7 Reasons to Travel to Sri Lanka with Llama Travel
At Llama Travel, our group size on average is 11 people, with a maximum of 18, which makes it easier to get around. Whether you are climbing the ancient rock fortress or walking through the busy market in Kandy for a glimpse of daily life in Sri Lanka, travelling in a smaller group helps you enjoy each experience without feeling rushed. It also gives you more opportunities to interact with your guide, ask questions, and gain a deeper understanding of Sri Lanka’s culture, history and traditions.
At Llama Travel, we offer both standard and superior hotel options, giving you the flexibility to choose what suits you the best. Our standard hotels are comfortable and offer a calm retreat away from the bustle, with modern facilities and scenic views. Superior hotels offer extra comfort, and the Grand Hotel in Nuwara Eliya is set in a colonial mansion.
What’s more, our itineraries are designed to give you the flexibility to decide how you want your holiday to be, with a range of excursions to choose from. If you’re interested in wildlife, you can take game drives in wildlife parks. If you’re looking for adventure, take the End of the World Hike. If you’re interested in Buddhist history, explore caves filled with Buddha statues and ancient cities. Choose what you want to make the most of your time in Sri Lanka.
Cultural Triangle:
The Cultural Triangle is Sri Lanka’s heart of history and heritage. Climb Lion Rock, an ancient rock fortress with lion-shaped gateways and palace ruins. Explore the ruins of the ancient capital of Polonnaruwa, and the Dambulla Cave Temples which contains over 2,000 years of art, with more than 150 Buddha statues.
Kandy
Kandy was the last stronghold of the Sinhalese monarchy. Explore the Royal Botanical Gardens, home to over 4,000 species of plants, including the largest Orchid in the world. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth, which holds one of Buddhism’s most sacred relics - a tooth of the Buddha. Then stroll through Kandy’s bustling market to see local fruits, spices, and textiles.
Nuwara Eliya
Situated in the hill country, Nuwara Eliya is Sri Lanka’s most important tea-producing region. You can’t miss the brightly coloured workers picking leaf tips on the nearby estates. The town has a strong connection with UK and is often referred to as ‘Little England’ thanks to its cool climate and colonial architecture.
Llama Travel’s itineraries are designed to give you the best chance to see some of the country’s excellent wildlife. Take a jeep safari in Yala National Park, which has the highest density of leopards in the world, as well as Asian elephants, crocodiles, and diverse bird species. Enjoy an early-morning game drive, giving you the best chance of spotting local wildlife, and return in the afternoon if you would like another chance to spot the wildlife.
Take a safari game drive in Wasgamuwa National Park, a quieter park with fewer safari vehicles on the trails. Look for wild elephants, and spot the varied birdlife. Wasgamuwa means ‘forest of sloth bear’, and the park is said to contain the greatest number of sloth bears in Sri Lanka.
The train journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya is one of the world’s most picturesque rail routes, winding past tea estates, traditional villages, forests, and gushing waterfalls. The journey takes around four hours, giving you plenty of time to sit back and enjoy the scenery of Sri Lanka’s central highlands.
This laid-back beach town is the perfect spot to round off your trip, with miles of sandy beaches to relax on or just lie around the hotel pool. Kalutara is less than two hours from Colombo, making it perfect to relax and head straight to the airport for your flight home.
Our travel experts have experienced Sri Lanka first-hand, so when you speak to us, you’re getting advice from people who’ve actually been there. With our knowledge and experience, we’ll help you create a holiday that’s planned perfectly for you, and filled with memories to last a lifetime.
About Sri Lanka
KEY FACTS
- When to Travel: November to August
- Population: 22 million
- Area: 65,610 km2
- Capital City: Colombo (population of approximately 5.6 million)
- Languages Spoken: Sinhala, Tamil and English
- Time Difference: GMT + 5 1/2 hour
- Flying time from the UK: approximately 11 hours
- Key Destinations: Cultural Triangle, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Yala National Park, Galle, Bentota
The name Sri Lanka means “Resplendent Island”, and nothing could be more appropriate for this lush tropical paradise. Sri Lanka’s vast forests are home to elephants, leopards, bears, monkeys and crocodiles, as well as a diversity of birdlife.
