Sri Lanka is one of the world’s most rewarding destinations — an island where culture, nature, beaches and warm hospitality come together effortlessly. Whether it’s your first visit or a long-awaited return, Sri Lanka offers the perfect blend of exploration and relaxation.

🐘 1. Wildlife That Feels Truly Wild

Sri Lanka is a paradise for wildlife lovers.
Spot elephants roaming freely in national parks, track elusive leopards in Yala, witness blue whales off Mirissa and watch turtles nest under the moonlight. The island’s biodiversity rivals some of the world’s best safari destinations.

🏛️ 2. Ancient Cities & Timeless Culture

Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle — Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya — is a treasure trove of temples, ruins, ancient palaces and sacred sites. Add Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth and Galle’s UNESCO-listed fort for a journey through centuries of history and tradition.

🍛 3. Flavours You’ll Never Forget

Sri Lankan cuisine is colourful, vibrant and deeply authentic. Expect fragrant curries, fresh seafood, tropical fruits, traditional rice dishes and some of the best street food in Asia. Cooking classes and local food tours are highlights of any trip.

🌿 4. Tea Country & Breathtaking Landscapes

From misty hills to emerald tea plantations and cascading waterfalls, Sri Lanka’s hill country offers some of the most scenic journeys on earth — including the iconic train ride from Kandy to Ella.

🏖️ 5. Beautiful, Relaxed Beaches

Soft sands, swaying palms and laid-back coastal towns make Sri Lanka ideal for unwinding. Choose from the chic south coast (Galle, Mirissa, Ahangama), the quiet beaches of Passikudah, or family-friendly spots like Bentota and Kalutara.

😊 6. Warm, Genuine Hospitality

Sri Lankan people are kind, welcoming and proud to share their island with visitors. It’s this warmth — just as much as the scenery — that makes the destination unforgettable.

💛 7. Ideal for Every Traveller

Couples, families, friends, honeymooners and solo travellers all find something meaningful here. From relaxed beach stays to cultural immersions, adventure, wellness, food, safaris and luxury escapes — Sri Lanka fits every holiday style.

Sri Lanka is a year-round destination, but different regions have different climates because of the island’s two monsoon systems.

West & South Coasts + Cultural Triangle (Most Popular Areas)

Best time: December to April
Perfect for:

• Galle, Mirissa, Hikkaduwa, Bentota

• Colombo & Negombo

• Kandy, Sigiriya, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa

Great weather, calm seas, ideal for sightseeing and beaches.

East Coast (Trincomalee, Passikudah, Arugam Bay)

Best time: May to September
Perfect for:

• Long beach stays

• Snorkelling and diving

• Surfing in Arugam Bay

Hill Country (Ella, Nuwara Eliya, Haputale)

Best time: February to April
Expect clear views, crisp air and great hiking weather.

⭐ Best All-Round Months:

February, March and April — excellent weather across much of the island.

Yes. Sri Lanka is considered one of Asia’s safest travel destinations.
Visitors commonly remark on how friendly, welcoming and trustworthy locals are.
As always, normal travel precautions apply in busy areas.

Yes — travellers must apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) before arrival.
It’s simple, fast and applies to visitors from the UK, EU, US and most other countries.

The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR).
Hotels and many shops accept card payments, and ATMs are widely available.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress - Iconic, ancient and unmissable.

Kandy - Cultural heartland with sacred temples and dance traditions.

Ella & Hill Country - Tea plantations, mountain views and scenic hikes.

Galle Fort - Beautiful colonial architecture and oceanside charm.

Mirissa & the South Coast - Beaches, whale watching and boutique hotels.

Udawalawe & Yala - Incredible wildlife, especially elephants and leopards.

Sri Lanka offers some of Asia’s best wildlife viewing opportunities.

