srilanka tourism in june

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• Sri Lanka In June: Guide To Experience The Best Of Nature

23 Mar 2023

Cover Image Credit: Pixabay

Sri Lanka, a land of legend, myth and history offers a world filled with the richest cultures. It is undoubtedly one of the most popular travel destinations in the world and more so for the extravagant beauty it offers. If nature, beaches and solitude is what you prefer, Sri Lanka is the place to be. Sri Lanka in June experiences one of the least tourism rush and hence acts as one of the best times for one to explore around the city. Despite witnessing rainfall, the east and northern part of the country are still dry and sunny which lets you experience the best of the country.

Weather In Sri Lanka In June

A large part of the country including the southern and western coastal area of Sri Lanka along with the Tea Country experiences summer monsoon during June. This is when the hilly area experiences most of the winds along with an increased amount of rainfall in the south coast and in the west.

Must Read: 15 Things To Do In Ella To Take Your Sri Lanka Trip To The Next Level

Why Visit Sri Lanka In June?

Image Source Sri Lanka, a land known for its nature and calmness is also one of the most idealistic places to visit for relaxation. In the month of June, it proudly hosts a large array of events such as the following:

• The Poson Festival
• 26 Days 200 Hours Long Yun Yoga Therapy
• 21 Stages of Meditation
• 8 Day Breathe Yoga Retreat and so on

As evident, most of the events in June cater to maintaining the health and fitness level. Along with these exciting events, travelling to Sri Lanka is also the cheapest during this time. This is because of the weather it witnesses in the month. This is also when visitors can receive the best deals that would make their trip a budget friendly one.

5 Places To Visit In Sri Lanka In June

The beautiful expanse of the southern tip of the world deserves a mention of its own. By hosting diverse beautiful places to visit, Sri Lanka is a treat to explore.

This beautiful gap offers some of the best views of the country and tourists are assured to get bowled over by its beauty. Offering a mesmerizing sight in June, the gap in the southern mountain wall is situated in the middle of the stunning countryside and houses vegetable plots, forests, tea plantations and so on.

Major attractions: Ravana’s Cave, Ravana Falls, tea plantations, vegetable plots.

Suggested Read: 4 Best Resorts in Katunayake For A Fulfilling Experience In Sri Lanka

2. Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

If you want to view the most heart-warming sight in Sri Lanka, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is the place to be. The orphanage is situated at a distance of 13KM from Kegalle and is a popular tourist destination among tourists. It is a treat to watch the baby elephants living their life carelessly amongst nature.

Popular attractions: Pinnawala Zoo

Suggested Read: 3 Top Restaurants in Katunayake With The Best Food In Sri Lanka

3. Nuwara Eliya

This is an age old hill station and dates back to as old as 18th century which is popular for retaining the colonial ambiance. This stunning location is bound to take the visitors for a beauty spin. Experience the best of nature while viewing tea plantations, mountains and exquisite waterfalls in the surroundings.

Major attractions: Golf course, Victoria Park, Lake Gregory, Pedro Tea Factory.

Suggested Read: 5 Things To Do In Moratuwa In Winter To Soak In THe Sun In Sri Lanka!

4. Adams Peak

The slope of this peak is worthy to be climbed and to experience the break taking sunrise right at dawn. This popular biodiversity hotspot is a world Heritage site recognized by UNESCO. The mountain has taken the shape of a rock creation and is known for the greenery it offers.

Major attractions: Laxapana Falls, Peak Wilderness Sanctuary.

Suggested Read: Spend Just 5 Days In Sri Lanka To Explore The Tropical Paradise That It Is!

Image Source The capital of the country, Colombo is a beautiful city that needs a special mention amongst the touristy places in Sri Lanka. Known for its extravagant beauty and tuk-tuk cab, the city is surely going to make you feel alive. Head to the beaches, taste authentic food and visit attractions like Galle Face Green, Viharamahadevi Park, Beira Lake, Independence Square and many more.

