Sri Lanka

Tea plantations in the hills, ancient temples and long Indian Ocean beaches. Combine a tour around the island with a few lazy days on the south coast.

Why go

Sri Lanka packs a lot into one island: ancient cities, tea plantations in the hills, wildlife safaris and long tropical beaches. A tour around the island followed by a few days by the sea is the classic way to see it.

Best time to go

The west and south coasts are best from December to April; the east coast from May to September. The island is warm all year, so there is always a sunny side.

Highlights

Sigiriya, the rock fortress rising above the jungle
Kandy and the Temple of the Tooth
The train ride through the tea country around Nuwara Eliya and Ella
A jeep safari in Yala National Park, home to leopards and elephants
The beaches of Bentota and Mirissa, with whale watching in season

Good to know

The currency is the Sri Lankan rupee; carry cash for small shops and tuk-tuks.
In temples, cover shoulders and knees and take off your shoes.
Sri Lankan cuisine can be spicy; ask for "less spicy" when ordering.

Want to go? Our managers will plan the trip for you.

Ask a manager