Sri Lanka, India: where is it, when to go and what to see

Sri Lanka, the Tear of India, is a fascinating island where Hindu and Buddhist influences, combined with colonial legacies, have shaped history and culture, the tangible evidence of which we can admire today in the form of imposing stupas, evocative temples and extensive archaeological sites, most of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. All set in breathtaking natural surroundings.

A dense and intricatetropical forest where tall palm trees give way to undulating green tea plantations. All of this is interspersed with spectacular waterfalls and inhabited by a rich fauna that you will encounter at every turn: mischievous monkeys, elephants that will obstruct your passage on the road, leopards, monitor lizards, crocodiles... and many multicoloured birds.

Finally, Sri Lanka's location makes it possible to extend a very interesting cultural tour to a beach holiday in the nearby paradise Maldives. If you are thinking of Sri Lanka as your next destination, here is all you need to know!

Travelling informed: useful info

• Inhabitants: about 21 million

• Capital: Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte (administrative) and Colombo

• Languages: Sinhalese, Tamil, English

• Local currency: Sinhalese rupee (€1.00=204.58LKR approx.)

• Climate: Being located just north of the Equator, the island's climate is equatorial. Average temperatures range between 23 and 31 °C. Rainfall follows the pattern of the monsoons: the southwest monsoon (yala) which occurs from April to September and the northeast monsoon (maha) which affects the opposite area from November to March.

• Vaccinations: No compulsory vaccinations are needed. Vaccinations to consider: hepatitis A, typhoid, rabies and Japanese encephalitis.

• Entry requirements: Passport with residual validity of at least six months, return air ticket, entry visa (ETA) free of charge and obtainable before travelling via internet.

• Distance from Italy: 7,956 km (10-hour flight)

When to go? Info on climate and best time

• Climate: Being located in the equatorial belt, Sri Lanka is characterised by a warm humid climate and high temperatures in all months of the year. Rainfall reflects the monsoon pattern: from May to September there is heavy rainfall in the south and west coast (Colombo), between October and January there is less rainfall and it is mainly concentrated in the north-east. In general, the rainiest period throughout the country is from October to December. The seawater temperature averages 29 °C and therefore bathing is possible all year round.

• Best period: From a climatic point of view, the best time to visit Sri Lanka is the beginning of the year, i.e. from January to March. In fact, this period is not affected by monsoons, rainfall is light and the temperature is at average levels that we would define as 'late spring' in Italy.

• Periodto avoid: The most inadvisable period is from October to December, as the last months of the year are characterised by heavy rainfall.

Where it is located and how to get there

The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is an island state in Asia located southwest of India. Due to its characteristic geomorphology and proximity to the Indian coast, it is called the Tear of India. It is one of the 53 independent states of the British Commonwealth.

To arrive from Italy, the reference airport is Bandaranaike Intl in Colombo, served by direct flights departing from Rome that take 12/13 hours. There are also flights with one or two stopovers (generally one in Europe, in Paris, London, Madrid or Bucharest, and one in the Middle East, in Muscat, Dubai or Doha). Compare flights from Rome or Milan - from €431.85

Getting around Sri Lanka

Hiring your own vehicle is strongly discouraged as there are very few motorways (the only one connects Galle to Colombo), travelling on bumpy roads often traversed by elephants or monkeys, and motorists are rather 'eccentric' and it's not uncommon to catch them travelling the wrong way round.

Buses are very cheap but, old conditions aside, they are not reliable: there is no timetable but you leave when the vehicle is full. Trains are also cheap but their aesthetic-hygienic condition is questionable and above all they travel very slowly. We only recommend taking the scenic train from Nuwara Elia to Ella, as it is a wonderful experience. Internal flights are also not recommended because they are very expensive but above all because the small airports in the various cities, with the exception of Colombo, are not always accessible

Thetaxi is the best choice also from the point of view of speed-price ratio (always negotiate the price). Alternatively, you can hire a driver, perhaps booking him through some local operator already from Italy. Super value for money (about €50.00 per day).

