Laid back island life in full colour

Explore rolling tea plantations, forests punctuated with ancient palace and temple ruins, and tropical beaches where you can leave your footprints and worries behind.

Sri Lanka may be a relatively small island in the Indian Ocean, but it offers an astonishing variety of experiences for an unforgettable holiday. From the lush, emerald-green hills of the Central Highlands – blanketed with tea plantations and dotted with brightly dressed tea pickers – to the golden beaches of the south and west coasts, this tropical paradise is a feast for the senses. Watch traditional stilt fishermen at sunset, explore misty cloud forests filled with ancient palaces and sacred Buddhist temples, or simply soak in the beauty of this incredibly diverse island.

A luxury holiday to Sri Lanka is as much about the people as the places. This is one of the friendliest countries in Asia, where visitors are welcomed with warmth and hospitality. You’ll return home with not just stunning photographs and souvenirs, but stories of genuine connection. Sri Lanka’s relaxed, open-hearted way of life is deeply infectious – and you’ll likely remember the locals you meet just as fondly as the landscapes you explore.

Accommodation in Sri Lanka is equally memorable. Whether you're after a romantic beach escape, a cultural tour, or a family adventure, you'll find beautifully restored colonial villas, stylish eco-lodges, and intimate boutique hotels throughout the country. Many combine old-world charm with modern luxury, offering a distinctive and comfortable base from which to explore.

One of the greatest joys of travelling to Sri Lanka is how much you can experience in a short time. In just 10 to 14 days, it’s possible to climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, travel by train through the tea-covered hills of Ella and Nuwara Eliya, spot wild elephants and leopards in Yala or Udawalawe National Park, and unwind on the palm-fringed beaches of the south coast. Whether you’re interested in history, wildlife, wellness, food or simply a scenic place to relax, Sri Lanka offers a tailor-made journey for every kind of traveller.

Trip Spotlight

A Journey through Sri Lanka

11 Days in Sri Lanka

Sigiriya
Minneriya
Kandy
Nuwara Eliya
South Coast

Your tailor-made holiday to Sri Lanka starts here

£2,350 ^pp. Learn more

When to go to Sri Lanka

Find out the best time to visit Sri Lanka with our month by month guide.

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Best
Good
Mixed

January

January is the perfect time to visit different regions in Sri Lanka, temperatures will be warm and basking in sunshine, meaning the cultural triangle, beaches, national parks and hill country could all be visited during January. However, the central hills will be cooler than other regions due to their altitude.

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February

February is much like January, with long sunny days and calm seas. Visitors travelling during this month have a higher chance of spotting sperm and blue whales.

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March

March is considered the best time to visit the central hills, although cooler than other regions in Sri Lanka there is less chance of rains in March.

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April

Typically April, is the hottest and driest month of the year, with temperatures exceeding 35 degrees if you're travelling to Golden Triangle regions. It is a great month to head to Sri Lanka's beautiful beaches, with clear skies and long sunny days.

Top Tip: when sightseeing visit in the mornings and evenings as you will avoid the hottest part of the day.

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May

In May, the south is humid and increasingly hot whilst hill country is cooler with a higher chance of rainfall. We recommend travelling to the North and east of the island during May witnessing the unique history and culture of Sri Lanka.

Vesak Poya, takes place during the first full moon, celebrating the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha.

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June

During June, temperatures in the south continue to be increasingly hot and humid as the southwest monsoon blows through the country. Southern regions will experience short sharp showers which tend to pass quite quickly.

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July

As the summer holidays commence in July, Sri Lanka is in peak season, with temperatures staying around 30 degrees all month. If you're looking to explore Sri Lanka and visit different areas July is a great time to visit.

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August

In August, the warm days continue with temperatures remaining in the high twenties. All in all it is a great month to travel especially if you want to witness culture, between August and September the Kandy Perahera festival takes place, a grand procession celebrating the 'sacred tooth' of Buddha.

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September

All in all September is a great month to travel especially if you want to witness culture, between August and September the Kandy Perahera festival takes place, a grand procession celebrating the 'sacred tooth' of Buddha.

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October

October brings with it the monsoon rains which affect the whole country, in saying this the weather remains warm and sunny. The monsoon can be unpredictable, rains can be heavy, sporadic or not come at all it is impossible to forecast.

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November

In November the monsoon continues, with conditions affecting the whole country.

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December

During December the monsoon rains can continue, however the southern and western coasts dry out and become warm and dry. The monsoon rains, means during December the landscapes become lush and full, meaning it is a beautiful time to explore the more rural areas of Sri Lanka.

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Things to do in Sri Lanka