+44 (0)20 7819 9770
  1. Home
  2. Blog 
  3. Archive 
  4. Best Christmas and New Year Holidays in India and Sri Lanka
Back to Listing

Best Christmas and New Year Holidays in India and Sri Lanka

Best Christmas and New Year Holidays in India and Sri Lanka

As we leave summer behind and start the descent into the bleak British winter, we find it’s always a good idea to book a holiday as something to look forward to. Our luxury holidays and cultural tours to the Indian Subcontinent offer something for all types of traveller; from family-friendly wildlife holidays and adventure trips for solo travellers to luxurious honeymoons and wellness immersions. Below you’ll find our top recommendations for the perfect tailor-made holidays to immerse yourself in - whether you’re looking for sunshine, culture, wildlife or adventure this Christmas.

Sri Lanka

A December to January visit to Sri Lanka is, quite simply, the dream, especially when arriving from the UK. The Hill Country tea plantations are at their driest and the West Coast is at its best, with clear, azure-blue waters ideal for swimming, surfing, snorkelling and blue whale spotting. We’ve shared our favourite itineraries for a full range of trips to the country below.

Family-Friendly & Wildlife Holidays in Sri Lanka

For a small country, Sri Lanka is densely packed with historical, cultural and scenic attractions, making it the perfect destination for family holidays. Appealing to those travelling as a family or with younger children, a wildlife holiday will take you through the dense jungles of Yala or Kumana National Park, home to shy leopards, wild Sri Lankan elephants and aquatic birds.

If Tarzan Went to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s Wildlife Wonders

Cheeky Monkeys, Blue Whales & King Coconuts - Family Fun in Sri Lanka

The Perfect Family Holiday to Sri Lanka

Cultural Holidays in Sri Lanka

For those after a cultural break, our Sri Lanka tours can seamlessly combine colonial history, the legacy of the Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa and the ancient cities of Polonnaruwa, Dambulla and Anuradhapura. The latter is part of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle – the old capital of Kandy and the hill station of Nuwara Eliya.

Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle and the Beach

Geoffrey Bawa: An Architectural Tour of Sri Lanka

enter image description here

Beach & Active Holidays in Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan beaches are a slice of heaven, offering something for every kind of traveller, whether you’re an advanced surfer after to find the best waves, a wellness enthusiast in search of yoga retreats or simply a hammock lover looking to relax and enjoy the country’s bohemian beach bars and incredible seafood.

Life’s a Beach… Sri Lanka’s Ultimate Beach Holiday

Luxury Surfing in Sri Lanka

Golfing in Sri Lanka

North India

With temperatures at a very comfortable 25°C, December and January are pleasant months to visit the Royal Palaces of Rajasthan, especially for those looking to escape the heat that comes in the following months For adventure seekers and snow enthusiasts, it’s the start of the ski season in Gulmarg, Kashmir, which offers an unforgettable and unique skiing experience!

South India

For those after a dose of sunshine, the tropical palm-fringed beaches of Goa and Kerala offer long stretches of white sand and truly balmy waters. Combine the coast with cultural visits to Chennai, Mahabalipuram and Pondicherry for the ultimate South Indian adventure.

enter image description here

Family & Wildlife Holidays in India

A kaleidoscope of colour and noise, India is a lively and invigorating place for exciting luxury family holidays. From exploring the temple-scattered sites of Tamil Nadu to searching for leopards, tigers and sloth bears on safari, we can guarantee that your children will never get bored!

The Jungle Book Wildlife Adventure

Grand Tour of South India… Our Signature Family-Friendly Holiday

A Family Wilderness Adventure in Kipling Country

Romantic Holidays in India

Rajasthan is the ideal region for a romantic honeymoon; home to fairytale palaces, candlelit dinners under the stars of the Thar Desert and private boat trips on the serene Lake Pichola. Combine the city with a trip to the coast or the far-flung Andaman Islands for the perfect luxury honeymoon.

Boutique Rajasthan… Romance, Culture & Heavenly Hotels

The Hidden Beaches of the Andaman Islands

enter image description here

Wellness Holidays in India

India is renowned for its spirituality, wisdom and ancient wellbeing health traditions; it is the home of Ayurveda, making it the ideal place for wellness holidays. From the foothills of the Himalayas to the beaches of Goa and Kerala, you can find luxurious retreats that offer yoga and meditation where you can practice balancing mind, body and soul and leave your holiday feeling rested and restored.

A Week at Vana - India’s Ultimate Wellness Retreat

India with Aman: A Sophisticated Journey for the Senses

If you're interested in arranging a holiday to India or Sri Lanka, please get in touch at info@ampersandtravel.com or +44 (020) 7819 9770.

All Categories

Tags

Latest posts

Archive

Client Testimonials

Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
- Mr Wyburd, Philippines
I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
- Carruthers family, North India
I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India
We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India
Ballyfin was great - we loved it! Best things were the amount of space, it felt like you had the whole place to yourself, the history of the house, and the staff. We'd definitely recommend it. Thanks very much for all the help getting it booked!
- Mr Wyburd, Ireland
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
- Redmayne family, Phuket

Let us keep you up to date

Sign up to our newsletter and never miss out on unmissable exclusive luxury experiences