Pearl of the Indian Ocean…
Endless beaches, timeless ruins, welcoming people, oodles of elephants, rolling surf, cheap prices, fun trains, famous tea and tasty food make Sri Lanka irresistible. Lying between the more
trodden parts of India and Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka's history, culture and natural beauty are undeniably alluring.
Few places have as many UNESCO World Heritage Sites (eight)
packed into such a small area.
Sri Lanka's 2000-plus years of culture can be discovered at ancient sites where legendary temples boast beautiful details even as they shelter in caves or perch on prominent peaks.
More recent are evocative colonial fortresses, from Galle to Trincomalee.
Colombo is the gateway to Sri Lanka for most travellers—but don’t be tempted to simply pass through this diverse and interesting city. Take a train ride along the coast to Mount Lavinia,
a popular beach, or explore
the Talangama Wetland, the perfect place to take a break from the bustling streets of the city. Colombo’s cosmopolitan side supports stylish eateries, galleries and shops.
Surprises abound: with a little exploration you'll find great local food, characterful shops and tiny, convivial cafes..
With a wide sandy beach, big hotels, and handy proximity to Colombo, Negombo is one of Sri Lanka’s most popular resorts. Beyond its sands lies an interesting mix: a colonial-built canal
and crumbled fort;a lively fish market, traditional fishing communities, and a wildlife-rich lagoon. The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is situated northwest of the town of Kegalle,
halfway between the present capital
Colombo and the ancient royal residence Kandy. The orphanage was originally founded in order to afford care and protection to the many orphaned Elephants found in the jungles of Sri Lanka.
Rising around a scenic lake, UNESCO-listed Kandy is home to sacred landmarks, landscaped gardens, and cultural museums. Beyond the city, a cloudy forest and tropical plantations roll across the mountain slopes providing
plenty of hiking and wildlife-watching opportunities, while upscale resorts line the Mahaweli River.
When you’re ready to escape the tropical climate of the coast and lowlands, head for the hills, with their temperate, achingly green charms. Verdant tea plantations and rain forested peaks
beckon walkers, trekkers and those who just want to see them from the spectacular train ride.Dubbed "Little England" due to its cool climate and colonial-era bungalows, Nuriwaya Eliya
boasts a landscape far
more dramatic than Britain's. Mist-shrouded mountains and terraced tea plantations surround the former hill station, while world-class brews are abundant.
Distances are short in Sri Lanka : see the sacred home of the world’s oldest living human-planted tree (Anuradhapura), stand awestruck by the sight of hundreds of elephants (Minneriya),discover a favourite beach,
meditate in a 2000-year-old temple, exchange smiles while strolling a mellow village, marvel at birds and wildflowers and try to keep count of the little dishes that come with your rice and curry, wander past
colonial gems in Colombo then hit some epic surf – all in a day.
