Unassumingly resting in the shadows of India, the tiny island of Sri Lanka is a tranquil retreat from its livelier and louder neighbour.
Intro
With over 2000 years of culture from early Sinhalese civilisation and eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the island’s treasure trove of iconic monuments belies its small size. From sacred cities and crumbling temples, to rock fortresses and cave monasteries, it’s no surprise this precious island is known as the “Pearl of the Ocean”.
Discover Sri Lanka’s melting pot of cultures, explore its ancient Buddhist sites and trace Portuguese, Dutch and British influences in the architecture of its colonial towns. Head up into the misty hills and wander through immaculately-manicured tea plantations and fragrant spice farms. Trek through the island’s beautiful natural environment and marvel at its diverse endemic wildlife - from elephant herds in national parks to baby turtles in hatcheries. Finally, take to the coast and unwind on idyllic palm-fringed beaches - the epitome of a tropical paradise!
Why travel with us ?
For such a small country, Sri Lanka certainly packs a big punch. Although better known for its seemingly endless stretch of golden beaches, our travels around the country have left us in awe of its cultural and natural diversity; so we have created three different small group tours. Designed for the first-time visitor, our Essential Sri Lanka tour takes you to iconic sites including the imposing Sigiriya Rock fortress, verdant tea plantations of Horton Plains, the ancient city of Kandy and Yala National Park, considered one of the best places in the world to spot wild leopards.
Our Hidden Sri Lanka tour takes you to the country's rural hinterlands in the north and east. We take the train from Anuradhapura to the predominantly Hindu city of Jaffna in the northern tip of the country, which had long been cut off due to conflict but is now at peace. Explore the city by vintage bicycle and eat delicious Sri Lankan cuisine in local homes.
Sri Lanka also crams a huge amount of biodiversity into its small landmass, so our Wildlife of Sri Lanka tour takes you to the country's best national parks, allowing you to get up close to some of its iconic mammals, including leopards and massive herds of elephants.
If you are interested in a private tailormade trip to Sri Lanka or an extension to a group tour, then browse our small group tours and tailormade options for Sri Lanka and then get in touch. Our Sri Lanka specialist will be more than happy to help design a tour to suit.
View all Sri Lanka tours
Join our local expert, Mahiru, on an adventure through Sri Lanka; the ‘Pearl of the Ocean’. This presentation will take you through its 2000 years of culture, colonial towns, tea plantations and National Parks. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites, going from sacred cities to cave monasteries and Dutch Forts, and ending up on idyllic, palm-fringed beaches. For a small country, Sri Lanka certainly packs a big punch.
Need some time to relax after your adventure through Sri Lanka? Whether it is to enjoy water based sports or just soak in the sun with a good book in hand, Maldives is the perfect getaway. We can book extensions and tours in the Maldives with options to suit every interest and budget.
After decades of civil war but now peaceful, Jaffna is Sri Lanka’s Tamil and Hindu heartland. Board the train to Jaffna and take in the town’s colonial sights including the impressive Jaffna Fort and temples (bike ride optional).Take the boat out to little-known Delft Island whose palm-dotted hamlets boast long walls of coral. It is also home to diverse flora including an ancient baobab tree and has some of the best isolated beaches in the country. Throughout mingle with locals over delicious home-cooked meals. Contact us to arrange your extension to this lesser-seen region of Sri Lanka.
Tea
With tropical temperatures and two monsoon seasons, Sri Lanka’s climate provides the perfect conditions for growing delicious tea. In fact, Sri Lanka is the fourth largest producer of tea in the world. Wander through the verdant landscape of manicured tea plantations and learn how some of the world’s finest teas are created. Sip on luxury Virgin White Tea in the coastal Handunugoda Estate, or head up into the hills and unearth the origins of Britain’s love of tea as you stroll through the rolling Caroline and Kelinworth estates of colonial Hatton.
