Joanna James
A tropical island paradise, Sri Lanka is filled with nature, culture, and history. If you’re planning a visit, you’re guaranteed a great time. But before you go, here are some things to know.
You can see a lot of Sri Lanka within two weeks, but if you have more time, a month is even better! With two weeks at your disposal, you can visit the main destinations like Colombo, Kandy, Ella, and the south coast. But if you have a month, you can see everything at a slower pace and discover hidden spots. You’ll have time to take a break between adventures, try local food, and meet local people. The more time you have, the better the experience will be.
Sri Lanka caters to all budgets, not to mention all preferences. There’s a wide range of accommodation to choose from – some of them fall under brands like Aitken Spence Hotels, one of the biggest hotel chains in Sri Lanka. You have plenty of good options, but don’t wait until the last minute to book your hotel. Do yourself a favour and find one that works for you the first chance you get. Most hotels offer discounts and special seasonal packages, so be on the lookout.
Many travellers think that the best time to visit is from December to April. That’s when the south coast, like Tangalle and Unawatuna, has the best weather. It’s the high season and a great time to visit the coast. However, the weather changes depending on where you are in the country. While the south gets rain from May to October, the east coast is beautiful and sunny during that time – perfect for surfing. Even when it rains, it only rains for a short time – a heavy shower doesn’t last longer than an hour. Travelling in the off-season has its own benefits. There are often fewer tourists, and hotel prices are a lot lower.
Sri Lanka can be very hot, especially in places like Colombo and Galle. The temperatures sometimes go up to 37 degrees, and the humidity is always over the top. It’s the kind of heat that sticks to your skin, so wear lightweight, breathable clothing. You’ll see some locals wearing tight jeans, which is not the best option if you’re not used to this kind of heat. Natural fabrics like linen and cotton are the best choice – flowy dresses, maxi skirts, shorts, and loose trousers are perfect. If you’re planning to head to Nuwara Eliya, which is in the upcountry, you’ll need a sweater. Also, don’t forget to drink plenty of water.
Have you seen pictures of blue trains passing through green hills on social media? That’s the train from Kandy to Ella, and no, it’s not just hype; it’s well worth it. It happens to be one of the most scenic rides in the world. If you’re here during the busy season from December to April, you’d better book your seat at least a few weeks in advance. There are also non-reserved train cars where you can just buy tickets and hop on, but they’re often packed with people.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