What to see in Sri Lanka: must-see cities and attractions

1 - Sigiriya

This archaeological site, or rather, the Rock of Sigiriya is the symbol of Sri Lanka, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982.
The citadel, on the flat top of a hill, was built between 477 and 485 by King Kassapa and is a mix between a royal palace and an impregnable fortress.
At the entrance there is a small museum (avoidable), then you cross the water gardens with ponds and fountains and reach the base of the mammoth rock. The climb begins!
It is a staircase of about 1,200 steps, but it is not as strenuous as it may seem, perhaps just a little annoying for those who suffer from vertigo. The first part of the staircase is made up of irregular steps carved into the rock itself, then continues on an iron ladder bolted to the rock.
On the way, one can admire the fresco of the Maidens of Sigiriya, the Mirror Wall, the Lion Terrace and, finally, the summit. At the top, only the foundations of the palace remain. The best part is admiring the view.

To visit Sigirya Rock consider at least 3 hours; the best times are early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid heat and crowds.
Ticket €25.00 - Daily 7am-6pm (last admission 5pm)

2 - Anuradhapura

Photo by Federica Ermete. Sri Lanka's oldest capital whose ruins are in an excellent state of conservation, it is no coincidence that Anuradhapura is also a Unesco Heritage site.
In this vast area one can admire imposing dagobas, iridescent white and red brick stupas and, above all, the highly venerated Sri Maha Bodhi, an ancient sacred fig tree(Ficus religiosa), under which, according to Buddhist tradition, Siddhartha Gautama meditated and received enlightenment.

Visitingthis site on festival days is very impressive. One can witness the comings and goings of crowds of worshippers dressed in white who come here on pilgrimage laden with offerings, reciting hypnotic mantras and carrying newborn babies before the Buddha statue.
The site is very extensive and requires at least half a day to visit the most important parts.
Ticket €25.00 - Daily 6am-6pm

3 - Polonnaruwa

Photo by Federica Ermete. It is one of the most important ancient capitals, and also one of the most interesting sites in the Golden Triangle.
The archaeological site is very vast; to tour it all would take a whole day.
Moreover, the ruins are scattered here and there; it is impossible to get around the area on foot: the alternatives are to rent a bicycle or have a driver take you from one stop to another.

The most important attractions are the royal palace, the Quadrangle (which contains the most beautiful and numerous group of ruins of the ancient city), the Menik Vihara, Rankot Vihara, Alahana Pirivena and Jetavena monasteries, famous for the photogenic and gigantic statues of the Buddha of Gal Viahara and the impressive Lankatilaka temple.

Although it may seem like a waste of time, before entering the archaeological site, we highly recommend visiting the museum where the models of the reconstructions of the various sites are located. You will need a good half an hour, but it will be time well spent as there are only remains, more or less better preserved, on the site. With a preliminary view of what the site should have looked like, everything will become clearer.
To be visited almost exclusively barefoot!
Ticket €25.00 - Daily 7.30am-5.30pm

4 - Kandy and Temple of the Tooth

Kandy is the second largest city on the island and the cultural capital.
Thecity's most important attraction is the Temple of the Buddha's Sacred Tooth. Here is kept the Buddha's relic (left canine), which, every year between April and May, is carried in procession during the Peherara, one of the most important religious festivals in the Buddhist calendar, symbolically celebrating the birth, enlightenment and death of Gautama Buddha. During these festivities, which last approximately 10 days, the tooth relic is carried on the back of an elephant specially dedicated to the task, called the white elephant.

We recommend visiting the temple at the times when the room where the relic is kept is opened. No one can enter it, but the faithful walk past it in a line and cast a glance, placing their offerings (rice, flowers, coins, etc.) on the counter in front of it. The rites take place three times a day: 5.30am, 9.30am and 6.30pm.

Thetown is worth a walk to admire the colonial buildings, the chaotic market to get a glimpse of daily life, and the romantic pond.
Buddha's Tooth Temple €7.50

5 - Dambulla rock temples

An archaeological site in Sri Lanka, a Unesco World Heritage Site since 1991.
It is the best preserved rock temple in the country. The main attraction consists of five caves inside which are 253 statues of the Buddha as well as magnificent frescoes depicting various stages of his life. The statues depict the Buddha in various poses: sleeping, dead, blindfolded, meditating, etc., while the paintings cover a mural area of 2,100 square metres!

We recommend doing the route backwards, i.e. starting from the last cave, the simplest, and then continuing with the others until you reach number 2, which is, by far, the most magnificent.

