Sri Lanka Holidays

Just south of India, and surrounded by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, lies the tropical paradise of Sri Lanka. With miles of unspoilt palm-fringed beaches there is a wealth of attractions to be explored. Sri Lanka's heritage dates back thousands of years and visitors can delight in its many UNESCO World Heritage sites and temples. Travel inland and the temperature hill stations offer lush panoramic views over the surrounding tea plantations. Visit one of its many national parks that thrive with fascinating wildlife, including hundreds of elephants and the world's most dense population of leopards.

Best Time To Visit: Sri Lanka is warm all year-round. December to March is the most popular time to visit. The two monsoon seasons have the highest rainfall and fall between April and June and October and November.

Time Difference: GMT +5 hours and 30 minutes.

Visas: Visas are not required for British passport holders for stays of less than 30 days.

Language: Sinhala and Tamil (English is widely spoken).

Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee.

Flight Information: Sri Lankan Airlines offers direct scheduled services from the UK to Colombo. Other carriers to Sri Lanka include Emirates (with great UK regional connections via Dubai.

Flying Time: Approx 10 hours and 30 minutes.

1. Ultimate Experience
With 7 UNESCO World Heritage sites, an array of temples, fortresses and ancient towns, it's difficult to choose just one, but a visit to the spectacular rock fortress of Sigiriya is a magical experience that you won't forget.

2. Getting Around
Hire a car and driver/guide and tailor-make your own itinerary or join one of the small group tours which offer expert local guides.

3. Where to go for adventure
The island's rich variety of wildlife (86 mammal species, 16 of them endemic) can be viewed in national parks and sanctuaries, or try white water rafting or canoeing from Nuwara Eliya.

4. Water Paradise
Turtle, dolphin and whale watching trips can be taken from most beach resorts in the south of the island. Snorkelling and diving is a must-do activity.

5. Shopping
Sri Lanka is indeed a shopper's paradise. The country is also famous for gems, silverware and handicrafts, and the tea is the best in the world so be sure to take some home with you.

6. Dates For Diary
January - Duruthu Perahere, celebrating Buddha's fist visit to Sri Lanka. February - Navam Perahera, a colourful elephant parade during February's full moon. July and August - Kandy Perahera, a series of spectacular processions in Kandy over 10 days.

7. Culture
The 7 UNESCO World Heritage sites are a treasure trove of manmade and natural wonders. Dambulla Caves, the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya and the magnificient temples and gardens of Kandy are all amongst our favourite.

8. Best For Couples
Don't miss an Ayurvedic Spa treatment for total relaxation. Combining the beaches with a tour around the hill stations, tea plantations and rainforests is a wonderful combination.

9. Nature Lovers
With 14 national parks to choose from you are spoilt for choice. A visit to Yala National Park, famed for its high population of leopards as well as rare bird species, elephants, buffalos and crocodiles will be a highlight.

10. Live Like a Local
Visit the food markets in Kandy and soak in the atmosphere or take a cooking class to get an insight into local life.