Sri Lanka holidays

Sri Lanka’s beaches tick off all the tropical stereotypes. You’ve got the wide sweeps of golden sand, the gently lapping waves of the Indian Ocean, and the towering palm trees made for lounging under. Most of the hotels on the west coast of the island are right by the sea, which means you can practically roll out of bed and on to the sand.

Bentota Beach is the kind you daydream about on a cold, dark Monday morning when it just won’t stop raining. A long stretch of ivory sand is overlooked by tilting palm trees, and big lagoons run down in to the sea.

Most of the hotels on Sri Lanka’s west coast give you direct access to the coast. So, if you prefer your beaches sandcastle-free, it’s worth opting for an adults-only property. Resorts like Hikkaduwa and Ahungalla are a bit quieter than bustling Negombo or Bentota.

You don’t have to wander far in Sri Lanka to come across someone wearing a brightly-coloured pair of elephant-print trousers or an elephant-print sarong. You can pick up your own at any market stall or souvenir shop in the country, for just a few pounds. Haggling is strongly encouraged.

For typical Sri Lankan home ware, make tracks for Paradise Road in Colombo. Here, you can get your hands on everything from candlesticks to artwork, all at reasonable prices. Elsewhere, a lot of independent shops in the capital offer up great-value leather goods.

Sri Lanka is known for its precious stones, and you’ll find jewellery shops all over the country. For the biggest selection, the bigger cities – Colombo, Negombo and Galle – are your best bets. The most popular chain stores are Zam Gems and Sifani, but you’ll come across lots of independent stores, too.

Most of the hotels in Sri Lanka have at least a few bars to pick from, so you can choose the one that best suits your mood. Kick the evening off with a fruity cocktail or refreshing beer, while you watch the sun set over the ocean. And follow dinner up with a few more drinks and possibly some live music.

You don’t have to look far to find a party in Sri Lanka. The bigger cities, like Colombo, Negombo and Galle, are overflowing with bars, cocktail lounges and nightclubs. For more of a hedonistic vibe, head to backpacker favourite, Hikkaduwa. This beachside town is known for its beach parties and festivals, and international DJs often fly in to host the big occasions.

A veggie dish that’s so good, you won’t miss the meat. Red lentils are mixed with onions, tomatoes and green chillies, and cooked in coconut milk. Cumin, turmeric, mustard seeds and pandan leaves are thrown into the mix, to create a deliciously light curry.

The jackfruit belongs to the mulberry and fig family. It’s cooked on a low heat along with chillies, garlic, curry leaves, cinnamon and ginger, to make a fruity, flavoursome dish unlike anything you’ll find back home.

This peppery dish was invented as a way of preserving fish. The catch of the day – usually tuna – is sautéed in spices including black pepper, pandan leaves and dried goraka. The finished result is a dry curry that’s perfect on a hot day.

Why choose between eggs and pancakes when you can have both? Batter is made from rice flour and coconut milk, and then fried in a small wok to create a bowl shape. An egg is cracked into the middle, and left to cook.

The Sri Lankans have put their own twist on this typical Indian flatbread. The grated coconut adds just the right amount of sweetness to this versatile snack.