From the stunning coastline to its lush green tea plantations and the welcoming nature of locals, Sri Lanka is a true paradise for travelers. Sandwiched by the vast country of India and the famous archipelago of the Maldives, most tourists often overlook it in favor of its neighbors. But over the recent years, the South Asian country is gaining popularity. So, before it can get crowded with tourists, it's time to plan a luxury trip to this gem of the Indian Ocean.
To make the most of your holiday, here are some tips for creating the perfect luxury holiday to Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka's proximity to the equator ensures the country enjoys a pleasantly warm and stable temperature throughout the year. Therefore, the best time to visit Sri Lanka will depend on the type of activities you wish to do. For instance, if you want to spend most of your time outdoors, which you'll likely be, avoid visiting during the monsoon season.
Sri Lanka is renowned for its magnificent beaches. If you're here for the beach, the best time to visit is from November to April, with the best weather between late November and April. Expect the beaches to be busy during this time, especially in popular resorts like Mirissa and Hikkaduwa. If you want to avoid the crowd, try to visit during the shoulder season. While there's the occasional rain, you can avoid sharing the beach with crowds of tourists.
The wildlife is another reason visitors come to Sri Lanka. While the country offers excellent year-round wildlife-watching conditions, the best time to spot leopards, elephants, buffalos, and other animals is between November and April. The country's wildlife parks are open and dry during this team, and you'll see animals gathering around water holes, making them easier to spot.
Before booking your flight ticket and hotel, plan what you wish to do in Sri Lanka. Despite being small, Sri Lanka packs a punch, offering numerous activities and attractions for visitors. So, decide which places to visit and activities to do to make the most of your trip.
Wildlife lovers should consider a safari in Sri Lanka. While there are plenty of places to enjoy incredible wildlife counters, Yala National Park is the top destination. The reason is that it's home to the world's highest leopard densities, which means you'll have a higher chance of seeing these fascinating animals at Yala.
Be sure to visit some of Sri Lanka's top attractions, including the Temple of the Sacred Tooth in Kandy. The magnificent temple complex houses the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha. Another attraction worth visiting is the Jetavanarama stupa in Anuradhapura. Dating back to the 3rd century, it attracts thousands of Buddhist pilgrims.
The best place to end your holiday in Sri Lanka is on the beach. While Mirissa and Hikaduwa are the most popular, Arugam Bay is much quieter. It's on the country's southeast coast, featuring powdery soft sands and coconut palms, offering the perfect place to relax and unwind.
With plenty to see and do, booking tailor-made holidays in Sri Lanka makes planning easier. You can customize the trip according to your interests and preferences, allowing you to make the most of your visit.
Tailor-made holidays are unique itineraries where every part of the trip suits your budget, taste, style, and preferences. So, if you're into wildlife, your holiday can include a safari at Yala National Park, whale watching in Mirissa, and swimming with sea turtles at Polhena Beach.
On the other hand, if you prefer a holiday that allows you to immerse and discover the local culture, you can tailor your trip to include visiting Buddhist temples, including those found in Sigiriya Rock and Pidurangala. Your trip can also include visiting local villages and attending a cooking class with a local family.
Nature lovers and those fond of outdoor adventures can book holidays that include trekking the misty mountains of Haputale and exploring the region's tea plantations, watching the sunrise over Little Adam's Peak, and climbing the massive rock fortress of Sigiriya.
While you can enjoy a DIY trip to Sri Lanka, you can save yourself the hassles if you book tours and excursions. It's especially crucial if you visit during the peak season when the top activities can get fully booked. If you want to minimize issues that can happen on your trip, booking tours and excursions ahead is the way to go.
Another benefit is booking tours saves you time. As you know, time is precious when you're on holiday. If you wait until you get to Sri Lanka to book tours, you could waste time looking through different options and finding the best deal. So, save yourself from these hassles by booking ahead.
Booking tours can also save you money. If you don't book ahead, you could spend more when you're in Sri Lanka. The cost of tours usually increases as your departure date nears, so book as early as possible.
Another great thing about booking tours and excursions before your trip is you can set up special requests. For instance, if you are celebrating a special occasion or want to surprise your partner by proposing during your safari, you can inform the company of your plan so they can make the necessary arrangements.
To avoid spoiling your holiday, pack appropriately. Create a travel packing list to ensure you will not forget anything. The things to pack will depend on the weather and the activities you plan to do. If you're wondering what to pack for your trip to Sri Lanka, the list below will guide you.
