Sri Lanka travel guide, including map of Sri Lanka, top Sri Lankan travel experiences, tips for travel in Sri Lanka, plus leopards, temples and tea
Hanging like a tear-drop from the southern tip of India, Sri Lanka is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Ringed by a necklace of palm-fringed beaches, its mountainous interior rears up in a jungled hinterland roamed by elephant and leopard, rising finally to the cool highlands that grow the country's famous tea.
Amidst all this there's culture too. Overwhelmingly Buddhist, Sri Lankans practice their gentle beliefs with a lavish enthusiasm. There are thronged temples and sacred relics, religious festivals and extravagant sacrements, at their most spectacular in the holy city of Kandy, home to the Buddha's tooth.
History lives on in the steep, lushly forested hills. This is where you'll find the mighty rock-top fortress of Sigiriya and a cluster of historic towns, including Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa.
The colonial era brought tea-planting on a massive scale to Sri Lanka's cool highlands. You can visit the bungalows of early British settlers as they sit amongst seas of tea-plants, watch pickers at work and factories in action. Walk the streets of Nurweya Eliyah and think Ascot, with timber-framed buildings, G&Ts at members' clubs and even a horse-racing track. European cultures blend in the southern city of Galle, with Portuguese and Dutch elements in this fortified outpost overlooking the Indian Ocean.
To see leopard and elephant in the wild there are a number of spectacular National Parks, lushly overgrown in the tropical climate: Yala is perhaps the most visited. Skilled guides point out the smaller wonders: a huge variety of birdlife and brightly-coloured jungle butterflies.
Last, but not least, there are beaches galore. Pick your beach to suit the season and your taste. There are quiet beaches while others catch great surfing waves. For a beach experience true to local life head to the south, where fishermen perch on stilts dug into the sand, casting lines into the ocean for their daily meal.
The Esala Perahera festival in Kandy has a long and loud procession so be sure to get a seat. Restaurants and shops along the route sell ticketed seats: book early.
Sri Lanka has two monsoons. The south, west and the hills are driest from December to March, while the dry season in the north and east runs from April to September. It’s generally warm all year, but far cooler in the hills. The dates of the Kandy Esala Perahera festival are based on lunar cycles, but the ten-day extravaganza is always in July or August. To see the elephants at Minneriya, visit from July to September.
Bandaranaike (CMB) is 29km from the city.
Public transport in Sri Lanka is cheap but crowded. Rickshaws ply the main towns. Driving is chaotic – better hire a car and driver, at around £40 a day, instead. Trains and buses serve main destinations around the island. Cycling is a great way to explore.
Prices are seasonal in Sri Lanka so it’s always worth asking for a discount outside peak times. Dormitory-style hostels are rare in Sri Lanka. Budget travellers are more likely to find room in hotels or guesthouses. Large resort hotels cater to package tourists. Some camping is available in the national parks. In Sri Lanka’s hill country, check out the lovely tea estate bungalows.
Meals involve a mountain of rice surrounded by curries, spiced vegetables, salads and pickles. String hoppers – pancakes of noodles - are local specialities. Vegetarians will thrive. Try a thambili (king coconut) – the juice is a refreshing hangover cure if you’ve overindulged in arrack, the local coconut tipple.
Most areas of Sri Lanka are now safe for travellers but check with the Foreign Office for the latest security information before you pick a route into the north. Ask your GP or travel clinic about malaria prophylaxis and make sure you’re up to date on other vaccinations. Drink only bottled or sterilised water.
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TransIndus
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13 day tour from £1525: Explore the wonders of Sri Lanka on our Emerald Isle tour.
Holiday Architects
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Designed with the first time visitor in mind. Explores the island's highlights without rushing through.
Tucan Travel
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Natural wonders and religious sites dominate this short, nine day tour of Sri Lanka giving you a glimpse of the small island with so many treasures to uncover. Visit quiet, historic temples and bus...
Experience Travel
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An action packed family adventure – perfect for adventurous families with teenage children. An exciting mix of out of the way serious adventure and a hint of luxury too.