To get to the temple site, you have to climb a flight of about 200 steps. It is not strenuous, more like being careful of the mischievous monkeys that lurk on its sides.
At the base of the rock complex is the Golden Temple, clearly identifiable by a mammoth golden Buddha statue that is very kitschy and in dubious taste.
Ticket €7.00 - Daily 7am-6pm

6 - Nuwara Elias

Photo by Federica Ermete. Sri Lanka's highest city, located in the southern highlands of the island in a basin of verdant mountains, was founded by the British in the 19th century.
Nuwara Elias is nicknamed the'Little England' of Sri Lanka as it still retains features that make it resemble a typical Victorian town.
There is the well-kept park, the inevitable golf course, the pond with swan-shaped boats, luxurious hotels in typical colonial style and the almost naive post office. The often cloudy weather also contributes to the British atmosphere.

The main attraction is the wonderful tea plantations in the surrounding area.
In fact, the journey to get here, or to go further afield, generally takes place by train, one of the most scenic trains in the world, travelling very slowly and winding through these verdant valleys.
Another special feature of this particular train is the stop in Ella where it is possible to walk on the tracks and admire the very tall 9-arch Bridge over which the train passes.
A unique experience.

Nuwara Elia to Ella train: Actually, the starting station of this fascinating train section is at Nanu Oya. It is considered one of the most beautiful railway routes in the world. The only downside is that it is often very crowded, so it is best to book your ticket online and collect the paper ticket at any railway station in the country. The route takes about 3 hours

7 - Ella, Little Adam's Peak and Rawana Falls

Photo by Federica Ermete. Ella is a small town in the Badulla district, in the centre south of the island and at an altitude of 1,041 metres above sea level.
There are no special attractions to visit. The charm and beauty of the town lies in the bucolic natural setting in which it is isolated and, as mentioned, in the possibility of reaching it by one of the most scenic trains in the world.
Also nice is the experience of walking along the railway and admiring the very high 9-Arches Bridge.

The citadel is popular with trekkers, as it is the starting point for the ascent to Adam's Peak or, for the less experienced, to Little Adam's Peak. The so-called'Little Adam's Peak' consists of a mountain site consisting of three peaks that can be accessed after a walk of about 4 km. From the peaks, it is possible to admire a splendid panorama in which the local tea plantations and other amenities stand out. Also worth seeing in the area are the Rawana waterfalls.

8 - Minneryia Park

One of Sri Lanka's most famous reserves, the park is famous for itshigh concentration of elephants in the wild (around 600).

Minneryia is part of the elephant corridor that joins the national parks of Kaudallae Wasgomuwa; for this reason, at certain times of the year, it is possible to witness the phenomenon of migration from one park to another. The most numerous groups of elephants can be observed from July to October (with a peak between August and September), as it is at this time that the water elsewhere dries up and the herds of pachyderms reach the banks of the basin to drink, wash and feed.
The phenomenon, which is repeated annually, is called the'gathering': it is thelargest gathering of Asian elephants in the world.

Other specimens that make up the park's fauna include sambar, deer, macaques, purple langurs and an infinite number of birds. However, the forest is so dense that one really struggles to spot them.
Jeep with driver/ranger €30.00
Entrance fee per person €20.00

9 - Galle

Photo by Federica Ermete. Perched on the coast at the southernmost point of the island, Galle ranks as the fourth largest city in Sri Lanka.
In the heart of Galle stands the Fort, the old colonial quarter built by the Dutch surrounded by imposing ramparts and containing colonial buildings and numerous churches.

The symbol of the city is definitely the lighthouse; for the rest, there are no unmissable attractions, the beauty of a stop in this town is simply to take a leisurely stroll through its narrow streets observing the characteristic architecture plastered in iridescent white.

Photo by Federica Ermete. Also worth noting: the clock tower at the entrance to the city walls, the All Saints' Church, the city's most important Anglican place of worship, the Dutch Hospital whose premises are now used as shops and restaurants, and the Meeran Jumma Mosque.

10 - Colombo

Photo by Federica Ermete. Sri Lanka's hectic capital appears disproportionate to the rest of the island. Not only because of its size, but also because it is theonly real metropolis in a country that is still totally agricultural. The economic, political and cultural centre of the country, its physiognomy is reminiscent of Singapore.

Stretching over 30 km along the west coast, it has a sprawling structure divided into 15 districts. It has no particular tourist attractions but is pervaded by a very special atmosphere that combines Asian anarchy, colonial charm and modern elegance.
Its charm lies in this architectural mix that reflects its history and the mixture of cultures, races and religions. Soaring skyscrapers stand alongside cafes and cluttered shops, while silent Buddhist temples stand alongside imposing colonial churches and colourful Hindu temples.

