
Holidays to Sri Lanka
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Why Sri Lanka?
Holidays to Sri Lanka promise palm-fringed beaches, treasured temples, tea plantations, flavourful food, UNESCO sites, misty hills, happy herds of elephants and other exotic wildlife, lowland rainforests, ancient cities, – and a welcome as warm as the weather.
Little wonder then that the legendary 13th-century explorer, Marco Polo, was won over by this teardrop-shaped island in the middle of the Indian Ocean, famously declaring it ‘the finest island of its size in all the world’.
Want wildlife? Sri Lanka has 26 national parks including Udawalawe National Park, home to oodles of elephants, and the elusive Sri Lankan leopard. East Africa, eat your heart out.
For a culture fix, visit the first-century cave temples of Dambulla or the golden-roofed Temple of the Sacred Tooth – said to contain one of the most important relics in Buddhism.
Beaches more your bag? Catch some rays on Sri Lanka’s sun-kissed sandy stretches – standouts include Unawatuna and Mirissa on the southern coast, and Arugam Bay, aka Sri Lanka’s top surf spot, in the east.
Holidays in Sri Lanka are a foodie’s paradise too. Delicious-tasting local specialities such as hoppers (bowl-shaped pancakes filled with curry and topped with sambol) and Wattalapam (a lip-smacking pudding of coconut milk, jaggery, cashew nuts, eggs, and spices) will have you purring with pleasure.
This tropical gem is made even more inviting by its charming and hospitable people who go out of their way to share their world with you. Take a trip to Sri Lanka and you’ll soon find that the island formerly known as Ceylon is precisely your cup of tea.
Little wonder then that the legendary 13th-century explorer, Marco Polo, was won over by this teardrop-shaped island in the middle of the Indian Ocean, famously declaring it ‘the finest island of its size in all the world’.
Want wildlife? Sri Lanka has 26 national parks including Udawalawe National Park, home to oodles of elephants, and the elusive Sri Lankan leopard. East Africa, eat your heart out.
For a culture fix, visit the first-century cave temples of Dambulla or the golden-roofed Temple of the Sacred Tooth – said to contain one of the most important relics in Buddhism.
Beaches more your bag? Catch some rays on Sri Lanka’s sun-kissed sandy stretches – standouts include Unawatuna and Mirissa on the southern coast, and Arugam Bay, aka Sri Lanka’s top surf spot, in the east.
Holidays in Sri Lanka are a foodie’s paradise too. Delicious-tasting local specialities such as hoppers (bowl-shaped pancakes filled with curry and topped with sambol) and Wattalapam (a lip-smacking pudding of coconut milk, jaggery, cashew nuts, eggs, and spices) will have you purring with pleasure.
This tropical gem is made even more inviting by its charming and hospitable people who go out of their way to share their world with you. Take a trip to Sri Lanka and you’ll soon find that the island formerly known as Ceylon is precisely your cup of tea.
Popular Areas in Sri Lanka
Your go-to guide of the best locations to spend your next well-deserved holiday
Sri Lanka Key Facts
Good to know before you book or fly
Languages
The most commonly spoken languages are Sinhalese and Tamil.
Fun Facts
The country only became known as Sri Lanka in 1972 after gaining independence.
Currency
Sri Lankan Rupee
Local Time
5 hours ahead
Hotels in Sri Lanka
Browse a cracking selection of the most popular hotels in Sri Lanka
Things to Do
Whether you're looking for a beach getaway or city break, Sri Lanka has something to offer every discerning traveller
Holiday Types in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has something to offer everyone from last minute breaks to family friendly holidays
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time of year to visit Sri Lanka?
The best time to visit the west and south coasts of Sri Lanka, as well as the Cultural Triangle, is between December and March when the monsoon season has finished. If you’re planning on exploring the east coast and the north, the optimum time to go is from April or May to September.
How easy is it to travel across Sri Lanka?
Easy peasy. Distances are short – you could be admiring colonial architecture in Colombo in the morning and riding the waves off Hikkaduwa beach by the afternoon. Bus travel is a bargain but taking the train is one of the great experiences in Sri Lanka. Vendors patrol the length of the carriages proffering their wares, ranging from piping-hot tea, to crispy patties, and packed meals as you view the constantly changing landscapes. If there are a few of you, consider hiring a driver and splitting the cost.
Is Sri Lanka a good place for a holiday?
Absolutely! Sri Lanka is what a holiday should be: exotic but manageable. This tropical treasure offers a gentle introduction to the Indian subcontinent.
What is the currency in Sri Lanka?
The currency is the Sri Lanka Rupee (Rs). It’s a closed currency meaning that you can only obtain your Sri Lankan spending money upon arrival.
What languages are spoken in Sri Lanka?
Sinhala and Tamil are both national languages, but English is widely spoken.
Do you need a visa to visit Sri Lanka?
Yes, but happily it’s a straightforward process. Visas, also known as ETAs, can be obtained from the government’s Department of Immigration and Emigration website (eta.gov.lk) for trips of up to 30 days. Children under the age of 12 do not require a visa to enter Sri Lanka.
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