Sri Lanka Holidays

You can book your Sri Lanka holiday online by simply choosing from our huge range of flights and hotels to create your own unique arrangement. By booking with Unwind Worldwide you can be asssured that our Sri Lanka holidays represent excellent value for money. We pride ourselves in sourcing the cheapest offers on the best flights and hotels.

Booking a holiday to Sri Lanka online is simple, safe and secure. However, should you have any questions, our Reservations Team are always are on hand to help you book your ideal holiday to Sri Lanka. You can contact our team via LiveHelp or by telephoning 0203 282 7684.

Sri Lanka Travel Guide

Sri Lanka is a beautiful and timelessly popular country, often referred to under various pseudonyms, from Ceylon to Pearl of the Orient and the Tear of India to Serendib, despite these many guises, anyone who has ever travelled here and they will tell you emphatically that its attractions are obvious, unchanging and inherently stunning.

Set in the Indian Ocean in South Asia, the tropical island nation of Sri Lanka has a history dating back to the birth of time. It is a place where the original soul of Buddhism still flourishes and where natures beauty remains abundant and unspoilt.

Visitors to this wonderful destination will not only see some of the most mesmerising, glorious beaches – spreading south of Colombo for no less than 136 kilometres – but also an impressive quota of seven World Heritage Sites. Few places in the world can offer the traveler such a remarkable combination of stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, captivating cultural heritage and unique experiences within such a compact location. Within a mere area of65, 610 kilometres lie 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 1,330 kilometres of coastline – much of it pristine beach – 15 national parks showcasing an abundance of wildlife, nearly 500,000 acres of lush tea estates, 250 acres of botanical gardens, 350 waterfalls, 25,000 water bodies, to a culture that extends back to over 2,500 years.

Sri Lanka offers some of the most outstanding natural beauty in the world, as well as some unspeakably grand temples, palaces, ruins and ancient cities that reflect the countrys rich heritage and vast history, dating back to 380BC. A mystical cocktail of waterfalls, elephants, leopards, sweeping mountain ranges, exotic beaches, friendly locals and virgin rainforest, youll undoubtedly return from Sri Lanka with more than your fair share of memories and a clear idea of where youd like to cover off on your next visit!

Sri Lanka is steeped in heritage. With a history that dates back over 2,000 years, Sri Lanka is home to some of the best preserved Asian monuments and showcases no fewer than 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites, all remarkably preserved to surpass more well–known world class attractions. To this day Sri Lankas centuries old heritage lives on, in the culture and the way of life of the Sri Lankan people. The rich tapestry of cultural practice, beliefs and the traditional way of life renews and revives this Island nations historic ties, creating an oasis of cultural richness in the modern day.

Sri Lanka is a small miracle partly due to the compact physical diversity of this pearl–shaped island – but, as we shall see, this diversity extends to virtually every aspect of life. Fringed by variously–shaped sublime beaches, from straight expanse to rocky cove, the island possesses a coastal plain containing a host of geographic features such as lagoons, wetlands, rivers and various types of wildlife–rich jungle.

For first time visitors, we recommend that your dream Sri Lanka holiday comprises a combination of overland touring of Sri Lankas cultural and natural highlights and a beach holiday on the areas amazing coastline.

Things to do

The adventure seeker is spoilt for choice in Sri Lanka. The thrills on offer are endless and range along the spectrum from an enjoyable day of golf or cricket to the adrenaline rush of wave riding or paragliding. The waterfalls in the hill country provide ample kayaking and canoeing opportunities whilst the great Mahaweli River Sri Lankas longest provide ample rapids for those seeking the adrenaline rush of white water rafting. Camping and trekking in the Central Highlands is of the most earthy, real experiences for those who are looking to go back to nature. Backpacking and cycling are great ways to discover this mysterious island and allow for travellers to feel, taste and hear Sri Lanka, untainted. Hot Air Ballooning above Sigiriya or over the cultural triangle gives an ethereal perspective to the kingdoms of yore.

Closely following the Buddhist tradition of conservation that dates back over 2,000 years, Sri Lanka features no fewer than nine national parks and seven bird sanctuaries. Among the 12, 259 endangered species listed by the World Conservation Union, 43 can be found in the islands national parks. Sri Lanka though small in size is one of the few places on earth where the worlds largest land and sea mammals can be seen in a day. Home to the inimitable Asian Elephant, Sri Lankas southern Ocean waters are the playground to the giants of the sea– the docile Blue Whales. Varied landscape, wildlife, and archaeological sites offers excellent opportunities for trekking. Nature trails of exceptional interest include the Sinharaja rainforest, the cloud–forests of Horton Plains, the Knuckles (mountain range), and Hakgala Strict Natural Reserve.

Sri Lanka wasnt called Serendib by coincidence. As the Persians scoured the seas in search of Oriental treasures, they happened upon a mystical island in the Indian Ocean. This island, a land of great treasures and surprises was named Serendib. Latterly, in modern day English the term Serendipity denotes the property of making fortunate discoveries while looking for something unrelated. Today, Sri Lanka is no different. It is a land of serendipity, one where as you search for one moment of bliss you discover a thousand more. Try one of the worlds oldest forms of healing, Ayurveda derived from the Sanskrit words for life (ayuh) and knowledge or science (veda) originated in India more than 3,000 years ago and soon spread to Sri Lanka, where Sinhalese kings established Ayurveda treatment centres in the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa.

Shopping

Shopping in Sri Lanka can take many forms: haggling with a handicraft–seller while sunbathing on the beach; choosing fruit from the traditional village store, the kad, while side–stepping sacks of rice; or checking out the bargain–priced latest international fashions (Sri Lanka is a major garment exporter) while enjoying the ambience of a luxurious shopping centre in Colombo. And theres much inbetween. Visit a handicraft shop and familiarize yourself with traditional designs such as makara (a mythical animal, lion, swan, elephant and lotus which are most evident in brasswork (boxes, trays, lanterns, vases) and silverware (ornately carved and filigree jewellery, tea–sets) that make excellent souvenirs. In addition, ritual masks, lacquer ware, batik and handloom textiles, lace, and wood carvings are popular.

Bars and Nightlife

After all the pampering why not experience Sri Lankas vibrant nightlife. From chic relaxing cocktail lounges, and modern international restaurants to lively pubs, tapas bars and sports bars boasting snooker tables and large–screen TVs, theres something for everyone. With ever–popular karaoke bars, nightclubs showcasing new musical talent, and pulsating discos – the choice is endless. And if youre feeling lucky, Colombos five casinos offer roulette, baccarat, poker and blackjack – and a lot more besides.

This is an island of magical proportions, once known as Serendib, Taprobane, the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, and Ceylon. Discover refreshingly Sri Lanka!