Destinations
Sri Lanka
Known as the jewel of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is an incredible mix of gorgeous scenery and cultural heritage. This stunning destination is a paradise of pristine sandy beaches, blue skies, crystal clear waters and 1,330 kilometres of beautiful coast. Visitors can explore eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 15 national parks and 500,000 acres of tea plantations.
In the hill country, travellers can wake up to misty mornings, get close to over 50 waterfalls and discover a huge variety of plants, animals and beautiful tropical flowers in botanical gardens. Sri Lanka’s local Sinhalese, Tamil and Muslim populations welcome visitors with
warmth and pride, eager to share their culture, excellent cuisine and passion for cricket.
Highlights
Sightseeing.
Colonial architecture, ancient cities, Buddha temples,
tropical rainforests
Culture and entertainment.
Music, traditional dance shows, irresistible cuisine,
wildlife safari tours
Activities and sports.
Cricket, fishing, hiking, scuba diving, snorkelling, windsurfing
Major events.
Nawam Maha Perahera - elephant procession (February),
Vesak Festival - Buddhist Festival (May)
Useful information about Sri Lanka
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Language
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Sinhala, Tamil, English
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Currency
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LKR - Sri Lankan Rupee
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Dialing Code
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+94
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Time Zone
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Colombo GMT +6
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Flight time
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Abu Dhabi - Colombo 4:20
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Surrounded by the blue waters of the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal, Sri Lanka has an incredible choice of sensational beaches. North of Colombo is Negombo beach, which sits beside a lagoon and a charming fishing town, amidst lush groves and coconut palms. In the nearby town, you will find the Old Dutch Fort Gate built in 1672, the Dutch Canal, lively nightlife and an excellent choice of seafood dining. In the south of Sri Lanka you will find Ahungalla, an idyllic beach that is perfect for relaxing and getting away from it all. Another incredible beach is Koggala, which has a beautiful shoreline beside a lagoon. Here you can watch turtles hatching, visit a cinnamon or tea plantation, Buddhist temple, spice gardens and museums. Galle beach in the south of Colombo is famous for its scenic beauty, impressive coastline and a cultural heritage that dates back to King Solomon. Bentota beach, which is famous for its indigo sea and long stretches of golden sand, is the perfect place for a holiday.
Colombo is the largest city in Sri Lanka and is located on the west coast of the island. This busy and vibrant destination is bustling with colour and its lively streets, busy markets and impressive landmarks offer visitors a fantastic choice of things to see and do. The city has a fine colonial heritage, plenty of dining and shopping opportunities and offers visitors an urban buzz in an overwhelmingly rural country. Colombo is the political, economic and cultural centre of Sri Lanka and there are many cultural and historical attractions to discover in the city, including the Cinnamon Gardens and Pettah.
The ancient city of Sigiriya is situated on the top of an enormous granite rock surrounded by picturesque gardens. The origins of this UNESCO World Heritage Site are unclear and theories range from a King’s fortress or palace to a Buddhist monastery. Whatever its origins, one thing is clear, it is a fascinating place to visit. Kandy, Sri Lanka’s hill capital is often described as one of the most beautiful cities in the country. Surrounded by a range of mountains, it enjoys a cooler climate than most places in Sri Lanka. The main part of the city overlooks a scenic artificial lake built by the last king of Kandy in 1806. Near the lake is the Temple of the Tooth, said to house one of Buddha’s teeth. This has made it a tourist attraction especially during the Esala Perahera pageant, one of the most spectacular in Sri Lanka. Nuwara Eliya is blessed with clean, fresh air and breathtaking views of valleys, meadows, mountains and greenery. It was once favoured by the British, who wanted to turn it into a typical English Village.