Sri Lanka

The other land of smiles

It may look like a huge tear dripping from the Indian subcontinent, but Sri Lanka is above all a land of color and smiles.

Marco Polo described it as the most beautiful island in the world. And it's true that it still knows how to captivate travellers. Elephants decked out for the festival, colorful temples, monks in saffron robes, coconut palms and tropical trees, sun-drenched fruit, spice-scented dishes, a noria of bicycles and tuk-tuks - this is a country where images are constantly jostling for attention. But it's also a veritable bath of Asian culture, as well as a perfect destination for relaxation and unwinding. In short, Sri Lanka is an excellent introduction for those who have yet to visit the Indian subcontinent.

Ideal for

Seaside, cultural, wildlife observation, scuba diving, cooking classes, honeymoon, ecotourism, shopping.

Did you know?

In Sri Lanka, there are Buddhist temples adorned with images of Hindu gods.

The must-haves

Marvel at the elephant bath at the Pinnewala orphanage.
Climb the incredible Sigiriya fortress.
A breath of fresh air in the tea region.
Let yourself be carried away by the fervor of the believers in the temples of Kandy.
Relax on the sandy beaches of the west coast.

Between us

Take part in the colourful evening ceremonial at the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. An unforgettable experience.
It's magical: watch the sunrise from the summit of the sacred mountain Adam's Peak.
You'd be seriously offending the Sri Lankans by posing for a photo in front of a Buddha.
We only haggle in tourist areas, but not in Colombo, for example.

When to go?

On the west coast (more seaside), prefer January to March. From spring to autumn, you can soak up the sun on the east coast. If you're looking for cooler climes, take to the island's interior.

Packing

Lightweight, light-colored clothing, not forgetting a few warmer items for stays at altitude. Take a pair of easy-to-remove shoes for temple visits (shoes must be removed). And don't forget to bring mosquito repellent.