Sri Lanka experiences a complicated climate due to two separate monsoons – which at least ensures good temperature at some part of the island. The south and west coast experience monsoon between April/May to September; there is also an unsettled period of monsoon between October to November; so the best period of visit South and West Coast is between December to March. Whereas the north and the east coast experience monsoon between November to March so the best time to visit the North and the East coast is between April/May to September.
Planning a Trip
Food and Drink
Sri Lanka and South Indian food have a lot of similarity. The food is generally cheap. The staple diet of this country is Rice and Curry. The Kottu Roti also known as Kothu Roti which is a mix of Chopped Roti, Vegetables and meat (of your choice) is must have Sri Lankan cuisine. Most locals drink tap water, but it has been stated by government travel website that it’s not safe – choose a bottled water, soft drinks, Thambili King Coconut Juice. The most local beer is Lion Lager.
Top Attraction
Sri Dhalada Maligawa and Peradeniya Botanical Gardens
Dance performance at City Hall
Sigiriya or Pidurangala Rock
Portuguese Fort
Nallur Temple
Yala National Park
Dehiwala Zoo
Galle Face Terrace
Popular Destination in Sri Lanka
Colombo This huge sprawling city of Colombo is the commercial and financial capital of Sri Lanka. The heat is excruciating with intense traffic and pollution; an average traveler should avoid should not carry heavy luggage and walk too much. The National Museum of Colombo; The Natural History Museum and the The Dutch Period Museum are a must visit museums; also visit the The Sapumal Foundation and the The Lionel Wendt Memorial Art Centre galleries when in Sri Lanka.
Galle Take a train or a bus from Colombo to Galle which will take you through the beach coast. The Kalutara temple; Seenigama temple; Peace Pagoda; Sri Lanka Navy Whale Watching are few sites one should not miss. Take a stroll at the sunset at the Fort's walls.
Kandy This cultural capital of Sri Lanka is located at the center of the country and is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage List. This is the second largest populated city of Sri Lanka and is surrounded by beautiful tropical rain forest. The Temple of the Tooth which houses the tooth relic of the Lord Buddha is most holy shrine in Sri Lanka. The Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage has few semi-tame elephants roaming freely. Also visit the New Ranweli Spice Garden; The Tea Museum; Kandyan Art Association.
Nuwara Eliya Nuwara Eliya also known as the Little England is a city in the Hill country of Sri Lanka. Haggala Botanical Gardens, Pedro Tea Factory are very impressive. The Post Office remnant of the colonial era is an unusual building.
Jaffna Jaffna is the cultural town of the Sri Lankan Tamils it is one of the oldest habitation sites in the lower part of Asia. Visit the Nallur Temple, Selva Sannithi Temple, Nagapoosani Temple, Jaffna Library, Point Pedro.