Introducing Sri Lanka

Around 31 km off the south of India nestling in the Indian Ocean, lies Sri Lanka, a lush paradise of an island that is the stronghold of Buddhism. Well known as one of the most beautiful countries in the world, Sri Lanka holds seven World Heritage Sites that encompass ancient palaces, beautiful citadels, sacred cities and colonial towns which collectively boast well over 3000 years of history. When one adds to this endless list of impressive attributes the hundreds of miles of luscious, palmed beaches it is not hard to see why Sri Lanka is one of the world's most sought after destinations for package holidays. Only three degrees above the equator Sri Lanka revels in one of the best climate's in the world and along with it's many unique attributes and influences it makes a truly remarkable destination for holidays.

Holidays in Sri Lanka

In recent years holidays in Sri Lanka have been on the increase, and those that come here on their holidays can be safe in the knowledge that a holiday here is not going to be cliché, with tourist traps to lure you in. It is the perfect destination for those that yearn for a peice of true culture on their holidays on an island where you can meet the people, peruse the land and generally become involved in the goings on. The perfect island for those who like a touch of ancient history on their holidays, Sri Lanka offers some of the most fascinating sites of ancient civilisation in the world. Including Sigiriya (Lion Rock). This is one of the most famous lost cities on the island, featuring a 'mirror wall' with some of the poetic thoughts of some of the first visitors here. Almost everything that occurs in Sri Lanka is somehow related to Buddhism or Theravada as it is called there. The people are highly religious and evidence of their worship can be found all over the island, making for some fascinating discoveries during your holidays.

Getting to Sri Lanka

The main airport or Sri Lanka is around 29 km outside the main city of Colombo, It is possible to fly direct from many airports in the UK, particularly those in London with Sri Lankan Airlines among others. Flights take around 11 hours, and transfers take around half an hour, so you don't have to worry about lengthy journeys from airport to hotel, you can simply get stuck into your holidays.

Intriguing foreign influences in Sri Lanka

Many of those that visit Sri Lanka on their holidays and that there are some stunning parts of the landscape that simply are not Sri Lankan at all. Particularly in the city of Columbo where there are some very clear influences of the previous colonial powers of other countries, which are very interesting to discover dring your holidays. All of which fought for supremacy of the well placed, verdant island throughout history. In the south coast's biggest town, Matara, there are some particularly fascinating British Victorian mansions which jostle for room with the fortifications left by the Portuguese; an extremely unusual blend for the snaps of your holidays. There has been some political turbulence in this country, but this has recently been under control, making the country safe, visitors are encouraged however, to check security situations before setting out on their holidays. This does not however, deter the people of Sri Lanka from having a wonderful time and enjoying their country, of which they are very proud and enjoy sharing with those that visit here for holidays.