Reef & Rainforest
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
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Sri Lanka

 The South East The South West Coast The Cultural Triangle The Hill Country Testimonials

Sri Lanka

Sri LankaKnown in the distant past as Serendip and more recently Ceylon, Sri Lanka today retains many of the charms that attracted visitors and conquerors over the centuries, attested to by the creation of no fewer than seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Perhaps better known for its stunning Buddhist temples, beautiful coastline and highland tea estates, Sri Lanka is also a haven for a surprising variety of wildlife. The many reserves and national parks harbour mammals such as giant flying squirrel, leopard, wild elephant, sloth bear, small loris, deer, purple-faced leaf monkey, wild boar, wild buffalo, porcupine and anteater.  Reptile-wise there are crocodiles, monitor lizards and snakes, and sixteen endemic amphibians. Over 250 resident bird species have been recorded, including a large number of colourful endemics to delight avid birdwatchers and lay visitors alike.

Whatever attracts you to Sri Lanka, we are supremely confident you will find the island and its many facets to be everything you had hoped.

For a heady mix of wildlife, wilderness, gardens, scenery, culture and coast our A Leisurely Circuit of Sri Lanka – In Considerable Comfort tour offers a broad range of experiences, wide variety of locations and extra-special accommodation; Sri Lanka’s Numerous Natural History Highlights focuses on the hottest wildlife spots on the island – Sinharaja, Uda Walawe and Yala; for those who want to taste all of Sri Lanka’s intoxicating diversity while enjoying some very pleasant accommodation Sri Lanka’s Cultural Heritage, Verdant Rainforests and Beautiful Coast is a perfect tour.

Our new web-only tours include our unbeatable budget offering, Sri Lanka Bare Necessities, which delivers a heady mix of culture, wildlife and seaside with private vehicle and guide included; to watch gargantuan blue whales by boat and enjoy near-guaranteed sightings of wild leopard in the company of expert guides, opt for our Big Cats and Blue Whales itinerary; and be one of the first to explore hitherto inaccessible Tamil Tiger country in The Heritage, Forests and Coral Reefs of Sri Lanka's North East for the island's best beaches and uncrowded national parks, involving luxury camping and great accommodation.

Sri Lanka HolidaysWhen to Go

Climatically, the island is divided into wet and dry zones, the latter falling in the north half and all the east and comprising roughly three quarters of total land mass.  Almost on the equator, Sri Lanka has two monsoons: the relatively cool, dry and stable north east monsoon, which affects the dry zone from October to May; and the wetter, warmer south west monsoon visiting the south west from May to October.  The climate of the coastal plains is hotter and more humid than the highlands, which can be quite cold.  Temperatures range from 25-28C on the plains, with daytime averages of around 16C in the highlands. Only the dry north east reaches above 38C.

Reading Suggestions:

In association with nhbs Environment Bookstore


 Field Guide to the Birds of Sri Lanka
 Butterflies of Sri Lanka A Photographic Guide to the Birds of India

 

A Leisurely Circuit of Sri Lanka - In Considerable Comfort

An exceptional itinerary of particular appeal to those who appreciate a broad range of experiences, wide variety of locations and extra-special accommodation. In this Sriu Lanka in comfort holiday lies a heady mix of wildlife, wilderness, gardens, scenery, culture and coast using boutique hotels and quirky lodges to create a special holiday to cherish for many years to come.  Find out more...

Sri Lanka's Numerous Natural History Highlights

Focusing on the hottest wildlife spots on the island, this Sri Lanka wildlife holiday aims to reveal all that is special about Serendip’s fauna and flora. Sinharaja rainforest is a rare jewel of a reserve, Uda Walawe’s elephants are sure to thrill and fabulous Yala offers the best chance in Asia to see leopard. As if that were not enough, we end the tour with some well-earned relaxation in an eco-friendly resort by the sea before flying home.  Find out more...

Sri Lanka's Cultural Heritage, Verdant Rainforests and Beautiful Coast

Drink in Sri Lanka’s most magical locations on this thrilling circuit, which encompasses the cultural triangle and hill country before providing rainforest wildlife walks and lazy days spent by the sea. A perfect tour for those who want to taste all of the intoxicating diversity of Sri Lanka’s culture, wildlife and beaches while enjoying some very pleasant accommodation.  Find out more...

BIG CATS AND BLUE WHALES - A SPECIAL SRI LANKA SAFARI

This unique 11-day wildlife tour is available only through Reef and Rainforest Tours, and combines the Africa-like Yala National Park with wonderful whale watching by boat off the south coast of Sri Lanka. Yala is the best location in all Asia for spotting leopard: in the company of our specialist conservationist/ photographer guide, you will enjoy the highest possible chance to view this elusive big cat.

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THE HERITAGE, FORESTS AND CORAL REEFS OF SRI LANKA’S NORTH EAST

Now that peace has broken out in Sri Lanka, come with us on an exploration of Sri Lanka’s best kept secrets – hitherto inaccessible areas in the north and east. Visit the vast, wild and little-visited Wilpattu National Park, and north of Trincomalee where the island’s best coral reefs and beaches are found. Add the elephants of Mineriya, atmospheric Buddhist sites and ancient cities, and go now before the word gets out.

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SRI LANKA BARE NECESSITIES FROM £1460

This heady mix of culture, wildlife and beach will introduce you to the myriad delights to be found in Sri Lanka. With great beach hotels at both ends and a private vehicle and guide for the exciting interior wildlife sections, this tour is hard to beat for variety and value for money.

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