Sri Lanka is the 'teardrop' of the Indian Ocean, a country of rich colour, breathtaking beauty and delightful contrasts. Luxury Sri Lanka holidays are ideal for touring holidays, as within a relatively short time you can travel from sweeping beaches to fascinating ancient cities, or from a tropical safari park to the cooler climes of a tea plantation.
The entire island is home to an abundance of exotic birds and wildlife including elephants and leopards. The cuisine is delicious and the locals are friendly with an easy smile, meaning that wherever you are, you're made to feel very welcome.
A major city in Sri Lanka’s Central Province, Kandy is second only in size to Colombo. Set among tea plantations in the hills, it has rightly earned its spot on the well-trodden touring trail.
An ancient trading port, Galle is on the south-western tip of Sri Lanka and is considered one of the country’s major hubs. A fortified city, built by the Portuguese, the Galle Fort is listed as a world heritage site.
Nuwara Eliya is in the central province of Sri Lanka and is considered the premier location for tea production in the country.
In the centre of Sri Lanka, set in the Kandyan Hills, you’ll find the luxury and privacy of the Clingendael; a haven for golfers - who’ll enjoy the neighbouring Victoria Golf Course, rated one of the world’s most scenic courses - but also boasting spectacular views and fine dining. The infinity pool is the perfect spot to relax after a long morning on the greens.
Amangalla lies within Galle Fort’s historic ramparts, an ideal base for the exploration of the Fort and town of Galle and to discover the delights of southern Sri Lanka. All rooms are luxurious in a collection of stunning buildings that date back over 400 years and you can truly indulge at The Baths with hydrotherapy and water massage pools. Alternatively, stay at The Fortress; with its contemporary features including a glass cave housing an array of new and old world wines, a panoramic bar, an art gallery and a fibre optic lit pool.
At an elevation of 4,000 feet above sea level, the Ceylon Tea Trails is a collection of four classic colonial bungalows built for British tea estate managers in the days of the Raj, located in the BogawantalawaValley, close to Nuwara Eliya. Sympathetically restored they offer guests the unique experience of life on a working tea estate at Sri Lanka’s first and only Relais & Chateaux resort. As you would well expect, afternoon tea here is exceptional.
A peaceful haven to enjoy the cool of the climate sitting at 500m, Kandy is culturally fascinating. It is dominated by its lake and the nearby Temple of the Tooth; one of the most sacred places for worship in Buddhism and situated beside the King’s Palace in the hills - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. En route to the city visit the SpiceGardens of Matale on the Kandy Matale road.
Built by the Dutch in 1663, the Fort is Galle’s most prominent attraction. Ideal for those who love their history, simply ambling along the streets with your camera in hand is the best way to enjoy it. Picturesque beaches are also nearby.
Learning how tea is produced is an essential part of any stay in the region, but you should also head to Adam’s Peak; sacred to three religions, the view is said to be best enjoyed at dawn. In Nuwara Eliya, also known as ‘Little England’, you’ll find British-influenced architecture from the colonial period.
Time difference: GMT +5 hours 30 minutes
Flight duration: 10 hours 45 minutes (direct)
Currency: Sri Lanka Rupee
Capital: Colombo
Sri Lankan Airlines flies direct from London Heathrow. emirates flies from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow and Newcastle via dubai. Qatar Airways flies from London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Manchester via doha.
A typically tropical climate with no marked seasons. The weather on the plains and the coastal areas is generally hot with average temperatures of 27°C but in the hills the air is slightly cooler at around 20°C. The opposite season is from May to July in western, southern and central regions, whilst in the east it falls during the months of December and January.
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