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Tea plantations blanket the sloping hillside on a sunny day in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Holidays


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Sri Lanka holidays offer a stunning blend of history, culture and wildlife with a spectacular landscape of palm-fringed beaches, lush forests and tranquil hill stations.

Tear yourself away from the beach and you will discover friendly people, mouth-watering food and beautiful scenery. Marvel at Sri Lanka's ancient cities of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and the rock fortress of Sigiriya, or discover the famous Temple of the Tooth in Kandy.

Further south, the plains give way to rolling hills and mountain peaks carpeted with rows of emerald tea plantations and a cool, refreshing climate. Sri Lanka’s verdant national parks are also a haven for wildlife, from over 400 species of birds to majestic elephants, as well as the elusive leopard.

Trailfinders offers a range of Sri Lanka holidays and we have a dedicated team of destination specialists who are a mine of information about what to do here, often with first-hand travel experience. Whether you want to explore Sri Lanka with your own private driver, on a cycling holiday, a sociable small group tour, or are simply looking for advice on the best luxury hotel for a relaxing beach holiday – they are the perfect people to ask.
Speak to a Sri Lanka Holidays Expert
01 881 4977
Expert Travel Consultants

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SRI LANKA HOLIDAY DEALS & SPECIAL OFFERS

Below is a small selection of some of our best Sri Lanka special offers.
For more information on any of these deals, give us a call and speak to one of our expert consultants.

HOW TO GET AROUND SRI LANKA

With such a diverse range of locations, Sri Lanka is a perfect destination to explore with a private car and guide. Follow one of our classic private tours followed by a relaxing beach break. Simply ask our expert travel consultants to tailormake your perfect Sri Lanka holiday.

If you’d rather travel with other like-minded people then opt for one of our Guided Small Group Adventures, whilst we also offer a wonderful choice of Family Holidays. Lastly, combine a holiday to Sri Lanka with one in the Maldives, India or Dubai, for a captivating multi centre holiday.

OUR HOLIDAYS TO SRI LANKA

Nobody offers more ways to explore Sri Lanka than Trailfinders.

Here's a snapshot of some of our most popular Sri Lanka holidays. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, click on the link below them to see our complete range of holidays and tours in the destination.
Spirit of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
Multi Centre Holiday
14 days / 13 nights

With a lush green interior, a plethora of historic sites, and a host of national parks home to a wide variety of wildlife, Sri Lanka offers much more than just sun, sea and sand. On this multi centre holiday, discover the iconic Cultural Triangle and picturesque tea plantations on a private tour, before a relaxing stay on the southwest coast.

Guide Price: €2,145 pp

Guide Price: £1,825 pp

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Sri Lankan Summer Escape
Sri Lanka
Multi Centre Holiday
15 days / 14 nights

Combining the highlights of the central region with the dazzling bay of Passekudah, this tour is best enjoyed during the east coast dry season (Mar - Sep).

Guide Price: €1,615 pp

Guide Price: £1,345 pp

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Sri Lanka & Maldives
Sri Lanka
Multi Centre Holiday
17 days / 16 nights

These neighbouring Indian Ocean destinations offer the chance to combine a fascinating tour of Sri Lanka’s cultural and natural highlights with utter relaxation in the Maldives.

Guide Price: €2,835 pp

Guide Price: £2,385 pp

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Luxury Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
Private Tour
12 days / 11 nights

Experience Sri Lanka’s highlights whilst staying in some of the country’s most luxurious properties in unbeatable locations.

Guide Price: €4,209 pp

Guide Price: £3,559 pp

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Sri Lanka's Natural Wonders
Sri Lanka
Multi Centre Holiday
15 days / 14 nights

This extensive private tour showcases the stunning natural beauty of Sri Lanka, its abundant wildlife and cultural highlights.

Guide Price: €2,089 pp

Guide Price: £1,739 pp

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Cycle the Backroads of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
Guided Small Group Cycling Tour
14 days / 13 nights

Packed with amazing sights, Sri Lanka is perfect for a cycling holiday.

Guide Price: €3,215 pp

Guide Price: £2,679 pp

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WHERE TO GO IN SRI LANKA

Each region of Sri Lanka boasts its own attractions and it would be just as easy to spend all your time exploring the ancient cities and national parks as it would relaxing on one of the many beautiful beaches. Those who make the most of their time tend to find a balance between exploring Sri Lanka's historic sites, searching for wildlife and unwinding the beach.

Click on the tiles below the map for more details on each Sri Lanka holiday destination. Alternatively, if you are looking for some inspiration, give us a call and speak to one of our expert travel consultants.
Sri Lanka Holiday & Sri Lanka Tour Highlights Map
Cultural Triangle
Commonly referred to as the ‘Cultural Triangle’, the central plains area boasts no less than four UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the striking rock fortress of Sigiriya, Dambulla’s incredible cave temples and the crumbling ancient capitals of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura.
Kandy
Sri Lanka’s second largest city, Kandy enjoys a scenic setting around a lake and is home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, said to house Buddha’s tooth.
Tea Country
The beautiful highlands of the tea country offer misty jungle-clad mountains and mile upon mile of rolling tea plantations, dotted with 19th Century planters’ bungalows and tumbling waterfalls.
Sri Lanka Beach Holidays
No visit to Sri Lanka would be complete without some time relaxing on one of its beautiful beaches.
Colombo
Sri Lanka’s sprawling capital is a city of contrast, where serene Buddhist temples and colonial churches nestle amid ramshackle streets and rapidly developing commercial districts.
Galle
Set on a promontory on the southwest tip of the island, Galle offers the best preserved example in Asia of a European built fortified city.
Sri Lanka's National Parks
Sri Lanka is home a number of national parks and biodiverse regions, and is the ideal destination for nature lovers.
Negombo
Once a trading port for the Dutch and British, Negombo has developed into a bustling modern town with a handful of reminders of its colonial past.
Jaffna
Settled long ago by Tamil migrants from Southern India, today the city of Jaffna, and the peninsula of the same name, retains a unique character and culture making it a fascinating place to visit.

