Sri Lanka is back. Years of civil war, not to mention the devastation wrought by the Boxing Day tsunami, wreaked havoc on the island’s tourism industry.
However, after a period of relative calm and stability following the official ceasefire in May 2009, the security situation has improved, and UK visitors are falling in love again with Sri Lanka’s heady mix of lush interior, ancient temples and picture-perfect beaches caressed by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
There were 6,769 UK visitors in April, a 30% year-on-year increase, which was helped by renewed airlift from the likes of Emirates and Etihad, which temporarily ceased flying to the country last year.
Etihad UK general manager Clive Wratten says that since the service was reintroduced in January, the company’s routes, in particular its Manchester-Colombo service, are performing well. “It’s really good to be back and supporting Sri Lanka,” he adds.
The multiple flights out of the capital Colombo to the Maldives also make for a popular twin-centre option. For example, Thomson and First Choice, which stopped featuring Sri Lanka last year, will be offering it again for winter 2010/11 as part of a Maldives twin-centre.
Beaches
The country’s beaches are the major draw, and variations in climate on the east and west coasts mean the country is pretty much a year-round destination for sun worshippers.
The southwest coast, stretching down from the capital Colombo to historic Galle, is home to some of Sri Lanka’s best beaches and tourist infrastructure, located in areas such as Wadduwa, Bentota and Beruwela, where a new breed of boutique hotels are opening up.
Further south, Hikkaduwa is a good surf spot and well worth a visit, while Galle, with its 16th-century Dutch fort and varied hotels base, is a good location to strike out for renowned local beaches such as Unawatuna, a popular dive spot. Staying options in Galle include the sumptuous colonial-style Amangalla.
The Cultural Triangle
The classic first-timer’s tour takes visitors north from Colombo to explore interior sights such as the historic town of Kandy, the Temple of the Tooth, and the 600 metre-high Sigiriya Rock, which affords sweeping views over the lush green landscape.
If the climb doesn’t appeal, clients can take to the air in an aircraft or balloon. Operators offering helicopter tours include Favourite Holidays, who offer agents 10% commission.
Another well established stop on the route is the elephant orphanage at Pinnewela. Twice a day, visitors can watch baby elephants being fed before they are marched to the river to bathe.
Other points of interest on the route include the elaborately-painted Buddhist cave temples at Dambulla and the tea plantations of the hill country. Those with an interest in history will enjoy the historical centres of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura, close to the stunning new Ulagalla luxury eco resort, set to have a soft opening this June. Kuoni and Carrier already feature the resort.
The North
Since the ceasefire the former Tamil Tiger-controlled areas in the north have gradually been opening up their charms to tourists again, like historic Jaffna, right on the northern tip, and Trincomalee, a laidback beach and surf spot on the northeastern coast.
Unfortunately, reaching such destinations can be a bit of a mission: there are no internal flights and the rail network is of limited use to tourists. Hiring a minibus or a car and a driver is the way to go but travel by road can be incredibly slow – vehicles often average about 20mph.
National Parks and wildlife
To spot wildlife head to the big national parks. The dry season (June to September) is the best time for sightings, with Yala, in the southeast, the best place to spot leopards. To see elephants in the wild head for Udawalawe National Park.
Sri Lanka is also a great place for whale and dolphin watching trips, being relatively cheap and easy to arrange at key centres such as Mirissa on the south coast. November to March is the best time to see whales.
Weddings and honeymoons
Weddings and honeymoons have traditionally been a strong market for Sri Lanka.
“Sri Lanka is Kuoni’s number one wedding destination and has been for a number of years,” says Kuoni marketing manager Sheena Paton. “It also sits at number three for honeymoon bookings. This could be because Sri Lanka offers great value for money with a fantastic selection of hotels, many of which are a perfect location for a beautiful wedding or relaxed honeymoon.”
Sample product: Kuoni offers a seven-night wedding package at the Jetwing Vil Uyana, in Sigiriya, on a bed-and-breakfast basis, from £1,585 per couple, including flights with Sri Lankan Airlines and private transfers. Items in the package include a wedding cake, decorated location, champagne, traditional dancers and drummers, a massage for the bride and groom, and hairdresser for the bride. kuoni.co.uk, 01306 747008
Sample product
Cox & Kings offers private travel and fully escorted group tours to Sri Lanka. Its nine-day Sri Lanka Experience group tour takes in the ancient sites of the cultural triangle, and the tropical interior and hill stations, and the picturesque tea country. It costs from £1,095 per person, including flights with Sri Lankan Airlines
from Heathrow, half-board accommodation, transfers and guided excursions. coxandkings.co.uk, 020 7873 5000
Emirates Tours is offering 10 nights for the price of seven package at The Lighthouse Hotel & Spa, near Galle, for bookings made before July 3 for travel up until July 15. The reduced price of £2,299 per person, which represents a saving of up to £2,010 per couple, is based on two sharing a deluxe room, with daily breakfast and dinner, and includes business -class flights on Emirates, chauffer-driven transport in the UK and private car resort transfers. emiratestours.co.uk, 0844 800 1400
Seasons In Style are offering £300 off per couple on a seven-night stay at the swanky Amanwella resort in Tangalle, on the south coast. The reduced lead-in price of £1,850 per person, which includes room-only accommodation in a suite, flights from London with Sri Lankan Airlines and private transfers, is valid on travel from now until July 15 and from August 21-September 30. seasonsinstyle.com, 01244 202002
