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Tea plantations blanket the sloping hillside on a sunny day in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Holidays


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Sri Lanka holidays offer a stunning blend of history, culture and wildlife with a spectacular landscape of palm-fringed beaches, lush forests and tranquil hill stations.

Tear yourself away from the beach and you will discover friendly people, mouth-watering food and beautiful scenery. Marvel at Sri Lanka's ancient cities of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and the rock fortress of Sigiriya, or discover the famous Temple of the Tooth in Kandy.

Further south, the plains give way to rolling hills and mountain peaks carpeted with rows of emerald tea plantations and a cool, refreshing climate. Sri Lanka’s verdant national parks are also a haven for wildlife, from over 400 species of birds to majestic elephants, as well as the elusive leopard.

Trailfinders offers a wide range of Sri Lanka holidays and we have a dedicated team of destination specialists who are a mine of information about what to do here, often with first-hand travel experience. Whether you want to explore Sri Lanka with your own private driver, on a cycling holiday, a sociable small group tour, or are simply looking for advice on the best luxury hotel for a relaxing beach holiday – they are the perfect people to ask.

A few of our favourite Sri Lanka 5★ reviews

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HOW TO GET AROUND SRI LANKA

With such a diverse range of locations, Sri Lanka is a perfect destination to explore with a private car and guide. Follow one of our classic private tours followed by a relaxing beach break, or opt for a memory-filled Sri Lanka family holiday. Simply ask our expert travel consultants to tailormake your perfect Sri Lanka holiday.

If you’d rather travel with other like-minded people then opt for one of our Guided Small Group Adventures, whilst we also offer a wonderful choice of Family Holidays. Lastly, combine a holiday to Sri Lanka with one in the Maldives, India or Dubai, for a captivating multi centre holiday.

OUR HOLIDAYS TO SRI LANKA

Nobody offers more ways to explore Sri Lanka than Trailfinders.

Here's a snapshot of some of our most popular Sri Lanka holidays. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, click on the link below them to see our complete range of holidays and tours in the destination.
Classic Sri Lanka
Private Tour
9 days / 8 nights

The perfect introduction to this beautiful country: visit the Cultural Triangle, the hill country town of Kandy and lush tea plantations.

Guide Price: £1,189 pp

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Sri Lankan Summer Escape
Private Tour
17 days / 16 nights

Combining the highlights of the central region with the dazzling bay of Passekudah, this tour is best enjoyed during the east coast dry season (Mar - Sep).

Guide Price: £2,499 pp

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Sri Lanka Encompassed
Guided Small Group Adventure Tour
14 days / 13 nights

For most travellers, Sri Lanka has been off the map for too long.

Guide Price: £1,349 pp

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Sri Lanka's Natural Wonders
Private Tour
17 days / 16 nights

This extensive private tour showcases the stunning natural beauty of Sri Lanka, its abundant wildlife and cultural highlights.

Guide Price: £3,029 pp

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Sri Lanka & Maldives
Multi Centre Holiday
18 days / 17 nights

These neighbouring Indian Ocean destinations offer the chance to combine a fascinating tour of Sri Lanka’s cultural and natural highlights with utter relaxation in the Maldives.

Guide Price: £3,779 pp

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Sri Lanka's Undiscovered North
Private Tour
13 days / 12 nights

This fascinating tour explores the highlights of Northern Sri Lanka, an area quite unlike the rest of the country.

Guide Price: £2,629 pp

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WHERE TO GO IN SRI LANKA

Each region of Sri Lanka boasts its own attractions and it would be just as easy to spend all your time exploring the ancient cities and national parks as it would relaxing on one of the many beautiful beaches. Those who make the most of their time tend to find a balance between exploring Sri Lanka's historic sites, searching for wildlife and unwinding the beach.