A quick sightseeing tour includes the Jami Ul-Afar Mosque, Independence Square, the Lotus Tower, the chaotic Pettah market district and the modern Seema Malake Temple.
SEE ALSO: Colombo, Sri Lanka: where to be, when to go and what to see

11 - Wilpattu National Park

Wilpattu National Park is characterised by dense vegetation, rich in different species of trees, which can make animal spotting more difficult, but not impossible. Elephants, wild boar, buffaloes, monkeys, monitor lizards, eagles, mongooses, leopards and a wide variety of birdlife can be found in the park, making it a birdwatcher's paradise. Birds congregate in a higher percentage around the water holes, which occasionally interrupt the jungle landscape of Wilpattu Park.

12 - UdaWalawe National Park

UdaWalawe National Park is located south of the Central Highlands, and is definitely among the less frequented, but still very beautiful. Boasting breathtaking and still very wild landscapes, it is home to many different types of animals, including herds of wild elephants, water buffalo, wild boar, foxes, the cape macaque and wild cats, including leopards.

13 - Yala National Park

Yala National Park is Sri Lanka's most visited nature reserve.
The park covers an area of 1,260 square kilometres, four-fifths of which is designated as an exclusive reserve and, therefore, off limits to the public.

Yala's main attraction, the one that everyone hopes to see, is leopards (the park, with some 50 of them, boasts the largest concentration of these felines on the planet); however, the reserve is also populated by elephants, buffalos, crocodiles, monitor lizards, peacocks, deer, wild boar, bears, toucans, storks, pelicans and an endless number of other species of colourful feathered birds.

Tissa is a possible base to stay at, which is about 30 km from the park entrance. To get there, there is no public transport, you must book a jeep to pick you up at the hotel.
Theaverage duration of the safari is about 4 hours.
Jeep with driver/ranger €35.00
Entrance fee per person €10.00

14 - Mirissa

It is a small town on the south coast, located in the Matara district of the Southern Province. It is about 150 kilometres south of Colombo and lies at an altitude of 4 metres above sea level.
Sri Lanka is not really a seaside destination but, after a tour, a few days of relaxation on the beach, all sun and sea, do not hurt.

Mirissa ranks among the country's most beautiful beaches.
Very fine white sand, tall palm trees under which to find refreshment and a very blue and wavy sea, suitable in fact for surfers and kite surfers.
The village is famous for whale-watching. Everywhere, on the beach and in the village, you will find stalls of agencies offering sea excursions to spot whales and dolphins (departure at 7am, €50 per person - book the tour online).
The village is spread out along a road on either side of which are hotels (more or less beautiful), bar-restaurants, souvenir shops and a fairly large and well-stocked supermarket.
If your hotel does not provide dinner, eat fresh fish directly on the beach.

15 - Other beaches to see

1. Hikkaduwa: this beautiful stretch of Sri Lankan coastline is renowned for offering convenience and various opportunities for recreation, relaxation and fun. This beautiful Sri Lankan marine site is also ideal for those who enjoy water sports, boat trips and scuba diving.

2. Kalpitiya: is located on the peninsula of the same name in the north-west of the country; until a few years ago, the area was rural and not very touristy, but in recent times nature and sea lovers have discovered it and made it famous. In February and March it is ideal for whale and dolphin spotting

3. Jungle, Galle: this is reached through a tropical forest at the eastern end of Galle Bay, and once here you will find before you an expanse of fine sand, palm trees protecting you from the sun and a small kiosk.
   We suggest you arrive by tuk tuk and stay a few hours in complete relaxation.

4. Talalla: a half-moon of sand about 1 km long, where the only human presence is the fishermen's boats that are brought here after fishing. Surrounded by palm trees and often windy, it is not equipped but there is a small kiosk where you can eat.

5. Unawatuma: very lively with several hotels, restaurants and small kiosks. The fine, golden sand and rather calm sea make it a suitable place even for those with children, although it is often too crowded to really enjoy relaxing. Sea turtles can also be seen here between November and March.

6. Nilaveli, Trincomalee: has calm, crystal-clear waters like those of the Maldives and is not very touristy and very wild. Opposite, 1 km from the coast, is Pigeon Island, a small island surrounded by a coral reef perfect for diving and snorkelling enthusiasts who will easily encounter sharks and large sea turtles.

