If you like tropical weather, beautiful scenery and an abundance of wildlife all rolled up in one holiday then you can’t go far wrong with a visit to Sri Lanka.  Located a mere 30 kilometres distant from mainland India, Sri Lanka is similar to southern India in many ways and so different in others.

The weather is very similar.  Sri Lanka is an island which can be visited all year round. When the south-west monsoon strikes, the north and the east of the country is dry and when the north-east monsoon hits the north and east coasts, then the west of the island and the south is sunny and relatively dry.

The population of Sri Lanka is predominately Buddhist and Buddhist temples can be found everywhere.  The island is more relaxed and calmer than India.  Driving is noticeably less frenetic and safer compared to that on Indian roads.

The landscape is varied with beautiful beaches, particularly in the south and east.  Some are perfect for surfing whilst others are calm, quieter and safe for families with young children.  The many National Parks, covering forests, jungle, sand dunes and grasslands, are home to many species of birds and wildlife – including wild elephants, leopards and crocodiles and eagles, pelicans and parrots.  Visit the cooler hill towns in the south where tea plantations are plentiful or the ancient cities, further north, where temple ruins often merge with the lush, forested countryside.

There is plenty to see and do, so much to visit and enjoy that you are bound to want to return for a second stay the following year.