Travel advisory for holidays in Sri Lanka lifted by Foreign Office

After decades of civil unrest, the war in Sri Lanka finally came to an end a year ago, and last week, the Foreign Office lifted its last remaining travel advisory for the country. There is no longer an advisory for the four northern districts of Mullaitivu, Kilinochchi, Mannar, and Vavuniya. But to travel to these places, you must obtain consent from the Sri Lankan government. This rule also applies to Jaffna.

The number of people taking holidays in Sri Lanka has risen by nearly 50% this year and around 45,000 Brits have taken a holiday in Sri Lanka so far this year.

Holidays in Sri Lanka are perfect for people who want an idyllic beach holiday and a bit of adventure all rolled into one. Palm-fringed, sandy beaches can be found all around the island, so there's plenty of sand to go around.

For travellers looking for adventurous holidays in Sri Lanka, there's plenty to do. You could take a ride on an elephant through the Sri Lankan wilderness, or visit an elephant orphanage. The colourful coral reefs that are rich in marine life offer perfect diving opportunities. Bentota and Hikkaduwa are great spots that have underwater caves and shipwrecks to explore.

Canoe, kayak or raft the waterways in Sri Lanka to really get the adrenaline pumping. Waterfalls and boulders create thrilling rides, and the rivers are laced with lush greenery for a really scenic trip. There are also opportunities to go rock climbing or trekking in Sri Lanka, and there are a range of water sports to choose from, including windsurfing and waterskiing. If you decide to take part in a hazardous sport in Sri Lanka, make sure your travel insurance covers you for it.

Though the Foreign Office has lifted all its advisories for Sri Lanka, they do state that there is a general threat from terrorism and British nationals are advised to avoid large gatherings which could turn violent. Military operations and the clearing of minefields are still taking place. Do not veer off cleared footpaths or roads and keep an eye out for signs of landmines. The majority of visits to Sri Lanka are incident free.

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