Sri Lanka

Overview

Key Information

Capital City: Colombo

Timezone: UTC + 5:30

Population: 22.5 million

Official Language: Sinhala

Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee

Average Temperature: 27°C

Flight Time from UK: 12 hours non-stop (approx.)

Distance from Airport: 30km away from Colombo

A tropical paradise, Sri Lanka is one of the world’s forgotten gems.

Formerly known as Ceylon, Sri Lanka is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean.

Sri Lanka’s capital city is Colombo which began as a small seaport. The name is thought to have come from the Sinhala word “kolomba” which means port or harbour.

Sri Lanka has something for everyone …

Golden sandy beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, ancient ruins, religious places of worship, and the hustle and bustle of city life is just a snippet of what is on offer.

The country boasts a rich ethnic diversity with a racial and cultural mix which have blended uniquely over the years creating the charm and charisma that is quintessentially Sri Lanka.

This destination has been voted the top country to visit in 2019 by the Lonely Planet Travel Guide.

Sri Lanka

Location

Click below to explore a selection of the Hotels we offer! We can tailor your holiday to your time and budget as you can choose any duration for your holiday.
5 Star Resorts
Small Luxury Resorts
4 Star Resorts
3 Star Resorts

Sri Lanka

Before you travel

What To Wear

Due to the high heat and humidity, clothes made from cotton, linen and silk are recommended. Avoid any synthetic materials. Light wool is a perfect material as it keeps you warm in the cold and cool in the heat. Dark clothes should be avoided as they attract the heat.

As expected, the temperature gets very hot during the daytime. It is essential to take a good quality sun cream. A sun hat and sunglasses are also a good choice. To avoid any unwanted insect bites, mosquito/insect repellent is recommended.

If you are visiting a Buddhist temple, ensure that you keep your body covered including your shoulders (we would recommend packing a sarong or wraparound ‘David Beckham style’). If visiting a Buddhist or Hindu shrine, make sure you remove any hats or footwear.

Most resorts have a relaxed dress policy but modesty is expected.

Emergency Numbers

Police Emergency Hotline – 118 / 119

Ambulance / Fire & rescue – 110

Tourist Police – 011-2421052

Working Hours

The typical working week in Sri Lanka is Monday to Friday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

Banks and post offices differ opening at 9:00 AM and closing at 3:00 PM.

Currency

The currency of Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee.

1 Sri Lankan Rupee equals approximately £0.0045.

225 Sri Lankan Rupee equals approximately £1.

Tipping

Those in the service industry are often dependent on tip income and are generally grateful for any tips received, especially if they have provided prompt and exceptional service.

Tips in Sri Lanka have to be earned and are not expected. Tips can be given to housekeeping staff, porters, barmen, guides and drivers.

It is free to visit a temple but you can make a small donation of around 500 Sri Lankan Rupees if you wish.

Time

Sri Lanka is 5 hrs 30 mins ahead of GMT.

Driving

If you are planning on driving in Sri Lanka, you will be pleased to hear that they drive on the left. To drive in Sri Lanka you will need an international driving permit and a Sri Lankan recognition permit.

Electricity

Electricity supply is 220V to 240V, 50Hz AC.

The standard socket is the UK-style three-pin, although there are some variations, so an international adaptor can be useful.

International Country Code

The International dialling code is +94

Travel Aware

Travel Aware Logo

Travel Aware – Staying Safe and Healthy Abroad

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office and National Travel Health Network and Centre have up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy whilst abroad.

For the latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information check www.gov.uk/travelaware and follow @FCOtravel and Facebook.com/FCOtravel

The advice can change so check regularly for updates.

Sri Lanka

Activities

Below are some of the activities which we think are a must in Sri Lanka! Like any of these? Spotted something else which you like the look of? Let us know and we can make this happen!

Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

Explore Anuradhapura City

Cultural Shows

Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka

Wilpattu National Park

Tea Plantation in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

Tea Plantation in Nuwara Eliya

Minneriya National Park

Minneriya National Park

Train ride through Nuwara Eliya

Trip to Peradeniya Gardens

Dambulla Cave Temple, Sri Lanka

Trip to Dambulla Cave Temple

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, Sri Lanka

Trip to the Temple of the Tooth

Galle, Sri Lanka

Trip to Galle, Sri Lanka

SriLanka-Amaya Hills-Treks to Hanthana Mountain Range - Copy

Treks to Hanthana Mountain Range

Trips to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Sri Lanka

Accomodation

We have a range of hotels available, browse through them below until you find your favourite. If you need any more information on any of the hotels please ask, we will be happy to help!

Cultural Triangle

Ulagalla Resort

Amaya Signature Cultural Triangle

Signature by Amaya

Jetwing Vil Uyana Cultural Triangle

Jetwing Vil Uyana

Chena Huts by UGA Escapes Yala

Chena Huts by UGA Escapes

Sri Lanka - Araliya Green Hills Hotel - Nuwara Eliya -IMG_0841 Nuwara Eliya

Araliya Green Hills Hotel

Amaya Beach, Passikudah, Sri Lanka East Coast

Amaya Beach

SriLanka-Amaya Bungalow-Bungalow pool Kandy

Amaya Bungalow

SriLanka-Amaya Hills-Aerial View Kandy

Amaya Hills

SriLanka-Amaya Hunas Falls -Aerial View Kandy

Amaya Hunas Falls

SriLanka-Amaya Lake - Poolside Cultural Triangle

Amaya Lake

SriLanka-Amaya Langdale-Aerial View Nuwara Eliya

Amaya Langdale

SriLanka-The Oliphant-01 Nuwara Eliya

The Oliphant

SriLanka-Fisherman'sBay-FB_Exterior_1 Weligama

Fisherman's Bay

Sigiriya Village, Sri Lanka Cultural Triangle

Sigiriya Village

SriLanka-The Palms -TP_Exterior_9 Beruwala

The Palms

Shangri-La, Sri Lanka Hanbantota

Shangri-La

Mantara

Amaloh by Jetwing

Sri Lanka

Flights

You can fly from most UK airports to Sri Lanka; London Heathrow (LHR), Manchester (MAN), Cardiff (CWL), Birmingham (BHX), Edinburgh (EDI), Glasgow (GLA), Newcastle (NCL) to name a few. Most flights are with a stopover in the Middle East.

Your flight time is approximately 6 hrs 45 mins from a UK airport to Dubai (DXB) with a typical transfer time of 2 hrs 30 mins for some retail therapy or to stretch your legs.

The flight time from Dubai (DXB) to Colombo (CMB) is approximately 4 hrs 30 mins.

Sri Lankan Airlines flies direct from London Heathrow (LHR) to Colombo (CMB) with a flight time of approximately 11 hrs 15 mins.

Sri Lanka

Booking & Contact

Give us a call or fill in the form and we can start planning your tailor made holiday.

A tropical paradise, Sri Lanka is one of the world’s forgotten gems.

Formerly known as Ceylon, Sri Lanka is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean.

Sri Lanka’s capital city is Colombo which began as a small seaport. The name is thought to have come from the Sinhala word “kolomba” which means port or harbour.

Sri Lanka has something for everyone …

Golden sandy beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, ancient ruins, religious places of worship, and the hustle and bustle of city life is just a snippet of what is on offer.

The country boasts a rich ethnic diversity with a racial and cultural mix which have blended uniquely over the years creating the charm and charisma that is quintessentially Sri Lanka.

This destination has been voted the top country to visit in 2019 by the Lonely Planet Travel Guide.

Make sure to tell us what would make this a once in a lifetime experience for you!