Sri Lanka
HOLY RELICS: Buddhist Sculpture, Sri Lanka
Formerly known as Ceylon and as Serendib, the lovely island of Sri Lanka has known Portuguese, Dutch and English colonisation.
Today it still displays a fascinating blend of local and old colonial cultures in a landscape of upland tea plantations, jungles and a coastline of palm-fringed beaches.
Kandy, situated amongst wooded hills on the shores of a lake, is famous for its rambling colonial buildings and the Temple of the Tooth - which claims to possess a tooth belonging to Buddha. Even higher than Kandy is Nuwara Eliya, a former British hill station, little changed since colonial days.
It is the land of smiles and hospitality - the natural friendliness of the Sri Lankans is yet another aspect that makes Sri Lanka a traveller’s haven.
FLIGHTS & FACTS
Fly to: Colombo (Sri Lankan Airlines daily)
Flying Time: 10 hrs non-stop
Time Difference: GMT + 6hrs
Visas: Not required for UK passport Holders
Health Requirements: Yellow fever if arriving from endemic area
Best time to travel: Nov-Apr
WEATHER
The best time to travel to Sri Lanka is during our winter months of when the humidity is lower and the temperature more comfortable for sightseeing and exploration. However, the monsoon season of May to September should not be discounted for travel as the whole of Sri Lanka is bursting into lush greenery
due to the rainfall showing you a side of this island not everyone sees. It can be said that the heavier showers occur in the mornings or the late afternoons, leaving the remainder of the day to explore.
A&K Recommends
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Indian Sub Continent | Sri Lanka | Tangalle
30 rooms
Amanwella is situated amidst a mature coconut grove fronting a crescent shaped beach near the village of Tangalle. All 30 suites of this beachfront resort feature their own private swimming ...
from £242 per person per night
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Indian Sub Continent | Sri Lanka | Galle
14 rooms
This wonderfully renovated hotel combines contemporary and local style. Friendly staff create a daily menu of Asian favourites whilst a treatment at the Ahhhh! Spa is not to be missed. ...
5mins From Beach
from £65 per person per night
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Indian Sub Continent | Sri Lanka
Duration: 9 days
Negombo (1 nt) - Dambulla (4 nts) - Kandy (2 nts)
• Rock temples and fortresses
• Spice gardens
• Elephant orphanage
• Private English speaking driver guide
• Ideal destination for families
Culture | Wildlife
from £1,299 per person
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Indian Sub Continent | Sri Lanka | Nuwara Eliya
Duration: 4 days
Nuwara Eliya (3 nts)
• Dramatic up-country landscapes
• Stunning botanic gardens
• Visit rolling tea plantations
• Stay at a converted tea factory
Culture | Wildlife
from £419 per person
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Indian Sub Continent | Sri Lanka | Galle
25 rooms
Amangalla derives its name from aman, or "peace" in Sanskrit, and galla, the Sinhalese name for the town of Galle. The hotel is decorated in a traditional colonial style and ...
from £198 per person per night
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Indian Sub Continent | Sri Lanka | Walauwwa
17 rooms
Bringing the elegance of a bygone age to this unspoilt region of south western Sri Lanka, the Club Villa has 17 guest rooms, many air-conditioned, adorned with classic antique furnishings, ...
5mins From Beach
from £54 per person per night
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Indian Sub Continent | Sri Lanka | Giritale
77 rooms
Deer Park is a refreshingly contemporary resort set within the jungle of ancient royal hunting grounds. All 77 cottages are furnished with a blend of vibrant colours and Asian craft ...
Family Friendly | Sporting Activities
from £38 per person per night
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Indian Sub Continent | Sri Lanka | Sigiriya
21 rooms
A luxury eco project designed to leave the local habitat undisturbed and allow animals to wander unimpeded through its 200-acre grounds. This hi-tech, 21 plunge pool suite, boutique hotel offers ...
Family Friendly
from £155 per person per night
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Indian Sub Continent | Sri Lanka | Galle
63 rooms
The colonial Dutch influence of this area spreads through the candlelit Cinnamon Room Restaurant and the 63 Deluxe, air-conditioned rooms and suites of this hotel. Two swimming pools, tennis, squash, ...
from £129 per person per night
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Indian Sub Continent | Sri Lanka | Aturuwella
27 rooms
The atmosphere is one of tranquillity, disturbed only by the sound of the waves breaking on the rocks below. All 27 suites feature an outdoor bathroom and verandah. Two ...
from £93 per person per night