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Sri Lanka
A teardrop, found sliding along the Indian Ocean, is the magical land of Sri Lanka. The metaphor ends there, though. Sri Lanka is a magical, beautiful and diverse nation. Tropical beaches edge the fringes of the country, heritage sites populate its length, relics of Buddhism are found everywhere. Greet the majestic… read more
Truckloads of friendliness, chests laden with golden warmth and pockets full of sunny charm are some of the virtues that set Sri Lanka apart. This tropical abode boasts immense history, culture, spirituality, biodiversity and adventure – in equal splendour. From the balmy coasts to the buoyant beaches, bountiful hills, blanketed plantations and beckoning forests, this diverse topography is a traveller’s dream come true.
The nation experiences the distinct seasons of dry and wet. In understanding Sri Lanka’s climate, one would have to familiarise themselves with its monsoon periods - south western monsoon and north eastern monsoon. The former brings rain to the south western region of Sri Lanka, between the months of May and November, and remains dry from December to April. The latter brings rain to the north and eastern coastal regions of Sri Lanka, between the months of October and January, and remains dry from May and September.
When it comes to the best time to visit Sri Lanka, one would have to consider a host of things. Luckily, we’ve put together this easy guide to help you make your decision seamlessly. Take a look at the break-up of each season and all it has to offer.
Peak Season – For all you culture connoisseurs out there, the curry coast of Sri Lanka is especially sweet during the months of December to April! This dry period witnesses an influx of travellers who tour the heritage ruins, ornate temples, colonial churches and magnificent nature nooks, with comfort and ease.
Shoulder Season – September to November
Off Season – May to August
|
Travel Seasons |
Average Temperature |
Season |
|
December-April |
22-32°C |
Warm and dry |
|
May-November
|
23-31°C |
Humid with heavy rainfall |
Temperature: The air temperature during the dry season fluctuates between 22°C and 32°C.
Weather: During the months of December to April, most of the island country experiences a beautiful hot and dry climate. With ample sunshine, clear blue skies and lush green landscapes, this period is considered to the best climate to visit Sri Lanka in. With that being said, from October to January, the East and North cities remain wet due to the Maha Monsoon period.
Significance: This is the perfect time to engage in exploration and sightseeing. In fact, the best thing to do is hit the gorgeous south and west coast beaches for some good old relaxation and fun. Furthermore, one can visit the cultural spots. From fascinating ancient ruins to exquisite temples and churches, there’s much to glimpse! Festivals such as Duruthu Perahera (Full moon day) and Thai Pongal (harvest) are particularly splendid to witness.
Why you should visit now: The month of April is graced with long, sun-kissed days. Although the climatic conditions are variable, majority of the nation witnesses warm and dry weather during this time. The atmosphere is conducive for outdoor adventures, without the worry of showers.
Things to know before the visit: December to April is peak season, with throngs of tourists flooding the shores of Sri Lanka. So, expect big crowds, lengthy queues and significantly slower service. Make your travel and hotel bookings well in advance to avoid any last-minute hindrances. Take into account factors such as seasonal airfares and school holidays.
Tips: Like with other South Asian nations, Sri Lanka experiences warm to scorching weather. So, pack a variety of light cotton clothing that is comfortable to the skin. Throw in a hat/cap, sunglasses and SP+ 30 Sunscreen. Stay hydrated through the day and consume frequent, well-balanced meals.
Temperature: The air temperature during the wet season fluctuates between 23°C and 31°C.
Weather: Sri Lanka during monsoon is an unpredictable affair. The months of May to June experience the South-West monsoon wind, which endows the regions of Colombo and Galle with sharp showers of quick rain. The longer monsoon period begins in October and results in strong and sporadic rainfall. This is deemed as the North-East monsoon season, which affects part of the country.
Significance: Although it may not be prudent to go on outdoor excursions, amidst unrelenting showers, it may be possible to thrown in some sightseeing during these months. For instance, during days of moderate rainfall or drizzle, one can visit the delightful national parks and go on easy hiking trails to cascading waterfalls. The stunning sceneries will be worth all the effort!
