12 trips
Sri 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.
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.
2-12 weeks from £1,049
Invaluable practical medical experience in a developing country
Calling all medical graduates, or current medical students! This volunteer programme is the perfect opportunity to further your practical medical experience. Make a real difference to the local community, build your CV, and explore the gorgeous surrounding area in your free time.
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!
If there is one place that captures the raw beauty of Sri Lanka, it is Coconut Tree Hill. Picture this… 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 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 you… But it’s more fun to find out while exploring on our Sri Lanka tours!
You never forget seeing your first elephant in the wild. Home to Sri Lanka’s 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!
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.
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 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 Adam’s Peak. And who could forget about Ella Rock or Adam's Peak for the mountain views?
For a taste of Sri Lanka’s 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!
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 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 25℃ to 33℃. April and May are generally the hottest months, whereas January tends to experience the coolest weather.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. You’ll 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 Lanka’s 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 UK’s 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 Lanka’s capital city. There are also flights that include a layover if you’re looking to travel on a budget.
Yes! Sri Lanka is home to five out of seven of the world’s 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’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
@gap360official | Sri Lanka