Inland Sri Lanka – Historical ruins and temples, rolling tea plantations, and national parks.
Although tropical Sri Lanka is often thought of as a beach destination, this tear-drop shaped island holds vast treasures within its’ interior as well as miles of glorious coastline. To fully appreciate all the sights this fascinating country has to offer an escorted tour or a tailor-made itinerary with private car and driver guide are a must.
Cultural Triangle
The Cultural Triangle is an area consisting of ancient cities, historic temples and rock fortresses. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Anuradhapura was once the capital city of Sri Lanka and offers well-preserved relics of an ancient civilisation. It is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world and whilst some of the ancient buildings are now little more than rubble, there are still many intact examples which makes wandering among them a fascinating way to spend a few hours.
One of our favourite hotels in the Cultural Triangle –
4* Habarana Village by Cinnamon
Habarana, Sigiriya and Dambulla
A village at one with nature, close to the beautiful Habarana Lake and within easy reach of the main sights.
Tea Plantations of the Central Highlands
Nuwara Eliya is a complete contrast to the rest of Sri Lanka, a cooler climate and old colonial style buildings and pastimes could have you thinking you have entered a different country but the Sri Lankan charm will remind you where you really are.
From Nuwara Eliya you can visit tea plantations and non-working tea factories or even stay overnight in luxury at an old tea factory, such as 5* Heritance Tea Factory, with magnificent views across the rolling landscape.
One of our favourite hotels in the Tea Plantations –
4.5* Heritance Tea Factory
Nuwara Eliya
Beautifully restored tea factory with breath taking views in the Nuwara Eliya hills.
National Parks
Sri Lanka has more than its’ share of national parks making access to wildlife spotting a possibility from virtually any part of the island but probably the two best known examples are Yala National Park and Udawalawe National Park. Situated in the southern part of the island it is possible to stay nearby at both of these locations and game drives are easily arranged from your hotel.
One of our favourite hotels in the National Parks
5* Uga Chena Huts
Yala and Udawalawe
A unique and luxurious property comprising 14 luxury cabins with private pools in 7 acres bordering Yala National Park, the Indian Ocean and a natural watering hole.
Sri Lanka’s East Coast – Miles of tranquil golden sand meets calm blue ocean.
The east coast of Sri Lanka offers long, soft sand beaches and calm, shallow seas perfect for swimming and snorkelling. This stretch of coastline is still relatively undiscovered offering a quiet escape from the crowds of the south west coast and the opportunity to enjoy a slower pace of life.
The best time to visit this side of Sri Lanka is during our summer when the climate is dry and hot, during this time the south west coast is undergoing its’ monsoon season so the east coast is the perfect option if you wish to travel at this time of year but still want to incorporate some beach time.
Passikudah is the main beach resort on the east coast and is famed for its’ wonderful stretch of beach with one of the longest shallow coastlines in the world. Ideal for families, you can wade far out into the sea before it becomes deep.
Passikudah is an up-and-coming resort with a growing selection of beachfront hotels and a few bars and restaurants to enjoy a cold drink while watching the sun set over the horizon.
One of our favourite hotels in Passikudah
5* Uga Bay, Passikudah
A contemporary and luxurious retreat overlooking idyllic Passikudah Bay, ideal for snorkelling and diving.
Uga Bay has an enviable position right in the middle of a stunning stretch of sand and it has fantastic views out over the hotel’s palm-fringed garden.
Trincomalee is the other main resort along this stretch of coastline. With its’ deep water harbour, Trincomalee has played an important role in Sri Lanka’s history and now offers the opportunity for boat trips and whale watching trips to spot the world’s largest mammal, the Blue Whale, which is most frequently spotted March/April and August/September.
One of our favourite hotels in Trincomalee
5* Uga Jungle Beach, Trincomalee
An Eco-friendly hideaway between the jungle and the beach. The beautiful Uga Jungle Beach commands a stretch of practically deserted beach and an equally as
tranquil stretch of verdant forest. All Inclusive option available.
Sri Lanka’s South and West Coasts – where the golden sand meets the Indian Ocean.
Sri Lanka is famed for its’ beaches and resorts situated along this stretch of coastline from Negombo on the west coast down to Hambantota on the south. There are lively resorts, quiet fishing villages, surfing beaches, historic colonial towns and up-and-coming resorts – a beach resort to suit every taste.
West Coast
Negombo is home to a range of resorts, shops, bars and restaurants situated along the coastal road and offering the chance to wander through town sampling local cuisine or purchasing souvenirs before returning to your hotel for a refreshing dip in the pool or a relax on the golden sands.
Most hotels are situated beachfront and look out to sea where the fishing boats are scattered across the horizon with their distinctive sails billowing in the breeze. Their catch of fresh tuna, marlin, barracuda, swordfish, prawns, lobster and crabs are sold in the local market before making their way to the restaurants and hotels to end up as your sumptuous evening meal, it doesn’t get much fresher than that!
One of our favourite hotels in Negombo
4.5* Jetwing Sea, Negombo
This stylish hotel offers a warm welcome, amazing food and an excellent beachfront location a short distance from the airport.
South West Coast
A little further down Sri Lanka’s scenic west coast is dotted with beach resorts, palm trees sway in the breeze and the Indian Ocean pounds the golden sands. While away the days lying on the beaches or try some of the watersports on offer if you are feeling a bit more adventurous.
Bentota is one of the most well known of Sri Lanka’s beach resorts and has a range of accommodation to suit all styles and budgets. Situated between the Indian Ocean and the Bentota River these resorts offer the best of both worlds, romantic river cruises, soft sand beaches and great dive sites all nearby.
One of our favourite hotels in Bentota –
4* Centara Ceysands, Bentota
A modern and fun-filled hotel set on a golden sand beach and backed by a meandering river.
The resort is accessible by a short boat ride across the lagoon.
South Coast
The historic, colonial town of Galle is situated on the south coast and boasts the UNESCO listed Dutch Fort and the famous Galle Lighthouse. A lovely place for a wander through the historic streets, a meal in a local restaurant or a browse in the shops before returning to your chosen hotel either in the town or situated in one of the resorts close by, such as stunning 5* Fortress Resort and Spa in Koggala which is famed for having the longest beach in Sri Lanka.
Beautiful Tangalle is situated at the heart of Sri Lanka’s south coast, approximately two hours from Galle and an hour and a half from Yala National Park making it a perfect stopping point to explore southern Sri Lanka without having to pack up and move hotels. The beaches along here are some of the finest in Sri Lanka and nesting turtles can often be seen at night with a guide.
One of our favourite hotels in Galle
5* The Fortress Resort & Spa
Koggala, Galle
A fusion of Dutch and Portuguese styles, The Fortress is stylish, luxurious and right on the beach. World class service, indulgent comforts and eco experiences,
make The Fortress truly stand out amongst Galle hotels.