Let Us Plan Your Travel to Srilanka

Sri Lanka continues to emerge as one of the world’s best tourist destinations with accolades from various travel guides, travel magazines and travel web sites including Lonely Planet, Travel lemming web site and Bloomberg web site etc.

Sri Lanka was selected by travel influencers as top destination in Asia for 2019, and Sri Lanka was given the Emerging destination award in 2019. Sri Lanka also gained the travel lemming readers award 2019 among world’s top destinations by traveliing web site. Also, I scape web site UK ranked Sri Lanka as one of the 10 best places to visit in 2019. Subsequently, the BBC good food team named Sri Lankan Cuisine as the no:1 trending cuisine in 2019 on their list. Travel+Lesuire magazine and web site ranked Sri Lanka as one of the the best Islands in the world 2019. Sri Lanka has claimed the top spot in the world’s leading travel guide, the Lonely Planet, as the best travel destination in 2019. Sri Lanka was ranked as top destination for winter travel by USA today in 2019.

CNN travel’s ranked Sri Lanka as one of the 20 best places to visit in 2020. The destination was again featured as one of the Top Destinations to travel in February 2020 by conde Nast Traveler – Middle East. In 2021, Sigiriya became one of Bloomberg’s new 7 wonders of the world. Sri Lanka was ranked one of the top 25 islands voted by readers of travel + leisure magazine for 2021 with many UNESCO heritage sites, beaches, wildlife parks and hill country resorts bottled up in to a small space . Sri Lanka is undoubtedly one of the best holiday destinations waiting to be discovered and celebrated.

In 2021 , Sri Lanka won another accolade as one of the best countries to travel to by Conde Nast Traveller Readers choice awards , and in parallel to that , globally ranked as a wellness tourism destination.

Our Luxury Tours of Srilanka

Tours of Srilanka are combined with exotic and  historic locations with  exciting experiences . Whether you’re looking for a straightforward city and beach break, or a more complex multi-stop tour, our specialists you can get the same in Srilanka

Whatever time of year you visit Srilanka you’ll find an enticing menu of heritage sites, walking tours, cooking classes, jungle hikes, train journeys…just ask our travel expert  and they’ll be delighted to run through the full spectrum of what the peninsula can offer!  

You can find wild, heritage, bliss, Prestine, Scenic and thrilling locations in Srilanka.

Our guide on the best places to visit in Srilanka

Srilanka is a compact destination with excellent internal travel links, and so lends itself easily to multi-stop cultural tours. With alluring tropical coastline on either side, lush rainforests and cool hills through the centre, and vibrant, multi-cultural cities littered throughout you’ll find variety and intrigue wherever you travel.

Best places to go in Srilanka

Our guide to Srilank’s principal destinations is below. You’ll find there’s a lot to see and a great deal of variety on offer! Please speak to our specialists if you’d like more information on any of these locations.

Colombo

Sri Lanka’s Capital Colombo, a port city, with a rich colonial heritage, on the Western coast is a potpourri of races, religions and cultures. Colombo displays the best and worst the country has to offer. The city is a contrast itself, with mansions, lush gardens, fine dining options, shopping malls packed with expensive designer brands standing next to urban slums; diesel fumed congested roads and street markets.

Despite its small size just 37.31 km² Colombo offers a varying selection of experience ranging from taking a tuktuk ride, a visit to Pettah market and eating Kottu to playing a round of golf and having high tea at one of the colonial style hotels overlooking the Indian Ocean.

With many boutiques filled with international brands and local art and fabrics Colombo is the best place to do the last minute shopping and then it’s best to retire to Galle face, Colombo;s playground for some Kottu or Wade.

Open Deck City Sightseeing Service

The Colombo City Tour, the only open deck city sightseeing service in Sri Lanka is a venture by Sri Lanka Tourism & Ebert Silva Holidays. It offers unmatched experiences and exclusive glimpses into Sri Lanka’s premier city of “Old & New”.

Eat Some Seafood on Mt Lavinia Beach
Mt Lavinia is one of Colombo’s more laidback suburbs filled with great seafood restaurants on the golden beach and is named after Lovinia, the gypsy dancing girl who had a secret romance with one of Sri Lanka’s governors.

Mirissa

The ever smiling, mischievous dolphins will put on a show while some of the oldest and the largest sea creatures, the humpback and the blue whales, will nonchalantly  glide past you, when you embark on a whale/ dolphin watching excursion off the Southern, Eastern or the West coast of Sri Lanka. The ideal locations for whale watching would be Dondra Point (accessible from Galle, Hikkaduwa and Mirissa) and Trincomalee while the sea off Kalpitiya teems with an abundance of dolphins.

