Sri Lanka’s long history, unique position on the map and welcoming hot climate make it an increasingly popular destination for those seeking tropical island life away from the crowds of the Caribbean or the Canaries. Sitting snug off the southeast tip of the Indian subcontinent, Sri Lanka’s journey is held in the secrets of its architecture, the whispers in its breezy palm leaves and the smiles of its people.

From bustling cities like Colombo to the tranquil shores of Negombo, Sri Lanka holidays offer diverse destinations that will make both nature lovers and culture vultures feel right at home.

Sri Lanka’s ancient civilisations were rich in ingenuity, inventing democracy, hydraulic technology and even, so it’s said, flying machines – long before many of their contemporaries of the age. A touch of colonialism in the 1800s has given Dutch and British flair to much of the architecture of Sri Lanka’s cities, too. It’s really a breathtaking place.

With its year round sunshine, its the perfect destination whenever you’re looking to go. Between May and August tends to be the low season here, so if you’re looking to bag those cheap Sri Lanka holidays, this will be the best time – and you miss out on all the crowds!

Exploring the sights

Sri Lanka’s landscape is stunning in its gorgeous vistas and dense rainforests, so it’s no wonder that many visitors take the opportunity to explore the sights and meet the wildlife. Monkeys, leopards and all manner of other animal friends are abundant in Sri Lanka. You can see them up close at nature reserves such as Yala National Park, which is famous for its peacocks. The immense Wilpattu National Park is also located in the north and is where musters of storks come to play.

In colonial times, Sri Lankan railways were built on great bridges that span dramatic ravines riddled with rainforest. Those same trails still exist today and connect big cities like Jaffna and Colombo via weaving routes along coastal cliffsides and through inspiring foliage. Train rides are cheap and popular as a way to not only get from A to B, but also to see sights that have to be experienced to be believed.

There’s tons to do in Sri Lanka whether it’s the wildlife, nature, history or beaches you’re most interested in. It can always help to stay within budget if you plan your holiday before arriving – you can pre-book tickets, plan transport etc., all to help those cheap holidays to Sri Lanka.

Delicacies and delicious delights

In Sri Lanka you’ll find a huge variety of dishes to tantalise your taste buds – it’s yet another thing Sri Lanka holidays do so well. One of the most renowned is hoppers, also known as appam. These are a little like folded pancakes, yet infused with coconut milk and tasty spices. The food itself becomes a bowl in which breakfasts like eggs are often prepared, so it’s certainly a handy way to save on the washing up.

Restaurants across Sri Lanka run the gamut from the traditional to the exotic. Wherever you roam, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to eat generous portions among brilliant company. You can opt for a hearty roast dinner among local delights at Tintagel in Colombo, then head around the corner the next evening to The London Grill for a taste of home.

During your adventures in Jaffna, you can appease the vegetarians in your group at Vishnu Bavan, while pork curry in the sleek, modern surroundings of The Coco Beach in Negombo offers a dining experience not to be missed.

Beaches by the dozen

The southern reaches of Sri Lanka are where the most active and popular beaches are, yet the Indian Ocean surrounds the island on all sides so don’t disregard those paths less travelled.

Each of the most popular beaches in Sri Lanka has gained its own following for one thing or another, so there really is an option for all here. Families enjoying All Inclusive holidays to Sri Lanka flock to the watersports capital of Bentota, with ideal conditions for hitting those waves. Similarly, Hikkaduwa offers a variety of watersports too, and a lively beach lined with hotels, restaurants and beach bars with everything you could need for those blissful beach days. Once night falls, Hikkaduwa is where to be for the nightlife, with parties and clubs booming all night long.

If diving and nature are what you want out of your beach trip, you can find that amid the serenity of Nilaveli, where the reefs are sublime and cosy Pigeon Island is close at hand. Similarly, a truly tranquil sweep of sand awaits you at Waikkal Beach, with quiet days and swaying palm trees.

Ahungalla is another laid back resort with beautiful beaches. It can be a great base for your holiday if you like the quiet, but want the ease of getting out and exploring. Plenty of taxis, buses and Tuk Tuks make it super easier to get between areas and get where you want for low cost.