Sri Lanka

Eye-widening Sri Lanka wildlife experiences

Elephants, leopards, sloth bears, blue whales…Sri Lanka’s ‘big four’ resident creatures make an impressive start to a very long list. From pangolins to porpoises, thousands of species live on and around this biodiverse tropical island. 16% of them can only be seen here, and over a quarter of the country’s habitat is protected.

You can safari-camp outside the fantastic National Parks for early morning access, and encounter the diverse marine life on boat trips or at one of the island’s great dive sites. And if you’re looking to go beyond the famous Yala, find out more about our selection of the best National Parks in Sri Lanka.

A beach for everyone

On 1,585km of tropical coastline, you can expect to find a beach that suits you down to your sandy toes. Around the island, you’ll find family-friendly beach resorts, intimate boutique properties, and private villas just a stone’s throw from the sand. There’s superb surf (and prime kite surfing conditions) to the south-east, and a wilder shoreline to the north. Spot whales from the headlands around Trincomalee in the north, and explore the castaway sands of Wilpattu National Park in the north-west.

Make for the hills

The hot tropical weather is of course wonderful, but we all need a break from the heat sometimes, especially if you’re travelling with kids. Sri Lanka’s ‘Tea Country’ is a mountain region known for its cool climates, lush emerald landscapes and high quality accommodation, often converted from old planters’ dwellings and tea farm buildings. Travel along scenic railways into the hills to enjoy a breath of high-altitude air, not to mention iconic viewpoints and a cup of the freshest tea around.