.jpg)
Barbados , 7nts from £1,209
Amazing All Inclusive at Almond
4* Almond Beach Club, Barbados
More Information>>
St Lucia , 7nts from £1,109
Award Winning 4* Resort
4* Almond Morgan Bay Beach Resort
More Information>>
Maldives , 7nts from £1,109
Special offer full board rates
4.5* Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort
More Information>>
Maldives , 7nts from £1,549
Save £1000 pp from 01/05 - 31/10
5* Zitahli Resort & Spa Kuda Funafaru
More Information>>
.jpg)
St Lucian by rex resorts, St Lucia
23rd March 7nts AI £799pp - ONLY 2 SEATS LEFT
More Information>>
- Tropical Sky - Luxury Holidays
- Indian Ocean and Sub Continent Holidays
- Sri Lanka Holidays
Sri Lanka Holidays
Sri Lanka Holidays and Weddings in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a destination encapsulating everything you could want in a tropical paradise – history, archaeology, beautiful scenery, mountains and beaches, excellent shopping, wonderful people and excellent cuisine. Almost on the equator, the constant 30 degree temperature at sea level makes the verdant tropical vegetation flourish. At altitude, the temperature cools and blossoming tea plantations replace the shimmering paddy fields. There are traces of the British Raj in the architecture, old cars, language and bureaucracy. The beautiful coastline now has a range of hotels all with water sports galore. Don’t miss a trip inland to Kandy, or the Hill Club, to see tea plantations and learn more about the island’s history.
Traces of the tsunami remain along the coast, but most areas are fully recovered. The government and people need the tourists to return. You are sure of a very warm welcome.
Sri Lanka holidays are adventurous, exciting and yet still relaxing at the same time, something for everyone to enjoy!
Location
Known as the ‘teardrop of India’, the island of Sri Lanka lies just south of India’s mainland, almost on the equator, surrounded by the Indian Ocean.
Shopping
There are interesting antiques in the Kandy area, many of Dutch origin, but check regulations on export.
Shopping for gems is a must while on your Sri Lanka holidays, which mines sapphires, rubies, garnets, aquamarines, zircons and alexandrites, but has no diamonds or emeralds. Cats-eye, moonstones and sapphires are particularly common and since Ratnapura is the ‘gem capital’ of the island, there are also a few interesting gem museums to visit where you can purchase unset stones.
Local handicrafts and produce are widely available and include tea and spices, weaving and embroidery, ceremonial masks – particularly from Ambalangoda, ceramics, sarongs, saris, batiks and fabrics, basketware, lacquerware, wood carvings, and brassware.
Geography
The population is about 17 million on an island roughly the size of Ireland. Although there is poverty, the local people are friendly and welcoming. The level of literacy is much higher than in India. There are four main ethnic groups: the predominantly Buddhist Sinhalese, Hindu Tamils of Indian origin, Muslims, descended from medieval traders, and Burghers, whose lighter skins and European names derive from 16th- and 17th-century colonisation.
History
The Portuguese arrived in Colombo in 1505 and gained a monopoly on the invaluable spice trade. By 1597, the colonisers had taken formal control of the island. However, they failed to dislodge the powerful Sinhalese kingdom in Kandy, which, in 1658, enlisted Dutch help to expel the Portuguese.
The Dutch were more interested in trade and profits than religion or land and only half-heartedly resisted when the British arrived in 1796. The British wore down Kandy’s sovereignty and in 1815 became the first European power to rule the entire island. Coffee, tea, cinnamon and coconut plantations (worked by Tamil labourers imported from southern India) sprang up and English was introduced as the national language.
Then known as Ceylon, Sri Lanka finally achieved full independence in 1948.
The country’s ethnic and religious conflicts escalated as competition for wealth and work intensified. When Solomon Bandaranaike (then Prime Minister of Sri Lanka) was assassinated in 1959, trying to reconcile the two communities, his widow, Sirimavo, became the world’s first female prime minister.
There then began a period of intense rivalry between the Tamils and Sinhalese that has, at times, led to virtual civil war. Throughout this period the tourists were left mostly unaffected.
Climate
J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
Av Temp(F) | 88 | 88 | 90 | 88 | 86 | 86 | 86 | 86 | 86 | 86 | 86 | 86 |
Sunshine Hours | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
Rain(inches) | 2 | 3 | 5 | 10 | 15 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 9 | 15 | 12 | 7 |
Please note the temperature drops significantly in the Hill Country.
Basic Information
Language
Tamil and Sinhala are both official languages although English is widely spoken, especially in establishments catering for tourists.
Currency
Sri Lankan rupee (LK or LKR) is divided into 100 cents. Coins range from 1 cent to 10 rupees, banknotes from 10 to 1,000 rupees.
Electricity
230–240 V, 50 cycles A.C. English style 3 pin flat plugs are usually used.
Banks
Banks are generally open Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 15:00.
