Formerly known as Ceylon, the tropical island of Sri Lanka is a remarkable combination of stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, captivating cultural heritage and unique experiences. Set in the Indian Ocean, with a history dating back to the birth of time, it’s a place where the original soul of Buddhism still flourishes and where nature’s beauty remains abundant and unspoilt.
Sri Lanka boasts 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 1,330 kilometres of coastline - much of it pristine beach - 15 national parks showcasing an abundance of wildlife, nearly 500,000 acres of lush tea estates and a culture that extends back to over 2,500 years.
Sri Lankan Heritage
Sri Lanka is home to one of the oldest civiliisations in the world with a written history of over 2550 years old. Its pre-history consist of planned cities, magnificent palaces, and expansive man made reservoirs, stunning temples, monasteries and gardens. Monuments and works of art are characteristic of the rich and jubilant lives of the celebrated monarchy.
Sun & Beach
With nearly 1600 km of palm fringed coastline surrounding the country Sri Lanka is an ideal beach destination at any time of year. Activities include windsurfing, kayaking, yachting, water skiing, scuba diving and swimming. Southern beaches include Tangalla, Beruwala, Mirissa, Bentota and Unawatuna with chic boutique hotels, coral reefs, gentle sandbars and undiscovered corners of paradise. In the east Arugam Bay is great for surfing and north of the capital Colombo is the Negambo lagoon known for its wonderful beaches and lobster harvesting.
Adventure & Sports
The highlands of Sri Lanka with virgin rainforests, sacred mountains, lush tea gardens and plains filled with rare birds and insects coupled with mild temperatures and welcoming smiles of the villagers provide the ideal setting for walkers and hikers.
Surrounded by the Indian Ocean with its coral gardens, exotic fishes and ancient wrecks Sri Lanka offers one of the best diving experiences in the world.
The ranges of mountains standing guard around the highlands of Sri Lanka including the Knuckles range, Ella range, Habarana, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Horton Plains and Buttala provide challenging climbs to novice as well as experienced climbers. For an exciting waterfall climb head to the rock face of Bambarakanda waterfall, the tallest in the country.
Wildlife
Sri Lanka isn’t short of stunning national parks, and each one is home to a multitude of wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. Hop aboard a 4X4 and go on a search for endemic leopards and shy sloth bears at popular Yala National Park, and if elephants are high on your radar, Udawalawe is the place to spot them.
Whale Watching
Sri Lanka is situated on and around the migrating routes of 26 species of whales and dolphins including blue whales, sperm whales, pilot whales, fin whales and a large variety of dolphins. The best times to view them are from December to April.
Deep Sea Fishing
Sri Lanka is a hidden paradise for extreme anglers. With a shoreline of 1,140 miles and a continental shelf of 10,000 square miles, the seas around Sri Lanka are one of the most challenging marine game fishing locations. With 103 major river basins and hundreds of estuaries, lagoons and coastal lakes, much of the country is yet to be fully explored by sporting anglers.
