Welcome to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka - the complete package in one island

Sri Lanka has seen its fair share of troubles in the last few years - that's no secret. The good news is that the issues are now largely resolved and Sri Lanka can reclaim its name amongst the pantheon of great tourist destinations. It really does have it all. Some of the most beautiful beaches in the world dot the west coast. You can go a safari here for a fraction of the cost of an African one and see the most wonderful sights without the crowds and queuing that mars much of the African experiences. The culture that dates back thousands of years is wondrous and the sheer breadth of natural wonders will blow you away.

Sri Lanka holidays are easy to arrange with Holiday Supermarket and the sights and experiences in this beautiful place just off the southern tip of India will leave you with memories for a lifetime.

Sri Lanka has a warm, tropical climate and the humidity on the coast can be overpowering - stay close to beach areas or in a hotel with a pool and you'll be fine. The hill country, particularly around the famous tea plantations are perfect in terms of climate. It's off the southern tip of India and is also relatively easy to get to from Europe with many non-stop flights.

The cultural highlights are extraordinary; from the heights (and the amazing story) of Polonnaruwa to the temples of Anuradhapura, the fabulous festival of the Tooth in Kandi to the tea plantations and high tea in the Grand Hotel in Nuwara Eliya. There's a marvellous fort and a fabulous 'old town' to see in Galle and the beaches along the western coast are suitably brilliant! The Yala National Park is where you'll see animals to rival the safaris of Africa and the capital city of Colombo has all the nightlife in Sri Lanka you'll ever need!

Sri Lanka is a delight; warm, friendly people, stunning sights and a great holiday destination that is uncrowded and unspoilt.

Information & Facts

Climate

The weather is tropical and if you're after a seaside holiday in the tropical heat Sri Lanka is hard to beat. There's a monsoon or rainy season which runs from October to January. Temps range from the 20s to the mid thirties although it can get down to -5 in the high country. The rain is typical of the tropics - an afternoon shower that can be heavy, a stretch of humidity afterwards followed by a very pleasant evening!

Eating Out

Cheap, expensive and everything in between

Colombo is a major city with the food choices you would expect. The local curries are a deal more hotter than you might expect at home (challenge accepted, I hear you say?) and seafood is a local specialty. The mix of food styles in Colombo will be a surprise to many (outstanding Japanese anyone? Superb Italian!) .

The budget options – look out for a restaurant called Chutneys which does one of Sri Lanka's specialties to a T. The dosas are a must try - paper-thin rice and lentil flour pancakes with a variety of fillings to choose from. It's a stylish place and has a dress code so come prepared.

Mid price options – Beach Wadiya is close to the harbour in Colombo and is a well-presented place with the emphasis on seafood. There are crabs, lobster and prawns on the menu and it's all pretty fresh. The restaurant is in a little enclosed enclave and you'll feel very special upon entry. There are daily specials.

Splurge – Zaza in Colombo is a designer restaurant - one of those places that seems to be on everyone's hit list. The difference here is that the food as well as the ambience is exceptional. The flavours are reminiscent of old Ceylonese cooking with tea thrown in - a nod to the country's premium export. It does a tapas style of menu so you get to try a little of a lot.

Sightseeing

Sri Lanka - culture, beaches and adventure
Sri Lanka is one of those places with something for everyone. Long-time fave with the back packer set, it has fabulous beaches and amazing ruins. Incredible culture, superb food and a stunning array of things to do and see in a relatively compact area.

The best tourist area - a lot of the south western beach resort complexes lie around the Galle area which is handy because Galle makes for a great day trip. There's an old Dutch fort on the sea here and wandering through the old city is a wonderful treat for anyone who loves a bit of ancient culture, great food and interesting sidewalk detours.

Safari - do yourself a huge favour and head for Yala National Park where you can climb aboard an open top bus and cruise through the wilds of this untouched land. The rare leopard sightings are not that rare and you'll see all manner of elephant and bird life. The locals are very proud of their wildlife and it's quite something.

Best adventure - climb the ancient mountain city ruins of Polonnaruwa and see the 11th century capital city in surprisingly good condition. The architecture and the grandeur of the palace belies its date of origin and you'll get a better appreciation of the skills of these ancient craftsmen. The climb up to the ruined city is for the fit, but the view across the plains is extraordinary once you're up there.

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Jetwing Beach

Facilities and services include gym, swimming pool, jacuzzi, restaurant, wireless Internet access, bar, spa (extra charge), meeting room, parking, elevator, business center, sauna, kid's club, terrace and tennis court. Rooms feature bathroom, haidryer,..

Jetwing Lagoon

Facilities and services include restaurant, bar, swimming pool, wireless Internet access, parking, gym, spa (extra charge), meeting room, business center and 24-hour reception. Rooms feature minibar, air conditioning, wireless Internet access, safe, TV,..

Jetwing Sea

Facilities and services include spa, swimming pool, restaurant, wireless Internet access, bar, terrace, meeting room and parking. Rooms feature wireless Internet access, hairdryer, bathroom, telephone, TV, minibar, safe, tea/coffee maker, air conditioning..

Ozo Colombo

Just minutes away from the City center on Marine Drive, where guest can enjoy the stunning views of the Indian Ocean.OZO Colombo Hotel provide rooms filled with modern amenities in a luxurious settings to ensure guest comfort and a tranquil relaxed sleep.OZO..

Ranna 212

The property boasts an outdoor pool, 3 dining choices and free Wi-Fi in public areas. The rooms have large windows that provide plenty of natural sunlight. They include a 42-inch flat-screen cable TV and mini bar. The attached bathroom has a shower and..

Sigiriya Village

The hotel offers following facilities: Meals, Sri Lanka rice and curry is a specialty here. Buffets with Western and Eastern food are served for breakfast and lunch, room service, nightly entertainment, swimming pool with separate children's pool,..

St Lachlan

## Location It is located in Ethukala Negombo which is about 12 kms from the international Airport in Katunayake.The beach is close by while the city of colombo is app 37 kms away.Transportation option are many as the coach are available easily at regular..

St. Lachlan Hotel & Suites

The hotel is conveniently located in Negombo- approximately 20 minutes from the airport and around 37 km from the city of Colombo.This is a small luxury hotel consisting of a restaurant- bar/café and a lobby with 24-hour reception and check-out services...

Tea Factory

The city hotel Tea Factory enjoys a spectacular setting 2000 metres above sea level in the mountains where Ceylon tea comes from. Built in the time of the British Raj as a factory building the hotel has enjoyed a long a vibrant history over almost 150..

The Jetwing Beach

This sublime beach resort enjoys an idyllic setting in Negombo on the north western point of the island. The tourist hub of Negombo is rich in history and culture- offering guests the ideal opportunity to immerse themselves in the enriching surroundings..