Why you should visit now: From the mystical rock-cut architecture to the picturesque beaches, exotic forests and manicured plantations, landscapes shine brilliantly during the monsoon season. For those seeking unique experiences, this might be the best season to visit Sri Lanka in. From the sights to the sounds and smells, it is nothing short of breath-taking.
Things to know before the visit: The wet season is signified as low season. During this time, you’ll find fewer travellers traversing the region. Hotels and resorts will look to entice customers with amazing deals and discounts, so make sure to optimise on this! This is a lovely time to enjoy the peace and serenity.
Tips: Sri Lanka’s distinct monsoon seasons (Yala and Maha) require appropriate attire. Make sure you pack an umbrella, windcheater, gumboots or rain sandals. Throw in some mosquito repellent, for all those hikes and forest visits. Make sure your electronic gadgets are waterproof or sheltered in plastic bags.
The weather of Sri Lanka in monsoon differs from that in summer. So, have you decided on what’s your best time to visit? Look through our Sri Lankan Tour Packages and start planning your trip to this wonderful place!
The easiest way to reach Sri Lanka is by taking a flight from India and reaching there probably on the same day of your departure. Sri Lanka has a busy international airport and it is called the Bandaranaike Internal Airport. Located in Colombo, Sri Lankan flights from the major countries of the world arrive here. There are flights from India, Europe, Asia, Middle-East and Australia to Sri Lanka. However, as congestion increased, there was a need to tackle the increased air traffic and provide better immigration to tourists. That’s why the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport was inaugurated in the 2013 to cater to the increasing demand of tourist influx. The airport is located in the Mattala town in the southern most region of the country. However, the airport soon witnessed very less patronage and only a few flights from the Middle-East fly to this airport. Due to this, the airport is known as the emptiest international airport, making the airport in Colombo prominent among tourists. Flights from Indian cities like New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad are aplenty with major airlines plying day in and day out. For better understanding, check out the table for the average cost per person from different airports and their respective durations. Frequent Flight Names: Air India, Jet Airways, Sri Lankan Airlines, Spice Jet and Vistara Biggest Airport: Bandaranaike International Airport
Being a separate island country away from India, Sri Lanka is completely inaccessible by train and road. If you are traveling on a short budget, you can come down to any of the Indian cities that have flights to Sri Lanka by road or by train and board Sri Lankan flights from there. This will help you save on your expenses and do more when you are in the new land.
There used to be ferry services from Chennai to Colombo that carried tourists from one country to the other at economic rates. However, the services were suspended indefinitely in 2011 for various reasons. Now, there are just a few ships that operate from Mumbai port that take you to Colombo on a luxurious cruise-liner. The 7-day cruise departs at Mumbai and reaches Colombo, taking you to all the essential destinations like Kandy and Nuwara Eliya along the way. The prices depend on the luxury class you intend to travel in and also feature a few adventure and water sports during the course of the cruise. The packages also feature a number of live shows and entertainment options on board and feature a fixed itinerary with preplanned places to see and things to do. Though cruise ships are fun, the best way to reach Sri Lanka is by taking a direct flight from the Indian cities. Since the seas also get violent during storms and monsoons, it is best to go for flights when you are looking for a fun holiday.
1)Where is Sri Lanka located?
Sri Lanka is an island in South Asia, located in the Indian Ocean at the very tip of the Indian subcontinent.
2)What is the time difference between India and Sri Lanka?
There is no time difference between India and Sri Lanka.
3)What is the best way to travel to Sri Lanka?
The best way to travel to Sri Lanka is by flight. There are several airlines that will take you to the island country from almost all the big cities in India. The other alternative to reach Sri Lanka is by sea. There are a few luxury cruise-liners from Mumbai to Colombo.
4)Is it a safe destination?
The Sri Lankan Tourism Promotion Bureau assures that tourism is now back to normal in Sri Lanka. Nevertheless, there is also plenty of security in the country.
