Sri Lanka
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Known as the teardrop of India, a holiday in Sri Lanka rewards you with a tropical climate, traditional Buddhist culture, unique and colourful wildlife, welcoming people, inviting sandy beaches and cooler temperate hill stations. Visitors can delights in its ancient architecture; fortresses and temples alongside palm fringed shores and lush National Parks.
Sri Lanka Highlights
Anuradhapura
This sacred city is famous for its immense Buddhist shrines
Southwest coast beaches
Stretching from the fishing village of Negombo, all the way down the coast to Hambantota – here the sand glitters like gold and the sea sparkles in the bright sunlight.
Colombo
Sri Lanka’s capital city offers shopping, good restaurants and the famous Galle Face seafront.
Dambulla
The 566 feet high cave temples offer the finest frescoes in Sri Lanka within a painted area of 20,000 square feet
Galle
The historic fortified city of Galle, south of Colombo, is a World Heritage site. Here you can watch the stilt fisherman and stroll along the top of the ramparts of the Dutch Fortification.
Habarana
Close to Sigiriya, in the heart of the cultural triangle, Habarana boasts local restaurants and charming accommodation amongst the lush tropical vegetation. Here you can take an elephant back safari - a truly unique experience! A two hour safari on elephant back (seats take up to four people) through the lush woodlands at Habarana, from £20 per adult and £10 per child. During your journey you may see crocodiles, huge water monitors or simply enjoy the stimulating environment.
Kandy
The Royal city of Kandy offers a lakeside setting and beautiful views. Kandy is famous for its magnificent golden roofed temple which houses the sacred tooth relic of Buddha, the Royal Botanical Gardens and Victoria Dam.
Nuwara Eliya
6,000 feet above sea level, Nuwara Eliya is one of Sri Lanka’s famous hill stations offering views of the green hillsides, rushing waterfalls and tea plantations.
Polnnaruwa
This sacred city boats magnificent shrines and statues from the great Buddhist civilisation.
Sigiriya
Climb over 1200 steps to the top of the rock fortress – the views are worth it! The water gardens and the remains of the royal palace on the summit are quite something.
Yala National Park
Yala is an elephant reserve in the south of the island – you may see wild elephants roaming free, boar, crocodiles or deer.
The Beach
A member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, this spacious and intimate property offers fine facilities, beside a beautiful beach. The Beach offers a harmony of soft colours and rich dark woods, exuding a sense of contemporary luxury, nestled in gardens dotted with palm trees. The large and spacious rooms have been designed with natural wood and elegant furnishings and large balconies offering spectacular views of the beautiful sunsets over the Indian Ocean. The Best Room in The House: Suites have sitting area, dressing area, open-air bathroom with twin jacuzzi, sun bathing patio and 24 hour butler service. The Beach features two stylish pools and a relaxing spa, is just a short walk from Negombo and provides easy access to many local attractions.
Mount Lavinia
The grand colonial Mount Lavinia Hotel was formerly a British governor's mansion. Perched on a small headland with extensive beach frontage, this elegant hotel offers extensive leisure facilities. Rooms have an individual personality where colonial architecture and modern amenities blend to the lull of the ocean with sea views and a private balcony. The Best Room in The House: Governor’s Wing Room offers high ceilings, wooden floors, antique furniture, satellite television in the bedroom, and a fully equipped bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. Enjoy dining under the stars at one of the outdoor restaurants.
Bentota Beach
Located between Bentota's stunning white beach and the tranquil river, Bentota Beach Hotel's design was inspired by the Dutch Fort architecture and nestled within 30 acres of coconut plantation. It has an unrivalled position facing the Indian Ocean on one side and the calm waters of the river lagoon on the other. There is an ayurvedic spa for guests seeking an excuse to de-stress. The interiors have predominantly teak furnishings with generic luxury fabrics. The Best Room in The House: An impressive Presidential Suite has stunning views from its large windows.
Eden Resort & Spa
This hotel welcomes guests to a world of pampering. Set among lush green lawns, a stay here places you beside the golden sands of Beruwela Beach and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. You can lounge by the bar which overlooks a tiny tropical island, or try a cocktail at the swim-up bar in the enormous pool. The Spa, with its serene surroundings, offers an array of treatments from professionally trained therapists, drawing on aromatherapy and ayurveda traditions, perfect for your well being. The Best Room in The House: Penthouses offer the best view in the hotel, each with a large timber sundeck and separate outdoor shower. Butler service ensuring your jacket is pressed, your shoes shined or a snack or dinner served under the stars on your private terrace.
Taj Exotica
The Taj Exotica entices guests with its sun-drenched beaches and spectacular view of the Indian Ocean and has established a special status as one of the island''s premium beach resorts. Stretching along the south coast of Sri Lanka, this beautiful hotel is informal yet elegant and offers 162 stylishly-designed rooms in a range of different categories. The Best Room in The House: Designed in tranquil tones, the luxurious and spacious Executive Suites featuring a separate living room exude an understated elegance together with a wide range of amenities.
