Avila Travel Sri Lanka elephants in water group

Pearl of the Indian Ocean

Round trip Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka offers a diverse and unforgettable travel experience, where rich culture, tropical nature and beautiful beaches come together. Stroll through ancient temples and colonial cities, admire the green hills with tea plantations, or enjoy the tranquillity of the Indian Ocean. Experience Sri Lanka at your own pace and discover how history, nature and warm hospitality combine to create a fascinating and enchanting destination.

View our Sri Lanka sample tours

Discover the highlights of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has an enormous amount to offer. From historical sights in the cultural triangle to stunning National Parks with a high density of elephants & leopards. Spot wildlife on a jeep safari in Yala National Park or explore Gal Oya National Park by boat. Take a panoramic train ride along the tea plantations in the highlands and experience why this was a popular place among English settlers. Fully unwind on one of the many golden beaches or visit the Galle Fort built by the Dutch East India Company. In short, diverse Sri Lanka is a destination that should be on everyone's bucket list!

How would you like to travel?

Sample itineraries for Sri Lanka

Well-organised travel through Sri Lanka

Your Sri Lanka round trip will be taken care of to perfection by us. Travelling through Sri Lanka with Avila means staying in special accommodations, a relaxed travel pace, experiencing the highlights just a little differently and hidden gems away from the crowds! Be driven around by your private driver and take a panoramic train journey through the interior.

Country information on Sri Lanka
Best travel time Sri Lanka
Sightseeing in Sri Lanka
Frequently asked questions Sri Lanka

Tropical island full of contrasts
Sri Lanka is a fascinating destination where lush nature, ancient culture and tropical beaches come together in a relatively small area. From misty tea hills to wildlife-rich national parks and vast coastlines, the island offers unprecedented diversity within short travel distances.

Cultural wealth in the interior
Sri Lanka's cultural heart lies in ancient royal cities such as Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and spiritual Kandy, where temples, stupas and Buddhist rituals set the rhythm. In Sigiriya, climb to the top of the iconic Lion Rock for spectacular jungle views.

Green hills and tea plantations
In the cool interior, the Hill Country awaits, with colonial towns like Nuwara Eliya and breathtaking train routes to Ella. Here you meander past green tea fields, waterfalls and misty mountain peaks, a paradise for hikers and peace-seekers.

Wildlife and adventure in national parks
Sri Lanka has numerous national parks such as Yala, Udawalawe and Wilpattu, where you can spot elephants, leopards, crocodiles and numerous bird species on a safari. On the east and south coasts, you can also spot whales or snorkel at colourful coral reefs.

Beaches and coastal villages
Along the coastline you will find relaxed villages such as Tangalle, Mirissa and Trincomalee, where fishing boats bob on the sea and luxury boutique hotels overlook golden beaches. Here you will unwind under palm trees with the sound of the Indian Ocean in the background.

Sri Lanka tours
Sri Lanka is excellent to travel with a private driver and local guide. The compact distances make it easy to travel from culture to nature, and from mountains to sea, an ideal destination for a versatile and balanced tour full of experiences.

Avila Travel Sri Lanka Sri Lanka beach
Avila Travel Sri Lanka leopard

Sri Lanka has a tropical climate with two monsoon seasons that vary by region. As a result, there is at least one part of the island that is excellent for travelling all year round. Here is an overview by period, focusing on the best travel time by region:

Winter (December - March): This is the best travel time for the southwest, with popular destinations like Galle, Mirissa, Yala National Park and Ella. The sea is calm, the sky bright blue and the climate pleasantly warm. Perfect for a beach holiday or tour of the southern and central regions.

Spring (April - June): During this transitional period, beautiful weather often still prevails in the north and east of the island. Although it can get wetter in the southwest due to the southwest monsoon (May to September), rain showers are usually short and refreshing. This is also when the island is in bloom, beautiful for nature lovers.

Summer (July - September): The east coast (with beaches like Trincomalee and Pasikudah) is now at its best. The sea here is calm, the weather dry and sunny. Ideal for beach extensions or diving holidays. Inland, around Sigiriya and Kandy, temperatures are pleasant and nature is lushly green.

Autumn (October - November): This is a period with more chances of rain spread across the island, due to the transition between monsoons. Nevertheless, even now Sri Lanka remains attractive for travellers who want to experience the island in calmer weather. The rain often falls in short showers and the landscapes are at their greenest.

Note: As Sri Lanka is relatively small, you can easily adjust your trip to suit weather conditions. If you plan well, you can always choose a region where it is dry and sunny. Our travel tip? Combine culture and nature in the interior with a beach stay on the right coastline, depending on the season.

Avila Travel Sri Lanka Tea plantation in up country near Nuwara Eliya Sri Lanka
Avila Travel Sri Lanka pilgrims

Sri Lanka is an island full of contrasts, where tropical beaches, lush nature and ancient culture blend seamlessly. From Buddhist temples to verdant tea fields and vibrant markets, each region has its own character and charm.

Discover the highlights of Sri Lanka:

  • Sigiriya Rock Fortress: An iconic rock fortress that towers over the jungle. Climb the 'Lion Rock' for impressive views and explore the ancient frescoes and royal gardens.
  • Kandy: The cultural capital of the island, known for the Temple of the Tooth, colourful dance performances and Peradeniya botanical gardens.
  • Ella: A relaxed mountain village in the heart of Sri Lanka, surrounded by tea plantations, waterfalls and hiking trails such as Little Adam's Peak and the Nine Arches Bridge.
  • Yala National Park: One of the best places in Asia to spot leopards, elephants and crocodiles on a thrilling jeep safari.
  • Galle Fort: An atmospheric colonial fort on the south coast, with narrow streets, boutique shops and views of the Indian Ocean.
  • Nuwara Eliya: Also known as 'Little England'. A cooler region full of tea plantations, British architecture and misty hills.
  • Trincomalee & Pasikudah: Tropical pearls on the east coast, ideal for those who love quiet beaches, snorkelling and diving.
  • Anuradhapura & Polonnaruwa: Two ancient royal cities with impressive stupas, ruins and ancient Buddha statues, a must-see for lovers of history and spirituality.

Whether you are looking for adventure, culture, wellness or relaxation, Sri Lanka offers it all in an uncluttered and beautiful setting.

Avila Travel Sri Lanka Galle Sri Lanka
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1. Do I need a visa for Sri Lanka?
Yes, a visa is required for travellers from the Netherlands, Belgium and most EU countries. You can easily apply online for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) for a stay of up to 30 days. Before departure, always check the most up-to-date entry requirements.

2. What is the best length of travel for Sri Lanka?
On average, a trip to Sri Lanka takes 14 to 21 days. This gives you enough time to combine both culture, nature and beach, from the cultural triangle to the coast and inland.

3. What is the best way to travel around Sri Lanka?
The most comfortable way is by private driver, who brings you flexibly and safely to all the highlights. For short stretches, domestic flights or panoramic train journeys, such as the one from Kandy to Ella, are also recommended.

4. Is Sri Lanka easy to combine with another destination?
Yes, Sri Lanka is easy to combine with, for example, the Maldives for a beach extension. Thanks to direct flights, a stopover in Dubai or Doha is also a popular option.

5. Will I be comfortable with English in Sri Lanka?
Yes, English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas. In hotels, restaurants and on excursions you can make yourself understood perfectly well. Local guides usually speak English well too.

Our travel specialists are happy to help with any questions you might have about a trip to Sri Lanka.

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Avila Travel Sri Lanka Tea collector

Your travel specialist

Freek Vermeulen

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