Hambantota | Yala National Park

Our guide on the best places to stay in Srilanka

Srilanka is blessed with outstanding accommodation. In all of its key destinations you’ll find an enticing selection of upmarket and luxury hotels: ranging from a more private and boutique style, particularly in the secluded beach areas, up to large resorts from established brands which boasts all the bells and whistles.

Sri Lanka is a beautiful island nation located in the Indian Ocean. Although geographically and ancestrally close to India, the island nation has its own distinct culture, food, and way of life. Sri Lanka is known for the lovely smiles of its citizens, its beautiful beaches, and its incredible biodiversity. As a growing hotspot for backpackers and tourists, the nation is a hot destination in South East Asia.

The best place to stay in Sri Lanka will depend on your interest.  Colombo is the capital city of the nation and houses most of the country’s wealth. As such, it is filled with great dining, world-class shopping, and a thriving nightlife. Galle is a town on the southern coast. The highlight in Galle is the Galle Dutch Fort, a fort built originally by the Portuguese and later fortified by the Dutch. Galle Fort is a place with beautiful architecture, lovely shops, and beautiful accommodation. Mirissa is a beach town further east of Galle on the south coast of the island and is a hotspot for whale watching and diving.

On the east coast Arugam Bay, another beach town, is regarded as a surfer’s paradise and is close to Yala National Park. Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a beautiful biodiverse rain forest. It is recognized as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site and is a must-see for nature lovers. Ella is a small town in the mountains towards the middle of the island that has become world famous for its beautiful landscapes and hiking trails.

Nestling in the Central Provice, Sigiriya (or Lion Rock) is an extraordinary rock fortress, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Sri Lanka. The Golden city of Kandy is considered as the cultural capital of Sri Lanka and is a popular tourist destination within the country to witness the traditional arts and crafts of Sri Lanka. Nuwara Eliya is a must-to-visit if you are interested in British Colonial history and architecture, while Negombo is a perfect place to spend some quality time with its beautiful beaches and laid-back atmosphere.

MIRISSA

(Beaches, Honeymoon, Nightlife, Surfing, Relaxation)

Mirissa is a very popular beach town with visitors and is a great place to take a breathe and relax on the beautiful sandy beach. Due to the crescent shape of the coastal area, it is a delight to be able to catch both a gorgeous sunrise and sunset from the beach. Dotted with lovely hotels, cottages, and b&b’s, Mirissa is a great place to stay for a few days. The nightlife in the town is thriving with some really great places to grab a drink and unwind.

You’ll see many surfers in the area, both foreigners and locals and you can sign up for a surf class right on the beach. While in Mirissa, be sure to book a ride to go whale and dolphin watching before you leave. Food on the beach is fresh and the options range from traditional Sri Lankan to modern cafe food.

For accommodation, there are several hotels lining the beach, as well as several luxury hotels a stone’s throw away. To make the most of your stay, aim for accommodation with a view of both the sunrise and sunset.

GALLE

(History, Food)

A city on the south-west coast of Sri Lanka, Galle is primarily known for the 130-acre fort bordering the ocean. A popular tourist destination, Galle Dutch Fort’s historic streets are paved with romance. Although a bit hot midday, the mornings and evenings have a pleasant warmth coupled with a breeze from the ocean. Take a leisurely stroll with your partner or rent some bikes and enjoy the ambience of the quaint shops and cafes on the stone roads.

While taking in the fort’s vibrant history, head over to Groote Kerk, known as the Dutch Reformed Church. This small church was built in the 1750s by the Dutch and is among the oldest Protestant churches still in use today. If you do happen to find yourself out and about at midday, there are several people selling fresh coconut water as well as stalls serving refreshing ice cream and gelato.

Dinner time is a great time to explore some local traditional foods like hoppers and Sri Lankan rice and curry. Or if you are leaning towards familiar Western foods, there are several places offering a great dining experience with different meat and fresh fish dishes.  Accommodation in the fort is primarily boutique hotels, however, there is a famous and more luxurious hotel known as Galle Fort Hotel for those who prefer a traditional hotel experience.

COLOMBO

(City life, Shopping, Food)

The first stop from the airport is the capital city of Colombo. One of the first things you’ll notice is how alive the city is. Everywhere you look there are shops selling delicious snacks (locally known as short-eats) and trishaws delivering passengers to and from work. Being the capital city of the small country, most of the nation’s wealth is contained within it. There are loads to see, do, and experience in the city during the day including shopping, luxury spas, and most of anything else you’d expect in a world-class city. The city is not without a rich history however, as a good part of the city is littered with beautiful colonial homes and old government buildings robust with architectural character.

