Sunseeker: Sri Lanka

Why go now?

Why go now?

January is the perfect time to visit Sri Lanka, when temperatures hover around a balmy 30C. Visitors can expect low humidity, clear skies and calm waters. Avoid May to June, when temperatures are much higher and the weather much wetter.

Any other reason?

After years of turmoil in the north-east of the country, the area is once again opening up to tourism, offering visitors the chance to experience near deserted beaches and peaceful drives around Trincomalee. Nilaveli Beach was only recently a hot spot for unrest, but now offers tourists the chance to experience turquoise waters. In January, join the Durutu Perahera Pageant, a colourful religious parade to the Kelaniya Temple, some 12km away from Colombo. The pageant commemorates the third visit of the Buddha to Sri Lanka. Expect elephants, traditional dancers, singers, and drummers.

Where should I stay?

Lighthouse Hotel & Spa (00 9491 222 3744; www.jetwing.net) in Galle offers seven acres of history and luxury. This Dutch-influenced hotel sits above a beach on a low-lying cliff and boasts two pools and an acclaimed Ayurvedic Spa. Rooms from £205 per night on a half-board basis.

Elephant Corridor (00 9466 223 1950; www.elephantcorridor.com), near Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura, opened only last year. This five-star resort and spa has 21 suites and encompasses some 200 acres of land. Do a spot of elephant watching at the nearby reservoir under the guidance of the resident nature expert. Deluxe suites from £133 per suite per night.

The Deer Park (00 9411 230 7061; www.deerpark.com.lk) offers 80 luxury rooms in an eco-lodge hotel amid masses of trees and vegetation. Chill out and watch exotic birds fly around in the jungle canopy above you and swim in the three beautiful swimming pools (connected to each other by a waterfall), which are perfect for bathing under the stars. Double rooms from £70 per room per night.

What shouldn't I miss?

Shop for gems in Colombo. Blue sapphires, cat's eyes, rubies, star rubies, star sapphires, alexandrites, moonstones and many more are on offer at the Sri Lanka Gem & Jewellery Exchange, 310 Galle Road, Colombo 3. Don't miss out on buying the best tea in the world at the Sri Lanka Tea Board Counter, 574 Galle Road, Colombo 3. Visitors can take away up to 3kg of tea. Sigiriya is the must-see rock fortress built by King Kasyapa in the 5th Century and was a royal citadel for more than 18 years. Climb to the top for breathtaking views of the Sri Lankan landscape. Elephant lovers' head for the Elephant Orphanage in Pinnawela, which was started by the Department of Wildlife in 1975 and now looks after more than 70 elephants.

Who should I call?

Barefoot Traveller (020-8741 4319; www.barefoot-traveller.com) offers a seven-night package. This includes a five-night tour on a half-board basis of Sigiriya Rock, Kandy, Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage and Polonnaruwa in an air-conditioned car with English-speaking driver and two nights at Mount Lavinia on a b&b basis. The price starts at £956 per person, including return flights with Qatar Airlines from Heathrow and transfers.

What if I can't afford that?

Travelpack (0870 121 2050; www.travelpack-indianocean.com) offers a seven-night b&b break at the Browns Beach Hotel from £595 per person, including return flights with Royal Jordanian Airlines from Heathrow and transfers.

Where can I find out more?

Contact the Sri Lanka Tourist Board (020-7930 2627; www.srilankatourism.org).

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