7. Uppuveli, Trincomalee: Smaller than Nilaveli, it features a golden sandy lagoon dotted with fishing boats, a Hindu temple on the seashore and some accommodation. Suitable for divers and snorkellers because many excursions to Pigeon Island and the reefs of Trincomalee depart from here. From May to October, the best times, whales and dolphins are often spotted.

8. Pasikudah Bay, Valaichchenai: The golden beach at dawn is filled with fishermen setting off on their fishing trips, leaving space for the few holidaymakers to sunbathe or do some sporting activities. From May to August, the sea is very calm, while September and October are perfect for surfing.

9. Arugam Bay, Pottuvil: Characterised by a half-moon shaped inlet covered with golden sand and enveloped in a quiet and relaxed atmosphere, this is a very small resort with several guesthouses and a few small places frequented by surfers. It is also an ideal base for those who want to explore the inland area or go birdwatching.

What to do in Sri Lanka: excursions and tours

Recommended itineraries

11 Day Itinerary: Classic Sri Lanka

1. Day 1: Arrival in Colombo and check-in at the hotel. Afternoon relaxation on the beach. Late afternoon visit to the lively fishing village of Negombo and its colourful local market

2. Day 2: Transfer to Habarana and Village Safari Tour, an experience to get in touch with the rural life of the local people. The excursion will be done using the usual local means: tuk-tuk, ox cart and boat

3. Day 3: Ascent to Sigyria Rock and visit to Polonnaruwa, one of the ancient capitals. You will visit: the Gal Vihara, a grandiose triptych of statues fashioned in a large monolithic granite rock and the remains of the Royal Palace

4. Day 4: Visit the rock temples of Dambulla. Depart for Kandy and stop at the Matale spice garden. Arrival in Kandy and check-in at the hotel. Visit to the town, the bazaar and the Temple of the Tooth where there is the relic of the tooth of Buddha

5. Day Five: Excursion to the Peradeniya Botanical Park. Continue to Pinnawela where you will visit the elephant orphanage. After lunch, return to Kandy and rest of the time at leisure to walk around the lake and around the town

6. Day 6: Depart for Nuwara Eliya,'Little England'. On the way, visit a tea plantation: tour a factory and walk among the plantations and pickers at work. On the way, stop at the Ramboda waterfalls.

7. Day 7: Transfer to Nanu Oya station and departure by train for Ella, a train that makes one of the country's most scenic journeys. Lunch on the train with box lunch. On arrival, visit of Ella and departure for Yala

8. Day 8: Jeep safari in Yala Park, home to numerous animal species including leopards, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes and birds. Continue to the south coast and accommodation at your choice of Tangalle, Mirissa, Hikkaduwa, Bentota

9. Day 9: Sea and relaxation or optional excursions, such as whale watching, dolphin watching and water sports in the ocean, snorkelling and sea turtles

10. Day10: sea and relaxation or possible excursions such as Weligama to see the fishermen at work, Ambalangoda to see the wooden mask factory, Kosgoda to visit the turtle restocking centre

11. Day 11: Depart for Colombo. En route, stop at the ancient Dutch fortress of Galle. Arrival in Colombo and sightseeing tour of the main tourist attractions. Transfer to the airport and departure for Italy

How much does it cost? Price details

• Price per person from: €1,190.00

• Price includes: accommodation in double rooms and half board, transfer by air-conditioned car or minibus with Italian speaking driver, entrance fees, 4x4 Jeep for safari, 24/24 assistance, government taxes, phone SIM card

• Price does not include: return international flights, lunches, drinks, tips and personal expenses

6-day itinerary: Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle

1. Day 1: arrival in Colombo and check-in at the hotel

2. Day 2: Depart for Anuradhapura, where you will visit the ruins of Isurumuniya, Ruwanweli Maha Saya and several Pagodas of the old capital. You will also see the Sri Maha Bodhi tree, a ficus tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment.