Wildlife Worldwide
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A fabulous itinerary taking in elephants in Udawalawe National Park, leopards in Yala National Park, and blue whales off Sri Lanka's south coast.
Cox & Kings Travel
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The island nation of Sri Lanka has a wealth of cultural, archaeological and natural treasures. This comprehensive tour visits both the popular and some of the lesserknown sites in northern, central...
Wildlife Trails
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Sri Lanka leopard safari to Yala, with 7 private jeep safaris, maximum safari time
Bamboo Travel
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This classic 2 week itinerary takes you on a tour of Sri Lanka’s essential sights and showcases the huge variation that is crammed into this small Island. The tour starts with a night in Negombo..
Selective Asia
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This 13 day itinerary journeys to Sri Lanka’s least visited regions: spending time exploring the Jaffna Peninsula in the far north, before relaxing on the remote west coast beaches of Kalpitiya.
Flight Centre
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Get out there and explore Sri Lanka on this compact itinerary, covering the stand-out highlights of this fascinating country. Encompassing sweeping white beaches, historic churches and intriguing r...
TravelLocal
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A slower paced trip that shows you the variety that Sri Lanka has to offer, at a relaxed pace
KE Adventure Travel
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The perfect Sri Lanka family adventure holiday with a mix of activities, culture and wildlife
Abercrombie & Kent
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Journey to the heart of Sri Lanka over 13 days and explore a vibrant landscape of mountains and jungles to beaches and sacred ruins. Depart on a date that suits you.
The Great Projects
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Encounter the beautiful Asiatic elephant deep within the heart of the Sri Lankan jungle.
G Adventures
From: £804.30
Stop in the port city of Galle — home to a historic fort, look for dolphins and whales along the way, stop by isolated beaches for kayaking or swimming, have a beach barbecue
Wexas Travel
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From sweeping tea plantations to UNESCO-listed treasures and the wildlife of the Yala National Park, spend two memorable weeks exploring the history, culture and beaches of this Indian Ocean gem, a...
Wexas Travel
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Visiting Sri Lanka's most impressive ancient monuments and beautiful beaches in utter luxury, enjoying the services of a private driver throughout and staying in only the finest hotels. Think beach...
Experience Travel
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Around Sri Lanka in comfort, visiting some amazing sites whilst staying at an excellent range of top hotels. (14 nights) Ł2539 per person inclusive of international flights and private transport
Wildlife Worldwide
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The balmy waters around Sri Lanka are home to a wealth of cetacean life, including blue whales, sperm whales and spinner dolphins. On land, the national parks have elephants and leopard, and this i...
KE Adventure Travel
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The finest walks, wildlife and wonders of Sri Lanka in a 2 week holiday
Ramblers Walking Holidays
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Exploring the colour, history, culture and wildlife of Sri Lanka.
Tucan Travel
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Visit areas of stunning natural beauty, national parks boasting some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in all of Asia and wander through bustling towns and cities. Southern Sri Lanka has m...
The Great Projects
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Lend a hand to the conservation endangered sea turtles in beautiful Sri Lanka's.
TravelLocal
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Embrace the slow-paced and carefree way of life that Sri Lankans have been following for centuries with a trip that has it all - fascinating history, endearing culture and stunning natural wonders.
G Adventures
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Stay with a local family in Alleppey for a real taste of the culture, check out the catch of the day at Kollam’s fishing docks, share a meal with a community en route to Anuradhapura, learn about l...
Flight Centre
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So you want see Sri Lanka? See it in style with this wide ranging Journey, taking in many of the country’s most unforgettable sights. Discover glittering temples and beautifully preserved historic ...
Selective Asia
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In addition to the classic highlights of Kandy & Galle, this itinerary visits some of Sri Lanka's lesser-known gems such as the less-frequented Kumana National Park & the laid-back Arugam Bay
Cox & Kings Travel
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Starting from Sri Lanka's oldest wildlife reserve, this itinerary offers an insight into the distinct culture of Jaffna and provides opportunities for relaxation on one of the scenic beaches along ...
