Sri Lanka by Kuoni

Discover Sri Lanka

Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

Discover Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a country that captures your heart and won't let go. Prepare to be captivated by this teardrop isle’s ancient treasures, wild wonders and mouth-watering food.

We first fell for Sri Lanka’s charms over thirty years ago and we’ve been spellbound ever since. We’re passionate about creating holidays that are unique and have handpicked a collection of stand-out hotels and experiences, so every moment of your trip will be as unforgettable as the next. You’ll be warmly welcomed by our overseas partners, renowned for their exceptional service, who can’t wait to show you the secrets of their homeland.

Sri Lanka has much to see and do, so you may need some guidance. We can put you in touch with an expert who's travelled and explored everywhere from the coastline to the Cultural Triangle. They'll share insights, tips and recommendations to make planning your trip a breeze.

Let us tell you about the best time to see blue whales breaching off the coast, where you’ll find incredible views of Sigiriya Rock and those extra-special places to stay – such as a wildly luxurious resort hidden in Yala’s sand dunes. Are you a foodie? Ask us about gourmet delights such as the local speciality, ‘Hoppers’ and where you can dine in a treehouse surrounded by the chirping of exotic birds.

With fewer crowds and remarkable value for money, there’s never been a better time to visit this tropical island gem. Get in touch and we’ll help you plan your perfect Sri Lanka itinerary.

Plan your Sri Lanka holiday

Sri Lanka is a place made for multi-centre itineraries, where wide golden beaches give way to lush forests, rolling tea plantations, bustling cities and soul-stirring temples. We recommend hiring your own driver-guide, who’ll chauffeur you from place to place and help you develop a deeper appreciation for the country.

Gerandigini Ella Waterfall

Sri Lanka at a glance

Sri Lanka is an island country located in South Asia, situated in the Indian Ocean southeast of India. The country has a population of around 22 million people and has a diverse culture. The official languages are Sinhala, Tamil, and English, and the capital and largest city is Colombo.

When to go

Sri Lanka is a year-round destination with December to April being the best time for the west, south coasts, and the Cultural Triangle, while the east coast is mostly warm and sunny from May to October. Coastal temperatures rarely drop below 25 degrees while the Hill Country is cooler due to altitude. Monsoon seasons vary by region.

What to pack

Bring lightweight clothing suitable for hot and humid weather, as well as a few items for cooler highland areas. Bring comfortable walking shoes, insect repellent, sunscreen and a hat. Don't forget a travel adapter (most hotels have UK plugs but take one just in case) and a waterproof bag if you plan to go to the beach.

How to get around: Car & Driver

Exploring Sri Lanka in a private car with an English-speaking driver guide allows you to get the most out of this compelling destination. You won’t be watching the road or a map; instead, you’ll be gazing out of windows watching daily life pass by around you.

How to get around: Cinnamon Air

If you’re short on time, an internal flight is an easy solution to a long road transfer.

Cinnamon Air is a premium domestic air taxi service that can quickly take you from its hub airport, Colombo, to every corner of the island, from the heart of the Cultural Triangle to the white sands of the east coast.

Dambulla Cave Temple

Kandy Temple

Negombo

Suggested ITINERARIES

These expert curated itineraries are suggested routes to make the most of your trip. We can create a car and driver itinerary that’s unique to you, adding experiences to enrich your adventure.

Trincomalee

Anuradhapura

Habarana

Kandalama

Minneriya National Park

Sigiriya

Polonnaruwa

Dambulla Rock Temple

Passikudah

Travel times by road (in hours)

Colombo to Sigiriya: 3-4

Sigiriya to Nuwara Eliya: 2-4

Sigiriya to Passikudah: 2-3

Sigiriya to Kandy: 2-3

Kandy to Nuwara Eliya: 2-3

Colombo

Mount Lavinia

Kalutara

Bandaranaike International Airport

Kandy

Nuwara Eliya

Ella

Pottuvil

Arugam Bay

Nuwara Eliya to Yala: 4-5

Yala to Galle: 2-3½

Galle to Colombo: 2

Yala National Park

Udawalawe National Park

Tissamaharama

Hambantota

Koggala

Beruwala Bentota Weligama

Galle

Tangalle

Cultural Triangle

Explore crumbling ruins and ancient cities in Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, cave temples in Dambulla, see elephants in Minneriya and climb the island's poster child: Sigiriya Rock.

Jaffna Off-the-beaten-track

Jaffna is an enticing mix of colonial charm and vibrant Tamil culture. Don’t miss the star-shaped Jaffna Fort and the temple district, two of our favourite attractions.

Yala & Udawalawe

Yala is best for leopard spotting and Udawalawe is known for its Elephant Transit Home, which rehabilitates orphaned elephants before releasing them into the wild.

