Asia has long been a popular holiday destination and Sri Lanka, the small island nation off the south coast of India, has been growing in popularity over the last couple of years. This hidden gem, once overlooked due to decades of conflict, is now welcoming travellers from all over the world. Friendly locals, stunning natural beauty, incredible wildlife and delicious food are just the start — and with improved transport links and a growing number of hotels, it's easy to see why Sri Lanka is fast becoming a bucket-list destination.
1. Wildlife in Sri Lanka
Leopards, elephants, blue whales and turtles are just some of the animals that call this country home and you can see them all in their natural habitat.
Elephants: Elephant rides are commonplace in Sri Lanka but among the orphanages that claim to have elephant welfare at their heart, you’ll find The Elephant Freedom Project – a sanctuary supported by Responsible Travel.
Why not spend a day volunteering? This is a fantastic opportunity to work with these intelligent creatures, where days consist of walking, feeding and washing the elephants as well as various other activities including a cooking lesson and visiting a local school.
Whales
Getting up at sunrise is well worth it in Mirissa – here you can board a boat and head out to sea to spot the largest creature on Earth – blue whales. You’ll see them rise to the surface, blowing both air and water out of their spout before majestically diving back down again.
Turtles
There are several ways to get up close and personal with turtles in Sri Lanka. You can snorkel alongside them in the sea or visit a sanctuary that rescues eggs and the injured. Alternatively, you can see them lay those eggs. You may have heard of Rewaka Beach – it appeared in a David Attenborough documentary and is where former poachers now protect the eggs. Wait until the sun goes down and you can watch the turtles as they emerge from the sea and make their way up the sand.
Leopards
There are several national parks across the island but you’ll need to make your way to Yala to see leopards. It may take a while to spot these elusive creatures but it is a moment you’ll never forget when you do. Plus, you’ll see monkeys, crocodiles, buffaloes and elephants from the jeep as you search.
Top tip
Stay as close as you can to the entrance so you can be one of the first to enter the park at dawn. Big Game Camp Yala is located on the outskirts and they serve up a delicious barbecue around the campfire before you head back to your tent ready for an early morning safari.
2. Beaches in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka boasts more than 800 miles of tropical coastline but there are a few beaches you don’t want to miss.
- Mirissa: Restaurants line the beach and the ocean providing a perfect backdrop to your evening meal.
- Arugam Bay: This is a surfers paradise and by day you’ll see them riding the waves of the Indian Ocean. After the sun goes down, take a seat at one of the bars where you can watch an open-air film as you sip colourful cocktails.
- Tangalle: If you want to feel like a castaway on a secluded beach then this is the one to head for. You won’t be able to swim here because it is too dangerous but it is pure paradise. The perfect place to forget the stresses of everyday life as you swing in a hammock and listen to the waves crash against the shore as palm trees blow softly in the wind above your head.
Top tip
You won’t find the equivalent of Thailand’s Full Moon Party here – Sri Lanka is far from a party destination but if you are looking for a little nightlife then Arugam Bay is your best bet.
3. Sample Sri Lankan cuisine
Ingredients are fresh and local and you’ll find coconut at the heart of many meals.
- Food: A traditional Sri Lankan breakfast almost always includes an egg hopper and coconut roti. You’ll then be snacking on halapa – a sweet treat wrapped in a leaf. For dinner, it is rice and curry – which tends to be comprised of various vegetable dishes.
- Drink: To wash it all down you’ll be drinking Lion Beer, King Coconut and locally grown tea.
Top tip
Shady Lane in Mirissa is situated slightly off the main strip but serves the prettiest smoothie bowls alongside a refreshing King Coconut.
4. Top attractions in Sri Lanka
- Stilt fisherman – along the south coast
- Nine Arch Bridge and Little Adam’s Peak – Ella
- Temple of the Sacred Tooth – Kandy
- Mangrove Tour – Arugam Bay
- Tea plantations – Nuwara Eliya
- Sigiriya (Lion Rock) – Dambulla
- Galle Fort (UNESCO World Heritage Site) – Galle
- Dambulla Cave Temple – Dambulla
5. Accommodation in Sri Lanka
You’ll find a good selection of hotels in Sri Lanka, whether you’re after 5 star luxury with impeccable service or affordable 3-star stays with everything you need. From accommodation in the heart of the city to stays overlooking the ocean, every holidaymaker is catered for here.
Enjoy Colombo’s charms and stay minutes away from its buzzing bars, shops and restaurants at the elegant The Kingsbury. If it’s white sand vistas you’re looking for Club Hotel Dolphin places you close to Sri Lanka’s natural beauty, while Colombo is an hour and half drive away if you want to sample the best of both worlds.
6. Travel round Sri Lanka
There are four main ways to travel around Sri Lanka.
- First and most popular is with a driver who can stay with you for the duration of your time here if you wish. Alternatively, your accommodation will help you to organise them for each individual journey. Drivers tend to be incredibly knowledgeable and will stop off along the way to allow you to see the sights. The rules of the road are slightly different here, hands are seemingly continuously pressed on horns while it’s not uncommon for a car to overtake a tuk-tuk that is overtaking a bus. You can also expect to slow down to overtake an elephant that is wandering down the middle of the road.
- Secondly, you can take the bus. This is incredibly cheap and an experience in itself – but be aware that journeys can take double the time you are expecting via this mode of transport.
- Thirdly, the train. The most famous – and arguably most beautiful train journey in the world is from Kandy to Ella. For pennies, you can take your seat by the window or sit leaning out of the open door – and take in the most incredible scenery.
- Lastly, tuk-tuks. This is a cheap and fun way to travel a short distance.
Top tip
Travel by car through the tea plantations to Nuwara Eliya and catch the train from here. This station isn’t as busy so you are more likely to get a seat. Plus, the journey is around three hours rather than seven and you still get to experience the most breathtaking section of the journey.
7. Weather in Sri Lanka
There are two monsoon seasons – the southwest sees rain from May to September. This then moves up to the north from October to February.