Wildlife
With a wealth of varying landscapes and habitats, from swampy marshlands to abundant rainforests, Sri Lanka’s wildlife is incredibly diverse. Explore the monsoon forests and wetlands of Yala National Park, home to the biggest concentration of leopards in the world, or witness the incredible phenomenon of the elephant gatherings at Minneriya and Uda Walawe National Parks. Learn about conservation efforts to protect Sri Lanka’s endemic species at the Sinharaja Rainforest Reserve, the country’s last viable area of tropical rainforest, or follow the journey of baby hawksbill turtles at Kosgoda’s Turtle Hatchery as they are safely released into sea.
Beaches
Surrounded by the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is renowned for its idyllic white sand beaches, with 1,600 kilometres of palm-fringed coastline. Whether you are looking to dive, surf, or simply unwind on the sand, there is certainly no shortage of tranquil tropical beaches to enjoy. While tourists flock to the more developed west coast, you can find Sri Lanka’s quintessential rural atmosphere to the south and east. If waves are what you are after, Arugam Bay is home to some of the best surfing in the country, while the coastal stretch between Dalawela and Ahangama is one of the most notorious places to witness the emblematic stilt fishermen. To escape the crowds, retreat further along the east to the untouched Uppuveli Beach for the perfect sleepy haven.
Festivals
With four major religions on the island, festivals are an integral part of Sri Lankan life, often claiming to have more festivals than any other country in the world. Traditionally following the lunar calendar, every month brings a different celebration. Whether taking part or just watching from the sidelines, witnessing a Sri Lankan festival is a spectacular way of experiencing the country’s diverse identities and cultures. Here are just some of the festivals worth experiencing in Sri Lanka:
Kataragama Esala Festival (Jul/Aug)
Watch as elaborately-decorated elephants take centre stage in the vibrant and lively Kataragama Esala Festival. Intertwining the major religions of Sri Lanka, pilgrims from all over the island and even India attend to present their offerings and prove their dedication to the Skanda deities, while a procession of fire walkers, traditional Kawadi dancers and acrobats provide a truly unforgettable performance.
Esala Perahera (Jul/Aug)
Witness the colourful celebrations of the historic Esala Perahera Festival in the streets of Kandy. Dating back to the 4th century, the annual festival honours the sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha as a replica is carried on the back of a Maligawa Tusker elephant. With thousands of drummers, acrobats and fire-breathers, as well as processions of up to 100 jewel-encrusted elephants, this is one of the most spectacular festivals in Sri Lanka.
Galle Kite Festival
Amble along the shores of Galle Face and marvel at the uniquely shaped kites of the Galle Kite Festival. From dragons to birds and horses to ships, each handmade kite is an expression of creativity, assessed by a panel of judges based on size and individuality. The display of thousands of colourful kites filling the sky over Galle’s seafront is a truly mesmerising sight.
Trekking
Sri Lanka is blessed with majestic landscapes which are often best explored on foot. Options range from gentle village walks through lush paddy fields and tea plantations to sultry treks amongst the towering trees of Sinharaja rainforest. For something even more challenging, consider the midnight trek up Adam’s Peak or walking trails through the Knuckles Mountain range and take in stupendous views from World’s End in the Horton Plains. Contact us to put together your ideal trekking itinerary.
Geoffrey Bawa
Follow in the footsteps of Geoffrey Bawa, one of South Asia’s most renowned architects. We have developed an itinerary which showcases some of his most iconic buildings. You will also get the opportunity to stay in some of these properties, which include: • No.11 Colombo Residence • Lunuganga, Villa Bentota • Heritance Kandalama • The Last House, Tangalla • Jetwing Lighthouse, Galle To learn more about his work, visit: www.geoffreybawa.com
Culinary
Foodies will love the culinary delights Sri Lanka has to offer. Visit the vibrant fish market in Negombo, meet pickers at a working tea plantation and learn all about Ceylon tea, feast on crispy dosas and spongy idlis, try your hand at cooking fragrant coconut curries and serve up delicious ‘hoppers’. Let us develop the perfect culinary-themed tour for you. Alternatively we recommend some unique food experiences as part of your Sri Lanka holiday.
