A visit to Sri Lanka requires the right planning and preparation for comfort and to prevent missing its popular attractions. Whether you are touring the capital Colombo or wish to experience an intimate travel arrangement to the temples in the smaller cities, knowing the right times to travel and what to see, can help make for a truly memorable stay. The following guide provides a breakdown of when & where to go while visiting Sri Lanka.
When to Visit Sri Lanka
The first step to determining when to visit the country is to learn about its weather patterns. The country experiences two monsoons that strike different regions at separate times during the year. While the south, west and east coast are affected by different rainfall patterns, learning of the right times to travel can help avoid excessively wet conditions. If you are planning tours of the country, best times include January through April and July to September. A beach holiday in the south coast is best engaged January to April, but if you are in the east resorts, your trip should take place from May to July. The months October to November are best avoided as this is the time of the monsoon; however, the weather in Sri Lanka can prove so unpredictable, rains can be light or involve heavy downpour.
What to See in Sri Lanka
The Temple of Tooth in Kandy is a major tourist attraction. Kandy is only a few kilometers from the capital Colombo and possesses a grand and spiritual temple in which the relic tooth of the Lord Buddha is held. This establishment has maintained its Buddhist depictions, ivory tusk wall decorations and gold theme throughout. It is certainly a marvel to see and considered a holy place that many pilgrims and tourists visit through the year.
Dambulla includes caves, temples, wildlife and heritage sites. Situated in the Matale District in the central province of Sri Lanka, the city includes well preserved cave temples, iron wood forests and many traditional features that are prevalent today. Sigiriya is a rock fortress built for past royalty and recognized as a world wonder.
The Galle Fort is viewed in the city of Galle along the south west coast of Sri Lanka. Its unique architecture and stone construction depict its Portuguese and Dutch colonisation in the 16th century.
Anuradhapura is a large city in the country known for its exceptionally preserved ruins. An approximate 205 km from Colombo, you will find many ancient sites that best depict the history. Here, the Kingdom of Rajarata was developed after two prior kingdoms in this region.
Bentota is widely known for its beautiful shoreline and night life. The region spans northwards and into a coastal strip, the Paradise Island. You can plan a diving adventure at Canoe Rock or visit the large Buddhist statue at the local temple.
Learning of popular attractions and the best times to plan your journey to Sri Lanka can deliver a richly rewarding experience. Providing ample time to view the historical sites and surrounding nature ensures you do not miss a thing.
