Villas in Sri Lanka

Known as the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean" for its beauty and biodiversity, Sri Lanka is a popular destination with plenty of charm that offers everything for entertainment, from ancient Buddhist ruins, famous tea plantations, a variety of wildlife to pristine beaches of extraordinary beauty. Best of all, you can get spectacular villas within walking distance of beautiful soft sandy beaches and other popular tourist attractions. This little island has it all for a phenomenal holiday!

In Sri Lanka you can find something to suit all tastes and needs. Families and large groups of friends will delight in the stunning Thai-style villas that look like something out of a dream. There are beachside pools where children can enjoy making sandcastles and then take a dip in the freshwater pool; gardens surrounded by tropical plants such as palms and ferns that give the impression of being inside a tropical jungle; an outdoor dining area for you to enjoy a fruit smoothie overlooking the ocean, and spacious air-conditioned rooms with balconies overlooking the courtyard. The villas in Sri Lanka have everything you need for the best weeks of your life.

If you're looking for an adventurous destination full of excursions, Sri Lanka has jungles, high waterfalls, wild beaches and forests that provide great adventures. During your trip you can climb places like the rock fortress of Sigiriya also known as the Lion's Rock, one of Sri Lanka's seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, where you'll climb the rocky steps and narrow metal stairs to the top with breathtaking 360-degree views. You can also explore the huge Yala National Park on the edge of the Indian Ocean, home to leopards, elephants, crocodiles and many more animals. Within the park you'll also find ancient Buddhist monasteries and ruins to venture to. Besides, Sri Lanka also has other wild experiences such as white-water rafting and trekking in the high peaks, rugged terrain and mist-shrouded mountains.

The small island has everything to offer, be it action, adventure, culture and tranquillity, Sri Lanka is a family holiday paradise. One of the most attractive tourist attractions here is the Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage, located in the village of Pinnewala. Here children can observe a herd of Asian elephants abandoned by their mothers, and have a heart-warming experience where they can watch the elephants playing and bathing in the river, as well as watch the little ones being bottle-fed. The country also has some of the best beaches in Asia, so children will love the palm-fringed beaches and crystal clear waters for activities such as snorkelling and scuba diving! One of the best places to do these activities is Hikkaduwa, located in Sri Lanka's Southern Province. The beach has a coral sanctuary where you can experience colourful marine life and swim with large sea turtles.

Shrouded in lush greenery, make your way through the long grass and undergrowth to enjoy the natural pools at the top of Diyaluma Falls. Once you arrive you can enjoy a 628ft (0.19 km) cliff edge natural pool suitable only for the brave! From here admire the views and relax in the cool water after a hike. And if you want more adrenaline, you'll also find pools to jump from that aren't as high and don't have rocks. Diyaluma Falls is one of the most impressive attractions, and is the second-largest waterfall in Sri Lanka, so a visit to these waterfalls will be one of the best memories you will have of your trip.

Sail the deep waters of the ocean on a whale and dolphin watching cruise. This is one of the best things to do on the south coast, so you'll find several operators willing to take you to the Indian Ocean to spot the largest mammal on the planet. The journey will provide you with great scenery and a thrill factor as you watch the great blue whale emerge from the sea. Plus, you may even be lucky enough to see the mothers with their calves! There is nowhere else in the world where this creature can be seen more reliably than in Sri Lanka.

Along the South Coastal Highway, you can find several turtle hatcheries set up to protect these beautiful creatures. Be a volunteer and learn about the dangers facing the five endangered species of sea turtles. And during the baby turtles' early stages help release them into the ocean, and have an adorable time with these little ones! It is a unique opportunity to help increase the rate of turtles and give a hand to those turtles that are sick or injured to come back home.

If you find yourself in Mirissa, you should not miss two of the most paradisiacal spots in town. Coconut Tree Hill, located at the end of Mirissa beach, is an unusual spot covered entirely in palm trees and is one of Mirissa's favourite photo spots. On the other hand, Mirissa's secret beach is also an amazing place to capture beautiful moments and enjoy the tranquil surroundings with crystal clear waters. During your visit to the beaches, drink a well-deserved coconut, float in the amazing shallow waters and dine at sunset at a nice restaurant on the shores to end the day.

Try fishing like the local fishermen and practice your balancing skills! Fishermen traditionally use stilts, known as Ritipanna, that are bamboo poles stuck close to the shore with a small bench to sit on. You can catch small reef fish the size of sardines on these stilts for a tip. This practise is usually seen on the south coast, including places like Mirissa, Koggala, Kaththaluwa and Ahangama. Stilt fishing is one of the top things to do in Sri Lanka, so you shouldn't miss out on trying it out.

Try fresh and delicious dishes such as Jaffna crab curry, one of the best dishes in the world, fish and chilli curry, and squid curry cooked in coconut cream and lime juice. Although Sri Lanka may be a destination for seafood lovers, if you're a vegetarian, you will also have some of the best vegetarian dishes such as Dhal Curry, made with lentils, tomatoes, and chillies; Parippu curry made with lentils, coconut and spices, and Kottu, a popular street food dish made up of chunks of godamba roti, vegetables, and spices. The island has a wide variety of exotic dishes to choose from that will have you licking your fingers!

Explore two of the temples that are among the country's most popular tourist attractions, the Gangaramaya Temple and the Dambulla Cave Temple! Located in Colombo, the Gangaramaya Temple is one of the most important temples and offers a blend of Sri Lankan, Indian, Thai, and Chinese architectural styles. Here you can discover a treasure trove of ancient Buddhist art pieces. On the other hand, the Dambulla Cave Temple or Golden Temple, is the largest and best preserved cave temple in the country, and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can explore more than 80 caves filled with 153 Buddha statues and murals that are sure to delight your eyes.