Sri Lanka Holidays
Sri Lanka holidays offer all the joys of the island's larger cousin, India, with more intimate gems for intrepid travellers to discover. The country's culture dates back over 2,500 years. Steeped in Buddhist and Hindu tradition, you can sample delicious local delicacies such as roti or wattalapam, served in the traditional way on a plantain or lotus leaf.
Why not learn exotic dances like Kandyan or Sabaragamuwa? Alternatively, try a night at the theatre, where you can experience ancient instruments in gorgeous venues like the Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre. Sri Lanka boasts an extensive road network, making it easy for exploring couples, while visitors seeking relaxation can decompress with a cup of the country’s native Ceylon tea, considered to be among the healthiest in the world.
Luxury holidays in Sri Lanka
At Hayes & Jarvis we offer fantastic holidays with extensive destinations. Our top level experience spans over 65 years and means we can answer all the questions others can't. No matter whether you're seeking relaxing times for a beach-based honeymoon or looking to find luxury hotels across a range of destinations, we can help.
Book our Dubai, Sri Lanka and Maldives multi centre holiday which will offer you a fantastic balance of city centre excitement and beach tranquillity. Alternatively, try the Sri Lankan Culture, Wildlife and Beach multi centre for a truly stimulating introduction to the island's attractions. Or try the India and Sri Lanka multi centre to undertake an exploration of stunning scope and scale.
Destination Highlights
Great sample itineraries
Here's a selection of popular itineraries to give you some ideas. But almost anything's possible so call us now and we'll create an amazing holiday just for you.
Classic Ceylon
Classic Ceylon is a popular comprehensive tour, taking in Sri Lanka's rich history, fascinating culture and beautiful scenery while spending your nights in a range of Sri Lanka's most superior hotels. From seeing the rolling tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya...
Iconic journeys
Sri Lanka Tour and Beach Stay Multi Centre
Guide Price £2,899 pp
Journey through Sri Lanka's vibrant culture, rich heritage and vast natural landscapes on our seven night Classic Ceylon tour. Test your limits and climb up the ancient fortress of Sigiriya Rock and capture the stunning view from the top. Witness...
Wildlife holidays
India and Sri Lanka Multi Centre
Guide Price £3,739 pp
Embark on a journey of epic proportions when you combine the cultural hot spots that are India and Sri Lanka. Beginning in the north of India, visit the sights that make up the infamous Golden Triangle - Old and New...
Escorted tours
Sri Lanka and The Maldives Multi Centre
Guide Price £4,399 pp
The former Ceylon, Sri Lanka is the emerald isle of the Indian Ocean and is bursting with diverse landscapes and marvels to be explored. Enjoy the rolling hills of the tea plantations, the diverse wildlife including leopards in Yala National...
Family holidays
Our favourite hotels
Our favourite places to stay are below. We know everyone is different, so if you can’t see something you like, we'd be more than happy to help.
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Sri Lanka will do its best to enchant you. After all, this is the land of mist-shrouded landscapes, ancient ruins and enthralling wildlife. Discover the ruins of Polonnaruwa and Galle and sip tea among the plantations of Nuwara Eliya.
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![Temple of the Tooth by night]( "Temple of the Tooth by night")
Temple of the Tooth
This mysterious 17th century temple, the legendary home of the Buddha’s tooth, is one of Sri Lanka’s most captivating. See the six golden caskets the tooth was hidden in after it was smuggled here in the hair of a princess.
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![Elephant transit home - Udawalawe]( "Elephant transit home - Udawalawe")
Udawalawe National Park
This once small nature reserve is now an attraction to thousands every year. Everyone who visits takes away the amazing experience of the vast areas of roaming space and the mix of wildlife that inhabit it.
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![Market stall selling local produce]( "Market stall selling local produce")
Sri Lanka Cuisine
Likened to South Indian cuisine, Sri Lankan flavours are dominated by spices, coconut and chillies, with the island's dishes considered among the worlds hottest. While standard foods are spicy, many restaurants tone the chilli content down for tourists.
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![Sigiriya Rock Fortress]( "Sigiriya Rock Fortress")
Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Built on and around a towering 200-metre-high rock, this is just one of Sri Lanka's World Heritage Sites.
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![Dambulla cave temple]( "Dambulla cave temple")
Dambulla Rock Temple
Dating back to the 1st century, and containing stunning Buddhist murals, this is the best-preserved temple in Sri Lanka.
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![Reclining Buddha at Polonnaruwa]( "Reclining Buddha at Polonnaruwa")
Polonnaruwa
See the remains of this remarkable city, filled with ruins, statues, and Brahmanic monuments.
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Martyn
Destination Manager
“Without a doubt the best way to see Sri Lanka is to tour it. Using a private guide, you can completely tailor your itinerary to see what you really want to. Then, after you have seen Sri Lanka’s rich culture and history, head to the beach for a few nights of relaxation.”
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Katie
Destination Specialist
“Be sure to visit the fortified town of Galle on the South West tip of the island. This town was built by the Portuguese, and Dutch, and has the feel of an old European city. It’s without doubt my favourite town in Sri Lanka.”
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Clive
Content Editor
“If you get the chance, try travelling by train from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya. This route winds through the heart of the Sri Lankan countryside. See the working tea plantations and the small rural villages that would be missed by car. If you are feeling really daring, try sitting with your feet out the side of the carriage.”
Our Sri Lanka destinations
Types of Sri Lanka holidays
Frequently Asked Questions
Flights to Sri Lanka take approximately 10 hours and 30 minutes. There are currently direct flight options from London Heathrow to Bandaranaike International Airport near Colombo, with Sri Lankan Airlines and daily stop-over flights from London and other UK airports.
The beaches in Sri Lanka have clean, white or golden sand and the Indian Ocean provides excellent diving opportunities and is generally very safe for swimming and watersports. Some of the most popular include Hikkaduwa Beach, Negombo Beach and Bentota Beach.
More Sri Lanka inspiration
Where to spot elephants
If you love elephants, then discover where to go to meet them, responsibly, in their natural environment, in game reserves and sanctuaries where their preservation and welfare is the highest priority.
Best things to do in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a country of amazing contrasts, from stunning wildlife encounters to ancient rock fortresses and exquisite cuisine - read our blog for inspiration for your next visit to the Emerald Isle of the Indian Ocean.
Five star and fabulous in Sri Lanka - The Fortress
Immerse yourself in one of Sri Lanka's most luxurious resorts - The Fortress near the old Dutch-colonial city of Galle. For romantic retreats with WOW factor, this beautiful hotel has it all.
Sri Lanka: The Pearl of The Indian Ocean
Discover why everyone's going to Sri Lanka, from elephant orphanages, to the impressive views from Sigiriya Rock and the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, see what this stunning country has to offer.
