Best time to travel to Sri Lanka
Climatically, the best time to travel to Sri Lanka would be to avoid the rainy monsoon
weather, especially if your travel package includes a beach stay. In terms of the
south and west coasts, the best period for travel is between the months of December
and March. Generally, these coasts are blessed with sun-kissed beaches and cloudless,
powder blue skies. During these months, the hilly central highlands are in their
prime.
Between the months of April to September, the east coast sparkles with turquoise
blue waters. It is during this time period that the cultural triangle, with a number
of ancient ruins, is at its best as well. That being said, as with most other countries
of the world, climatic shifts have meant that rainfall is unpredictable. Rainfall
is possible even during the dry season and vice versa.
The annual Kandy Esala Perahera is a ten day festival of pomp and grandeur. Taking
place between the months of July and August, this dazzling procession is the largest
and most glamourous of its kind in South Asia, attracting large numbers of tourists
who wish to witness this magical event themselves. The Scared Tooth Relic of the
Buddha takes centre stage, as it is paraded round the city of Kandy on an ornately
adorned elephant’s back.
Come December, thousands of worshippers flock to Adams Peak on pilgrimage. This
lofty peak provides breathtaking views of the country side and is also known for
having the best view of the sunrise in Sri Lanka. The Adams Peak climbing season
carries on till May.
If you are in search of a thrilling adventure, make sure to include whale watching
in your travel itinerary. There are two destinations that you can choose from in
Sri Lanka. The first is Mirissa, which is located few kilometers from Galle town.
Mirissa is believed to be the best location in the world to spot the magnificent
Blue Whales and Sperm Whales. The whale watching season in Mirissa would be between
the months of November and April. However if you are not travelling to Sri Lanka
during these months, fret not! Between the months of February and May, you have
the chance of going on a whale watching excursion off the coast of Trincomalee.
Sri Lanka boats of the largest migration of elephants in the world. Considered one
of the islands finest wildlife feats, this migration occurs during the months of
August and September. Every year during the dry season, large herds of Wild Asian
Elephants make their way to the Minneriya tank in search of water. These herds can
be as large as 200 or even 250 elephants, all gathering around the reservoir for
food, water and shelter.
Sri Lanka is a haven for the avid bird watcher. Every year between the months of
October and March, large numbers of migratory birds flock to Sri Lanka. Over 200
birds migrate to the tropical isle in winter months, some flying from as far as
the arctic tundra. Apart from this, Sri Lanka is home to over 400 birdlife species,
33 of these being endemic to the island.
It is evident that there is always a fun-filled activity available to add to your
tour, year round. If beaches are your thing, there is always some part of the coastline
that will be sunny and inviting. However there are advantages of travelling to Sri
Lanka ‘off season’ as well. Air fares and hotel accommodations are much cheaper
and you have the added advantage of exploring the country in relative recluse.
