Holidays 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 for 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.

Hints and tips for your Sri Lanka holiday

Eating

Eating out in Sri Lanka -– 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!)

Restaurants

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.

Things not to miss

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.

Weather in Sri Lanka

What to wear, when to go

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!

SRI LANKA WEATHER

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