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Short TripsClose to HomeRound The WorldPerfect for...
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Download Sri Lanka Key FactsSri Lanka is bursting at the seams with sandy beaches, fascinating ruins, scenic train journeys, awesome surf breaks, tropical wildlife, sensational food and so much more. Dive into this incredible country on our Sri Lanka tours for a dreamy getaway. It’s so breathtaking that this beautiful island nation is often labelled ‘The Pearl of the Indian Ocean’. Plan an unforgettable gap year trip to Sri Lanka and you’ll be discovering Buddhist culture and gorgeous temples one day, and embracing island paradise the next!
Read more in our Sri Lanka Travel Guide.
Sri Lanka Trips and Tours
Sri Lanka & Maldives Escape
18 days from
£2,719£2,311A tropical adventure from Negombo to MalĆ©
Escape to the tropics with this amazing combo trip to Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Enjoy 12 days of golden beaches, jungle hikes, and sacred sites in Sri Lanka, before flying to MalƩ where we'll spend 6 days on a traditional dhoni boat, cruising through the bluest waters you've ever seen.
Best of India & Sri Lanka
24 days from
5.0 35£2,599£2,499The best of India and Sri Lanka in 24 days
Experience two of the world's most breathtaking travel destinations, enchanting India and sensational Sri Lanka. In 24 days, discover world wonders, iconic landmarks, enriching cultural experiences, once-in-a-lifetime activities and secluded slices of paradise!
Sri Lanka Turtle Conservation
2 - 3 weeks from £899
4.5 7Volunteer with sea turtles in Sri Lanka
Dive into stunning Sri Lanka to help protect the sea turtles and their natural habitats. Volunteer with wildlife abroad, gaining hands-on conservation experience and collaborating with an incredible local team there to support you at every stage. Your weekends are completely free to enjoy the beaches, or explore Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka Pre-School Volunteers
2 weeks or more from £789
4.5 1Help out at Sri Lankan preschools - no degree needed!
Travel to Sri Lanka and get involved in our incredible preschool project - no degree required! Choose anywhere from two to six weeks, volunteering part-time from Mondays to Fridays. Enjoy free time to relax on beautiful beaches, or see more of Sri Lanka!
Amazing Asia
From 7 or 11 weeks from £5,849
5.0 55The upgraded Ultimate Asia adventure!
Explore the best of Asia. Choose between two incredible itineraries for your perfect adventure. Twin room option makes this a perfect tour for couples, or friends travelling together. Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Bali, Sri Lanka and Philippines - it's a slice of paradise.
Environmental Conservation in Sri Lanka
1-8 weeks from £719
Volunteer at an amazing environmental project
Passionate about the environment, and want to support Sri Lanka's beaches, rainforests and oceans? This is the project for you. Choose anywhere from one week to two months as you help create artificial coral reefs and plant new trees. Your weekends are totally free to chill on the beach or go travelling.
Sri Lanka Pre-Medical Internship
2-12 weeks from £1,049
Gain medical insight and experience Sri Lanka
Undertaking a medical observership in Sri Lanka is the opportunity of a lifetime. From immersing yourself in another culture to learning about traditional practices such as Ayurvedic Medicine, the knowledge, skills and experiences are immense, that this programme will provide you with.
More information
Sri Lanka Facts
Capital City
ColomboCurrency
Rupee (LKR)Language
Sinhala and TamilDialling Code
+94Plug Type
D and GSri Lanka Highlights
Nine Arch Bridge
The Nine Arch Bridge is nothing short of pure magic, and on our Sri Lanka tours, you get to live the experience twice. First is by riding one of the most stunning train journeys on the planet, immersing yourself in a world of emerald valleys. The second is from the most scenic viewpoint, as you watch the train glide on the tracks at lightning speed!
Coconut Tree Hill - Mirissa
If there is one place that captures the raw beauty of Sri Lanka, it is Coconut Tree Hill. Picture thisā¦ Burnt-orange sand stretches over a sloped hilltop. A blanket of sun-kissed palm trees swaying in the sea breeze. And the most beckoning ocean view, as the waves crash against the coast. As you can imagine, sunsets here are pretty legendary.
Sigiriya Rock
Sigiriya Rock floats above the jungle like a castle in the sky, promising the perfect mix of adventure and culture. Secrets lurk inside those ancient fortress walls, with a backstory so dramatic it belongs in a movie. We would tell youā¦ But itās more fun to find out while exploring on our Sri Lanka tours!
Udawalawe National Park
You never forget seeing your first elephant in the wild. Home to Sri Lankaās biggest population of Asian elephants, Udawalawe National Park makes for the most incredible safari experience. Beyond these friendly giants, keep your eyes peeled for tropical birds, colourful peacocks and, if you get lucky, maybe even a leopard!
Tea Plantations
Ever wondered how your favourite brew gets made? It all starts here. On our Sri Lanka group tours, you have the chance to visit local farms and wander around the enchanted highlands, bursting with the brightest colours. Feel the leaves between your fingertips before tasting a steamy cup of Ceylon, a black tea exclusive to Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka Beach-Hopping
No trip to Sri Lanka is complete without escaping to those paradise stretches of amber sand. Drenched in golden sunlight, heavenly views like these are impossible to forget. Once you step foot onto that very first beach, backed by wild palm trees and peering out onto the thundering ocean waves, you can never get enough!