Take a trip to the older trade area known as Pettah, and you’ll be immersed in streets filled with vendors inviting you to see their products, everything from beautiful fabrics to fresh produce. It should be noted that, as with most big cities, there are pickpockets in this area so please remain cautious.

For accommodation, there are several hotels right on the main strip that give you access to a good amount of shops and great dining options as well provides yours with a great view of the ocean. For those wanting to stay is hotels more luxurious, there are several options there as well.

ARUGAM BAY

(Beaches, Honeymon, Nightlife, Surfing, Safari)

On the east coast of Sri Lanka, surrounded by nature and wildlife, lies Arugam Bay. The bay is recognized as a surfer’s paradise and is the hotspot for foreigners and locals seeking some time outdoors. The overall feel of Arugam Bay is very relaxed, making it a great place to stay for a few days and soak up the sun. Once you’ve had your fill of the beach and near-perfect waves, you can venture nearby into the nearby world-famous Yala National Park. Be sure to bring your camera as you may see many different kinds of bird species, monkeys, elephants, crocodiles, and possibly even leopards. Be sure to have an experienced guide with you.

Another way to see some wildlife is to go on a lagoon safari. This two-hour tour by boat will give you some great views of birds and crocodiles occupying the untouched lagoons. Satisfy your appetite with the variety of options available to you on the beach. Here you will find a large number of options, including fresh juices, seafood, western food, and even serval vegan dishes.

Accommodation options are abundant, with the most desirable locations giving you a beautiful view of the sandy beach and morning sunrise on the Indian Ocean.

SINHARAJA

(Nature, Relaxation)

Sitting only about 4 hours away from Colombo and designated as a Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Sinharaja is the most preserved rainforest in the country. Sinharaja is a nature lover and birdwatcher’s dream as 20 of the island nation’s 26 endemic, or native, bird species all live in this rainforest.

Both the animal and plant life in the rainforest are incredibly diverse. A good tour guide will tell you all about the unmapped plant ecosystem and will point out what is believed to be the earliest forms of plant life. In the rainforest, you will spot the most exotic plants the island has to offer. Be sure to take as many photos as you like, however, please take care to not damage any plant or animal life. One thing to note is that there are small leaches on the rainforest ground see you may want to purchase a pair of leach socks or another deterrent.

There are many options for accommodation just outside of the rainforest with many hotels and luxury hotels boasting beautiful views along the edge of the rainforest. Many of these hotels include tour packages in your reservation so be sure to consider that before booking through another tour guide.

ELLA

(Nature, Hiking)

Just 10 years ago, few locals had ever heard of Ella. This small, remote town quickly gained popularity with foreigners due to it’s abundant waterfalls, tea plantations, beautiful nearby hiking trails, and sweeping views of the valley. The first thing you’ll notice in Ella is the weather. Being in the mountains, the mornings and nights are very refreshing while the days are much less hot than other parts of the island.

The main town area is a great place to get some food, coffee, or a drink. There are 5 main hiking trails around Ella, the 2 most famous being Little Adam’s Peak and Ella Rock. Both of these hikes are best done in the early morning and preferably with a guide. Both hikes give you stunning views of the morning light cascading over fog-covered mountains, valleys, and tea plantations. Another major attraction in Ella is the world-famous and picturesque Nine Arches Bridge. Be sure to check the times at the train station to see when the train comes so you can get that iconic shot for yourself.

There are several famous hotels and resorts in Ella, many having a great view. One of the more extravagant hotels is 98 Acres, located in the middle of a tea plantation on the top of a mountain. Tea at 98 acres in an experience of its own so be sure to include it in your plans.

SIGIRIYA

(Nature, Archeology, Sightseeing)

Ideal for seekers of nature at its best, Sri Lanka’s Sigiriya is pure magic. It has the largest rock fortress in the country and some of the frescoes painted on its walls are considered priceless. The entire city is surrounded by a natural moat that makes it impregnable when it comes to invaders. The surrounding environment is almost like paradise with vegetation, waterfalls, and mountain ranges providing a breathtaking view.

106 miles away from Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, Sigiriya makes it a perfect getaway for those seeking to relax and unwind. Currently, Sigiriya is ranked as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historic value and beauty. The neighborhood around is also quite beautiful with lush vegetation and a natural waterfall. You can take a walk in the garden or visit the local museum to learn more about the city’s history. Sigiriya has been an important part of Sri Lanka for many years with a history that runs back to the 5th century.