Sri Lanka has a rich cultural heritage starting with the Sinhala Kingdom, which reigned from the 6th century BC right up until 19th century when the British took over. The Sinhalese kings left behind grand royal complexes, such as the towering fortress of Lion Rock, and the royal palaces in Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura. In the 3rd century BC, Buddhism was introduced to the island. It was quickly embraced by the royal families, who made it the official state religion. Today, Sri Lanka has the longest continuous history of Buddhism of any Buddhist nation. Holy sites such as the Dambulla Cave temples have been in continuous use for over 2,000 years, and can still be visited today.
Sri Lanka Highlights
Sri Lanka Gallery
FAQs
Before You Go
A: Yes, all visitors to Sri Lanka, including British nationals, require an electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which must be obtained online in advance, and for which there is a cost. You can apply for single-entry and transit visas on the ETA website. For more information, see the website of the Sri Lanka High Commission. For British passports endorsed in any way and all other passports, please ask the Sri Lankan consulate. You need a passport with two blank pages, valid for six months after your return to the UK.
A: British citizens travelling to Sri Lanka must have a passport with at least six months' validity remaining after their return to the UK and two blank pages. An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is also required before travelling. You can apply for single-entry and transit visas on the ETA website.
A: We recommend checking the latest health advice before you travel. Please consult your GP or a travel health clinic to discuss any vaccination or medication requirements for your trip. Up-to-date guidance for travellers is available from NaTHNaC.
A: Lightweight, breathable clothing is ideal for the tropical coast and lowlands. If you plan to visit the hill country, bring a jumper or fleece for cooler evenings. Modest dress (shoulders and knees covered) is appreciated when visiting temples or local villages. A sun-hat, insect repellent, and a plug adaptor for Sri Lanka’s sockets are also good to have.
A: Electricity in Sri Lanka is 230V, and there are two plug standards: British (3 square pins) and D-type (3 round pins). British plug sockets are fairly ubiquitous, but we still recommend taking an adapter.
Practical Information
A: Temperatures in Sri Lanka vary depending on where you are. Along the coast, daytime highs often reach 30°C or more, while in the Central Highlands temperatures can fall below 10°C at night. The west and south coasts, including Bentota, are driest from December to March, while the Cultural Triangle stays warm year-round. The hill country around Kandy and Nuwara Eliya is cooler and can be misty in the mornings. Rain is possible at any time of year and can be heavy, but showers are usually short-lived.
A: The currency in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR).
A: Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, larger shops and restaurants, and ATMs are available in most cities. However, we recommend carrying some local currency for smaller purchases, markets and local shops.
A: Unlike the UK, tipping is very much a way of life in Sri Lanka. If you receive good service, you may want to leave a tip. This is completely at your discretion. If you want to tip guides, £3–5 per person per day is usual if you are in a group. Approximately £2–3 is usual for drivers or transfer staff.
A: Sri Lankans are friendly and welcoming, and visitors are treated with kindness and respect. When visiting temples, cover your shoulders and knees, remove shoes and hats, and avoid turning your back to Buddha statues for photos. Greeting people with “ayubowan” is considered polite, and modest behaviour is appreciated throughout the country.
A: Yes. English is widely spoken in hotels, tourist areas and many restaurants, making it relatively easy for UK travellers to communicate. You’ll find local English proficiency is good, though in rural areas you may encounter more language variety.
A: Sri Lanka is 5 hours and 30 minutes ahead of the UK during Greenwich Mean Time from late October to late March.
From late March to late October, during British Summer Time, Sri Lanka is 4 hours and 30 minutes ahead of the UK.
Health and Safety
A: Overall, yes. Sri Lanka is a friendly, accessible destination. As in any country, keep an eye on your belongings, avoid risky areas after dark and follow local advice. Llama Travel trips use trusted local partners and well-vetted hotels.
A: If you feel unwell while in Sri Lanka, please let our local partners or your hotel staff know straight away. They can arrange for a doctor or hospital visit if needed. Medical facilities in major towns and cities are generally good, with English-speaking doctors available, but services can be more limited in rural areas, and a transfer may be required for hospital care. We recommend having comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical treatment and repatriation.
Connectivity & Communication
A: Stay connected easily. Most UK mobile networks offer roaming services in Sri Lanka, though charges may apply. Alternatively, local SIM cards are available at airports or convenience stores, and many hotels offer Wi-Fi. If you prefer, an eSIM can be pre-loaded before you travel.
