Sri Lanka

Types of trips: Holiday, Relaxation, Cultural, Wildife, Geographical

Best known for: Tea/Sugar Cane/Cinnamon Production, Popular Holiday Destination, Elephants

Why Go?: Sri Lanka is a country that is pleasant all year round as the wet season occurs in different places at different times and a rough sea in one area means calm in another. With magical wildlife and exciting food, this is a destination that will be memorable for everyone.

Fact File

Population: 20,000,000

Capital: Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (Administrative), Colombo (Commercial)

Language(s): Sinhala, Tamal

Ties to the UK?: Popular travel destination

Landscape: Generally flat plains, with mountains in the southern centre.

Climate/Seasons: As an island in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka has a tropical climate and distinct wet and dry seasons which differ across the island. May - August sees rain in the southwest with October - January the wet season in the northeast.

When to Go: The best time to visit Sri Lanka will depend on the region of the country - it's best to be research the weather patterns of each section thoroughly beforehand.

Reasons to Visit: Idyllic scenery perfect for a relaxing trip, rich cuisine/culture

How to Get There:  There are a few Sri Lankan international airports you can fly to - make sure to check availability well in advance!

Places to Go: Sigiriya, Dambulla Cave Temple, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Famous People: Mahinda Rajapaksa, Lasith Malinga, Jacqueline Fernandez

Natural Wonders/Wildlife: Yala National Park, Adam's Peak, Udawalawe National Park

History: Recent civil war which ended in 2009

Architecture: Temple of the Tooth, Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple

Culture: Primarily influenced by Buddhism and Hinduism

Sport: Cricket, Volleyball, Rugby, Athletics, Football, Tennis

Events: Christian, Buddhist, Islamic and Hindu religious festivals, many food celebrations

Watch Out For: A visa is needed to enter the country - make sure to leave plenty of time for this process! 

Medical Issues: Some vaccines and boosters are advised - check here for a general overview and always consult a doctor.