Flights from Christchurch (CHC) to Sri Lanka

Discover Sri Lanka

Discover Sri Lanka

Why visit Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka offers tropical coastlines, lush tea country, and historic cities within easy reach of each other, giving you a rich mix of nature, culture, and heritage on one compact island.

What to expect
You can divide your time between the capital Colombo, the hill country around Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, the ancient cities of the Cultural Triangle, and beach towns along the south and east coasts.

Plan your trip
Sri Lanka works well for both short escapes and longer journeys, and it is a convenient base for exploring the wider Indian Ocean region when combined with regional flights.

Top experiences in Sri Lanka

Explore vibrant Colombo

Stroll Colombo's seaside promenade, museums, and lively neighbourhoods to discover the city’s mix of colonial architecture and modern Sri Lankan life.

Journey through the hill country

Ride the scenic train into the misty highlands around Kandy and Ella, passing tea plantations, waterfalls, and mountain villages.

Uncover the Cultural Triangle

Climb ancient rock citadels, explore age-old cities, and wander past statues and ruins that trace centuries of Sri Lankan history.

Relax on golden beaches

Head to southern and western beach towns for palm-fringed shores, gentle surf, and sunset views over the Indian Ocean.

Spot wildlife on safari

Visit Sri Lanka’s national parks to look for elephants, colourful birdlife, and other native species in their natural habitats.

Walk historic coastal forts

Explore cobbled lanes, ramparts, and heritage buildings in old fortified coastal towns for a glimpse into the island’s trading past.

Sail and snorkel offshore

Join a boat trip to see marine life and enjoy snorkelling in clear waters during the calmer seasons along the coast.

Experience Sri Lanka's way of life

Getting around
You can travel between major Sri Lankan cities by car with driver, intercity trains, or domestic flights on selected routes, with Colombo acting as the main gateway for onward journeys.

Local life & culture
In Colombo and larger towns, you will find a lively mix of offices, markets, and seaside walks, while in villages and hill country towns life moves at a slower, more traditional pace.

Where to unwind
You can unwind at coastal resorts, spa retreats in the hill country, or quieter eco-lodges near national parks, where nature and open spaces are never far away.

A taste of Sri Lanka

National dishes & specialties
Across Sri Lanka you can try fragrant rice and curry spreads, hoppers, string hoppers, and seafood dishes, with coastal areas especially known for fresh fish and shellfish.

Casual & modern dining hubs
In Colombo and larger cities, casual cafes, bakeries, and contemporary restaurants serve local and international flavours, with different regions adding their own spices and styles.

Signature & scenic dining
You can enjoy memorable meals in restored heritage buildings, on hill country verandas overlooking tea estates, or at beachside venues with views of the setting sun.

Retail therapy in Sri Lanka

Malls & lifestyle hubs
In Colombo you will find modern malls and lifestyle centres that bring together international brands, local labels, dining, and entertainment under one roof.

Markets & local crafts
Cities and towns such as Colombo, Kandy, and Galle are known for boutiques and markets where you can look for textiles, handwoven items, carved wood, and other crafts.

Evening retail scene
After dark, Colombo’s main shopping areas remain lively with illuminated storefronts, cafes, and late-opening stores, especially on weekends and holiday periods.

Best time to visit Sri Lanka

Peak season: December to March brings warm, generally drier weather on the west and south coasts and hill country, with average temperatures around 25–30°C (77–86°F).

Shoulder season: April to early May and July to August see mixed weather with some showers, but still many sunny days and temperatures near 26–31°C (79–88°F).

Low season: Late May to June and September to November can be wetter in many regions, with higher humidity and temperatures roughly 25–30°C (77–86°F).

Frequently Asked Questions