Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka offers a dream vacation with its rich biodiversity, stunning beaches, historic temples, vibrant festivals, and delicious cuisine. For a memorable trip, explore Sri Lanka vacation deals from Travel Brit.
Getting to the Sri Lanka from London
- Direct Flights: SriLankan Airlines operates non-stop flights from Heathrow to Colombo, taking around 11 hours.
- One-Stop Flights: Airlines like Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad, and Turkish Airlines offer flights with layovers in Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Istanbul. These typically take 13–16 hours depending on the stopover duration.
- Best Time to Visit: December to April is ideal for the south and west coasts, while May to September is better for the east coast.
- Visa: Most travelers need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), which can be obtained online before arrival.
- Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). ATMs are widely available, but carrying some cash is useful for small shops and tuk-tuks.
- Language: Sinhala and Tamil are the main languages, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Getting Around
- Tuk-Tuks: Popular for short distances but negotiate the fare or ensure they use the meter.
- Trains: The scenic train ride from Kandy to Ella is a must-do.
- Buses: Cheap but can be crowded and not the most comfortable option.
- Private Drivers: A good option for comfort and flexibility, especially for long-distance travel.
Food & Drink
- Try local dishes like rice and curry, kottu roti, hoppers, and fresh seafood.
- Tea lovers should visit a tea plantation in Nuwara Eliya or Ella.
- Drink bottled or filtered water to avoid stomach issues.
Cultural Etiquette
- Dress modestly when visiting temples (cover shoulders and knees).
- Remove shoes and hats before entering temples.
- Use your right hand when giving or receiving items.
Safety & Health
- Sri Lanka is generally safe, but watch out for scams and overcharging.
- Wear mosquito repellent to prevent dengue fever.
- Travel insurance is recommended.
Cultural & Historical Highlights
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress – Ancient rock citadel with stunning views
- Polonnaruwa – Ruins of Sri Lanka’s medieval capital (UNESCO site)
- Anuradhapura – Sacred city with ancient stupas and the Sri Maha Bodhi tree
- Dambulla Cave Temple – Largest and best-preserved cave temple complex
- Temple of the Tooth (Kandy) – Sacred Buddhist temple housing Buddha’s tooth relic
Nature & Wildlife
- Yala National Park – Home to leopards, elephants, and diverse wildlife
- Udawalawe National Park – One of the best places to see wild elephants
- Minneriya National Park – Famous for "The Gathering" of elephants
- Horton Plains & World's End – Scenic highland plateau with stunning viewpoints
- Sinharaja Rainforest – UNESCO-listed tropical rainforest with rare flora and fauna
Hill Country & Tea Plantations
- Ella – Famous for Nine Arches Bridge, Little Adam’s Peak, and tea plantations
- Nuwara Eliya – "Little England" with cool climate, colonial charm, and tea estates
- Train Ride from Kandy to Ella – One of the world’s most scenic train journeys
Beaches & Coastal Towns
- Mirissa – Whale watching hotspot and beautiful beach
- Unawatuna – Popular beach with great snorkeling and diving
- Bentota – Luxury resorts, water sports, and turtle hatcheries
- Arugam Bay – World-class surfing destination
- Trincomalee (Nilaveli Beach & Pigeon Island) – Pristine beaches and great snorkeling
Adventure & Off-the-Beaten-Path
- Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada) – Sacred pilgrimage hike with breathtaking sunrise views
- Knuckles Mountain Range – Perfect for trekking and adventure seekers
- Jaffna – Explore Tamil culture, temples, and unspoiled beaches in the north.
Sri Lanka has something for every traveler, whether you're into history, nature, adventure, or relaxation. Would you like recommendations based on your specific interests?