Sri Lanka Holidays

Soul soothing scenery in Sri Lanka

National Parks

National flower

Water lily

Serene Sri Lanka Holidays

Feel the blend of nature and spirit flow throughout Sri Lanka. Journey to an island of sacred grounds, monumental mountains, surfing waves and friendly locals – this destination is a hot spot for adventure seekers and cultural travellers alike.

With daily one-stop flights from the UK to Sri Lanka, planning your tropical trip is easy. Make the most of great value savings on our package holidays when you book flights and hotels, or flights and car hire together.

Ignite your senses with a trip around The Cultural Triangle. See the ancient cities of Kandy, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa before you the rock fortress city Sigiriya at the centre of the triangle. Discover the heart of Sri Lanka, with its sacred grounds, Buddhist temples, mesmerising statues and natural wonders. Venture to Yala National Park to see an array of wildlife, keep your eyes peeled for leopards, sloth bears, jackals and elephants. Just outside of Colombo, find an adrenaline-fueled white-water rafting experience at Kelani River. Marvel at the surrounding scenery, as you glide along the river and fly over rapids.

There are plenty of ways to make your way around the island, whether you hop in a tuk-tuk, organise an Uber ride, cruise in a cab, or book yourself car hire; you can travel the island with ease. Enjoy complete freedom when you hire a car. You can create an island itinerary to fit your trip, including early morning adventures and sunset driving. If you do ride by taxi or tuk-tuk, be sure to agree a price and final destination before you make tracks.

How to visit Sri Lanka on a budget

Choose the ultimate accommodation for your Sri Lanka holiday from our carefully selected hotels to suit your perfect trip away.

See our handy budget planner for easy holiday planning with budget, mid-range and luxury options. We’ve got a selection of hotels, restaurants and activities to suit you.

Stay

Discover the west coast wonders of Kalutara when you stay at the Tangerine Beach Hotel. Relax poolside, enjoy the swim-up bar and spend days basking in the sun. Relish golden beaches, towering coconut trees and panoramic ocean views.

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Eat

Venture to a traditional street market to try the local cuisine. Chow down on street food and mingle with the locals. Tuck into a delicious dhal curry with tangy pickle, vegetable samosas with chutneys and spring rolls. You should also try spicy Sri Lankan string hopper noodles. Dishes start from around 100 LKR.

Do

When you’re not lounging around on the beautiful beaches of Sri Lanka, venture to the sights of Kalutara. See the Kalutara Bodhiya temple and relax by the Kalu River. Later, take a look at the colonial Richmond Castle and visit the Buddhist shrine Sambodhi Chaithya.

Stay

Kick back in style at the revitalising Eden Resort & Spa. Chill out on silky sands or play a game of beach volleyball, then make a splash with water sports or head to the spa for a pampering. When you’re ready, head out to explore the town of Beruwela.

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Eat

When you stay by the beach, you must try a variety of the local, fresh seafood. Make tracks to Coral Reef, FRESH or Abey’s for a tantalising catch of the day. It’s win-win here; the lobster, king prawns and grilled fish dishes are all mouth-watering.

Do

Head to the Takeoff Surf Club for a choice of water sport thrills. Surf, windsurf, kitesurf or join a boat tour – you might be lucky enough to spot whales in the wild. If you’d rather stay on land, join a day tour for animal sightings, temple visits and see beyond Beruwela.

Stay

Soak up every drop of opulence at the Vivanta by Taj Bentota. Relax under a cabana at this exclusive resort, set in a luscious paradise right next to the Indian Ocean. Let the serenity of the Jiva Spa take over your senses, and finish your day on a high with a blazing sunset.

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Eat

With a wonderful choice of five eateries, you won’t need to leave the Vivanta hotel for a luxurious meal. Start your day with a replenishing breakfast at The Palms. Come evening, relish a scrumptious dinner with mesmerising views at the S.H.A.C.K, then head to the elegant Tease bar for live music and flavourful cocktails.

Do

Make a trip to the natural beauty of Uda Walawe National Park. Keep your eyes peeled for an abundance of wildlife on a safari. Lookout for elephants, leopards, water buffalo, crocodiles, eagles – just to name a few. Immerse yourself in the flora and fauna of this inspiring reserve.

Where are the best places to stay in Sri Lanka?

With its assortment of palm-fringed beaches, spiritual landscape and charismatic culture, you’ll want to experience the highlights of this tropical utopia. Our guide to holidays in Sri Lanka will have you discovering the wonders of this island in a heartbeat.

Find your perfect place for a holiday in Sri Lanka. Whether you want to stay in one place or start in Colombo before moving around the island, discover the hottest spots. The central location of Sigiriya offers a dramatic landscape, fortified by its heritage and ancient tales. Go hiking through rainforests, trek up mountain trails and visit the nearby Dambulla Cave Temple.

Discover the charm of Kandy, home of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic – Buddha’s tooth. Take a city tour for the best cultural features; foodie fanatics can join street food tours or nature lovers can wander along walking trails to cascading waterfalls. Catch a train from here to Ella for soul soothing scenery, the famous nine arches railway bridge and Ella’s Rock.

The area of Galle on the south coast offers an adventure oasis with world-class surfing, and some of the best beaches in Sri Lanka. Savour the beautiful coastline and get set for colour-bursting sunsets. From here, take a day trip or book a night near Udawalawe National Park for unforgettable memories.

Palms and fishing boats on beach. © toxawww

Top five things to see in Sri Lanka

Explore the wondrous scenery of this island via its ample vista points. Gaze out across verdure tea plantations, national parks, utopian beaches and rolling mountains – this South Asian island oozes with vitality.

The Cultural Triangle
Udawalawe National Park
Visit the Gal Vihara
Surfing at Unawatuna beach
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Read our guide Top ten things to do in Sri Lanka; for more activity recommendations.

You might also be interested in…

Visit Sigiriya Rock:a lone plinth in the rainforesttopped with an ancient fortress.

Eloise Barker, for British Airways

Top 10 things to do in Sri Lanka