Sri Lanka Holidays
Resort
Sri Lanka
All You Need To Know
Sri Lanka is a green Eden of rolling mountains, enchanting rainforests and sands that glitter like gold dust - famous for its national parks, captivating temples and of course, tea!
Known as the Pearl of the Orient, Sri Lanka is the jewel of the Indian Ocean with a wealth of treasures to explore. Blessed with an intoxicating recipe of idyllic coastline, captivating culture and sun-blushed scenery, your holiday on this resplendent isle will saturate your senses with colour, life and beauty. Marco Polo deemed Sri Lanka to be the finest island of its size on earth, and we're confident you'll agree.
Sri Lanka is a secret garden: however wild, it looks landscaped; where it is cultivated, it appears ornamental. Jungle is draped over exaggerated mountains and, in the hill country, the land looks more gardened than farmed.
The southwest coast is made up of golden sandy beaches, angled palm trees sprinkled by sea spray coming from the ocean rollers which pound the tropical coast.
Sri Lanka is an animal-loving nation and Kosgoda is famous for its turtle hatchery operated by the Wild Life Protection Society. Also, just a short distance from Kegalle, lies a government-supported elephant orphanage,
where baby elephants, many less than a year old, are raised to maturity after being found injured or abandoned in the country's jungles.
The lifestyle on the island is fairly slow-paced, and as the Sri Lankans don't have a strong tradition for going out to eat, most of your meals will be taken in your hotel, where you might like to sample some of the local specialities, including a selection of curries, tropical fruit and a strong drink called arrack.
Sri Lanka – the jewel of the Indian Ocean .
Beaches
Sri Lanka has over a thousand miles of palm-fringed beaches, with the southwest coast boasting some of the finest stretches. Tropical picture postcard havens, the delicious white sands will lead you into the breaking waves of the warm Indian Ocean . Under water you'll find plenty of breathtaking snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities and if you prefer riding above the waves there are some unparalleled surfing spots.
Nightlife
Nightlife in Sri Lanka is typically low key and laid back. At the coastal resorts you'll find bars and restaurants where you can watch the sun explode into a palette of pinks, reds and oranges as it sets behind the cobalt horizon. Your hotel will host regular evening entertainment, often featuring live music and traditional dancing shows.
Sightseeing
Sri Lanka is bursting with fascinating sightseeing. Whether you enjoy beautiful scenery, colonial towns, exotic wildlife or ancient treasures, you'll be catered for by the jewels of this dazzling isle. Animal lovers will appreciate the turtle hatchery in Kosgoda whilst a short distance from Kegalle lies a government-supported elephant orphanage, where baby elephants - many less than a year old - are raised to maturity after being injured or abandoned in the country's jungles.
History & Culture
Sri Lanka 's first settlers were the nomadic Veddha's, until Sinhalese and Tamil migrants arrived from India between the 4th and 6th century BC. Mahinda, son of the Indian Mauryan emperor Ashoka, introduced Buddhism to the country during the 3rd century – a religion that has remained an integral part of Sri Lankan life. For over 1000 years the palaces of Anuradhapura , the ancient capital, were the ruling grounds of the Kings of Sri Lanka, and are now part of the country's cultural triangle where you can see crumbling temples. By the sixteenth century, colonisation by the Portuguese, Dutch and British began, with the latter eventually gaining control of the island. The British introduced the English language as well as tea, coffee and coconut plantations and today, Sri Lanka exports some of the finest quality teas in the world, retaining the country's original name Ceylon, meaning ‘island of the Sinhalese', for marketing purposes. The name was later changed to Sri Lanka, meaning ‘beautiful island' in 1972 when it became a republic, since which, conflicts between the Sinhalese population and Tamil separatists escalated and though there are still hostilities, it is contained in the northeast far away from the mesmerising beauty of the tourist regions.
Money
Price check: Lion Beer: £1.50, Tropical Cocktail: £2.00, Cola: 55p, Tuna Salad: £1.25, Hamburger and chips: £1.90. Prices are approximate and are only intended as a rough guide in a typical 3T hotel in Sri Lanka .
If you receive exceptional service you are welcome to leave a gratuity. Tipping remains an entirely personal and discretionary matter though expected by most service providers.
Health & Safety
Undercurrents in the sea can be very strong, often restricting sea bathing. It is therefore crucial to adhere to the flag warning systems which are in operation on the beach. Use insect repellent and take anti-malaria precautions during your stay. Please see ‘Safety First' in the A-Z Guide for important travel advice.
Holiday Tips
Most hotels or apartments ask customers to vacate their rooms between 10am and 12 midday. For late afternoon or evening flights, late check out rooms may be available. Service in hotels can be slow compared to western standards, but it is always polite. All hotels, including those on the tours, provide beach towels for guests to use.
Shopping
The bustling markets found in most towns sell everything from exotic fruit to colourful paintings. Wander amongst the heaving stalls, where wooden carvings, delicate weavings and vibrant fabrics will be offered to you by friendly traders. Perhaps the best buy though is the tea, freshly plucked from the plantations that cover Sri Lanka .
Eating Out
The lifestyle on the island is fairly slow-paced, and as the Sri Lankans don't have a strong tradition for going out to eat, most of your meals will be taken in your hotel, where you might like to sample some of the local specialities, including a selection of curries, tropical fruit and a strong drink called Arrack made from fermented fruit and sugarcane. 'Hoppers' are a unique Sri Lankan snack - similar to a pancake, they are served with egg or honey and yoghurt. Coastal towns have wonderful seafood, particularly delicious local tuna.
Kandy HighlightsA full day exploring the interior of Sri Lanka starting at the elephant orphanage at Pinnawala. Lunch in Kandy followed by a visit to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, Gem Presentation and Botanical Gardens. (About £69)
Elephant AnticsVisit the elephant orphanage at Pinnawala, home to over 60 elephants, Watch them feeding and bathing in the river. (About £55)
Animal MagicA chance to venture out on safari in the Yala and Bundala National Parks . See leopards, elephants, crocodiles, monkeys and numerous species of exotic birds. (About £170 for 2 days)
Heights and NightsA combination of the elephant orphanage, Kandy and the Temple of Tooth Relic along with the awe-inspiring, 5th-century Sigiriya Rock Citadel. The remains of the palace can be seen clearly, hundreds of feet up and its famous frescoes still retain their original design. (About £130 for 2 days)
Please note that you are strongly advised to pre-book the excursions named. Limited spaces are available once in resort, so book early to avoid disappointment.
Some excursions involve an early start and long journey from certain hotels. Tailor-made excursions with a driver/guide can be arranged through your Holiday Rep. Please ask in resort for more details.
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