Sri Lanka holidays

Palm trees, golden sand, and warm, clear water are standard in Sri Lanka. If you’re planning a beach holiday, it’s hard to go wrong.

Arugam Bay Beach

This showstopper beach on the southeast coast is a relaxed destination with soft sand, shady palm trees, and seaside hotels and restaurants. The south end of the beach has a busy fishing community.

Mirissa Beach

Along Mirissa’s crescent of sand are hammocks to laze in and beach shacks for drinks and snacks. Mirissa is known for its nightclubs and DJ sets, making this the perfect place for a beach party on a budget. You’ll find plenty of cheap hotels here.

Pasikuda and Kalkudah Beach

These neighbouring beaches are properly postcard-worthy with their white sands, coconut palms and turquoise waters. Pasikuda’s protected reefs and gentle surf are perfect for swimming and snorkelling, while at undeveloped Kalkudah, there’s a good chance you could have the beach to yourself.

Nilaveli

Nilaveli is a narrow strip on the east coast with a few understated resorts. A very romantic spot, expect sea views and dining on the sand. Take a boat to Pigeon Island Marine National Park for more beautiful beaches and incredibly clear waters.

Weligama

Horseshoe-shaped Weligama Bay is considered one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka to learn to surf. Bars, beach shacks and surf camps line the sand along the bay and several bargain guesthouses and hostels offer yoga, wellness activities and surfing lessons.

The best type of Sri Lanka holiday takes in a little bit of everything, from the country’s historical treasures to its diverse nature and relaxing beaches. Best of all, its manageable size makes this very doable, even if you’re short on time.

Ancient cities

Among Sri Lanka’s most treasured sights are the remains of ancient cities dating back thousands of years. Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura are two must-sees, with ruins of statues, temples and fortresses to explore. Dambulla has one of the biggest complexes of sacred Buddhist caves in Sri Lanka, while Buduruwagala contains stunning bodhisattva statues carved into solid rock.

Wildlife and nature

Jungle treks and wildlife safaris are popular ways to experience Sri Lanka’s diverse nature, allowing you to get up close (but not too close!) to crocodiles, buffalo, monkeys, exotic birds and more.

Head to Udawalawe and Kumana national parks to see herds of elephants, Sinharaja Forest Reserve for rare, endemic birdlife, and Yala National Park to spot leopards.

Sigiriya

The fortress of Sigiriya was originally built atop a 180m-high (590ft) rock as the 5th century AD capital of Kashyapa. In later years, it became a Buddhist monastery and today is one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic UNESCO sites.

Steep staircases lead up cliffs to ruins at the top, offering a chance to get up close to two giant lion’s paws carved into the rock face, and a series of frescoes painted partway up.

Temples and sacred sites

Home to Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Christians, Sri Lanka’s sacred sites are many and varied.

Don’t miss the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, housing one of Buddha’s teeth; Gangaramaya in Colombo, with its mix of architectural styles; and the ornate Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam Temple, dedicated to the Hindu gods Ganesha and Shiva.

Hill Country: Towns, trains and tea

The cool forests of Sri Lanka’s central Hill Country offer a respite from the heat and activity of the coasts and cities. Tea is an inextricable part of Sri Lanka’s history – it’s one of the world’s largest exporters – so a trip to tea plantations near Nuwara Eliya, such as Bluefield Tea Estate, is a must.

A scenic way to get there is the train to Ella, which winds its way through valleys and hill country villages, offering a glimpse of rural Sri Lankan life.

Sri Lankan cuisine

A highlight of any Sri Lanka holiday is the country’s cuisine. Blending fragrant spices, such as cumin, turmeric, and fennel, with fresh herbs and a variety of local vegetables, fish, and meats, Sri Lankan food is as distinctive as it is delicious.

Staple dishes include curries and daals, hoppers (fermented batter), roti and, in coastal areas, fresh seafood such as kool, a seafood stew from Jaffna. Vegetarians and vegans are also well catered for thanks to Sri Lanka’s large Buddhist and Hindu populations.

Sri Lanka has two main seasons: dry and wet. The wet season (monsoon) hits different parts of the country at different times.

From May to November, monsoons hit the west, south and Hill Country. The dry season then runs from December to April. This is the high tourist season when prices generally rise, so compare holidays in advance if you’re planning a winter sun holiday during this time. In northern and eastern Sri Lanka, the rainy season runs from October to January, staying dry between May and September.

For cultural festivals, visit in May for Vesak, when homes, stores, and Buddhist temples are decorated with colourful lights to celebrate the full moon. In July and August, the Esala Perahera festival sees drummers and dancers parade through Kandy.

When is the cheapest time to visit?

The monsoon season from May to August is the cheapest time to visit Sri Lanka. However, relentless, unpredictable rain can wash out plans for days. That said, if you don’t mind the rain or are planning a wildlife safari, you’ll find the best package deals and cheap holidays during this period.

During the two shoulder seasons (September to October, and April) the weather is slightly more reliable, and the prices are still low. Temperatures vary depending on where you are in the country, with averages in the low 20s.

When should I go for the best weather?

The dry season from December to April has the best weather in Sri Lanka, particularly for beach holidays and outdoor activities in the south and west of the country. Expect temperatures in the high 20s. For the north and east, the best weather arrives in May and lasts until September. Again, expect temperatures in the higher 20s.