Ella
Ella is a destination that makes you feel on top of the world, and not just because you get to tick the Nine Arch Bridge off your bucket list! Get off the beaten track on a hike to Diyaluma Falls, or take a gentle climb through the lush valleys to reach Little Adamās Peak. And who could forget about Ella Rock or Adam's Peak for the mountain views?
Kandy
For a taste of Sri Lankaās culture, history and unbeatable street food, Kandy is calling your name. When you are not exploring the sacred Temple of the Tooth or uncovering authentic hole-in-the-wall restaurants, even more beauty awaits. Finish your days of adventure by kicking back at the stunning lakeside. City life has never looked so sweet!
Sri Lanka Volunteering
Looking to volunteer abroad and give back while you travel? Sri Lanka is one of our favourite destinations to do so. Whether you are an animal lover passionate about helping sea turtles, hoping to get involved at local schools or interested in gaining real-world medical experience, chances are - we have the perfect project for you!
Sri Lanka Travel Advice
Climate & Weather
Sri Lanka is a tropical country with temperatures and high humidity all year round. There are also two distinct monsoon seasons depending on where you are on the island. While the southwest experiences lush rain from May to October (also called “Yala season”), the northeast has the opposite weather from November to April (“Maha season”).
Average annual temperatures are generally consistent, ranging somewhere between 25ā to 33ā. April and May are generally the hottest months, whereas January tends to experience the coolest weather.
Best Time to Visit
Sri Lanka is a year-round destination, so the best time to visit on one of our Sri Lanka tours comes down to preference. November to April is an incredible time of year to explore the beaches on Sri Lanka’s south and west coast. Wildlife watching at this time of year is also so exciting, especially for the chance to see elephants and leopards.
While May to October is generally more rainy in Sri Lanka’s most popular destinations, these are short and sharp spells. If you are looking to explore on a budget, this is a great time of year to visit Sri Lanka.
Customs & Culture
Sri Lanka is a vibrant destination to explore, and its culture is primarily Buddhist. Cultural customs to keep in mind are to dress modestly in general spaces, particularly when visiting temples or places of worship. Public displays of affection are discouraged. Travellers should always carry their passport or a photocopy of it while in Sri Lanka.
The food in Sri Lanka is delicious, and it is customary to eat with the fingertips of your right hand, as well as to shake hands and accept gifts with your right hand. If you are ever unsure of cultural customs, your trip leader can assist.
Passports & Visas
British nationals will need a visa to enter Sri Lanka, and this can be obtained online before your trip starts. Tourist visas for Sri Lanka are typically valid for 30 days. To enter Sri Lanka, your passport must have an expiry date of at least six months after the day that you arrive.
We recommend staying up to date with FCDO advice before you go travelling, as entry requirements and visa rules can be subject to change.
Health & Safety
At Gap 360, your safety and well-being are our top priorities. From the moment your trip is confirmed until you arrive back home, you'll have access to a 24/7 emergency contact number for any urgent issues. For anything non-urgent, our friendly team is also available during office hours to help.
We strongly recommend checking the FCDO advice for Sri Lanka, as it’s regularly updated with the latest safety and travel information and you can even sign up for email alerts to stay informed of any changes. In addition, you can check the FCDO general travel advice for British nationals abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions
At Gap 360, our biggest priority is ensuring that travellers feel safe and supported on their adventures abroad. Before your departure on our Sri Lanka tours, you will have access to our health and safety information with advice for your travels and country fact-files for Sri Lanka. Youāll also have access to a 24/7 emergency support number, operated by our UK-based team, to assist you while you're travelling. We always encourage travellers to do their own research before visiting a destination, or if you have any questions, we are just a message or phone call away.
Sinhala and Tamil are the official languages of Sri Lanka. English is often spoken inside Sri Lankaās most popular destinations.
British travellers will need a visa to enter Sri Lanka, which can be applied for online. A tourist visa is valid for 30 days. For further details, please consult FCDO advice for Sri Lanka.
Gap 360 has partnered with Masta and Nomad Clinics, one of the UKās largest networks of private travel clinics. Through Masta, you can arrange a Travel Telephone Consultation, an in-person Consultation, and book your vaccinations at your nearest clinic.
Flights to Sri Lanka from the UK typically take between 11 to 13 hours, and it is possible to find direct flights from London to Colombo, Sri Lankaās capital city. There are also flights that include a layover if youāre looking to travel on a budget.
Yes! Sri Lanka is home to five out of seven of the worldās sea turtle species, and so it is an incredible destination for spotting sea turtles out in the wild. One of the best ways to see sea turtles in Sri Lanka is to volunteer at a marine conservation project. Reach out to one of our travel advisors for more details.
Sri Lanka Trip Reviews
Read more about Sri Lanka
The 9 Best Beaches in Sri Lanka: South Coast Guide
Sri Lanka’s south coast is a haven of palm-fringed shores, irresistible waters and laid-back villages, making it the dream destination for beach lovers. Whether you’re into snorkelling, surfing, or sunbathing, Sri Lanka’s south coast has it all. Here’s a list of the best beaches on Sri Lanka’s south coast. You...
Last updated: 9th May 2025
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