecture, narrow streets, and bohemian boutiques. Visit the Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project and witness the majestic sea turtles being rescued and protected.
Mirissa: Catch waves at this surfer's paradise, known for its beautiful clear waters and laid-back vibes. Spot whales and dolphins during the season, or travel to Koggala to see the iconic stilt fishermen perched above the water.
Kandy to Ella train ride:Take a scenic train journey from Kandy to Ella through the verdant Hill Country, passing tea plantations, waterfalls, and stunning landscapes.
SRI LANKA TRAVEL GUIDE:
When is the best time to visit Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka makes a great destination for winter sun getaways and escaping the bitter cold back home. For the best weather across the country, aim for December to April on the west and south coasts, and February to September on the east coast. This is the dry season, with plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures. If you don't mind short bursts of rain and prefer to beat the crowds, May to August is the low season. The Yala monsoon brings rain to the west and south coasts, but the east coast remains sunny and dry.
September to October and April are the shoulder seasons, offering a good balance of good weather and fewer crowds. This is a great time to go trekking in the Hill Country or surfing in the east.
What currency is used in Sri Lanka?
The official currency used in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). You won't be able to get it outside of the country, so exchanging your money or using ATMs when you arrive is recommended. Remember, it's also illegal to take Sri Lankan Rupees out of the country, so make sure to exchange any remaining Rupees back before you leave.
Which languages are spoken in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka boasts a diverse linguistic landscape! The national languages are Sinhala (spoken by around 70% of the population, primarily in the south, west, and central regions) and Tamil (spoken by approximately 25% of the population).
English is also widely understood and used in the tourism industry, government, and business. Other languages include Malay, Vedda and several other minority languages.
What are the entry requirements for Sri Lanka?
Your passport will need to be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date from Sri Lanka. Most visitors will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter Sri Lanka. This is an online visa that can be obtained easily beforehand for a fee. You can apply for an ETA on the official Sri Lankan Immigration website. You may also need to show proof that you have a flight booked out of Sri Lanka before you're allowed to enter. If you're planning to stay for longer than 30 days, you may need to apply for a visa at the Sri Lankan embassy.
What plug types are used in Sri Lanka?
The power plugs and sockets in Sri Lanka are of type D and G, with a standard voltage of 230 V and a standard frequency of 50 Hz.