Driving
Traffic drives on the left. Car hire is availalble, but chauffeur-driven cars are surprisingly cheap and readily available.
Time Difference
GMT plus 5.5 all year round.
Tipping
Most hotels will add 10 % service charge and taxi drivers expect about 10%.
Water
Bottled water is recommended
Visas
Visas are issued free of charge for a period of 30 days on arrival at Colombo Airport (for tourist visits only). Passport must be valid for at least six months from date of entry required.
Tourist Inf
www.srilankatourism.org
What makes it so special?
The mixture of history, culture, beautiful scenery, interesting shopping and beautiful beaches. The devastation caused by the recent tsunami means that the people of Sri Lanka need the income of their tourist economy more than ever to help regenerate their country.
Where to visit?
Colombo is a chaotic, noisy and not particularly beautiful city, but there is a quaint charm about it with good shopping opportunities and great food to be had. South of Colombo is Galle Face Green, a seafront expanse of occasional green, famed for its cricket games and trysting lovers. Cinnamon Gardens, further south, is the most fashionable neighbourhood, with mansions and tree-lined streets. To the north lies the Fort area – the administrative district.
Anuradhapura was Sri Lanka’s first capital, a potent symbol of Sinhalese power and the most extensive and important of Sri Lanka’s ancient cities. It became a capital in 380 BC and for over 1000 years Sinhalese kings ruled from this great city.
The port of Galle was built by the Dutch in 1663, and has withstood the elements over centuries. Its massive ramparts surround the promontory, which form the older part of Galle, and shelter sturdy Dutch houses, museums and churches within its walls. The New Oriental Hotel, built for Dutch governors in 1684, is a colonial gem with a wonderfully atmospheric bar.
Kandy is the main town of the Hill Country and the historical centre of Buddhist power. It was constructed on the banks of a tranquil, man-made lake and is cradled in a picturesque natural bowl between the hills. It has a distinctive architectural character and the town centre is a delightful compendium of old shops, buses, markets and hotels. The ‘Sacred Tooth of Buddha’ is the holiest relic here.
Sigiriya’s spectacular rock fortress is not only an impregnable stronghold, but also a monastic retreat and rock-art gallery. Built in the 5th century AD, to fend off a feared invasion, it is situated atop a 200m (656ft) high rock. At the height of its glory, it must have been akin to a European chateau being built on top of Uluru.
Once the favourite hill station of the British, Nuwara Eliya still retains the vestiges of Empire: a blend of Tudor and Georgian architecture, gabled roofs, immaculate lawns and moss-covered gravestones. Soak up the quaint atmosphere by visiting the Hill Club - by jove, where there’s a golf course, tennis courts, even copies of Country Life! Or visit the botanical gardens and tea plantations in the surrounding hills.
Most popular tours
Kandy Travel Guide to Sri Lanka
Our Holidays in Sri Lanka
Below are our hotel listings for holidays in Sri Lanka. If you can't find what you are looking for, feel free to give us a call to discuss your requirements, alternatively you can view our holidays in other Indian Ocean destinations.
Taj Exotica
7nts from £729
.jpg)
This unforgettable resort strikes the perfect balance between natural beauty and top-notch comforts. Stretching along the south coast of Sri Lanka, this beautiful hotel offers 162 stylishly-designed rooms in a range of different categories
Taj Exotica
Royal Palms Beach Hotel
7nts from £749
.jpg)
Located approximately 25 miles south of the capital, Colombo, the Royal Palms hotel is an excellent choice for guests who appreciate modern comfort on a fine stretch of coastline
Royal Palms Beach Hotel
Fortress, Sri Lanka
7nts from £959
Located on the golden southern coast of Sri Lanka, The Fortress is minutes away from Sri Lanka’s most historically interesting living city, Galle. A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, it is the perfect destination for a relaxing stay.
Fortress, Sri Lanka
Tangerine Beach
7nts from £709
Tangerine Beach Hotel is a modern resort situated 40 km. south of Colombo on the beach at Kalutara. It is a quiet and relaxing hotel with good standards of accommodation and friendly staff offering excellent value for money. A coconut palm garden provides an ideal setting to relax and unwind under a swaying palm tree, and a great place to escape from the sun.
Tangerine Beach
Heritance Ahungalla
7nts from £859
Located 3 ½ hours south of Colombo on a stunning beach in the hamlet of Kalutara, this newly refurbished hotel has been restored to its former luxury. It is a firm favourite in the UK market and is especially good for weddings and honeymoons
Heritance Ahungalla
Seashells Negombo
7nts from £699
This laid back informal hotel located directly on the beautiful beach of Negombo offers excellent value for money - a best buy on the island.
This resort will be closed from May 2010 until November 2010.
Seashells Negombo
Eden Hotel
7nts from £659
.jpg)
On the outskirts of Beruwela, this 5 star resort has an excellent beach ,choice of restaurants and room types.