Click on the tiles below the map for more details on each Sri Lanka holiday destination. Alternatively, if you are looking for some inspiration, give us a call and speak to one of our expert travel consultants.
Cultural Triangle
Commonly referred to as the ‘Cultural Triangle’, the central plains area boasts no less than four UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the striking rock fortress of Sigiriya, Dambulla’s incredible cave temples, and the crumbling ancient capitals of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura. With the added benefit of viewing elephants in wonderful Minneriya National Park, a stay in this region is sure to be a highlight of any trip to Sri Lanka.
Kandy
Sri Lanka’s second largest city, Kandy, enjoys a scenic setting around a lake and is home to the famed Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, said to house Buddha’s tooth. This former capital is filled with lively markets, and historical architecture. Sample traditional Kandyan cuisine in the various eateries and make sure to visit the renowned Royal Botanic Gardens in nearby Peradeniya.
Tea Country
The beautiful central highlands offer misty jungle-clad mountains and miles of rolling tea plantations, dotted with 19th Century planters’ bungalows and tumbling waterfalls. Enjoy the cool climate and British (colonial era) history of Nuwara Eliya, head out on a hike, or soak up the laidback atmosphere and views around Ella.
Sri Lanka Beach Holidays
No visit to Sri Lanka would be complete without some time relaxing on one of its beautiful beaches. There is a wide selection of stunning locations and resorts to choose from, and they all offer something a little different, from the golden sands and gorgeously rugged bays in the southwest, to the paler sands and calmer waves in the east.
Colombo
A city of contrast, where serene Buddhist temples and colonial era churches nestle amid ramshackle streets and rapidly developing commercial districts. Alongside the city’s historic sights, the bustling markets and stylish outlets offer ample shopping opportunities. Don’t miss a and stroll along the waterfront by the renowned park, Galle Face Green.
Galle
Set on a promontory on the southwest tip of the island, Galle offers the best preserved example of a European built fortified city in Asia. Constructed by the Dutch in the 17th Century, it was the country’s main port for over 200 years and today is an atmospheric UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sri Lanka's National Parks
Home to many national parks and biodiverse regions, Sri Lanka is the ideal destination for nature lovers. One of the largest and most popular parks in the country, Yala has a varied terrain, where an abundance of wildlife can be spotted, including the elusive and majestic leopard. For a taste of nature with less crowds, consider heading to Udawalawe, Sinharaja or Wilpattu.
Negombo
Once a trading port for the Dutch and British, Negombo has developed into a bustling modern town with a handful of reminders of its colonial past. Situated close to the international airport, it makes a convenient rest stop before or after a flight.
Jaffna
Settled long ago by Tamil migrants from Southern India, today the city and peninsula of Jaffna retains a unique character and fascinating culture. This small, historic city offers an intriguing mix of colourful Hindu temples and charm.

OUR RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN SRI LANKA

We feature a great range of accommodation in Sri Lanka, with something to suit all budgets.

Choose from intimate boutique hotels which exude character, stylish villas with private pools, rustic retreats, historic gems, and a host of properties designed by Sri Lanka’s renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa. Maybe you’re looking for a cosy colonial era cottage in the Tea Country, a chic resort in the Cultural Triangle or a family friendly beach hotel? Or perhaps a luxury camp in Yala National Park or a secluded hideaway on Sri Lanka's east coast.

Read our guide to accommodation in India - known for its unique havelis, homestays and houseboats.

What you won’t find here are thousands of Sri Lanka hotels to wade through. We have done the hard work for you and selected the best places to stay and our travel consultants are on hand to help, often with first-hand experience
Jungle Beach – An Uga Experience
4 star

Trincomalee

Fusing Sri Lankan and Mediterranean architecture with modern interiors, this contemporary resort occupies a prime position on the glorious white sands of Passekudah Bay on the east coast.
The Bay – An Uga Experience
4 star

Passekudah

Fusing Sri Lankan and Mediterranean architecture with modern interiors, this contemporary resort occupies a prime position on the glorious white sands of Passekudah Bay on the east coast.
The Fortress Resort & Spa, Koggala
4 plus star

Southwest Coast

Set beside a ruggedly beautiful slip of golden sand in Koggala on Sri Lanka’s south coast, this fabulous property enjoys an enviable position just a short drive from atmospheric Galle.
Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort, Tangalle
5 star

Southwest Coast

This fabulous resort boasts an idyllic setting on a rocky outcrop, amidst a 21 acre coconut plantation by a secluded beach on the south coast.
Jetwing Vil Uyana, A Luxury Reserve
4 star

Cultural Triangle

With a stunning setting amidst a private nature reserve of paddy fields, lakes and marshland, this unique property is a tranquil retreat.
Dream Cliff Mountain Resort
4 star

Tea Country

Set high in the lush mountains, this remote retreat boasts spectacular vistas over the surrounding hills to the plains beyond.

