Though gaining recent global repute as a destination for excellent surf and tropical beaches, the magic of Sri Lanka reaches far beyond its shoreline. With a rich history, superb cuisine, fascinating culture and wonderful national parks, the Pearl of the Indian Ocean is also home to some of the most abundant biodiversity anywhere in the world.
Ahhh, Sri Lanka. Time ebbs to a sedate crawl on this spectacular teardrop-shaped island, allowing you to relax, unwind and enjoy all it has to offer at your own pace. Surrounded by white-sand beaches gently trickling into clear, blue water, a tropical escape is just one reason for visiting. Sri Lanka is one of the oldest civilisations on the planet, its written history alone dating back some 2,500 years, and a more recent strengthening of its conservation and safari options has made it a superb destination for animal lovers as well.
This combination of wildlife, culture, history and coastline provides a vast array of entertainment for visitors. Preconceptions are invariably rapidly erased when travellers begin to explore the diversity of Sri Lanka’s attractions and landscapes, and whatever you might be searching for, you will find it in abundance, and so much more.
Diversity abounds in Sri Lanka. You can hike through rainforests, explore historic ruins, take arguably the best safari outside of Africa or enjoy the bohemian coastal lifestyle. About half the size of New York state, it is easy to discover the numerous facets of this island nation during your vacation, or even several on a single day.
Yala National Park
With over 20 national parks scattered across the island, it can be tricky to know which one to visit, but Yala is the most famous and popular for good reason. This is the land of the leopard, and sightings are all but guaranteed. The vast park has different regions, each with its own attractions, but with an expert guide you will avoid the crowds and find precisely the safari experience you are searching for.
Sigiriya Rock
Also sometimes referred to as Lion Rock, Sigiriya is a feat of ancient architecture steeped in history. Built over 1,500 years ago by King Kashyapa, it takes its name from the impressive lion that forms the gateway to this mountaintop citadel. Sri Lanka’s answer to Machu Picchu was abandoned after the king’s death, but was adopted as a monastery by Buddhist monks. Today, the UNESCO World Heritage site is very popular, but well worth enduring the crowds for, with ornamental ponds and waterways, immaculate frescos and the well-preserved ruins of the spectacular palace.
Udawalawe National Park
Where Yala is known for its leopards, it is at Udawalawe that you will find Sri Lanka’s most abundant elephant population. Though a smaller park and a little parse in other mammals, Udawalawe is a captivating destination to visit, with family herds of elephant wandering the forests and lowlands, and an abundance of birdlife adding a vibrant splash of colour everywhere you turn.
Adam’s Peak
A favourite destination of avid hikers, Adam’s Peak takes you on a lofty climb from the forest floor to its summit 7,360 feet (2,243 m) above sea level. Taking between two and four hours to ascend, you will be rewarded with spectacular views. A Buddhist monastery at its summit houses the reason for its name: a footprint indentation into the rock that some believe to have been made by the first man, Adam, while others, including the resident monks, hold that it was Buddha who made the imprint.
Galle Fort
Though the ancient fort at Galle is its primary attraction, the town itself, formerly a key port for spice traders, is a fascinating step back in time. Surrounded by beaches on three sides, it exudes its 17th-Century colonial history. Its full name of Galle Fort is a little misleading, and rather than the conventional understanding of a castle-like structure, it is actually a walled town, its small streets filled with boutique hotels and restaurants that sensitively assimilate with the World Heritage-listed site.
Though Sri Lanka has its share of budget homestays and small cabins, it also has a wealth of premier luxury accommodations. Some of the more major areas such as Galle offer contemporary comfort and service in listed colonial hotels, while others are modern residences with nuances of the more traditional aspects of Sinhalese architecture.
Venturing away from the more established areas, the interior has numerous lodges and intimate resorts that rest harmoniously within nature. Sumptuous interiors are cocooned in natural materials, expansive windows allowing natural light and the breathtaking scenery to flood in. This level of excellence is matched in the calibre of service and, like its big sister of India, you will invariably be treated like royalty wherever you stay.
BEST TIME: Dec-Apr
CLIMATE: 72–92°F (22–33°C) year-round
SEASONS: Varied (see FAQs)
BEST FOR:
History & culture seekers, gastronomists, nature enthusiasts
International flights will transfer through some European, Middle Eastern and Asian airports and visas are required for most visitors. While visas are available on arrival, this can be a time-consuming process and it is highly recommended to apply for your visa at least four weeks before travelling.
Some inoculations are suggested and, though not essential, we recommend consulting your medical travel specialist for advice.
While Sri Lanka can segue very nicely with a more extensive itinerary, we suggest taking at least seven days to truly make the most of the Pearl of the Indian Ocean. With such history and diversity, anything less will leave you feeling frustrated and unfulfilled. Ideally, two weeks is advised to make the most of your Sri Lanka adventure.
Sri Lanka’s location near the equator makes it a year-round destination; however, this is complicated by two separate monsoon seasons. From mid-May to mid-September the Southwest monsoon drenches the West, the Southwest coast and the hinterland.
The Northeast monsoon hits the East Coast between mid-November to mid-February. Temperatures remain consistently warm all year, averaging 79–86°F (26–30°C) during the daytime. The higher altitudes are considerably cooler with averages around 57–62°F (14–17°C). Night temperatures can get close to freezing at altitude. In the lowlands and the coast, humidity can be very high year-round. Our expert travel designers will advise you of the best itinerary and locations based on your travel availability.
Though some of the major hotel chains do offer exceptional accommodation, we recommend instead staying at independent lodges and small resorts. Quieter and more personal, these will give you a greater connection to the landscapes and people of Sri Lanka without forgoing luxury and comfort.
Many of the properties you will visit have been more recently established, giving you contemporary convenience balanced with creative design. At all accommodations, service is of an excellent standard, as is the cuisine.
Sri Lanka has something for everyone and is equally suited to honeymooners as it is families and the more adventurous traveller. Nature abounds, and safaris present an array of wonderful creatures and sights. Watersports are also popular on this small island nation, and children are adequately entertained throughout the country. Taking time to discuss your objectives, needs and group dynamic with your travel designer will enable them to craft a perfect itinerary to suit everyone.
