Sri Lanka - A Land for All Seasons

Sri Lanka    31.01.2024    Transindus

Few Island nations match Sri Lanka's variety of experiences.  

Warm, sunny beaches of fine golden sand, oceans and reefs teeming with large and small marine life, lush green forests and jungles burst with wildlife, and the breathtaking beauty of its verdant Tea plantations, Hills, Lakes, and Mountains. You can't forget its rich cultural heritage shaped by millennia of ancient civilisations or the astonishing flavours of its varied cuisine.

With temperatures hovering at a pleasant 27 degrees most of the year and luxurious boutique and modern hotels available throughout, you can travel to Sri Lanka throughout the year as long as you choose the right coast for your beach break!  

Here's an overview of possibilities at different times of the year to help you get started.

Spring in Sri Lanka runs from mid-February to the end of April and sees glorious weather, making it ideal for easter vacations. Our quick guide for the season includes: 

• Heading for the South coast beaches to relax, spot dolphins & whales and seek out nesting turtles. 
• Climb to the top of Sigiriya Rock and experience the ancient capitals of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa.
• Enjoy the lush green Hills & Tea plantations, and mountains of the interior for long walks and treks to connect with nature.  Don’t forget to blend your very own brand of tea here! 
• Experience the Kandy-Ella Hill Railway, which is said to be one of the world's most scenic journeys.  
• Go on a safari in Yala National Park, Sri Lanka's best-known National Park, to spot leopards and sloths. 

Selecting the right places to stay to optimise your visit is essential. Contact our team for the best advice.

Best Beaches of Sri Lanka

Uniquely for South Asia, Sri Lanka's summer season (May to September) offers just as many delights for travellers, making it a fantastic destination for family holidays over the school recess. 

• Head for the stunning beaches of the East Coast. 
• Travel northwards to Trincomalee to experience its rich cultural heritage, grand temples and pristine white sand beaches. 
• Enjoy a day of joyful cruising and tracking dolphins and Blue whales. 
• Snorkel alongside Turtles & Manta Rays on Pigeon Island. 
• Catch the waves at Arugam Bay, a must for surfing enthusiasts. 
• In July, partake in the Esala Perahera, the nation’s most important festival, in Kandy. 
• Experience the Great Elephant Gathering in Minneriya National Park in late August, a huge hit with young children. 

Sri Lanka's hills & tea plantations remain vibrant throughout the summer, as do the ancient capitals of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa and the impressive Citadel atop Sigiriya Fort.

Sri Lankan Family Experiences:

Sri Lanka experiences its second monsoon between October and November, during which time much of the country experiences unpredictable showers. The Cultural Triangle, however, remains warm, dry, and sunny, albeit more changeable. It’s a great time to travel if you prefer not to share the sites with too many others! 

• Add an extension to Jaffna to experience Diwali in the very home of the story, where Goddess Sita was held captive and eventually rescued by Lord Rama.
• Visit Mannar Island, a stepping stone used by the Monkey God, Hanuman, to help rescue the Goddess Sita. 
• Enjoy early morning bird-watching around Adam’s Bridge, a chain of 16 sand islets stretching across the straits to India. 
• Cruise around the islands of Palk Bay, including Delft, home to miniature wild horses. 

Check out our Tour recommendations for the Jaffna region.

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December to March is considered the optimum time to travel to Sri Lanka. The weather is warm, sunny, and dry, and the sea is calmest.  

• One of the main attractions is the Cultural Triangle, which includes Sigiriya Rock Fort, the ancient capitals of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, and the temples of Dambulla. 
• The wildlife parks open following a break over the monsoon season and are a must for any visitor to the island.
• Go on safari in search of Leopard and Sloth bears. The hill regions, tea plantations and mountainous interiors enjoy glorious weather, especially for long walks and treks. 
• Take a narrow-gauge train from Kandy to Ella. In February, the streets of Colombo come alive for the Buddhist festival of Navam Perahera, which celebrates the Buddha's birth.
• Galle also enjoys a festival at this time in the form of its much-lauded literary festival.
• If you want to visit Sri Lanka over Christmas and New Year, we recommend booking well in advance, as the most popular hotels get booked up in advance.  

Check out Sri Lanka's best Wildlife Options here.

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