Galle 
sri lanka
Sri Lanka packs a remarkable amount into a small island. In two weeks you can climb an ancient rock fortress, ride a train through tea country, look for leopards and finish on the beach.
The Cultural Triangle holds Sigiriya, Dambulla and the old royal cities. The hill country around Nuwara Eliya and Ella is cool and green, and the south coast has the Dutch fort town of Galle, whale watching and long empty beaches.
Distances are short, the people are warm and it combines beautifully with the Maldives.
where to go
The Lion Rock fortress and painted cave temples.
The Temple of the Tooth and botanical gardens.
Tea estates, waterfalls and the train to Ella.
One of the best places in the world to see leopards.
A fortified old town of lanes, cafés and boutiques.
Beaches, surf and whales off Mirissa.
when to go
Two monsoons mean there's always a good coast somewhere.
December to April
The best time for Galle, the south coast, the hill country and the Cultural Triangle.
May to September
Calm seas and sunshine at Trincomalee and Pasikudah.
October and November
Showers in many areas, but fewer visitors and good value.
where to stay
Galle 
Tangalle Suites with plunge pools in a coconut grove above a crescent beach.
Ask us about this hotel
Weligama 
Hatton 
Yala 
Galle A Geoffrey Bawa-designed hotel on the rocks outside Galle.
Ask us about this hotelLooking for something different? We know many more hotels and villas in Sri Lanka, and we'll happily suggest the right one for you.
experiences
Reach the top of the Lion Rock early, before the heat.
Ride one of the world's great train journeys through the tea hills.
Game drives with naturalists in Sri Lanka's best-known park.
Walk the ramparts at sunset and explore the old town's lanes.
Look for blue whales and dolphins off the south coast.
Traditional treatments and wellness rituals with local practitioners.
December to April for the south, west and hill country, and May to September for the east coast.
Twelve to sixteen nights covers the Cultural Triangle, hill country, a safari and the beach.
Yes, it’s an easy flight from Colombo to Malé, and a lovely way to end the trip.
Yes, UK visitors need to apply for an electronic travel authorisation before travelling.
Please speak to your GP or a travel clinic before you travel, and check the TravelHealthPro website for the latest advice.
pair it with
A Himalayan kingdom of monasteries, prayer flags and mountain valleys, with a handful of exceptional lodges.
Explore
Angkor's temples at sunrise, Phnom Penh's markets and a quiet stretch of coast and islands.
Explore
The Great Wall, Beijing, Shanghai and the karst landscapes of Yangshuo, best with an expert guide.
Exploreget in touch
Tell us your dates and we'll plan a route that makes the most of the island's seasons.
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Travel advice: The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has up-to-date advice on health and safety across the globe, as well as local laws, and passport and visa information. Please check travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and follow @FCDOtravelGovUK and Facebook.com/FCDOtravel regularly for updates ahead of travel, as the advice can change.
