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Sri Lanka holidays 2025/2026
Temples, jungles and lush tea plantations
Whether you’re travelling in a group on one of our escorted tours or choose to go it alone on an independent Tailor-Made itinerary, Sri Lanka is guaranteed to captivate your imagination, as well as your senses. This tropical isle is intricately woven through with myths and legend, gemstones, and spice. Formerly known as Ceylon, the jewel-shaped ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’, offers golden beaches, tropical jungles, and lofty mountain peaks.
In the lush interior you'll find verdant tea plantations said to produce the best cup of char in the world, while the island's ancient Buddhist heritage offers tranquil temples and a fascinating past to explore.
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Highlights of Sri Lanka holidays
Teardrop-shaped Sri Lanka may be a small island but it has a lot to offer if you’re after a one-of-a-kind getaway. It’s blessed with beautiful, refreshingly undeveloped beaches and diverse landscapes ranging from lush jungles to tea plantations. In this ‘Land of Serendipity’, you can spot whales, track leopards, and explore the holy mountain of Adam’s Peak – believed to have the sacred footprint of Buddha.
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Colombo, Sri Lanka's capital, deserves a spot on your must-visit list. It packs a punch with its blend of tropical landscape, colonial architecture, and modern cityscape. Soak up the buzzy atmosphere and dreamy sunsets at Galle Face Green Promenade, where you can mingle with local people and dine out on delicious street food. And don't miss the bustling Pettah Market, where you’ll find anything and everything, from handcrafted jewellery to eclectic kitchen wares.
"Sri Lanka is probably my dream destination as 30 years ago I went there for my honeymoon and returned in 2023. The scenery is fantastic and so diverse, from the beautiful countryside in Nuwara Eliya to the superb beaches down south you really do have everything. The people are very friendly, and the food is wonderful."
Martin Johnson, Travel Consultant
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Key Sri Lanka travel information
Sri Lanka is located at the foot of India, in the middle of the Indian Ocean, and almost midway between the Middle East and southeast Asia.
The rupee is the currency in Sri Lanka but you will not be able to obtain any until you arrive and will not be able to take any home.
We therefore suggest you don’t change too much money at one time and also beware of confusing the 500 rupee note with the rather similar 100 rupee one – it could be a costly mistake!
It takes around eleven-and-a-half hours to fly from London to Colombo.
You will need a visa to enter Sri Lanka. This can be applied for online before departure at the Electronic Travel Authority [Online Visa Application ()]. If you wait until your arrival to apply, you will face a delay at the airport.
It’s wise to stay up to date with the vaccinations you need as usual at home (flu, for example) and you’re advised to also be up to date with your tetanus vaccination.
Tipping is part of life in Sri Lanka and most people offering a service will expect a gratuity.
Many hotels and restaurants will automatically add a service charge but it is worth bearing in mind that this will not necessarily find its way to the person who served you.
When visiting temples, you will normally be shown around by a resident monk or priest, who will expect a dollar or two at the end of the tour. Drivers will expect a tip of around $5-10 per day.
Sri Lanka is five and a half hours ahead of the UK.
There are two official languages in Sri Lanka: Sinhala and Tamil. You should be able to find someone who speaks English in tourist areas.
Discover a holiday created with you in mind. We take care of all the finer details, so you can sit back and relax, safe in the knowledge that you’re getting the high quality and personalised service you’d expect from Saga, every time.
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