5)What are the popular places to see here?
Sri Lanka is a beautiful country with gorgeous beaches and several cultural spots to see and enjoy. The capital, Colombo, along with Kandy, Galle and Nuwara Eliya are some of the most popular places to see in Sri Lanka.
6)What are the drinking laws?
The legal age for drinking and purchasing alcohol is 21 years in Sri Lanka.
7)What is the currency used in Sri Lanka?
The Sri Lankan Rupee is the currency used in Sri Lanka. While you can use credit and debit cards in most places in Sri Lanka, even including the smaller towns, it’s always a good idea to be prepared for any eventualities by carrying the Thomas Cook Travel Prepaid Card. It is a secure way to carry money and Thomas Cook is one of the most trusted foreign exchange partners in the world.
8)Will I get WiFi connectivity? Can I buy a local sim card there?
Yes, WiFi connectivity is available in most hotels and guesthouses. If not, the 3G mobile data connection is also very good. It’s quite easy to buy prepaid travel sim cards in Sri Lanka as the process to pick up a local sim card is quite straightforward and easy. Some of the best local telecom companies to choose from are Dialog and Mobitel.
9)What’s the food like there? Can I get Indian food? What about vegetarian options?
Food in Sri Lanka tends to be focused on rice with fish or chicken curry and are accompanied by chutneys and sambols. There are plenty of Indian restaurants in Sri Lanka and it’s relatively easy to find vegetarian options in places like Colombo, Kandy or Nuwara Eliya. In other places such as Galle, Sigiriya and Matara, it might be difficult to find vegetarian food.
10)What are the emergency numbers in Sri Lanka?
While there are a number of different numbers for police, fire rescue and ambulance, there’s a tourist police number (011-2421052) which ought to be helpful for tourists. There’s also a government information centre which can be accessed by dialling 1919.
11)What are the local travel options here?
Getting around some of the Sri Lankan towns on foot is a good way to get a feel of the place. Other local travel options include taxis which can be found in cities, towns and even some villages or the three-wheelers known as tuktuks or autorickshaws. Do remember to negotiate with these tuktuk drivers.
12)What are some of the things to do here?
Sri Lanka is full of beautiful sights to see and some of the things it offers are ancient ruins in Sigiriya, lush national parks, temples, caves, forts, and of course beaches.
13)What are the tipping rules here?
Tipping is not a custom in restaurants or taxis although it is customary to round off to the nearest Rs. 150 or Rs. 200.
14)What is it like to travel with infants, children and elderly?
Sri Lanka has much to offer travellers who are accompanied by children. From child-friendly resorts in the West, to national parks with wildlife safaris, there’s quite a bit to see here. Regarding travelling with senior citizens, there are plenty of ways in which they can relax and enjoy the beauty of the country too. From tea estate tours, spas, golf courses to historical sights and delicious food, seniors can truly enjoy a holiday in Sri Lanka.
Going Scuba in Galle followed by a Whale Watching trip in Indian Ocean was really amazing and probably the best part of Sri Lanka trip. We explored Colombo, Mirissa and Kandy and everything in this trip was managed by Thomas Cook. I wish we had more days to enjoy Sri Lankan hospitality and culture. Thomas Cook made our honeymoon a memorable experience to be remembered for a lifetime.
My best friend was getting hitched and it was on me to book a scenic and quirky place for her bachelorette party. I a package for Sri Lanka that included stays at Galle, Mirissa and Unawatuna. The food, the drinks the resort, and the sightseeing was all managed by their team and it was selected from the best. Thomas Cook really knows how to make Sri Lanka trip memorable.
It was the Rakhi weekend and I wanted to gift a nice holiday trip to my sister. We planned a 10 night holiday trip to Sri Lanka. It was only because of Thomas Cook that we had a reliable assistance during our trip. We loved our visit to Kandy Temples and Safari at Yala National Park. We couldn’t ask for more. This was an amazing trip, perfect for strengthening the brother sister bond.