Flight Centre
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Discover some of Sri Lanka’s most famous sights on this varied Journey, covering the country’s wildlife, landscapes, beaches and varied history. You’ll climb the rock temple at Sigiriya, tour the c...
TravelLocal
From: £1860.00
Sri Lanka is an island rich in many things: fascinating history, colourful culture and spectacular wildlife. On this comprehensive trip you can experience it all!
Selective Asia
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The perfect blend of city & culture, beach & safari and a journey through Tea Country. The great choice for May - October when the weather is at its best on the east coast.
Ramblers Walking Holidays
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A chance to see the birds, wildlife and whales of Sri Lanka.
G Adventures
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Explore the Sigriya rock fortress, Enjoy a Sri Lankan cooking demo for dinner, gain insight into the national heritage at a tea plantation, relax on pristine beaches, Embark on a safari through Yal...
Cox & Kings Travel
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Sri Lanka is a year-round destination: while the west and south succumb to monsoon rains, the period from May to September is the right time to travel to the rest of the country. This tour incl...
Wexas Travel
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A week-long trip to Sri Lanka, including the Sinharaja Rainforest, Yala National Park, and whale and dolphin watching on the south coast
Wildlife Worldwide
From: £Contact us
A superb itinerary which combines some of the country’s finest nationals parks for wildlife with the island’s culturally significant locations and historic temples.
KE Adventure Travel
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Experience the best of Sri Lanka on our comprehensive discovery holiday
Experience Travel
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A relaxed itinerary encompassing the best of Sri Lanka, staying in the finest hotels on offer and including a long and restful beach stay. Wonderful Value for the quality of the hotels!
Tucan Travel
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Explore Sri Lanka’s land of hidden temples and caves, sacred Buddhist sites and Hindu shrines. Venture into the British tea plantations, nature reserves and botanical gardens of the hill country. V...
KE Adventure Travel
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A road cycling holiday, north to south across the exotic island of Sri Lanka
Cox & Kings Travel
From: £1925.0000
The island nation of Sri Lanka has a wealth of cultural, archaeological and natural treasures. This comprehensive tour visits both the popular and some of the lesser-known sites in northern, c...
Wildlife Worldwide
From: £Contact us
A fabulous two week tailor made itinerary in Sri Lanka, explore the stunning scenery, wildlife and heritage sites of this beautiful country.
TravelLocal
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Short on time? This one week trip packs in some of the highlights of Sri Lanka - and any extra time you can spare can be spent relaxing on the beach!
G Adventures
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Explore stunning beaches, search for wildlife on a safari, gain insight into the national heritage at a tea plantation, indulge in the world-class flavours of Sri Lanka, Stay overnight at a local t...
Experience Travel
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This tour is for wildlife enthusiasts who want to relax and enjoy their holiday too. Covers verdant rainforest, elephants and leopards in their natural state and lush countryside bursting with colour.
TravelLocal
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This is a classic Sri Lanka trip which comprises some of the island's best boutique and luxury hotels reputed for their character and ambiance. This trip covers culture, nature, wildlife and beache
Cox & Kings Travel
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Privacy, peace, a pool of your own and the flexibility to do what you want when you want are all part of this private tour of Sri Lanka’s south coast. Relax or explore as much or as little as you l...
G Adventures
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Tour the famous Taj Mahal, explore the Pink City and Amber Fort, get a taste of village life with a traditional lunch, climb to the spiritual temple of Savitiri, enjoy dinner and traditional dancin...
TravelLocal
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This itinerary is designed to avoid the adverse weather that areas of Sri Lanka experiences in the summer months from May to October, while still taking you to some stunning locations
G Adventures
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Trek through luscious green hills, journey amongst Sri Lanka's most breath-taking scenery, sample local cuisine at a village meal, inhale local flavours at a spice garden, explore southern Sri Lank...