Saman Villas
Magnificently perched on an isolated headland between two long beaches, Saman Villas is one of Sri Lanka's most luxurious small hotels. Its collection of villa suites, dining and living areas, lush gardens and infinity-edge pool are well-positioned to give stunning views of the Indian Ocean. As well as sparkling interior waterfalls and quiet reading rooms, the hotel features a snooker room, gym, badminton court and in-room CD players, cleverly mixing Western facilities with Sri Lankan charm. The Best Room in The House: The two-storey Saman Villa Suite (with the bedroom located upstairs) and some of the Deluxe Suites have their own 22-foot long private swimming pools.
Lighthouse Hotel & Spa
Stylish and serene, the Lighthouse was inspired by the historical Dutch fort in nearby Galle. The hotel has reminders of Sri Lanka's colonial past including a life-sized sculpture of the Dutch invading Galle winding up the main staircase. Accommodation is simple and eclectic, with 60 tasteful guests rooms and three unique suites, decorated in Moroccan, Chinese and Dutch style representing the countries that occupied the area. Relax, by the pool, in the lovely new spa and dine in the superb Cinnamon Room. The Best Room in The House: One bedroomed themed suite with four-poster king sized bed, teak floors, private balcony, large ensuite wood/granite bathroom with dressing area and Jacuzzi bathtub.
Fortress
A hotel fashioned in the style of a powerful fortress. Rising next to the beach, the resort’s walls enclose verdant gardens and water features, a spa featuring Ayurvedic treatments, a freeflow swimming pool, wine cellar, restaurants, boutiques and exquisitely appointed rooms, lofts and residences. The Best Room in The House: Ocean Loft with split-level rooms creates one-of-a-kind experiences on each of their two separate floors with indoor plunge pool, inviting day bed, 42" plasma screen and Bose DVD sound system. The upstairs level houses the bedroom, showcasing a luxury 7ft.x7ft. bed adorned in soft Egyptian cotton Frette linen and an additional day bed. The stunning upstairs bathroom features both rainfall and wall showers. The Residence has its own private cantilevered infinity edge pool enjoying magnificent views of the coastline.
Elephant Corridor
Leave your worldly cares behind, breathe the spirit of wilderness, rejuvenate yourself surrounded by thousands of acres of jungle beside a lake, against the backdrop of the breathtaking Kandalama Hills. With its all-suite concept of opulent accommodation, the Elephant Corridor allows you the luxury of relaxation in absolute privacy. Pamper yourself by dining on a private terrace with garden. Take a dip in your own private plunge pool. Unwind with a drink at your en suite bar. Or, perhaps, just lie in bed and gaze across the jungle plain at the Sigiriya Rock on the horizon. The Best Room in The House: All Royal Suites are built on a plateau and are built next to another for protection from animals. The Suites are approximately 1425 sq ft where its plunge pool is double the size of the other pools.
Vil Uyana, Sigiriya
This truly 'lifestyle hotel' is the first in Sri Lanka to have a wetland system with luxurious dwellings set on stilts over lakes and paddy fields. The resort is situated in a beautiful area, affording all who stay here breathtaking views of the magnificent Sigiriya Rock, one of Sri Lanka's most recognised UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A haven for those who wish to escape from the norms of everyday life, and nature lovers who wish to indulge in their hobbies, whilst pampering themselves in luxurious comfort. Dine in the privacy of your dwelling or under the stars or simply relax and pamper yourself at the Island Spa.
SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
Ceylon Luxury Explorer - This tour of Sri Lanka follows a traditional path, taking in the key highlights of the country whilst staying in luxury accommodation which will leave you enchanted. For example we spend our first night relaxing in Colombo at Park Street Hotel. Its plain name belies its wonderful character; located on a leafy road in the heart of Colombo, the Park Street Hotel is a small boutique hotel which offers a luxurious and personal alternative to larger hotels. Two nights are spend at Vil Uyana, a fabulous new resort in Sigiryia's open countryside. Here, there are Maldivian-style water villas over a lagoon and paddy fields. Ultimate luxury and open views of the Rock are the order of the day. The Kandy House is a carefully renovated old colonial ancestral mansion in the spice-growing hills that surround Kandy and is our base for two nights. Finally we stay on a tea plantation in a renovated factory. A unique experience!
Grand Ceylon - A seven-night tour visiting all of Sri Lanka's key sights and is designed for you to add to any of our featured Sri Lanka or Maldives beach hotels - 2 nights Colombo – 2 nights Dambulla – 2 nights Kandy – 1 night Nuwara Eliya.
Wildlife of Ceylon – A superb introduction to the wildlife of this fascinating country. Explore the colourful South visiting some of the classic sites of the hill country and see elephants in their natural habitat. 1 night Colombo – 2 nights Yala - 1 night Uda Walawe – 1 night Nuwara Eliya
Sri Lankan Fact File
Time Difference: GMT +6 hours
Flight Duration: 10 hours, 45 minutes, (Direct)
Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee, although the US Dollar is widely accepted.
Capital: Colombo
Visas: Not required for British Passport holders.
Ideal for
- Beach and touring holidays
- Cultural attractions
- Tea sampling
- Elephant Trekking
- Weddings and Honeymoons
Weather
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | 31 | 31 | 32 | 32 | 31 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 |
| Rainfall (inches) | 2 | 3 | 5 | 10 | 15 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 9 | 15 | 12 | 7 |
