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Sri Lanka
Marco Polo once said that Sri Lanka was one of the "finest islands in the world" and an increasing numbers of visitors are finding it hard to disagree. Known as the teardrop of India, Sri Lanka has it all a tropical climate, traditional Buddhist culture, unique and colourful wildlife, welcoming people, inviting sandy beaches and cooler, temperate hill stations. Ceylon, as it was formerly known, has had a chequered history and so visitors can now delight in its ancient architecture, fortresses and temples, palm-fringed shores and lush, verdant National Parks. Sri Lanka is an ideal destination for private touring with your own chauffeur guide for the flexibility of travelling at your own pace whilst gaining an in-depth insight into the country.
Colombo
Sri Lanka's colourful capital and largest city. Set on the shores of the Indian Ocean, the city has been settled by the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British and visitors today can still appreciate the capital's colonial heritage, cultural attractions and historical areas of interest.
Hill Country
The cool, temperate highlands offer welcome relief from the heat of the coast, although it can get quite cold at night, so remember to take some warm clothes! The lush green tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya evoke a relaxed atmosphere and visitors to the region can enjoy a multitude of walks past waterfalls and market gardens; the scenery is quite spectacular. The spiritual and cultural heart of Sri Lanka lies in Kandy. Take time to visit its central lake, the revered Temple of the Tooth Relic and the grand Peradeniya botanical gardens. The nearby Pinnawala elephant orphanage is a must on most visitors' itineraries. Here you can watch baby elephants being bottle fed and bathed by their human foster fathers; a sight that you'll never forget!
Elephant Pass
Bay of Bengal
West Coast Beaches
Stretching from Negombo, just north of Colombo, right down to Galle in the south, Sri Lanka's west coast boasts fabulous sandy beaches fringed by tropical palm trees. Ranging from boutique properties to first class, family-friendly resorts, Sri Lanka's beaches offer something for everyone.
Gulf of Mannar Wilpattu National Park
Galle & Yala National Park
Anuradhapura Sigiriya
Kandalama Pinnawala Negombo Colombo
Polonnaruwa
SRI LANKA
Kandy
Nuwara Eliya Dunhinda Falls
Hadduwa Bandarawela Kalutara Kataragama Yala Beruwela Adams Peak Peak National Bentota Park Tissamahara Ahungalla Galle
Just over 100km south of Colombo lies Galle. Within the World Heritage-listed fort walls lie many museums and Dutch-built buildings while the rest of Galle offers a bustling market and excellent shopping opportunities. Further along the south-east coast is Yala National Park, home to one of the densest leopard populations in the world. Other animals frequently spotted on game drives include elephants, wild boar, buffalo, deer and crocodiles. Please note the National Park is closed for 4-6 weeks during September and October so during this time a safari at nearby Bundala National Park is offered as an alternative.
Sri Lanka Travel Tips
· Time: GMT +5.5 · Flying Time from UK: Approx 10.5 hours · Language: Sinhala and Tamil are both national languages although English is widely spoken and understood. · Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) £1 = LKR 225 · Visa Requirements: A visa is not required for British citizens for stays of less than 30 days · Festivals, Events & Busy Times: Sri Lanka has many religious holidays and nearly 30 public holidays a year. During many of these alcohol is not served in any of the hotels featured. The dates of these festivals varies according to the lunar calendar. · Tourist Office: Sri Lanka Tourist Board, Clareville House, 26-27 Oxendon Street, London SW1Y 4EL. Tel: 020 7930 2627 wwww.srilankatourism.org
Culture Triangle
North of the hill country, but still inland from the coast, lie the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka. Once claimed by jungle, archaeological excavations have revealed intricately carved statues, impressive dagobas, fascinating cave temples and vast rock fortresses. The sites of Dambulla, Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa are unforgettable see our Sri Lankan Discovery tour for an itinerary that encompasses all of the above.
Indian Ocean
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