Eden Hotel
Lighthouse
7nts from £709
.jpg)
Located on the southern tip of Sri Lanka about a mile from Galle, this beautiful 5 star hotel stands on a bluff overlooking a golden sandy beach. The hotel is a member of Small Luxury Hotel of the World.
Lighthouse
Blue Water
7nts from £649
Located in spacious grounds amid tall swaying coconut palms, the Blue Water hotel enjoys a wonderful beach location at the coastal resort of Wadduwa. It offers a tranquil atmosphere with the soothing sounds of cascading ponds and fountains, and is a luxury retreat for both couples and families.
Blue Water
The Beach
7nts from £709
Nestling among palm trees on 9 acres of pristine sandy beach, conveniently just 20 mins. North of the main airport and just 2kms from the coastal town of Negombo. This first class hotel is ideal for families and boasts spacious rooms with panoramic views of the beach and crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean.
The Beach
Tropical Villas
7nts from £749
A really pleasant, small intimate resort with a lovely personal touch. Set in beautiful gardens and an excellent short and even long term place to stay.
Tropical Villas
Club Palm Garden
7nts from £679
.jpg)
This All Inclusive hotel on Beruwela beach offers activities for all the family. An ideal choice for those wanting a more active holiday.
Club Palm Garden
Vil Uyana
7nts from £959
A brand new eco resort located in Sigiriya, in the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka, Vil Uyana is the first hotel in Sri Lanka to offer rooms built over water and paddy fields providing a setting of total peace and tranquillity for its guests with breathtaking views of Sigiriya Rock - Sri Lanka’s most recognised world heritage site.
Vil Uyana
Riverina
7nts from £639
A really well located hotel in Buruwela, right on the beach and offering incredible value for money. Lovely.
Riverina
Ayuverda Pavilions
7nts from £729
A beautifully appointed small resort, specialising in Ayuvedic medicine. This is a truly wonderful place to go to revitalise your body and soul. Fubulous food and a lovely, lovely walled garden setting for each room.
Ayuverda Pavilions
Heritance Kandalama
7nts from £969
An architecturally stunning buidling in an equally stunning location. This is a beautiful resort and well worth visiting during your stay in this region, home to the famous Sigiriya Rock.
Heritance Kandalama
Bentota Beach
7nts from £659
.jpg)
A Classic Beach resort with wide open spaces of Tropical Gardens, a great beach and friendly local Sri Lankan service. You’ll like this place.
Bentota Beach
Blue Oceanic
7nts from £729
A free and esy, delightful property witha great pool, lovely snack bar on the beachfront and very good value for money. Located next door to its 5 star sister, The Beach.
Blue Oceanic
Kurulubedda
7nts from £979
A real treat and one of Sri Lanka’s greatest hidden secrets. Kurulubedda is a tiny hideaway of 2 stilted viila suites in the most serene and pretty landscapes of Southern Sri Lanka. The perfect getaway retreat and the ultimate honeymoon hideaway. Stunning.
Kurulubedda
The River House
7nts from £1,059
Without doubt one fo the best places to relax anywhere in teh world. The setting is oh so peaceful.
The River House
Tamarind Hill
7nts from £909
A beautiful, restored manor in the the south of Sri Lanka, close to beaches and national Parks. A greta place for chilling out.
Tamarind Hill
The only proper Resort located within a stones throw form the the famous Yala National Park. This park has the highest concentration of Leopard anywhere and is worth a visit for that reason alone.
Yala Village Resort
The Park Street Colombo
7nts from £949
.jpg)
The Park Street is a converted 250-year-old colonial bungalow and adjoining stores/warehouses in two acres of land in the heart of Colombo. One of the last remaining colonial buidings this is an absolute beauty. With only 12 rooms you feel like royalty as soon as you step through the door.
The Park Street Colombo
Safaris and Tours
This 8 night tour provides the perfect opportunity to discover all the delights of this fascinating country. Highlights include Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Kandy, Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage & Nuwara Eliya.
Best of Sri Lanka Tour
.jpg)
This 4 night tour gives you a taste of what Sri Lanka has to offer and includes a visit to Sigiriya, Dambulla, Pinnawela and Kandy.
Sri Lanka Highlights Tour
.jpg)
This popular 9 night tailor made tour includes accommodation at Tea Trails, Mount Lavinia, Vil Uyana and The Fortress. Encorporating the ’highlights’ of Sri Lanka, taking this tour enables you to see first hand the beauty of this amazing country.
Nine Night Tour of Sri Lanka
SEO, web design by Fresh Egg
Copyright © Tropical Sky Ltd. All rights reserved
www.tropicalsky.co.uk - Sri Lanka Holidays
Your money is safe with Tropical Sky
Tropical Sky is fully bonded with the CAA (ATOL 9759) and have full membership with ABTA (Y0499).