It may be small, but that doesn’t stop Sri Lanka from boasting an impressive collection of colourful temples, ancient cities, national parks and stunning landscapes.

"Like a boxer punching above his weight, Sri Lanka packs an awful lot in, from tea plantations to exceptional wildlife and colourful culture to fabulous beaches."

Unexpected delights can be found all over Sri Lanka: from its World Heritage Sites, 15 National Parks and exciting leopard safaris to being just one of a handful of places where you can see the world’s biggest land and sea mammals – the elephant and the Blue Whale – all in one day.

The island’s lush scenery is equally varied, with dense rainforest, rolling misty highlands, peaceful waterways, spectacular waterfalls and beautiful heavily-fragranced botanical gardens; not forgetting the 807 miles of pristine tropical beaches and the 500,000 acres given over to verdant tea plantations. But this is all just a small part of Sri Lanka’s heritage. Add to this the people that unfailingly welcome visitors with pride, and you’ve got one pint-sized powerhouse of a destination.

What you need to know

  • Capital City

    Colombo

  • Time Difference

    GMT +4

  • Best Time to Visit

    Dec-Mar

  • Currency

    Sri Lankan Rupee

Sri Lanka

Explore

Choose from the cream of Sri Lanka’s finest hotels and resorts

  • The Wallawwa Kotugoda, Near Colombo

    It might be situated just a few miles from the airport, but sitting in acres of beautifully mature gardens The Wallawwa is a sanctuary of serenity.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • The Kandy House Kandy

    Built in 1804, this ancestral manor house has enjoyed a rich history as well as an exquisite restoration.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Leopard Trails Yala National Park

    Returning to the original spirit and essence of safari, Leopard Trails’ bespoke tented safaris are an immersive and intimate experience right on the edge of Yala National Park.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Ceylon Tea Trails Hatton

    In the heart of Sri Lanka’s lush tea country, Ceylon Tea Trails will magically transport you back in time to days of the Raj.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Ulagalla by Uga Escapes Anuradhapura

    Enjoy the riches of the kingdom or a natural adventure while immersed in luxurious, ecologically-sustainable beauty, both inside and out.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Amangalla Galle

    An hotel in a place that time forgot, except that now it’s modern where it matters, with exceptional service and facilities.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Amanwella Tangalle

    Hidden between two rocky headlands, overlooking a white-sand crescent-shaped cove, Amanwella exudes matchless tranquility.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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Inside Knowledge

Creating special moments

  1. Peak Pursuits

    Peak Pursuits

    One of Sri Lanka’s foremost pilgrimage sites, the soaring summit of Adam’s Peak bears the revered impression of what is said to be the Buddha’s own footprint, and offers the island’s most magical – and enigmatic – views

  2. Walk on the Wild Side

    Walk on the Wild Side

    Visit the incredible Yala National Park in the south of the island, home to many rare and endangered wildlife species including birds, monkeys, crocodiles and elephants, as well as the island’s largest population of the elusive leopard.

  3. Spice Market

    Spice Market

    Get initiated into the local Sri Lankan hustle and bustle and head to The Pettah, Colombo’s colourful, chaotic bazaar district with a definite Middle Eastern flair for an exhilarating slice of Asian life and maybe a spot of haggling too.