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Overview | For a small island, Sri Lanka has many nicknames: Serendib, Ceylon, Teardrop of India, Resplendent Isle, Island of Dharma, Pearl of the Orient. This colourful collection reveals its richness and beauty, and the intensity of the affection it evokes in its visitors. | When To Go | Climatically the driest and best seasons are from December to March on the west and south coasts and in the Hill Country, and from May to September on the east coast. December to March is also the time when most foreign tourists come, the majority of them escaping the European winter.Out of season travel has its advantages - it's less crowded, and many airfares and accommodation prices go right down. Nor does it rain all the time. Reefs may protect a beach area and make swimming quite feasible at places like Hikkaduwa, which during the monsoon can be quite pleasant.JulyAugust is the time of the Kandy Esala Perahera, the 10-day festival honouring the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha, and also the time for the Kataragama Festival in the South. In both towns accommodation just before, during and immediately after the festivals is very difficult to come by, and rates usually double or treble. Be sure to book rooms well in advance. | Visas | Visitors from the USA, European countries, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Israel, Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong do not require visas. Automatic entry for between 30 and 90 days is given on arrival. | Weather | Sri Lanka is a typically tropical country with distinct dry and wet seasons. The picture is somewhat complicated by the fact that it is subject to two monsoons: the Yala season May to August, when the southwest monsoon brings rain to the southern, western and central regions; and the Maha season October to January, when the northeast monsoon brings rain to the north and east of the island. Temperatures in the low-lying coastal regions are high year round but they rapidly fall with altitude and in the hill country, where it feels like perpetual spring. The highest temperatures are from March through June, while November to January is usually the coolest time of the year. Rainfall is heaviest in the south, southwest and central highlands; the northern and north-central regions are very dry. The best time to visit the west, south coast and hill country is between December and March. May to September is best on the east coast. | Getting There | The only way to enter Sri Lanka is by flying. Colombo is the international gateway for direct flights from Europe, Asia, Australia and the Middle East. There are cheap flights available between Colombo and Madras, Trichy, Trivandrum and Bombay. Departure tax is 10.00. |
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 |  | Buddha’s Island | You’ll spend the first few leisurely days exploring various points of interest. The caves at Dambulla house some ancient effigies of Buddha while a cycle ride through the countryside gives you an insight into local life. You explore the ancient Buddhist cities of Anuradhapura and Mihintale and climb the rock fortress at Sigiriya. From Kandy - the country’s cultural capital - you’ll visit the Temple of the Tooth. One of Buddha’s teeth is held in a jewel-encrusted casket. |
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|  | | | | Elephant Paradise Family Holiday | Starting your journey on this diverse tropical island, you head inland to Habarana to climb Sigiriya Rock and explore unspoilt tropical woodland on elephant-back. You can also discover the lush countryside by bike optional. Leaving Habarana, you have the unique opportunity to watch or help! local villagers with their early morning fish catch and season permitting ride to islands in Parakrama Lake on a fisherman’s catamaran. Here you may see ibis, cormorants and other birds. Driving south to Kandy you can visit the famous Temple of the Tooth and botanical gardens. There’s also the opportunity for white water rafting optional. |
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| | | | | Island of Adventure An Adventure Collection Family Holiday | Your journey around the magical island of Sri Lanka begins in the village of Habarana, set amongst beautiful, lush countryside. Here you’ll visit ancient monasteries, enjoy an elephant safari and a meal with a family in a traditional Sri Lankan village. Driving south to Kandy you’ll climb Sigiriya Rock for stunning views over the forests below and visit the famous Temple of the Tooth in Kandy itself - one of Buddhism’s most holy sites. |
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| | | | | Sri Lankan Discovery | Your exploration of Sri Lanka begins in the cultural north and ends on the island’s famous tropical coast with a series of unforgettable sights and adventures sandwiched in between. First stop is a nature walk and boat ride with local fishermen followed by a visit to the ancient ruins and giant Buddha statues at Polonnaruwa. Nearby lies distinctive Sigiriya Rock, where a climb to the top is rewarded with magnificent views of the lush countryside, later explored on an easy village to village bike ride. |
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