Getting Around
A: Getting around Sri Lanka is straightforward, with several transport options depending on your route and budget. Many visitors choose to travel by private vehicle with a driver and guide, which is the most comfortable and flexible way to explore, especially as roads can be narrow and journeys take longer than expected in hilly areas. Trains are a memorable way to see the country, particularly through the hill country between Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Ella, where the scenery is incredible, though services are slow and often busy. Buses connect most towns and are cheap, but they can be crowded and less comfortable. Domestic flights are available between some major destinations and are the quickest way to cover long distances. Taxis and tuk-tuks are easy to find in towns and coastal areas for short trips, with fares usually agreed in advance or by meter.
With Llama Travel, transport is arranged for you using private, air-conditioned vehicles and scenic train rides where available, all of it included in the trip.
Food & Drink
A: Sri Lankan food is full of flavour, with a wide variety of dishes influenced by the country’s mix of cultures. A typical meal includes rice and curry, served with vegetables. Along the coast, fresh seafood is a highlight, while inland regions are known for vegetable and lentil curries. You’ll also find plenty of tropical fruits and Ceylon tea grown in the hill country. Many dishes are spiced rather than hot, and vegetarian options are easy to find, though some may include fish stock or shrimp paste. If you have dietary requirements, let your guide or hotel know.
A: Yes. Vegetarian food is widely available in Sri Lanka, with many traditional dishes made using vegetables, lentils, coconut and rice. Vegan options are also easy to find, although it is worth checking how dishes are prepared, as some may contain fish stock, dried fish or other animal products.
A: It’s safest to stick with bottled or well-filtered water. Ice and raw salads may be washed in water of uncertain quality, so caution is wise.
What to See
A: Sri Lanka combines history, nature and relaxation in one journey. Explore the ancient cities and rock fortress of Sigiriya in the Cultural Triangle, visit Kandy to see the Temple of the Sacred Tooth, travel through the tea-covered hills of the Central Highlands, and go on safari in Yala National Park to spot elephants and leopards. Finish your trip by relaxing on the south coast, where golden beaches provide the perfect end to your holiday.
A: A comfortable trip is around 10–14 days, allowing time to explore the cultural heartland, enjoy some nature/wildlife and relax on the coast. Shorter visits are possible but may feel hurried.
A: Negombo is a relaxed coastal town close to Colombo Airport, making it a convenient first or last stop on your trip. Its wide sandy beach is ideal for a gentle walk or a sunset drink. You can explore the Dutch-built canal network, the fish market, and the town’s colonial-era churches. Negombo also has good seafood restaurants and small local shops, offering an easy introduction to life in Sri Lanka.
A: The Cultural Triangle, in the centre of Sri Lanka, is where much of the island’s ancient heritage can be found. Dominated by Sigiriya Rock Fortress, this region is home to centuries of history, art and religion. Climb Sigiriya to see its famous frescoes and enjoy the views from the summit, then visit the Dambulla Cave Temples, where over a hundred Buddha statues and vivid murals line the chambers. Nearby Polonnaruwa, once a royal capital, offers a glimpse of medieval Sri Lanka through its temples, palaces and sculptures. There is also the chance to spot wildlife, including herds of wild elephants herds of wild elephants. Some wildlife reserves can get overcrowded. Llama Travel offers a game drive in the less-visited Wasgamuwa National Park.
A: Kandy is Sri Lanka’s cultural capital, set around a scenic lake and surrounded by green hills. Its main attraction is the Temple of the Tooth, one of Buddhism’s most sacred sites. You can also visit the Royal Botanical Gardens in nearby Peradeniya, stroll around Kandy Lake, or explore the lively central market. In the evenings, traditional music and dance performances give a glimpse of local culture.
A: Yala National Park is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see wildlife. Although it can get busy, it is well worth visiting and offers possibly the best chance of spotting leopards in Sri Lanka. There are also elephants, crocodiles, deer, and many species of birds. Safaris take place in the early morning or late afternoon, when animals are most active. The park’s varied landscapes, from open plains to lagoons and forest, make every drive different and full of interest.
A: Kalutara is a relaxed coastal town on Sri Lanka’s south-west coast, known for its long sandy beaches and laid-back atmosphere. It’s a great place to unwind at the end of your trip. The nearby Bentota River and beach resorts also offer opportunities for boat trips and water sports.