Explore Sri lanka

Exploring and Enjoying

Sri Lanka…

An extraordinary variety of landscapes, cultures and wildlife in one remarkable island.

One of the great pleasures of spending longer periods in Sri Lanka is discovering just how much there is to explore. This is an island where an entirely different landscape, climate or cultural experience may be only a few hours away.

From the energy of Colombo, you can travel south to the historic streets of Galle, where centuries-old fortifications, galleries and cafés sit beside the Indian Ocean. Head inland and the scenery changes to lush valleys, mist-covered mountains and the sweeping green landscapes of the tea country.

In Kandy, the traditions of the island’s ancient kingdoms remain part of everyday life. The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, religious ceremonies, music and festivals offer a connection to a cultural heritage that is very much alive. Elsewhere, ancient cities, Buddhist temples, Hindu shrines, mosques and colonial architecture reveal the many influences that have shaped Sri Lanka over centuries.

And then there is the wildlife.

For a relatively small island, Sri Lanka offers remarkable biodiversity. Its national parks provide opportunities to see wild elephants, leopards, sloth bears, crocodiles and an extraordinary variety of birdlife. A safari in Yala, a gathering of elephants around Minneriya or a boat journey through Gal Oya can become part of a short excursion rather than a once-in-a-lifetime holiday.

Perhaps the most appealing aspect is the contrast. You might spend a weekend beside a tropical beach, the next in the cooler air of the hill country, and another exploring an ancient city or watching wildlife in its natural habitat.

For those of us accustomed to travelling considerable distances to experience such variety, Sri Lanka’s compact geography is a particular advantage.

And for someone spending several months here each year, there is no need to see everything at once. You can discover the island gradually, returning to favourite places while finding somewhere new with each visit.

That is one of the joys of making Sri Lanka part of your life: the freedom to explore an extraordinary island at your own pace, with a familiar home to return to.