Exotic holidays in Sri Lanka

Travel ideas for exotic holidays in Sri Lanka

The island nation of Sri Lanka, surrounded by the Indian Ocean, is a land of incredibly diverse and fascinating attractions for any visitor. Due to its location off the southern coast of India, the climate is year-round temperate, and the influence of ancient Asian cultures, particularly Singhalese, is preserved intact in many places.

Ideal for water sport lovers

To that add the fact that any time of the year you will find beaches with warm and inviting water and sand. Some are ideal for surfing and other water sports, some are virtually uninhabited, but all are within a few hours drive of just about any point in Sri Lanka.

Wildlife is another endemic part of the allure for nature-lovers. From November to April, the south coast of Sri Lanka is an unbeatable spot for whale watching, especially blue whales. In Yata National Park the leopard is still king of the jungle; the number of leopards is literally uncounted. The island is home to many species of monkey – some found nowhere else in the world.

Find historic Sri Lanka

There are many sites in Sri Lanka where the footprint of the Buddha may be seen, one quite literally on Adam’s Peak, where the shrine is destination to multitudes of pilgrims and the view is truly magical. Another is the dagoba or shrine at Sri Maha Bodhi, where the oldest historical tree in the world, a cutting from the tree in India under which the Buddha is said to have gained enlightenment, has endured since it was brought to Sri Lanka in about 250 b.c.

If you are looking for a festival, the Kandy Esala Perahera, lasting for ten days and featuring the most amazing acrobatics and “ear-splitting” music, is one of the most spectacular in all of Asia. Visit Colombo’s Pettah, probably the most bizarre bazaar you have ever seen, and a huge treat for bargain-hunters.

Sri Lanka villas and accommodation

Galle, on the south-western coast, is a wonderful example of beautifully preserved Dutch Colonial villas, surrounded by ramparts. Or visit the lovely and peaceful village of Ella for sweeping views through the Ella Gap and a stroll among the surrounding tea plantations.

If you should happen to be a cricket fan, join the enthusiastic spectators at a match in Colombo, Kandy, Dambulla or Galle – you may see your favourite team in a world-class match.

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