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Thinking about visiting SRI LANKA?

Then you need the essentials.

Keep reading to find out what you need to know before visiting.

 

It can be hard to know where to start when planning a trip to Sri Lanka.

There’s culture, temples and ancient history everywhere, it’s completely encircled with gorgeous beaches, charming boutique hotels, superb wildlife. And even better, it’s sunny somewhere on the island all the time.

But that’s what we’re here for.

Nail down ‘the essentials’ of when to go, where to go and why and we can get planning your authentic personalised holiday – and look after you throughout the whole process with the support of our outstanding local team.

To spark your interest, this email includes a brief overview of things to think about before embarking on a journey to Sri Lanka – but you might prefer to just drop our specialists a quick email and arrange a call!

When to visit Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a year round destination, with gorgeous sunshine somewhere on the island from December to September.

When touring, be prepared for a real variety and pack some light wet weather gear as well as your factor 50. While it might be 30 degrees and sunny on the south coast, the lush hill country experiences rain throughout the year and the Cultural Triangle further north stays mostly dry.

If travelling in the winter months, our Classic Tour is the ideal starting point to plan your adventure. Expect a thoughtfully planned loop stopping at highlights such as Sigiriya, Kandy, the tea plantations and Yala National Park. Finish up on the south coast beaches where you are spoilt for choice between bustling beach towns and off-grid retreats.

In the summer months, follow the whales and the sunshine to the more undeveloped East Coast for your beach time. Stop on the way in the Cultural Triangle and hike in the Knuckles Mountain range on the way back.

 

Where should I go?

It’s the intoxicating variety of Sri Lanka that you’ll find our specialists get so passionate about when planning your trip.

There’s no need to move on every day or two if that’s not your thing (three stops over two weeks can be perfect if you don’t fancy too much driving, check out our Culture & Coast itinerary).

But our Classic Tour is a classic for a reason, and the route works just perfectly if you want to tick off all the most requested highlights. Trust in us and your experienced driver to keep you on track (and to get off the beaten track if desired), and just sit back and soak it all in. You begin in the incredible Cultural Triangle where you can climb Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress in the early morning light, cycle around ancient Polonnaruwa and explore the pristine Dambulla Cave Temples. Spend the next couple of days in Kandy with its vibrant markets and the must-see pilgrimage site The Temple of the Tooth.

Next, experience the true definition of glamping with a lodge stay in Yala or Udawalawe National Park with twice-daily safaris (more classic hotels are available too!) before heading to the south coast for beach time. Here, choose a bustling beach with watersports or a more secluded spot – and be sure to at least visit the UNESCO heritage town of Galle Fort for a day while you are so close by. Basically you can do as little or as much as you want to (on the coast). It’s fantastic to have the option!

 

Browse holiday ideas here – but we will put together the ideal itinerary just for you so that you can savour every moment in style and at your pace.

Here is a sneaky peak to some wonderful holiday ideas:

Classic Highlights

You want: A little bit of everything! Between November and April.

A well paced loop of Sri Lanka balancing adventure, culture, history and beach time.

 

Classic Summer Highlights

You want: A little bit of everything! Between May and August

More off-the-beaten track, expect quiet, wide beaches on the east coast and lots of activity on the way.

 

Toddler’s Tour

You want: Adventures with the children  – but not too much driving

So much more than a fly-and-flop, but no more than 2.5 hours of driving between enriching experiences in Kandy, Bentota and Galle.

 

Sri Lanka and The Maldives

You want: to pair Sri Lanka with the Maldives

Just an hour’s flight away, the castaway luxury of the Maldives is a natural pairing to some culture and adventure in Sri Lanka –  such as in our Sun and Safari itinerary

 

Getting there

Direct flights are available from London to Colombo every evening, as well as numerous indirect routes with a short stop in Dubai, the Maldives etc…

Getting Around

Exploring Sri Lanka is stress free with the support of an experienced, insured, english-speaking Chauffeur-Guide and an air conditioned car

Travel Essentials

 

MONEY – Sri Lanka has a closed currency.

Travel with some dollars and simply access the local currency at the readily available cash machines across the country – your driver can help plan the stops in to your route as you go.

 

VISAS – Sri Lanka is in a period of visa change!

Arranging a visa before you travel has been typical – and easy enough online. However from October numerous countries are expected to appear on the visa waiver list, UK included. Speak to our specialists for the most current advice.

 

VILLAS – Sri Lanka Villas are something quite unique – usually fully staffed including with a private chef. And depending on your group size, can be a cheaper option than a boutique hotel of the same quality.

Browse some of our favourites here

 

VACCINATIONS – Although we must recommend everyone gets personal medical advice from their GP, Sri Lanka is typically very easy and doesn’t require extra vaccines – it’s also Zika and Malaria free!

 

Some final thoughts from Carly and Steffi…

It’s such a pleasure to help our customers discover the variety and beauty of Sri Lanka in a smooth, safe way.

As well as there being so much to see – enough for a week or even four! – there are exquisite boutique hotels, very high service levels, and incredible food to sample.

Browse our sample itineraries for inspiration (keeping in mind every trip is tailored to you and your travel companions) and just get in touch with our team to get planning!

 

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