For accommodation, there are plenty of mind-blowing resorts, villas, and hotels that would make your stay in Sigiriya a memorable one. The luxurious hotels will offer you with modern facilities that you need for a comfortable stay.

Our guide on the best things to do in Srilanka

Sri Lanka is a tropical paradise that offers a wide range of experiences for nearly every type of traveller. From interactions with warm and friendly locals, to the amazing selection of international cuisine and delicious local food, to a refuge of wellness coupled with centuries-old indigenous natural Ayurvedic healing… Sri Lanka is truly an experiential destination. Captivating and awakening all your senses with experiences around every corner, ticking all the boxes for anyone seeking to find adventure, to get back to nature, to find inner peace or to just relax and rejuvenate!

The diverse scenery, from postcard-perfect beaches to tropical rainforests, waterfalls, and brilliant emerald tea-carpeted hills, is magnificent. Outdoor adventurers will find endless appeal, with everything from surfing and wakeboarding to hiking, climbing and cycling. Scuba diving is outstanding here, with the opportunity to dive off many beaches to explore a breath-taking underwater world with colourful fish, coral gardens, caves and shipwrecks.

The island offers Asia’s best wildlife watching opportunities too, including its very own ‘Big Five’. Island-wide there’s a population of nearly 6,000 elephants – often spotted just by the side of the road! – and the world’s biggest concentration of leopards, along with water buffalos, sloth bears, monkeys, crocodiles and a wide range of birdlife. In the water, you can see blue whales swimming by in season or watch spinner dolphins dance in the surf.

Visitors who enjoy exploring history will find plenty too, with many ancient temples dotting the island. Beautiful Galle is a must for history buffs, boasting Dutch colonial architecture and a late 16th-century fort. The Dutch modified it extensively the following century, making it one of the most important historic, architectural, and archaeological monuments illustrating European influence in Southeast Asia between the 16th and 19th centuries. Many caves can be explored too, including the Dambulla Buddha caves which are filled with cave paintings and Buddha statues.

 

Best activities in Sri Lanka

We can arrange an enticing variety of tours and activities across Sri Lanka. We’ve picked our just a few of our favourites below. There’s plenty more to recommend though; let us know what excites you most about Sri Lanka, and we’ll map out the perfect itinerary.

 

WILDLIFE

Safari drives

Sri Lanka is a wildlife lover’s dream, home to many exotic animals, including leopards. It boasts the highest density of wild cats anywhere else in the world. While you’re here you can watch the monkeys swing through the trees, listen for the thunder of the elephants’ hooves, keep an eye out for tooth crocs and see many bird species too. Safari drives are available island-wide, and for our clients are arranged on a private basis in your own jeep with a private naturalist.

LANDSCAPE

Train Rides

Sri Lanka’s Hill Country is home to the world’s best train rides. The section of track between Kandy and Ella is truly unforgettable, passing through scenery of mountains, tea plantations, and charming hill villages. You are travelling by local train so this is not a luxury experience; we usually recommend picking one 3-4 hour chuck of the line, with the run from Nanu Oya through to Ella our personal favourite. Other recommended train routes on the island include the coastal line which hugs the ocean from Colombo down to Galle; the climb from Colombo up to mountain capital Kandy; or the highly significant route from Anuradhapura up to Jaffna, re-opened after years of civil war in 2015.

CULTURE

Explore Kandy

Picturesque Kandy sits beside a lake in the central highlands, providing a cooler respite and a wealth of ancient temples. This was the last capital of Sri Lanka’s ancient kings, home to the famous Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, believed to have belonged to Buddha himself. Your time here can also include walking tours (or independent time) diving into busy bazaars and gem markets, walks in the Uda Watte Kele forest sanctuary high above the city, or a trip to the botanical gardens in nearby are Peredeniya which have an impressive collection of orchids.

LANDSCAPE

Tea Plantations

Much of the Hill Country is carpeted in emerald green tea plantations, laid out in concentric circles up the steep hillsides, making a truly striking sight as you move through the area by road or rail. We recommend stopping during one of your journeys to visit one of the many plantations where a guided tour will educate you on the tea cultivation process from plant to cup, showing you around the grounds and into the factory buildings, many of which are well over a century old. Tours usually followed by tea tasting and cake with your host.

FOOD & DRINK

Spice Gardens

Sri Lanka is the ‘spice island’. A natural abundance of spices saw fierce competition between colonial powers to take control here, and in doing so holding a near limitless supply of cinnamon, pepper, cloves, cardamom, chilli, lemongrass, turmeric, ginger…to name a few. A visit to a lush plantation is a fine experience, where you can enjoy a guided walk and tour followed by a mouth-watering lunch of Sri Lankan ‘rice-and-curry’. Matale has some exceptional spice gardens which make a great place to stop on the drive between the Cultural Triangle and Kandy.

