Sri Lanka

A captivating mix of ancient history, rich culture and great natural beauty, Sri Lanka captures the best of all worlds. It basks in glorious sunshine, boasts miles of palm-fringed beaches, water sports, prolific wildlife and no less than seven World Heritage site .

The rich and colourful history of Sri Lanka shows in the diversity of its delightful people. The Hill Country’s colonial roots are reflected in vast tea estates, botanical gardens and cricket pitches. The island’s UNESCO World Heritage sites include the Royal City of Kandy and the Rock Fortress of Sigiriya, each telling their own fascinating, ancient tales. Sri Lanka boasts spectacular birdlife as well as safari opportunities to see elephants, leopards and monkeys. With its mix of races and religions, arts and crafts, festivals and costumes, visitors can’t fail to be enchanted with its exquisite variety. We highly recommend a tailor-made, island tour.

Destination Guide:

Colombo

In 1803, Robert Percival claimed of Colombo: “There is no part of the world where so many different languages are spoken, or which contains such a mixture of nations, manners, and religions.” In 1914, Bella Woolf declared: “It is the meeting place of the world. It palpitates with life and with the romance of those who wander the earth.” 

What is the key to appreciating Colombo when so many people complain of the hustle and bustle? Well, for those who like the capital and revel in the mix of influences, food, activities and religions, there is a certain satisfaction in believing yourself one of the few who can see through the surface to the core. If only people would venture out of this tourist cocoon they might just discover a little something to love about Colombo!

So, for the uninitiated, it’s time to introduce you to Colombo and her districts that sprawl down the Galle Road until they peter out into the suburbs. Starting at the northern tip and working down, we begin in the Fort. Previously it was the centre of Dutch and Portuguese domination and you can still view examples of colonial architecture. However, these days it is the banking and commercial centre of Colombo, with many areas subject to strict security measures. Sri Lanka’s own twin towers stand in this area flanked by the five-star Hilton, Ceylon Continental and Galadari hotels. 

The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka (known as Ceylon before 1972) is a tropical island nation off the southeast coast of the Indian subcontinent.

The island was known in ancient times as Lanka, Lankadeepa (Sanskrit for "resplendent land"), Simoundou, Taprobane (from the Sanskrit Tamaraparni), Serendib (from the Sanskrit Sinhala-dweepa), and Selan. During colonization, the island became known as Ceylon, a name still used on occasion. Its unique shape and proximity to the Indian mainland have led some to refer to the island as India's teardrop.