Sri Lanka – Your next summer holiday destination
Fall in love with the teardrop-shaped tropical island of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka! Formerly known as Ceylon, its rich history dates back 35,000 years, and its current population is over 20 million. It’s the perfect destination to combine the beach, history, culture, and nature all in one tour at an affordable price. Sri Lanka is a year-round holiday destination thanks to a combination of weather systems that ensure one or more regions. Therefore a stretch of coastline can statistically always expect sunshine. Temperatures are fairly constant throughout the year, with the coastal regions averaging 25-30°C and the highlands 15-18°C. If you’re travelling during the summer months (May to September), head to the east coast and northern regions for dry, sunny weather, as the west and southwest coasts are prone to rain.
Spot leopards in Yala National Park
Sri Lanka’s alpha predator is protected in a number of national parks, but is most easily spotted in Yala National Park. It is Sri Lanka’s number one leopard sanctuary. The big cats thrive here in territories of little more than a kilometre each, making a sighting almost certain. For those hoping to get up close and personal with a leopard as it descends a tree and strolls casually through a clearing to the cover of the bushes, Yala National Park is undoubtedly the place to be. For leopards without the crowds, head instead to Wilpattu in north-western Sri Lanka.
Explore the city of Kandy
Kandy, the last capital of the ancient kings of Sri Lanka, is a popular tourist destination for those seeking a relaxing break from the heat. Located beside a lake in the country’s central highlands, it is home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. The relic is believed to have belonged to Buddha himself and is a significant attraction for visitors. Join the devout to add your own petal offerings and light votive candles. If your visit coincides with the spectacular Esala Perahera Festival, which takes place in late June to early July, you can participate in the celebration paying homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic.
Visit ancient wonders in Anuradhapura
Sri Lanka’s original royal capital is easily explored by tuk-tuk or bicycle, as you dart between 1,500-year-old ruins and huge dagobas that still attract thousands of Buddhist pilgrims. Among the giant stupas is Jetavanarama – built in the 3rd century and once the third tallest building in the world. Thuparamaya Stupa is another notable Buddhist temple in Anuradhapura and is believed to be the earliest dagoba built on the island.
Meet wild elephants in a national park
Udawalawe National Park offers one of the best chances to see elephants in the wild. Created to protect the watershed of the vast Udawalawe reservoir. The park is home to around 400 pachyderms and has vast stretches of grassland, scrub jungle and riverine forest. Also one of the best places in Sri Lanka for birdwatching. Gal Oya National Park receives fewer visitors than many of the other parks and also offers a unique experience. Here the elephants often swim across the Senanayake Samudra Lake and you can take a boat safari to see them.
Admire the beauty of the sea in Galle
Built by the Dutch in 1663, the walled city of Galle, on the southernmost tip of the country and surrounded by sea on three sides. It is a must visit to Sri Lanka. Inside the fort, you’ll find Dutch colonial buildings, ancient mosques and churches, museums and lots of quirky boutique cafes and restaurants. Outside you’ll find some of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka. Don’t forget to stop off in nearby Koggala to see the famous stilt fishermen, one of the country’s most iconic and extraordinary sights, perched on their sticks and twine frames in the sea.
Enjoy nice tea in Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya is the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea industry. Tour the neatly terraced tea plantations, watch the pickers at work and buy your own samples to take home. You can drive up, but an open-air tuk-tuk ride is much more fun. Set off early before the afternoon mist covers the surrounding mountains and obscures the awe-inspiring views.
Climb Sigiriya
One of Sri Lanka’s seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this rock-cut fortress dates back to the fifth century AD. The atmosphere here is very spiritual, having served as both a royal palace and a Buddhist monastery. Descending the ancient rock, visitors can see some of the finest examples of South Asian Apsara painting, widely known as the Sigiriya Ladies. These creations are just a small fragment of what was once thought to be a 150m long by 40m high area of original paintings.
Accommodation
Taru Villas – Lake Lodge (Colombo, Sri Lanka)
Right in the heart of Colombo. The hotel offers style and substance at affordable price. The design of the hotel is largely symmetrical with simple vernacular design features. Some rooms have built-in day beds. Rooms on the upper floor are slightly more expensive than those on the ground floor. They are slightly larger and open onto the bright, open lounge on the upper floor. There is also a lovely hidden garden suite with a comfortable sofa and a small dining terrace.
Galle Face Hotel (Colombo, Sri Lanka)
This 19th century hotel sits on the edge of Galle Face Green, the city’s largest seafront. The hotel is blissfully nostalgic, with a long sea-facing swimming pool and an excellent fine dining restaurant. Colombo’s main attractions, shops and restaurants are within easy reach.
The River House (Balapitiya, Sri Lanka)
The hotel’s wooded setting on the Madhu Ganga River offers a tranquil, wildlife-rich alternative to a typical West Coast beach stay. Each of the five individually designed suites is very large and it’s a favourite with honeymooners. The setting is a haven for nature lovers.
Jetwing Surf (Pottuvil, Sri Lanka)
The beauty of the hotel’s location is its position on a long stretch of wild, sandy east coast beach. The hotel has a castaway feel and is ideal for relaxation as well as a base for exploring lesser known cultural sites and national parks. The design of the hotel champions an understated, rustic coastal aesthetic and reflects Jetwing Hotel’s commitment to building eco-friendly, sustainable hotels.
Jetwing Blue (Negombo, Sri Lanka)
This beachside retreat feels worlds away from the nearby airport and capital city. The minimalist resort offers ocean-view rooms, poolside cabanas and attentive service. Jetwing Blue has various facilities, including a fully equipped gym and a spa with six minimalist treatment rooms. Highlights include two huge swimming pools with uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean. Guests can also enjoy the facilities at the adjacent Jetwing Beach, including the fine dining restaurant and pools.
If you are planning a trip to Sri Lanka, our travel consultants can help you create a customized itinerary.
