Sri Lanka has it all:  beaches, surf, great food, amazing wildlife, fascinating history and archaelogical treasures, beautiful mountains and national parks.

So why haven't you been already? When Sri Lanka really started to imprint itself on the minds of surfers and travellers, a disastrous 26 year civil war broke out. The war finally ended in 2009, and although there are still tensions with the Tamil minority of the north-east, the country is enjoying peace and economic growth. Tourism numbers are increasing strongly, but the country is certainly not inundated like many South-East Asian countries.

Often referred to as “India Lite”, Sri Lanka has all the spice, colour and interest of its northern neighbour India, without the crowds, noise and bustle.

Sri Lankan Perfection

Around The Sun's first trip to Sri Lanka - Best of Sri Lanka - has been designed by Michael Murray. Michael will also be your guide.

Michael fell in love with Sri Lanka in 2002 and has been a regular visitor ever since. Before that, he was a frequent traveller to India, but the beaches, food, and nature of the teardrop island have won him over forever. He has been involved in Sri Lankan business ventures over the years as well as a film project and post-tsunami aid work.

This 12-day trip was inspired by the many people who have told Michael they would love to go to Sri Lanka - to which he has always replied: 'Let me take you there!' 

Best of Sri Lanka covers Colombo, the beautiful city of Galle, includes three days based at Hirikitiya - with an easy-to-ride surf break - in a superb beach-side private hotel, plus a circuit of the tea country, and Kandy and the Temple of the Tooth.

Climate

Sri Lanka is year-round holiday destination.

The south-western monsoon brings rain to the south-west of Sri Lanka between May and September, while the dry season in this region runs from December to March.

The north-eastern monsoon brings rain to the northern and eastern coastal regions between October and January, and drier weather between May and September.

There is also an inter-monsoonal period during October and the first half of November, when rain and thunderstorms can occur across the island. This clears up as December nears, with conditions getting balmier by the day during the second half of November.

The period from December to mid-April has the best weather, but also the most visitors. The shoulder seasons have the best of both worlds; great weather with fewer visitors.