After more than a fly-and-flop holiday? Look no further than Sri Lanka. Here, you can tour tea plantations, seek out elephants and scale rock fortresses.
A beach break with a difference
Floating in the Indian Ocean, not far from the equator, Sri Lanka boasts all the tropical island credentials. The weather is fantastic, the countryside is cloaked in greenery, and the beaches are accessorised with swaying coconut palms. But look a bit closer, and you’ll see there’s more to this place than meets the eye.
The elephant in the room
Sri Lanka is known for its elephants, and the island offers plenty of chances to hang out with them. Head to Minneriya National Park and spot them in their natural habitat on a 4x4 safari, or make tracks for Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, where you can help out with feeding time and enjoy a spot of lunch while the gorgeous mammals frolic in the river below.
Tea plantations and temples
Sri Lanka’s famous tea plantations are nestled in the heart of hill country. Make the trek, and you’ll be rewarded with sensational views and a top-class cuppa. Elsewhere, you can pay a visit to one of the country’s impressive temples. The Temple of the Tooth, in Kandy, is said to house the tooth of Buddha. Fancy a challenge? Try hiking to the top of Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Its 600-foot summit plays host to an ancient palace.
AT A GLANCE
- Hang out with elephants at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
- Savour a cup of tea on one of Sri Lanka’s tea plantations
- Hike to the top of Sigiriya Rock and wander the ancient fortress
Weather
TEMPERATURE (°C)RAINFALL (mm)
WHEN TO GO
Sri Lanka’s position close to the equator means that temperatures are pretty constant throughout the year. Along the coast, average daily highs often climb into the thirties. Monsoon season hits this side of the country in the summer, which means the winter months are lovely and dry. If you’re planning on venturing inland to Kandy or tea plantation territory, it’s a good idea to pack a jumper – the higher altitude brings cooler weather.
Things To Do View all »
-
See the baby elephants at Udawalawe National Park
If there’s one word that defines Sri Lanka, it’s ‘wild’. And a day trip to Udawalawe National Park will show you a wild old…
View details » -
Take in the scent at a spice garden
Sri Lanka is often referred to as the Spice Island, due to the abundance of cinnamon, pepper, cloves, nutmeg, mace and vanilla…
View details »
Loading
Top 3 hotels in Sri Lanka
Where we go in Sri Lanka Show on a map »
Similar Destinations
Loading
Loading
