Only Exclusive Travel is pleased to introduce Sri Lanka to our travel portfolio!

Sri Lanka, situated south of India in the Indian Ocean, is an alluring island beckoning visitors with its rich, complicated history, cosmopolitan cuisine, sacred spirituality and wonderful beaches. Known as ‘the pearl of the Indian Ocean’, the myriad appeals of Sri Lanka draw in tourists far and wide. Despite a tumultuous history, the island declared peace in 2009, and has since thrived. Eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites include ancient and sacred cities, along with forest reserves and legendary temples make for an enlightening trip. Venture to the ‘Culture Triangle’, a treasure trove steeped in history. Here, archaeologists have been seeking to uncover crumbling ruins and fortresses all over for more than a century, from Anuradhapura to the rugged rocky outcrop of Sigiriya. Sri Lanka is a Mecca for culture enthusiasts, a place where people can meditate in 2000-year old temples, explore timeless ruins or even observe the sacred home of the world’s largest tree.

Sri Lanka’s spiritual plane is not its only irresistible draw. The many flavours of Sri Lanka have also garnered a fantastic reputation, and deservedly so; its location on the route between East and West has resulted in many cultures influencing the cuisine, and the borrowing of many tips and tricks from traders, colonisers and neighbours alike. This cosmopolitan take on food is a blend of Dutch, Portugese, English, Malay and Indian flavours, to name but a few. Delicious, spice-rich favourite dishes in Sri Lanka are largely curry-centric, but with many interesting variations; fish, chicken, vegetables and even certain fruits make an appearance on menus.

Alive with tropical fauna, Sri Lanka is a prime location for wildlife-watching. Elephants milling around, monkeys swinging from tree to tree and peacocks trotting about are just some of the awe-inspiring sights that can be stolen at the country’s profusion of national parks. Take a jaunt to Muthurajawela Marsh, home to monkeys, crocodiles and many bird species, and embark on a two-hour guided boat tour, where you can truly be at one with nature. Other places to take advantage of wonderful Sri Lankan wilderness include Yala National Park and Rekawa Beach, the retreat of many hawksbill turtles; lucky guests may even bear witness to turtle hatcheries!  

Sri Lanka is an enchanting, otherworldly escape; replete with stunning palm-fringed beaches, diverse wildlife, thriving culture and burgeoning archaeological discoveries, it is a holiday destination to be reckoned with, and should be at the top of everybody’s travel bucket list.