• Elephants

• Leopards

• Blue whales

• Turtles

• Crocodiles

• Monkeys

• Birds of every colour

• Dolphins

Sri Lanka’s cuisine is vibrant, colourful and surprisingly varied and suitable for families. Expect dishes such as:

• Mild rice and curry with your choice of spice level

• Fresh seafood along the coast

• Hoppers, a light, crispy bowl-shaped pancake

• Kottu roti, a fun, chopped flatbread dish

• Tropical fruit like mango, papaya and pineapple

• Creamy coconut-based curries, often gentler than Indian curries

• European-friendly options in hotels and resorts

Most hotels offer buffets and à la carte menus suitable for all tastes, including:

• Gluten-free options

• Vegetarian and vegan dishes

• Child-friendly meals (pasta, grilled chicken, mild curries)

If you’re a food lover, cooking classes, spice garden tours, and street food walks can be arranged — all tailored to your comfort and dietary needs.

Absolutely — Sri Lanka is one of the best family destinations in the world.

Families will love:

• Easy wildlife encounters (elephants, turtles, whales)

• Safe, shallow beaches on the south and west coasts

• Short travel distances between key attractions

• Pools and family suites at resorts

• Nature-based activities ideal for curious children

Popular family activities include:

• Safari drives in Yala or Udawalawe

• Turtle hatchery visits

• Train rides through tea country

• River boat trips

• Whale watching in Mirissa (seasonal)

• Beach days on calm, sheltered coastlines

Sri Lanka offers a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation — without long travel days or extreme climates.

Very much so. Sri Lanka is ideal for younger and older travellers who want a comfortable, cultural, and gently adventurous holiday.

Benefits for older visitors include:

• Private driver-guides for relaxed, door-to-door travel

• Excellent boutique hotels and premium beach resorts

• Flexible pacing — sightseeing in the morning, relaxing in the afternoon

• No challenging altitude or extreme temperatures

• World-class wellness spas and Ayurveda treatments

• Opportunities for soft adventure without strain (gentle hikes, short walks, boat rides)

We tailor itineraries to your preferred pace, ensuring comfort, accessibility and enjoyment throughout.

Yes — every Sri Lanka holiday with The Holiday People is 100% tailor-made.

You can customise:

• Pace of travel

• Hotel style and comfort level

• Duration of stays

• Level of cultural immersion

• Wildlife and safari trips

• Wellness days, cooking classes and scenic add-ons

• Kids’ activities and hands-on experiences

Families and older travellers particularly appreciate:

• Flexible start times

• Private guides

• Shorter travel days

• Carefully chosen experiences suited to their comfort

Our specialists design each trip around your lifestyle, mobility, interests and what brings you joy.

The most comfortable and stress-free option is a private driver-guide, included in most of our tailor-made holidays.

Why it’s ideal for families & older couples:

• Door-to-door transport

• Time to rest between sights

• Charming, knowledgeable local drivers

• Total flexibility — stop whenever you like

• Safer and smoother than public transport

Trains (particularly the Kandy–Ella journey) are scenic and wonderful — we arrange reserved, comfortable seats so you can enjoy the views without crowds or stress.

Sri Lanka has straightforward health guidelines for visitors.
There are no mandatory vaccines for most travellers, including those from the UK & EU.

Recommended (not required) vaccinations include:

• Tetanus

• Hepatitis A

• Typhoid

For older travellers or those with pre-existing conditions, we recommend:

• A pre-travel consultation with a GP

• Travel insurance with medical cover

• Staying hydrated and avoiding midday heat

• Choosing hotels with good facilities and reliable service

Healthcare in major tourist areas is good, with excellent private hospitals in Colombo.

Sri Lanka offers excellent value for money, especially for the quality of hotels, food and experiences available.

• 4-star boutique hotels are very affordable

• Premium resorts cost less than in the Maldives

• Meals are great value (and portions generous)

• Activities like safaris and cultural sites offer high impact and fair pricing

Families appreciate the affordability of activities, while older couples enjoy high levels of comfort without premium prices.

Yes — it’s one of the most popular twin-centre holidays for couples and families.

• Short 1-hour flight

• Culture + wildlife in Sri Lanka

• Relaxing Maldives beach stay afterward

• Works perfectly for 10–14-night holidays

We can tailor both halves of the trip seamlessly.