Cox & Kings Travel
From: £1595.0000
Sri Lanka is a year-round destination: while the west and south succumb to monsoon rains, the period from May to September is the right time to travel to the rest of the country. This tour incl...
G Adventures
From: £1399.20
Explore ruins and archaeological sites with local experts, take in a lecture on elephant conservation, search out leopards at Wilpattu National Park, enjoy a taste of tea at its source, learn about...
Cox & Kings Travel
From: £3495.0000
Sri Lanka's south-west coast is renowned for its idyllic beaches and the renowned Yala National Park; home to the leopard. This journey combines the most important cultural sites with time spent am...
TravelLocal
From: £940.00
This tour contains some of Sri Lanka’s most alluring highlights; the itinerary offers beauty, nature and diversity all packed into one week.
Cox & Kings Travel
From: £2465.0000
Head off the beaten path staying at unique properties whilst exploring tea estates, wildlife parks and relaxing by the palm-fringed south coast. Seek out indigenous local tribes and enjoy walks am...
G Adventures
From: £1599.20
Search for wildlife on a safari, spend the night at a local tea plantation and estate, cruise through some of the world's most beautiful islands, uncover isolated beaches, swim and snorkel the vibr...
TravelLocal
From: £640.00
For those with a few days to spare; this tour encompasses the highlights of Sri Lanka’s shimmering south-west in a glorious cluster.
G Adventures
From: £1441.30
Visit a spice plantation to interact with Ayurveda students, Tour a tea plantation and chat with a local expert, spot Sri Lankan elephants on a reserve safari, Explore Galle and the historic fort, ...
Cox & Kings Travel
From: £2285.0000
Delve into Sri Lanka's natural and archaeological wonders in this comprehensive journey. Starting from Sri Lanka's ancient capital, traverse quaint tea country and tropical rainforests to the jungl...
TravelLocal
From: £2800.00
A great trip for those looking for a slightly more active and off the beaten track trip. Try some trekking, cycling, and nature walks as well as getting to know the locals and their way of life
G Adventures
From: £804.30
Visit small fishing villages, relax on deserted beaches, experience Delft Island's unique Dutch history, indulge in a traditional lunch in a Tamil home, a flexible itinerary catering to the group's...
TravelLocal
From: £1400.00
Short and sweet, and sunny. A trip that covers all the best that the South has to offer, creating a perfect package of adventure and relaxation.
Cox & Kings Travel
From: £2535.0000
Known as the pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka has a wealth of cultural and natural treasures. This tour covers many of them, from the ancient city of Anuradhapura in the north, to the fortified...
Cox & Kings Travel
From: £2195.0000
See the best of Sri Lanka’s south coast on this relaxing tour of its historic towns and forts, stunning beaches and endemic wildlife, spending 4 nights at Shangri-La’s Hambantota Resort & Spa.
G Adventures
From: £1149.00
Explore Koneswaram Temple in Dutch Bay, enjoy a beach barbecue, visit Vakari Lagoon, stand-up paddleboard or relax along stunning beaches
Cox & Kings Travel
From: £1855.0000
Discover the remarkable natural diversity of Sri Lanka, from the birds and reptiles in the rainforests to large mammals in the national parks and the abundant marine life in the waters off the ...
Cox & Kings Travel
From: £2645.0000
This introductory tour combines the Cultural Triangle’s ancient cities with scenic hill country, man-made marvels and abundant wildlife. Finish the tour with a relaxing 2-night stay on a palm-fring...
Cox & Kings Travel
From: £4825.0000
Combine the cultural highlights of Sri Lanka with relaxation in the idyllic Maldives.
Cox & Kings Travel
From: £5345.0000
Travel by seaplane staying in some of Sri Lanka’s finest accommodation while exploring the scenic hill country, tropical beaches and the island’s best known national park.
Cox & Kings Travel
From: £4195.0000
With a wide variety of activities, an easygoing culture and beautiful golden beaches, east coast Sri Lanka is the perfect destination to discover from May to September.
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