Holiday rentals in Sri Lanka

Located in the Indian Ocean just a few miles off the southeast coast of India, Sri Lanka is renowned for its natural beauty, endless beaches, and astonishing historical wonders. No other land has so many World Heritage sites crammed into such a small area. Everywhere you turn you happen upon an ancient ruined city, historic palace, or breathtaking temple. The North Central Province of the country is known as the Cultural Triangle and is home to many of the World Heritage locations. The east and south have miles of glorious coastline and vast, enticing seas. The west contains the vibrant, exciting city of Colombo, while the central part of the nation holds rainforests, mountains, and historic cities such as Kandy. Take a whitewater rafting trip, visit the oldest living human-planted tree, and dive into all that incredible Sri Lankan cuisine.

Situated relatively close to the equator means Sri Lanka enjoys fairly consistent temperatures throughout the year — though two monsoon seasons complicate matters. There’s one in the southwest from May until August and another in the northeast from November to March. So if it’s wet in one part of the country, it will be dry and sunny elsewhere. The popular beach resorts and villas in the south are at their busiest from December to March, but in late autumn and spring it’s less tourist-filled and ideal weather conditions for the beach, the monuments, and the wildlife. Duruthu Perahera is an annual Festival of Lights held in Colombo in January, while the Nallur Festival, the country’s longest holy festival, takes place in Jaffna every August featuring dancing, parades, and a chariot race.

Lahugala Kitulana National Park

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to astounding natural wonders in Sri Lanka. This park, in the southeast, is one of the smaller ones, and less beset with visitors. But it contains a multitude of astonishing sights such as a plethora of rare birds and monumental ancient ruins.

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Located in the centre of the country, Kandy is considered Sri Lanka’s historic and cultural capital. It is crammed full of ancient splendours, glorious architecture, vibrant green spaces, and gorgeous waterways. This ornate complex of temples is one of the most important Buddhist sites in the nation, filled with beautiful carvings, sumptuous artworks, and, yes, the Buddha’s tooth.

Yapahuwa Rock Fortress

Once the ancient capital of the country, Mahawa, in the North Western Province, contains a number of remarkable ancient sites, none more impressive than this former palace and fortress first constructed in 1273. You’ll witness crumbling giant lion sculptures, elaborate stone staircases, temples, a museum housing a number of relics, and amazing views.