Nuwara Eliya

A serene tea plantation setting and nicknamed 'Little England'. It's perfect for a quieter pace of life and activities here include tea picking and breathtaking hikes.

Galle

A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring Dutch colonial architecture, fortified walls, a historic fort, and mesmerising ocean views from its peninsula.

Sri Lanka’s beaches

Popular west coast resorts include Negombo and Bentota; you'll find hidden coves and wide bays to the south; the east coast is great for families and a little off the beaten track.

GULF OF MANNAR

SRI LANKA

1. Family adventures

Discover Sri Lanka's natural beauty and rich culture on a 14-day private car and driver tour. Visit jungleclad fortresses, lush national parks and relaxing beaches for an eye-opening and active family escape.

Cinnamon Citadel Kandy – 3 nights

Anantaya Passikudah – 7 nights

Aliya Resort & Spa, near Habarana – 4 nights

2. Revel in romance

Stunning scenery, world-class beaches and relaxing spa resorts; Sri Lanka has all the ingredients for spectacular adventures à deux.

The Fortress Resort & Spa, near Galle – 1 night

Uga Chena Huts, Yala National Park – 3 nights

Earl's Regency, Kandy – 2 nights

Water Garden Sigiriya – 4 nights

Uga Bay, Passikudah – 5 nights

Shangri-La Colombo – 1 night

3. Go on a wellness journey

This tour is designed to nourish your mind, body and soul. Soak up tranquil countryside scenery, go hiking in the cloud forest and retreat to a white-washed sanctuary for spa treatments by the shore.

Jetwing Vil Uyana, near Sigiriya – 3 nights

Santani Wellness Resort & Spa, Kandy – 5 nights

The Fortress Resort & Spa, near Galle – 4 nights

4.

Culture and nature

Experience the best of Sri Lanka's wild side, culture, and natural wonders on an exciting itinerary with this all-encompassing tour.

Fort Bazaar, Galle – 2 nights

Jetwing Yala – 2 nights

98 Acres Resort & Spa, Ella – 2 nights

Cinnamon Citadel Kandy – 1 night

Uga Ulagalla, near Anuradhapura – 3 nights

Uga Jungle Beach, near Trincomalee – 4 nights

Cinnamon Grand Colombo – 1 night

Go wildlife spotting on a jeep safari Wilpattu

Revel at the views on a hot air balloon flight

Watch surfers in Arugam Bay

Watch stilt fisherman at sunset

Unwind with an ayurvedic treatment

Koggala

The Cultural Triangle

Jetwing Surf

National Park

Santani Wellness Resort & Spa

Ride the scenic Blue Train Kandy to Nuwara Eliya/Ella

Magnificent wildlife

Sri Lanka is an animal-lovers paradise. Minneriya’s free-roaming elephants, Bundala’s brightly feathered birds, and Yala’s sloth bears are just the beginning. The coastal waters are also teeming with amazing creatures, including turtles, dolphins, and the world’s biggest animal – the blue whale.

Bird watch in Bundula National Park

Don't miss Bundala National Park if you're into bird watching. With 197 species in this UNESCO biosphere reserve, you’ll find many migrant and resident birds feeding at shallow lagoons. Spot Malabar Pied Hornbill, Black-headed Ibis, Painted Storks, Terns and more with your own personal tracker-guide.

Search for leopards in Yala National Park

Embark on extraordinary wildlife adventures in Sri Lanka's most famous national park. With one of the highest densities of leopards on the planet, Yala is a prime location to see these magnificent animals.

Learn about turtle conservation in Kosgoda

Visit the pioneering Kosgoda sea turtle project, where volunteers monitor sea turtle activity and protect their fragile nesting sites. During a guided hands-on tour, you’ll learn about turtle conservation and may even get the chance to release some hatchlings into the sea.

Encounter whales in Trincomalee

Trincomalee, on the sheltered east coast, is a top place to go whale-watching. From November to April and August to September, you’ll have a good chance of coming across different whale species including blue, sperm, and even whale sharks, as well as spinner dolphins, turtles and flying fish.

Search for petite primates on a Loris Trail

Sri Lanka’s tiny tree-dwellers, the elusive Grey Slender Loris, are perhaps the country’s most adorable wild resident. Head out on a moonlit trail in the forest to observe this rare creature in its natural habitat.

Go on an elephant safari in Minneriya

If you’d love to see elephants up close, Minneriya National Park should be top of your list. While elephants can be seen all year round, during the dry season (from July to October) the park hosts one of the most marvellous wildlife spectacles: the Great Elephant Gathering.

Black Headed Ibis, Pottuvil

Hikkaduwa coral reef

Yala National Park

The best PLACES TO STAY en route

These are a few of our favourite handpicked hideaways in Sri Lanka. To view our full range, visit: https://www.kuoni.co.uk/sri-lanka/hotels.