3. Day three: visit Polonnaruwa, the country's ancient capital, where you will see temples and ruins, including the famous Polonnaruwa Gal Viharaya

4. Day Four: Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, 5 caves containing statues and frescoes of Buddha and other deities. Ascent to the Rock of Sigiriya. Arrival at Kandy and performance of traditional dances

5. Day 5: Visit Kandy and its temples, including the famous Temple of Buddha's Tooth, the imposing temple of Bahirawakandha, Gadaladeniya and Ambekke. Finally, the Peredenyia Botanical Garden

6. Day 6: Transfer to Colombo International Airport for return to Italy

How much does it cost? Price details

• Price per person from: €650.00

• Price includes: overnight stays in double rooms and half board, transfer by air-conditioned car or minibus with Italian speaking driver, assistance 24 hours a day, government taxes

• Theprice does not include: return international flights, lunches, drinks, all entrance fees, tips and personal expenses

10-day itinerary: Wonders of Sri Lanka

1. Day 1: Arrival in Colombo and check-in at the hotel. In the afternoon sightseeing tour of the main attractions of the capital city

2. Day 2: Departure for Anuradhapura, where you will visit the ruins of Isurumuniya, Ruwanweli Maha Saya and several Pagodas of the old capital. You will also see the Sri Maha Bodhi tree, a ficus tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment

3. Day 3: Ascend the Sigyria Rock and visit Polonnaruwa, one of the ancient capitals. You will visit: the Gal Vihara, a grandiose triptych of statues fashioned in a large monolithic granite rock and the remains of the Royal Palace

4. Day 4: Visit the rock temples of Dambulla. Depart for Kandy and stop at the Matale spice garden. Arrival in Kandy and check-in at the hotel. Visit the town, the bazaar and the Temple of the Tooth where there is a relic of Buddha's tooth

5. Day Five: Short drive to Pinnawela to visit the Elephant Orphanage. Visit the Peradenyia Botanical Garden and return to Kandy with a stop at View Point and a visit to a local market

6. Day 6: Depart for Nuwara Eliya,'Little England'. En route, visit a tea plantation: tour a factory and walk among the plantations and pickers at work. On the way, stop at the Ramboda waterfalls

7. Day 7: Early morning (05:00) trekking on Horton Plain. Afterwards, continue on to Tissamaharama, stopping at Rawana Falls and the holy city of Kataragama, where you will witness a puja

8. Day 8: 4x4 safari in Yala National Park. On the way back, after breakfast and check-out, drive to Unawatuna, a town on the south coast

9. Day nine: Sea and relaxation or optional excursions, such as whale watching, dolphin watching and water sports in the ocean, snorkelling and sea turtles

10. Day 10: Departure for Colombo. En route, stop at the ancient Dutch fortress of Galle. Arrival at the airport in time for the return flight to Italy

How much does it cost? Price details

• Price per person from: €1,200.00

• Price includes: overnight stays in double rooms and half board, transfer by air-conditioned car or minibus with Italian-speaking driver, entrance fees, 4x4 Jeep for safari, 24-hour assistance, government taxes

• Price does not include: return international flights, lunches, drinks, all entrance fees, tips and personal expenses

How much does a holiday in Sri Lanka cost? Prices, offers and advice

Roughly speaking, a complete flight plus hotel package for a two-week holiday in Sri Lanka can start at €1,700 per person. Obviously, the price in question varies depending on a multitude of factors, ranging from the possibility of finding seasonal packages to the opportunity to take advantage of special offers, as well as from the class of the flight to the stars of the hotel. Of course, there is no shortage of proposals for group travel either.

As far as the cost ofliving is concerned, the costs are certainly acceptable. A dinner in an inexpensive restaurant costs about €4.00 per person, in a middle-class restaurant about €8.00 per person, while the high-end restaurants obviously cost more, although less than their Italian counterparts.
A taxi costs €0.25/km, a litre of petrol €0.64, and a one-way ticket for local transport about €0.10/0.15. The price of an Ayurvedic massage ranges from €20.00 to €30.00.

• Where to stay: Hotels, accommodation and B&Bs from €65.00 per room - see offers

• Cheap flights: from €431.85 - look at the offers

• Flight + hotel: 10 days from €717,00 per person - look at the offers

• Personalised quote: click here to request a personalised quote

Sri Lanka Images

Polonnaruwa Archaeological Site

Scenic Train to Ella, 9 Arches Bridge

Sigyria Rock

Anuradhapura, the sacred tree where Buddha had his enlightenment

Lighthouse of Galle, Sri Lanka

Buddha statues with the Colombo city skyline

Nuwara Elias, Sri Lanka's Little England

Dambulla rock temples

Temple of the Sacred Tooth of the Buddha, Kandy