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Exploring Sri Lanka

How To Spend Your Time

With seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, twelve nature reserves, Buddhist cave temples, mist covered plains, tea plantations, stunning waterfalls and miles of beaches, we could not encourage a holiday tour of Sri Lanka more strongly. All our Sri Lanka holiday tours are completely personalised with private chauffeur driven vehicles. This is the norm in Sri Lanka where coach parties, queues and souvenirs shops are rarely seen. You can start your tour whatever day you like and plan the perfect flow and inclusions with our Sri Lanka specialists.

When planning a tour of Sri Lanka, we take care not to over-load your schedule. This is easily done with endless things to entice your interest, but by compiling an itinerary akin to a military operation you are guaranteed to ruin your time away. So try to rule out staying just one night anywhere, allow for the poor roads and always inform us of any special interests you may have such as bird watching, architecture etc… as this will really help us to plan the perfect itinerary for your holiday to Sri Lanka, and get the pace just right for you.

We have some suggested itineraries to offer inspiration, but to personalise your holiday to Sri Lanka please give us a call on (0207 112 0019) or email us so that we can tailor make your ideal itinerary.

What to do

Safari
There are 20+ protected National Parks on the island with Yala being the most famous.

We will recommend the best park for your route, time of year and accommodation preferences.
Cultural Triangle
Climbing the Sigirya Rock Fortress, cycling around Polonnaruwa and marvelling at the incredibly well preserved Dambulla Cave Temples - see Sri Lanka's ancient history in all its glory.
Galle Fort
A little city break within your tour - Galle Fort features striking architecture, interesting history and charming shops and restaurants to explore.
Hill Country
Hiking fans will adore some of the challenging trails but the welcoming hill towns of Ella, Nuwara Eliya and more appeal to everyone.

Riding the scenic train is extra special, and don't forget to head tea picking and tasting too
Beaches
From the bustling beach towns on the south coast to the untouched stretches on the east, there's a perfect beach for you in Sri Lanka.

Follow our advice - and the sun - to the best spot during your tour.

Suggested itineraries

Classic Highlights Tour

Ideal December - May
Summer Highlights Tour

Ideal May - September
Colombo
There is only one word to describe Colombo and that is hectic! It can be fun with a handful of good shops and restaurants to explore but we wouldn't overly recommend it as the first point of call for newcomers to Sri Lanka. It isn't a must see. More
Kandy
Kandy is 3 hours from Colombo and the religious heartland of Sri Lanka. It was made a world heritage site in 1988. The city's main attraction is the Temple of the Tooth, home to Sri Lanka 's most precious Buddhist relic which becomes the focus of a fortnight long festival known as the Perahera each July. Other points of interest include the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, Royal Botanical Gardens and the Commonwealth Cemetery. More
Negombo
Originally a fishing town the long beaches of Negombo are nowadays dominated by tourists who like the short transfer times from Colombo International Airport. With a few good hotels, Negombo is a popular jumping off point for visitors but it is by far the most touristy town in Sri Lanka and so may not appeal to everyone. More
Bentota
Bentota is just 2 hours from the airport and as such has a good range of facilities such as watersports and local restaurants. There are a number of larger hotels along the main beach, but your likely to have the smaller beaches to yourself. The area is ideal for families with elephant rides on the beach, banana rides year round and Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery nearby. More
Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa is traditionally a surfer town and so has a number of laid back beachfront bars and restaurants, as well as two of the only discos on the island. We have a few accommodation options in Hikkaduwa and recommend it as a day trip from both Bentota and Galle for the glass bottom boat and chance to swim with turtles in the bay. More
Galle Fort
The Galle Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to its Dutch colonial past and makes a great day trip from a coastal villa. It has a real cosmopolitan feel due to boutique gift shops and hotel restaurants, mixed with Moorish, Portuguese, Dutch and British history. It is possible to stay in the fort and definitely fun for a few nights. It is approx 3 hours from the airport.
Adam's Peak
Adam's Peak at 7500 ft high is the most famous physical feature in Sri Lanka and a place of pilgrimage. Sri Lankans come mainly in the month of April to pay their respects to the mountains deity Sumana, while foreigners come to admire the sunrise. The climb takes several hours and is done at night, therefore only suitable for the physically fit. More
Yala National Park
Yala National Park on the southeast tip of the island is the most well known of Sri Lanka 's 15 wildlife reserves. Yala is prime leopard spotting territory, especially in August when the area is at its driest, but it is also home to a healthy population of elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, wild boar, buffalo, jackal and an abundance of bird life. More
Ella
Ella has one of the best views in Sri Lanka - through the Ella Gap to the Kirinda Lighthouse on the coast 1000m below. Ella can be reached by road or rail, 7 hours from Colombo. Home to some lovely waterfalls, working tea estates and mini Adam's Peak you can happily spend a few nights in this charming little hill town. More
Kitugala
Home to the Kelani River, Kitugala is a pretty riverside village dedicated to white water rafting, canyoning and kayaking. More
Arugam Bay
Arugam Bay on the east coast of Sri Lanka is a surf paradise, popular with backpackers during the months of April - September. Best avoided in the off season when most of the local businesses close down. More

Your adventure starts here!

Do you fancy having a chat about How To Spend Your Time? Personally, it's one of our favourite things to talk about.

Email us now to start planning your holiday
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