Sri Lanka

No culture embraces visitors the way the Sinhalese do; you are bound to receive shy waves and gentle smiles as you travel into the heart of the island. Head on safari to witness elephant migrations along with monkeys, buffalo, prolific bird life and search for the elusively rare jaguar. Take a tour through local tea plantations in the highlands and savor some of the best tea in the world. Have your taste buds tantalized with an array of delicious local dishes on offer. Hike to the top of mountainous peaks to witness sunrise over stunning landscapes or relax on tranquil palm-fringed beaches in between surf lessons and watching local fisherman catch the evening meal.

Polonnaruwa, once the commercial and religious center of Sri Lanka, is an ancient city full of ruins with intricately carved designs. Nearby lies perhaps the most striking natural feature in all the country; Sigiraya Rock. Once a fortress for Sinhalese kings, a hike to the top affords views of the surrounding landscape and ruins below. The sacred city of Anuradhapura is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, housing dozens of ancient Buddhist temples for a cultural exploration into the past. Completing the triangle is Kandy, nestled in the verdant highlands with its picturesque lake and home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth of Buddha.  Dozens of UNESCO World Heritage sites are begging to be explored within the ‘triangle’.

Intrepid Explorations— For a remote wildlife experience, head to Gal Oya National Park, where you won’t be contending with convoys of safari jeeps jam-packed with tourists. Instead, you’ll explore a secluded and untouched area of Sri Lanka for the chance to spot elephants, sloth bear, water buffalo, monkeys and – if you are lucky – the shy and rare leopard. Gal Oya is the only place in Sri Lanka where you will have the opportunity to take a boat safari—hopefully catching glimpses of elephant swimming in their natural habitat and dozens of birds.

Beach Bonanza—Of course being an island, Sri Lanka has a diverse coastline packed with pristine and gorgeous beaches. In the South near Galle, you will be rewarded with sleepy villages with distinctive stilt fisherman patiently waiting for their catch and a languid lifestyle that is utterly charming. Seasonally, five species of whales including the Blue whale, Sperm whale and Minke whale as well as dolphins are regularly spotted in the waters offshore. We recommend including Mirissa Harbor in the South (Dec-Apr), Kalpitiya on the West Coast (Jan-Mar) or for a bit quieter whale watching experience, Trincomalee on the East Coast (Mar-Aug).

Hidden Gem – Delve into the spiritual side of Sri Lanka at the Aluvihara Cave Temple, outside of Kandy. These fascinating brightly colored frescoes and sacred inscriptions are in a series of boulder ensconced temples. It is here that the oral teachings of Buddha, known as the Tripitaka, were committed to writing back in the third century. Labyrinthine pathways and staircases take you through a jumble of temples which house these stunning paintings and an enormous reclining Buddha statue. This area allows for a more serene contemplation of the site compared to the magnetic Dambulla Cave Temple.

• We recommend 7-14 days in Sri Lanka and it pairs nicely with India and Nepal.
• Sri Lanka is ideal for nature lovers; it oozes romantic adventure for honeymooners and offers wide-ranging options for families. For those who are curious about history and culture, Sri Lanka delivers.
• Visas are required for most visitors and inoculations may be required based on itinerary. We suggest you visit a travel clinic for advice.
• Both the Sri Lanka domestic flight network and road system are quite reliable and comfortable.
• English is an official language of Sri Lanka and is widely spoken in the country, especially in the hospitality industry.
• Sri Lanka boasts outstanding guides with excellent qualification programs.
• Throughout your travels you will find varied international and local cuisine with fresh ingredients and robust flavors. Try some hoppers for breakfast!

The Northeast monsoon between mid-November to mid-February hits the East Coast. 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 steer you to the right part of the country based on your travel dates.

All deliver warm genuine Sri Lankan service with a smile. Locals are proud to offer rustic bungalows and simple boutique guesthouses throughout the countryside, with their own style of luxury and ambience. Each day more properties are popping up as Sri Lanka gains popularity in the tourism scene. We are happy to select properties to suit your desires and budget. Every property booked on a Rothschild Safari is vetted by staff and offer the highest standards in each category.