HERITANCE TEA FACTORY

Great for scenery:

The impeccably restored Heritance Tea Factory is set among rolling, tea-covered hills. Immerse yourself in the tea-making process by hand-plucking your own leaves, indulge in a decadent high tea and explore the waterfalls and emerald plains of this quintessentially British corner of the hill country.

Highlight:

Dining on Wheels is a once-in-a-lifetime gourmet experience. Dine in a train carriage that once transported tea and enjoy a culinary journey through six ‘stations’.

ALIYA RESORT & SPA

Great for young explorers:

The first thing that’ll dazzle you at this beautiful resort is the cinematic views of Sigiriya Rock. After busy days sightseeing, return to this peaceful pad for a sunset swim in the infinity pool, followed by traditional Sri Lankan dishes cooked on clay stoves in Nagala restaurant.

Highlight:

The Suites are great for families, with two separate bedrooms, a kitchenette and your own plunge pool, jacuzzi and sauna.

SANTANI WELLNESS RESORT & SPA

Great for wellbeing: Find inner peace at Santani Wellness Resort & Spa, a boutique mountain bolthole with private chalets. The resort offers wellness programmes in Ayurvedic medicine, detox and cleansing, and personalised yoga sessions. The benefits of this pampering and enlightened learning for healthy living will stay with you long after you leave.

Highlight:

The food is exquisite, with nutritious, locally grown cuisine tailored to your requirements and artistically presented in the restaurant-with-a-view.

Great for boutique luxury:

As far as Sri Lankan safari retreats go, this is by far the most luxurious. Head out on game drives with an expert ranger, enjoy top-notch dining experiences and relax in the plunge pool in your super-chic cabin hidden in the dunes.

Highlight:

You’ll want for nothing here – your allinclusive stay includes fine dining, drinks including wine, beer and spirits and two game drives per day.

UGA CHENA HUTS

The best PLACES TO STAY by the beach

CINNAMON BENTOTA BEACH

Great for:

Tucked between coconut groves, golden sands and a mangrove-edged river, this popular beach resort is ideal for post-island adventures. Designed by influential architect Geoffrey Bawa, you can expect contemporary designs, local artwork and lavish gardens.

ADD Maldives

Go beyond the beach and include a taste of culture and adventure

Sri Lanka and the Maldives is our most popular twin-centre holiday. It’s a real favourite with honeymooners. The flight from Colombo to Malé is just three hours, so it’s easy to combine a trip around Sri Lanka with a week on the beach in the Maldives.

Our top five things to do in the Maldives:

UGA JUNGLE BEACH

Great for:

It’s hard to find a more heavenly hideout than this eco-friendly east coast resort. The vibe is reminiscent of a luxurious treehouse and castaway cabins are scattered between the beach, mangroves and a lily-strewn lagoon.

THE FORTRESS RESORT & SPA

Great for:

This colonial-style haven sits on the edge of a caramel beach near the historic city of Galle. The resort reflects the city’s architecture, with its grand gates hiding pretty gardens and shaded courtyards leading to the Ayurvedic spa.

Go

sunset snorkelling

Sandies Bathala

Cool off in the pool of your ocean villa

Kandolhu Maldives

CULTURAL TRIANGLE & BEACH, SRI LANKA

Jetwing Sea 4.5 H

Deluxe Room | Room & Breakfast | 1 night

Habarana Village By Cinnamon 4 H

Superior Room | Half Board | 2 nights

Earl’s Regency 5 H

Deluxe Room | Room & Breakfast | 2 nights

AVANI Kalutara Resort 4 H

Avani Courtyard View Room | Room & Breakfast | 5 nights

CULTURAL TRIANGLE & THE HILL COUNTRY, SRI LANKA + THE MALDIVES

Jetwing Sea 4.5 H

Deluxe Room | Room & Breakfast | 1 night

Cinnamon Lodge Habarana 5 H

Superior Room | Half Board | 2 nights

Earl’s Regency 5 H

Deluxe Room | Room & Breakfast | 2 nights

Jetwing St. Andrews 4 H

Superior Room | Room & Breakfast | 2 nights

Uga Ulagalla 5 H

Ulagalla Pool Villa | Half Board | 2 nights

Kuramathi Maldives 4 H

Beach Villa | Full Board | 5 nights

From £2599 per person* *applies to 04 & 11 March 2024 departures

based on SriLankan Airlines from London Heathrow Includes 5 days Car & Driver

From £4799 per person H

to 15, 22 & 29 January 2024 departures

Blissfully relaxing spa treatment

Tuck into a lobster lunch on a sandbar swirl

Kuramathi Maldives

Sip

sparkling wine as the sun sets

Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort

Kurumba Maldives

AVANI Kalutara Resort

Kuramathi Maldives