OUR RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN SRI LANKA

We feature a great range of accommodation in Sri Lanka, with something to suit all budgets.

Maybe you’re looking for a cosy colonial era cottage in the Tea Country, a chic resort in the Cultural Triangle or a family friendly beach hotel. Or perhaps it’s a luxury camp in Yala National Park or a secluded hideaway on Sri Lanka's east coast.

What you won’t find here are thousands of Sri Lanka hotels to wade through. We have done the hard work for you and selected the best places to stay and our travel consultants are on hand to help, often with first-hand experience
Jetwing Vil Uyana, Cultural Triangle, Sigiriya
4 plus star

Cultural Triangle

With a stunning setting amidst a private nature reserve of paddy fields, lakes and marshland, this unique property is a tranquil retreat.
Cinnamon Lodge Habarana
4 star

Cultural Triangle

Situated at the heart of the Cultural Triangle within easy driving distance of Sigiriya, Dambulla and Polonnaruwa, this charming property boasts a lovely natural setting.
Heritance Tea Factory, Near Nuwara Eliya
4 star

Tea Country

Converted from a 19th Century tea factory, this distinctive property retains much of its traditional character and original features.
Fort Bazaar
4 plus star

Galle

Situated in a restored Dutch colonial building in the heart of historic Galle Fort, this gorgeous boutique property is the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of this charming town in style and comfort.
Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort, Tangalle
5 star

Southwest Coast

This fabulous resort boasts an idyllic setting on a rocky outcrop, amidst a 21 acre coconut plantation by a secluded beach on the south coast.
Uga Bay
4 star

Passekudah

Fusing Sri Lankan and Mediterranean architecture with modern interiors, this contemporary resort occupies a prime position on the glorious white sands of Passekudah Bay on the east coast.

WHAT TO DO IN SRI LANKA

As well as some awe-inspiring sights, Sri Lanka is also home to unforgettable experiences. These can provide a unique insight into the culture or a great way to experience Sri Lanka’s natural splendour that sightseeing alone simply can’t replace.

One day you might be soaring over the sights of the Cultural Triangle in a hot air balloon, the next enjoying a culinary adventure in Colombo. Experiences can be as refined as enjoying high tea in a luxury hotel or travelling by train through the rolling hills of Sri Lanka's tea country.

Our collection of unmissable experiences will really help bring your Sri Lanka holiday to life.
Horton Plains Hike
6 hours
  • Hike to the famous 'World's End' Escaprment for spectacular views.
  • Pass by scenic waterfalls and through dense forest.
  • Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife.
Hot Air Balloon over the Cultural Triangle
1 hour
  • Float above the beautiful countryside of the Cultural Triangle
  • Enjoy magnificent views and celebrate with a glass of champagne upon landing
Monkey Magic
4 hours
  • Discover the cheeky monkeys which inhabit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa.
  • Look out for grey langurs, toque macaques and purple-faced langurs.
Train Journey through the Tea Country
4-6 hours
  • Travel on one of the world's most scenic train trips.
  • Pass by emerald tea plantations and rolling countryside on this iconic journey.
Kandy by Tuk Tuk
2½ hours
  • Explore Kandy by authentic tuk tuk!
  • Visit some of the city's highlights and head up to the hills for spectacular views.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT SRI LANKA?

The best time to visit Sri Lanka varies by region. The southwest coast enjoys warmer and drier weather throughout the winter months, so the best time to visit is generally between December and March. The east coast offers calmer waters and a drier climate at its best from April to September. Sri Lanka's central areas of the Cultural Triangle and Tea Country can be visited year round but are typically wetter between October and December.

For more information, take a look at our guide to the best time to visit Sri Lanka.

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Sri Lanka Top Tips From Our Travel Experts

Abbi Harris - Sri Lanka expert
Abbi Harris

Taking the train from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya is a fantastic way to experience local life at a gentle pace as you gaze out at stunning scenery.

Erica Cook - Sri Lanka expert
Erica Cook

Get up as early as possible to climb Lion Rock, Sigiriya. Starting before 7am is highly recommended to beat the rush and the sun, and make sure you take a large bottle of water with you.

Sophie Connolly - Sri Lanka expert
Sophie Connolly

Take time out from a busy tour with a few nights at one of the many lovely boutique properties set in Sri Lanka's stunning tea country. Soak up the stunning views and enjoy a bit of respite from the coastal heat.

Sri Lanka Fast Facts

Time Zone: Sri Lanka is 5:30 hours ahead of GMT and does not observe daylight savings

Flight Time to Sri Lanka: Flight times to Sri Lanka average at between 11 to 14 hours depending on the airline and route

Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). There are ATM's in large towns and cities and many hotels and restaurants accept credit/debit card

Tipping: Tipping in Sri Lanka is customary but not obligatory. A tip of around 10% for service staff is usually sufficient

Language: There are two national languages of Sri Lanka: Sinhala and Tamil. English is widely spoken in tourist areas and towns

Visa: A visa is required for travel to Sri Lanka (Irish passport holders). Visit our visa pages for more information.


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