Best Season to Travel to Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka enjoys a tropical climate, and the best time to visit depends on the experiences you seek:
- High Season (December to March): Ideal for the west and south coasts, featuring sunny days and calm seas. Perfect for beach lovers and cultural explorers.
- Intermonsoon Season (April to May): A transitional period with occasional rain. Good for fewer crowds and lush landscapes.
- Southwest Monsoon (May to September): Rainfall on the southwest coast, making it a great time to explore the east and north. The cultural triangle shines in this season.
- Northeast Monsoon (October to November): Ideal for the east coast. The hill country experiences some rain, but it’s a great time for wildlife safaris.
Rainy Season in Sri Lanka
While Sri Lanka experiences monsoons, they don’t hinder travel. The southwest monsoon (May to September) brings rain to the southwest, while the northeast monsoon (October to November) affects the north and east. Both periods offer unique experiences, and rain showers are usually short-lived.
What to do in Sri Lanka during Rainy Season:
Enjoy Ayurvedic spa treatments, take a cooking class, or explore museums and art galleries in Colombo and Kandy. The rainforest, such as Sinharaja, becomes vibrant during this season, and scenic train journeys and strolls through Galle Fort offer unique experiences in the misty atmosphere
Top Attractions in Sri Lanka
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress: An ancient rock citadel with stunning frescoes and panoramic views.
- Dambulla Cave Temple: A UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing cave art and Buddha statues.
- Tea Plantations of Nuwara Eliya: Explore the scenic hills and learn about Sri Lanka’s tea heritage.
- Yala National Park: Witness diverse wildlife, including leopards, elephants, and a myriad of bird species.
- Galle Fort: A UNESCO site featuring Dutch colonial architecture and charming streets.
- Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple, Colombo: An architectural marvel with eclectic Buddhist artifacts and serene surroundings.
- Yapahuwa Rock Fortress: A medieval citadel boasting impressive rock sculptures and ancient ruins.
- Minneriya National Park Jeep Safari: Encounter herds of elephants in their natural habitat during an exhilarating safari experience.
- Nine Arches Bridge, Ella: A picturesque colonial-era bridge surrounded by lush tea plantations, offering breathtaking views.
- Coconut Tree Hill, Mirissa: A coastal paradise with swaying palm trees, golden sands, and panoramic ocean vistas.
- Sri Pathirakali Amman Kovil Temple, Trincomalee: A vibrant Hindu temple known for its intricate architecture and religious significance.
Most Visited Place in Sri Lanka
Kandy: Known as the cultural capital, it’s home to the Temple of the Tooth and the picturesque Kandy Lake. The annual Esala Perahera is a must-see cultural festival.
Hotels in Sri Lanka
From luxurious beach resorts to charming boutique hotels, Sri Lanka offers a range of accommodations. Some notable options include:
- Mahaweli Reach Hotel, Kandy: A riverside retreat with lush gardens and impeccable service.
- Cape Weligama: A cliff-top resort offering breathtaking ocean views and private villas.
- Galle Face Hotel, Colombo: A historic gem overlooking the Indian Ocean, blending colonial charm with modern luxury.
- Amaranthe Bay Resort & Spa, Trincomalee: Nestled on the shores of Trincomalee, this resort combines seaside serenity with luxurious amenities.
- Lantern Boutique Hotel, Mirissa Beach: A boutique gem on Mirissa Beach, offering intimate spaces and personalised service.
- Wild Coast Tented Lodge, Yala National Park: Immerse yourself in the wilderness with luxurious tented accommodations in the heart of Yala National Park.
- 98 Acres Resort & Spa, Ella: Perched on the scenic hills of Ella, this resort offers breathtaking views of the surrounding tea plantations.
- Dream Cliff Mountain Resort, Ella: A mountain retreat that combines tranquility with modern comforts in the charming town of Ella.
- Hotel Elephant Bay, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Kandy: Experience the allure of Pinnawala from this riverside hotel, offering proximity to the elephant orphanage.
- Aarunya Resort, Kandy: A luxurious escape near Kandy, surrounded by nature and offering a serene ambiance.
- The Hideout, Sigiriya: Tucked away in nature, this boutique hotel near Sigiriya provides an intimate and peaceful setting.
- Aliya Resort, Sigiriya: Set against the backdrop of Sigiriya’s rock fortress, this resort blends luxury with the natural beauty of its surroundings.
What to Pack for Sri Lanka
- Light Clothing: Due to the tropical climate, pack lightweight and breathable clothes.
- Sun Protection: Bring sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
- Mosquito Repellent: Especially if you’re visiting during the rainy season.
- Comfortable Footwear: For exploring historical sites and nature reserves.
- Adapter for Electronics: Sri Lanka uses the British-style Type G socket.
Transport: How to Get Around in Sri Lanka
- Tuk-Tuks: Tuk-tuks, or three-wheeled taxis, are a popular and convenient mode of transport, especially for short distances within cities and towns.
- Buses: Sri Lanka has an extensive network of buses that connect cities, towns, and villages. There are different types of buses ranging from government-run to private services. Buses are an affordable option, but they can be crowded and may not always be punctual.
- Trains: Sri Lanka’s railway network offers scenic routes and is a popular mode of transportation, especially for longer distances. The train journey from Kandy to Ella, for example, is renowned for its breathtaking views. Just make sure you book train tickets in advance.
- Rental Cars: Renting a car is a convenient option if you prefer flexibility and have an international driving permit. Roads in Sri Lanka can be challenging, and traffic can be hectic in cities, so be prepared for varying driving conditions.
- Private Drivers and Taxis: Hiring a private driver or taking a taxi can be a comfortable and hassle-free way to travel, especially for longer distances. Many travellers opt for this option to explore specific tourist destinations.
- Cycles and Scooters: In tourist areas, you may find shops that rent bicycles or scooters. This can be a fun and flexible way to explore local areas at your own pace.
- Domestic Flights: For longer distances, especially between major cities, you can consider taking domestic flights. Sri Lanka has several domestic airports, and flights can save you time, especially if you have limited time for your trip.
- Boats and Ferries: In coastal areas, boats and ferries may be available for transportation. This is common in places like Negombo and some coastal towns.
- Walking: In cities and towns, walking can be a pleasant way to explore local markets, historical sites, and other attractions. Be cautious of traffic and road conditions, especially in busy areas.
Looking for a personal driver?
Hiring a personal driver gives you the flexibility, convenience and comfort to explore Sri Lanka at your own pace without the stress of having to plan your own way there. Not to mention how much you can benefit from driver’s local knowledge. Ultimately, having a personal driver contributes to peace of mind, allowing you to focus on enjoying every moment of your Sri Lankan adventure.
Struggling to find the right driver for you? Use the local driver we used!
Nuwan Sanjiwa, +94 71 432 6834 (just state you were referred by Emily)
