Destinations
Sri Lanka
The tropical island of Sri Lanka packs infinite variety into a small space, and offers countless pleasures whether you want to sunbathe on beautiful beaches, trek through the magnificent hill country or explore the ruins of ancient cities. Surrender to its genial charm. Seek true contentment on an island offering endless possibilities.
colombo
Colombo is in an exciting phase in its history. There is a sense of renewed ambition now that peace has been restored to Sri Lanka, but it remains a compact, manageable coastal city offering excellent value and an atmosphere all of its own. Ancestral mansions stand side-by-side with modern hotels springing up into the skyline. Street bazaars buzz right next to a few modest shopping malls. While some roads are clogged with vehicles, there remain many sleepy tree-lined boulevards. Colombo might be mildly chaotic at times but it has at its heart a relaxed and genial air.
Cultural Triangle
Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle has enthralled millions of travellers. It covers the north-central towns of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya and Dambulla where extensive archaeological ruins, protected as World Heritage Sites, provide a glimpse into the island’s history. It is here that Sri Lanka’s kings developed remarkably advanced civilisations. The shimmering central plains have low rainfall and several hotels are sumptuous enough to provide a holiday in their own right.
East Coast
Sri Lanka’s picturesque East Coast is enjoying a renaissance. The sun-kissed beaches and exotic marine life of Trincomalee; the world-renowned surfing beaches in Arugam Bay; Batticaloa’s tranquil lagoons and waterways; the wild elephants of Gal Oya National Park in Ampara; and a vibrant multi-ethnic cultural heritage all make this a fascinating region which has come alive again for tourists. The best East coast weather is from March to September, although out of season also has its rewards. Surfing season in Arugam Bay is from about June to August.
Galle coast
Galle is thriving. The fortified old town is enjoying an artistic renaissance and the beautiful beaches around it are dotted with luxurious villas and classy boutique hotels. The revival of Galle has also influenced its coastline and it is this area – predominantly south of the town – where Galle’s pull is at its strongest that we prefer to term the Galle coast. Galle’s main attraction is the 17C Dutch Fort, a UNESCO protected World Heritage site. But it is also the gateway to the upmarket beach settlement of Thalpe and the sandy beaches of Unawatuna, Koggala and Habaraduwa.
Hill Country
Drive into the highlands from Kandy and discover Sri Lanka at its most dramatic: a land of gurgling mountain streams and steep hillsides cloaked in luminous green tea, sweet-scented Cyprus and Eucalyptus trees. Nuwara Eliya, nestled at the foot of a mountain, was made into a summer retreat by the British in the early 1800s and much of its colonial character still remains. Ella attracts largely budget travellers, Haputale has panoramic views to the south and Dickoya offers upmarket tea bungalows in enchanting surroundings. Plus one of the most enchanting train journeys in the world.
Jaffna and the North
Situated at the northern tip of Sri Lanka, the Jaffna peninsula is steeped in history. Explore Jaffna town and surrounding areas, or visit one of seven inhabited remote islands. The landscape is dotted with Palmyrah Palms and lagoons where flamingos flock after the rains. Jaffna underwent much hardship due to terrorism and, ultimately, a full-scale war between the LTTE and the Sri Lankan armed forces which ended a 26-year conflict. The trauma lingers, but since 2009, the people of Jaffna are rebuilding their lives with renewed hope. An enriching experience for the adventurous traveller.
Kandy
The bustling hill-country capital of Kandy lies on a plain amidst towering hills and looped by Sri Lanka’s largest river: the Mahaweli. The town’s pleasant temperate climate, its scenic location and its rich history has made it a favourite haunt for travellers. It is also the natural gateway to the stirring peaks of Sri Lanka’s hill country. During the month of August, Kandy dazzles with the sounds and lights of the Kandy Perehara – a magnificent procession where a sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha is majestically paraded on elephant back along the streets.
North-West Coast
The north-west coast begins with the popular beach resort of Negombo – only a few miles from the international airport – but venture further north for whale and dolphin spotting, game parks and lagoons. Negombo apart, the remote coastal towns to the far north, Kalpitiya and Mannar, remain untouched by mass tourism. Wilpattu is arguably Sri Lanka’s most scenic national park, the seas off the coast of Kalpitiya are home to dolphins and whales while Mannar is a haven for exotic migrant birds from October to March. A largely unchanged region awaiting discovery.
Sinharaja & Kitulgala
The magnificent Sinharaja rainforest and the village of Kitulgala, which is popular for white water rafting, are situated in the western foothills, sandwiched between the west coast and the central highlands. This is an area of rolling hills, tropical rain forests and winding rivers. The Sinharaja tropical rainforest is renowned as a hotspot for birdlife. Ratnapura, is on route to Sinharaja and is home to a long-established gem industry. The sleepy riverside village of Kitulgala owes its popularity to the Kelani River which offers Grade 3 and 4 rapids for rafting.
South Coast
Sri Lanka’s cove-like south coast, which Red Dot defines as a long stretch from Weligama to Kelamitiya, consists of delightful coral-protected bays and headlands and offers a greater diversity of beaches than the west coast. Stunning tropical sandy beaches, rural fishing villages, untouched wilderness and a vibrant cultural heritage makes the southern coastal belt an ideal holiday experience for those wishing to escape the larger tourist centres.
Tissa and Kataragama
The historical towns of Tissa and Kataragama are located in Sri Lanka’s south east. Tissa is dominated by lotus filled lakes, lush green paddy fields and gigantic temples dating back to the 2nd century BC. The rural shrine of Kataragama, an hour from Tissa, has great religious and historical significance and brings together multiple faiths to worship within this sacred place. En route to Tissa and Kataragama from the southern highlands you pass through the Buttala foothills, known for its savanna-like plains and home to some of the best National Parks in the country, including Uda Walawe.
West-Coast
Sri Lanka’s west coast covers the coastal belt just south of Colombo all the way down to Hikkaduwa. From that point on, Red Dot prefers to refer to the Galle coast, which is increasingly influenced by the famous old fortress town. The west coast has a long-standing tourist tradition and offers broad tropical beaches for a mix of independent and package-tour travellers in small towns such Beruwela, Bentota, Ambalangoda, Ahungalla and Hikkaduwa.
Yala
Yala, situated in the south east corner of the island, is home to the greatest variety of Sri Lanka’s wildlife. Its varying habitats, consisting of scrub plains, jungles, rocky outcrops, fresh water lakes, rivers and beaches, provides home to many animals including sloth bear, elephants, buffalo, monkeys, deer, crocodiles and the endangered Sri Lankan leopard.