Ask anyone who’s been to Sri Lanka, they all come back smitten.  It is such a warm and welcoming country in terms of the friendly people you encounter, the delicious food on offer and the tempting, warm and sunny climate of this tropical island. 

It is well known as a great time to visit the south/west of Sri Lanka when we are in the thick of winter in the UK and Europe (Dec-April).  However, it is absolutely somewhere you can visit all year round and you just head to the north/east coast for the beach part if it’s at other times of the year.

There is such a wealth of activities and landscapes to choose from with a lovely mix of culture and sightseeing, wildlife, activities – and you can explore by foot, boat, bike or jeep depending on where you go.  Some like to simply stay put for a week or two and relax in a beautiful and fully staffed private villa overlooking the Indian Ocean.

The Cultural Triangle spans the central part of the island from Kandy, the hill capital, up to Sigiriya Rock Fortress (quite a climb!), Anuradhaphura and Polonnaruwa.  Home to eight UNESCO sites, from ancient capitals to rock fortresses, all ripe for exploration by bike or on foot. 

There is plenty of wildlife and birdlife on the island.  A visit to Wilpattu National Park ties in nicely with a visit to the Cultural Triangle in the north and gives you a chance to track leopard and search for sloth bear, crocodile and elephant.  There are fewer visitors here compared to the more well known coastal national park of Yala in the south east of Sri Lanka, where they have the highest density of leopard.  It can be a bit busier in Yala as a result, unless ofcourse you know the right place to stay away from the crowds.  Minneriya National is another park worth mentioning near the cultural triangle, so if you’re pushed for time this works really well to get an afternoon game drive here - and you can witness large gatherings of Asian elephants at Minneriya National Park between June and September. 

For those wanting to spend longer in nature, Gal Oya National Park is a must as it gives you a really exclusive feel as it is the only lodge to stay in here and over a 3 night stay you can get out on foot and do some hiking, walks with the local indigenous Vedda (forest dwellers), picnics by the lake, game drives, boat trips on the lake to see the elephant moving from island to island if you’re lucky.

If you’re interested in the religious side of things the Kandy is famed for its sacred Buddhist sites including the Temple of the Tooth shrine.  It is the second largest city in Sri Lanka and the focal point is the large scenic lake as well as beautifully landscaped gardens and cultural museums. 

All around Kandy are the mountains, forests, tropical tea plantations and you can hop onto one of the scenic train journeys through the highlands where you can stop off and spend a few days in one of the lovely old colonial style boutique hotels.  Here in the Tea Country, you can explore the area, visit some historical old tea factories and plantations, maybe hike up Little Adam’s Peak for an amazing 360 degree view.

There is still some more sightseeing to be had on the south/southwest coast of Sri Lanka as well as relaxing on palm fringed beaches where you can surf, swim, chill out in a hammock or watch for whales during certain months (December to April).

Galle is a wonderful architectural UNESCO Dutch Fort on this southern part of the coast which has a 400 year old history and is showcases some impressive 17th century Sri Lankan buildings, mosques, churches, colonial mansions that reflect the island’s colourful past.  Your guide can show you around this coastal fort to get your bearings, but then it’s fun to wonder around these historic streets and dip in and out of the charming shops, galleries, restaurants and cafes that dot the streets.

There are some amazing boutique hotels and private villas (some up to seven bedrooms) along the south coast within an hour or so of Galle so you there are lots of choices depending on your priorities.  And to help with the general relaxed vibe of the south coast it’s easy to arrange yoga lessons and/or a good massage.