WHAT TO DO IN SRI LANKA

As well as some awe-inspiring sights, Sri Lanka is also home to unforgettable experiences. These can provide a unique insight into the culture or a great way to experience Sri Lanka’s natural splendour that sightseeing alone simply can’t replace.

One day you might be soaring over the sights of the Cultural Triangle in a hot air balloon, the next enjoying a culinary adventure in Colombo. Experiences can be as refined as enjoying high tea in a luxury hotel or travelling by train through the rolling hills of Sri Lanka's tea country.

Learn more about what to expect on a holiday to Sri Lanka with our Sri Lanka culture guide along with our guide to the top 10 experiences in Sri Lanka.

Our collection of unmissable experiences will really help bring your Sri Lanka holiday to life.
Lover's Leap Cycling Tour, Nuwara Eliya
3-4 hours
Departs: Nuwara Eliya

Local villages, scenic tea plantations and stunning waterfalls, this cycling tour is the perfect ...

Elephant Freedom Project Experience
4 hours
Departs: Kandy

This fantastic project rescues elephants who were used in the tourism industry and provides them ...

Hot Air Balloon over the Cultural Triangle
3 hours
Departs: Cultural Triangle

Take off as the sun rises over the Kandalama tank (reservoir) and drift above the beautiful ...

Pekoe Trail Day Trek - Nuwara Eliya
3 - 5 hours
Departs: Nuwara Eliya

Embark on an exciting, moderate guided trek on a 11km portion of the scenic Pekoe Trail, which ...

Colombo Foodie Walking Tour
3.5 hours
Departs: Colombo

Warm up with a shot of arrack (a local spirit), before you feast on a fusion of Indian-Malay, Dutch ...

Loris Night Trail
2 hours
Departs: Cultural Triangle

Embark on a guided walk in search of the elusive grey slender loris, known for its exceptionally ...

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT SRI LANKA?

The best time to visit Sri Lanka varies by region. The southwest coast enjoys warmer and drier weather throughout the winter months, so the best time to visit is generally between December and March. The east coast offers calmer waters and a drier climate at its best from April to September. Sri Lanka's central areas of the Cultural Triangle and Tea Country can be visited year round but are typically wetter between October and December.

For more information, take a look at our guide to the best time to visit Sri Lanka.

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Sri Lanka Top Tips From Our Travel Experts

Sophie Connolly -  expert
Sophie Connolly

Take time out from a busy tour with a few nights at one of the many lovely boutique properties set in Sri Lanka's stunning tea country. Soak up the stunning views and enjoy a bit of respite from the coastal heat.

Abbi Harris -  expert
Abbi Harris

Taking the train from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya is a fantastic way to experience local life at a gentle pace as you gaze out at stunning scenery.

Erica Cook -  expert
Erica Cook

Get up as early as possible to climb Lion Rock, Sigiriya. Starting before 7am is highly recommended to beat the rush and the sun, and make sure you take a large bottle of water with you.

Sri Lanka Fast Facts

What is the time difference in Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka is 5:30 hours ahead of GMT and does not observe daylight savings

How long is the flight to Sri Lanka?

Flight times to Sri Lanka average at between 11 to 14 hours depending on the airline and route

What currency is used in Sri Lanka?

Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). There are ATM's in large towns and cities and many hotels and restaurants accept credit/debit card

Do you tip in Sri Lanka?

Tipping in Sri Lanka is customary but not obligatory. A tip of around 10% for service staff is usually sufficient

What language is spoken in Sri Lanka?

There are two national languages of Sri Lanka: Sinhala and Tamil. English is widely spoken in tourist areas and towns

Do I need a visa to travel to Sri Lanka?

A visa is required for travel to Sri Lanka (UK passport holders). Visit our visa pages for more information.


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