Region: Dry Zone

Palm Garden Village

A perfect retreat for relaxation after busy days exploring Wilpattu and Anuradhapura

Ulagalla Resort

A beautiful colonial boutique hotel set amongst 58 acres of native forest and rice fields near Anuradhapura

Kumbuk River Lodge

Set by a river within easy reach of the north entrance to Yala and exudes simple yet natural charm

Minneriya National Park

A fine example of the many ancient rainwater reservoirs (or tanks) that dot the island of Sri Lanka, Minneriya Tank (built nearly 2000 years ago) is the focal point for this small eponymous reserve of c.9000 hectares and the reason it exists. The tank supplies water to the surrounding area as well as large herds … Continued

Trincomalee and Nilaveli

In common with Wilpattu and other northern and eastern areas, Trincomalee and Nilaveli were off limits during the war against the Tamil Tigers. Now they are once more firmly on the map, offering more attractive beaches than the southwest coast, whale watching, cultural sites and good snorkelling. Trincomalee has the second largest natural harbour in … Continued

Big Game Camp Yala

an amazing tented wilderness experience, just 20 minutes from Yala National Park

Passikudah and Kalkudah

Another area on the east coast which has opened up after the end of the Tamil Tiger war, Passikudah Bay has emerged from years of neglect and now boasts sweeping sandy beaches and a few guesthouses and smart resorts: perfect for a sunny ending to a great Sri Lankan holiday.

Heritance Kandalama

Situated by an ancient reservoir in the Cultural Triangle of central Sri Lanka

Maalu Maalu

One of the pioneering hotels on Passekudah Bay, north of Batticaloa on Sri Lanka’s east coast

Trinco Blu by Cinnamon

Located north of Trincomalee in an area fast becoming one of Sri Lanka’s premier whale watching and beach locations

Mahoora Luxury Camping

Offers a very different wildlife experience from lodge-based safaris in Yala, Uda Walawe, Wilpattu and nine other Sri Lankan national parks

Uga Bay Resort

luxury family-friendly beachfront hotel in Passekudah with spacious, well-appointed rooms

Wilpattu National Park

Situated in the northern dry zone, Wilpattu is Sri Lanka’s largest national park at 131,000 hectares, yet one of its least visited. Off limits during the war with the Tamil Tigers, since that ended in 2009 the park infrastructure has gradually been improved so that now the largely forested reserve is again very rewarding to … Continued

The Cultural Triangle

In heritage terms, the Cultural Triangle is the most important region of Sri Lanka. It embraces three ancient UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Dambulla, Sigiriya and Polonnoruwa, all within easy distance of each other but all very different, and easily combined. A sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site for an incredible 22 centuries, Dambulla is the best preserved … Continued

Kassapa Lion Rock

Pleasant small hotel close to the Sigiriya World Heritage site

Anilana Nilaveli

A luxurious contemporary resort situated on a peaceful stretch of the beautiful Nilaveli beach.

Buckingham Place

Sandwiched between the tranquil Rekawa lagoon and the turtle beach of Rekawa, British-owned Buckingham Place feels more like an upmarket homestay rather than a hotel.

Bundala National Park

Bundala National Park is an outstanding Important Bird Area: in 1991 Bundala was the first in Sri Lanka to be designated a RAMSAR wetland. Bundala boasts 197 bird species, of which 100 are water fowl and 58 migratory. The avian highlight at Bundala is the greater flamingo, which visits in large flocks, but also seen … Continued

Yala National Park

Sri Lanka’s second largest national park (at 378 sq miles) and its premier wildlife location, Yala offers an almost African safari experience as well as important Buddhist sites. On game drives by jeep, one can view wild elephant, buffalo and boar, huge monitor lizards, macaque monkeys and many rare and endemic bird species: it is … Continued

Anuradhapura and Mihintale

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Anuradhapura was the original ancient capital of Sri Lanka, built around a cutting of the sacred Bodhi fig tree (now a large sprawling giant of a tree) under which the Buddha sat in India and brought to Sri Lanka in the 3rd Century BC. The city flourished for 1300 years … Continued

Shinagawa Beach

A luxurious hotel situated upon a stretch of beautiful sandy beach on the Southern coast

Cinnamon Wild Yala

Award-winning luxury lodge located just outside the world renowned Yala National Park

Habarana Village by Cinnamon

clusters of thatched chalets in lush tropical gardens – the perfect base for the Cultural Triangle

Amaya Beach

The highest international standard hotel accommodation available on Passekudah Bay

Cinnamon Lodge

One of Sri Lanka’s foremost hotels nestled among 27 acres of verdant grounds bordering a large lake in Habarana

Lagoon Inn

A friendly, homely guesthouse located in Hambantota, 2km east of the northern entrance gate to Bundala National Park

Jungle Beach

The most luxurious accommodation available to the north of Trincomalee