Food Walks

Sri Lankan cuisine does not carry the same worldwide fame of nearby India or Thailand, but gastronomes who do visit will be richly rewarded with an exciting and highly original food scene, with an emphasis on delicate spicing, fresh seafood, and imaginative vegetable curry preparations. Colombo’s major cities – Colombo, Galle, Kandy – are great places to dive into the island’s street food scene, with guided walks introducing you to delights such as hoppers, kottu roti, vada, and ‘short eats’.

BEACH

Beach-hopping

Where to start with beaches in Sri Lanka? The south coast in particular is cove after cove of fine white sand and swaying coconut palms; a very happy few days can be spent picking one or two fine beach hotels and spending your days moving up and down the coast to find the perfect beach for you. If you’re looking for pristine, deserted beaches base yourself around Tangalle and use tuk-tuks to ferry you back and forth to Mawella, Nilawella, and Hiriketiya; on the east coast base yourself in Arugam Bay and enjoy the many surf spots in the vicinity; while a base in busier Bentota has turtle hatcheries, ayurvedic spas, cooking classes, and tropical gardens all within reach.

WILDLIFE

Turtle Hatcheries

Five different species of sea turtle call Sri Lanka their land ‘home’, with seasonal nesting sites found around the island’s south and west coast. There are numerous risks to turtle eggs here – seabirds, large fish, and most unfortunately, over-zealous humans – so as a result a number of protected hatchery sites have been set up, where the eggs are protected and allowed a full incubation. We recommend hatchery sites in Kosgoda, Akurala, and Rekawa, with the latter also offering the chance to see night-time hatching if you stay nearby.

ACTIVE

Climb Sigiriya

One of the most iconic historic landmarks and most photographed sites in Sri Lanka, Sigiriya Rock is a must-visit: the eighth wonder of the ancient world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the 5th century, it was the official residence of King Kasyapa, and is dominated by a massive column of rock rising over 650 feet from the ground. Experience it by climbing 1,200 steps to the top, best done in the early morning hours to avoid the heat and big crowds. The final part of the climb is a little strenuous, so many choose to stop at the ‘Lion’s Paw’ and focus their visit instead on the water gardens and the Sigiriya Frescoes, paintings of the ladies of the harem of King Kasyapa I.

WILDLIFE

Dolphin & whale-watching

Sri Lanka’s wildlife excitement is found not just on land but also out to sea. This is the only place in the world where you can see both the largest land and sea mammal in one trip (elephant and blue whale), and handily you’ll also find whale migration patterns coincide with beach seasonality: great on the east coast from June to September, and the south and west coast from November to April. Trincomalee in the east, or Mirissa in the south, are your bases from which to arrange dolphin and whale-watching trips: make sure to ask your consultant for our recommended operators.

Best time to visit Srilanka

A tropical paradise in the middle of the Indian Ocean, with a fascinating history that dates back centuries, diverse culture, incredible emerald-covered landscapes, and exotic wildlife, Sri Lanka is the ultimate bucket-list destination. The island’s varying climate ensures that, with careful planning, it can be enjoyed year-round.

The best time to arrive in Sri Lanka depends on the areas of the country you plan to visit. Generally, November through to April is the optimal time for ‘classic’ itineraries, focusing on the centre, south, and west of the island. At this time of year, the ‘Maha’ monsoon is affecting the eastern and northern half of the island, leaving the other side relatively dry and clear.

From June to September the inverse is true. In comes the ‘Yala’ monsoon, bringing heavy rain to the beach resorts of the south and west coast, but fine weather to the island’s north and east. For summer school holidays or honeymoon trips, focus your beach time out in Passekudah, Trincomalee, or Arugam Bay which are perfect at this time of year.

If you plan on touring the entire island, visiting anytime in February, March or April is generally your best bet. While this is the peak of the tourist season, the good news is that Sri Lanka’s relatively low-key relationship with mass tourism ensures it’s unlikely you’ll encounter hordes of tourists, so you can enjoy exploring without battling the crowds.

Outside of the Maha and Yala rains are two short ‘inter-monsoonal’ periods, roughly falling around May and again in October. At this time it’s hard to predict the weather with great certainty, but as a tropical destination you’re likely to experience a mix of blazing sunshine and short downpours every other day. This can be a great time to travel with little to no crowds at tourist sites and exceptional hotel rates.