Sri Lanka holidays

You can learn a lot about Sri Lanka’s history from its fortresses. Climb Sigiriya, a 5th-century fortified city and palace carved from a 180-metre-high granite column. Or venture south to Galle to see its iconic sea ramparts, built by the Portuguese. Like the northern Jaffna Fort, Galle was captured by the Dutch before falling to the British over a century later.

Observing local spiritual rituals is one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka. At Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth), pilgrims and tourists alike line up for a glimpse of the relic that’s said to come from the Buddha himself. Join a tour of the Dambulla Cave Temples, or join worshippers heading up Adam’s Peak, a mountain sacred to all the island’s religions.

Hike to the top of Sigiriya to roam ancient ruins and take in sweeping views of the jungle below. Step inside the Dambulla Cave Temples to see vivid Buddhist murals and statues tucked into five sacred caves. Catch the sunrise at the Nine Arch Bridge in Ella, then watch as trains glide across this colonial-era landmark.

The beaches in Sri Lanka are a year-round treat, home to soft sand, azure waters and passing turtles. West coast resorts combine family-friendly amenities with a weekend party scene and some of the world’s best kitesurfing. Head south to spot blue whales or seek out surf breaks. The port city of Trincomalee on the northeast coast offers more secluded beauty and amazing snorkelling.

Sri Lanka’s tropical landscape is full of wildlife, from sloths and crocodiles to wild boar and buffalo. Guides at the national parks help facilitate safe viewing, including rare leopards at Yala and Wilpattu and the annual gathering of elephants at Minneriya. Sleep in a treehouse to be woken up by monkeys, or spy eagles, peacocks and hundreds of other bird species in the wetlands.

Many of Sri Lanka’s historical highlights are found outdoors, whether it’s temple ruins and rock carvings or sacred trees thousands of years old. Exploring the ancient wonders at Polonnaruwa, the country’s former religious and commercial centre, is a must. One Sri Lankan museum not to miss is Dambana, the Indigenous village in Maduru Oya National Park, which preserves the language and rituals of the forest-dwelling Vedda people.

From aromatic curries to the tongue-tingling ‘sambal’ (chilli chutney) that can be added to just about everything, spices rule here. You’ll also find plenty of plant- and seafood-based dishes at restaurants in Sri Lanka. Popular street eats include rice-flour roti and ‘hoppers’, crispy bowl-shaped pancakes filled with curry and topped with egg.