Major attractions: Galle Face Green, Viharamahadevi Park, Gangaramaya Temple.

Suggested Read: 4 Things To Do In Kolonnawa, Sri Lanka For An Amazing Holiday!

5 Things To Do In Sri Lanka In June

1. climb sigiriya.

Known as a popular World Heritage Site, Sigiriya is as old as 5th century AD. It was utilized as a royal palace back in the time. Tourists can climb the mountain to attain a spiritual feeling. It is one of the most crucial urban planning projects and hosts some of the oldest landscaped gardens.

Location: Northern Matale District near Dambulla Timings: Preferably before sunset Entry Fee: Free

Suggested Read: 4 Things To Do In Moratuwa For Party Freaks In Sri Lanka!

2. Visit Tea Gardens

The heart of Sri Lanka boasts of a sprawling tea industry with the country being a heritage site of colonial times. The empire is a heaven for tea lovers who love smelling and tasting the aroma of the diverse tea plants along with witnessing some of the best views in Sri Lanka.

Location: Sirisumana Mawatha, 190/1 Kelanimulla Angoda Timings: Monday to Friday (8.30am-5.30pm) Entry Fee: Free

Suggested Read: 3 Religious Things To Do In Moratuwa For A Divine Holiday In Sri Lanka!

3. Relax On Arugam Bay

If relaxing by the beach has been on your mind during your visit to Sri Lanka, Arugam Bay is the place to be. Relax by the beach while feeling the sugar soft sands, the awe inspiring sunsets and the calmness of the surroundings. Recently, it has also become one of the best surfing arenas in the world.

Location: Arugam Bay Beach Timings: All day Entry Fee: Free

Suggested Read: 10 Exciting Things To Do In Moratuwa In Summer For A Blissful Vacation In Sri Lanka!

4. Watch Elephants At Uda Walawe National Park

Although elephants are a common site in Sri Lanka, however in Uda Walawe National Park, you can experience the beauty up close. Witness these animals running wild in the national park and that too on their own. A safari would be the best idea to experience the best of the park. Going through those roads and feeling the natural vibes up close would be a perfect experience for you.

Location: Uda Walawe National Park, Timings: Sunday to Monday (6am-6pm) Entry Fee: INFR 3,500

Sugested Read: 10 Places To Visit Near Sinharaja Forest Reserve With Friends On Your Sri Lanka Trip

5. Discover Local Food

Image Source Sri Lanka is hugely popular for its local cuisine that offers a taste of its own. With laying an emphasis on seafood their Jaffna Crab Curry is referred to as one of the best in the world along with squid curry. Taste some of the lovely foods at the streets of Colombo or visit a good restaurant, either way have lots of fun while eating the greatest dishes of the nation.

Location: Varied Local food restaurants Timings: Always open Entry Fee: No

Further Read: 4 Amazing Places To Visit In Udawalawa On Your Sri Lankan Escape This Year!

We hope this article of ours entices you to make your holiday in June a lot more eventful. If you have been eyeing on a trip to Sri Lanka , June is the month to set forth. Book your Sri Lanka trip with TravelTriangle and we assure you of the most enjoyable experience amongst the best nature has to offer.

Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.

Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Sri Lanka in June

Is June a good time to visit Sri Lanka?

Yes, June is one of the best times to explore the city as it offers the least crowd along with affordable deals and discounts.

What is Sri Lanka popular for?

Sri Lanka is popular for its rich history, historical structures, beaches and the awe inspiring beauty it offers while being clad amongst nature.

What is the weather like in Sri Lanka like in June?

A few parts of the country experiences rainfall while some parts don’t. Hence, the tourists need to plan their itinerary accordingly.

Which is the most popular beach in Sri Lanka?

A number of beaches including Wijaya Beach, Mirissa Beach, Hiriketiya Beach, Koggala Beach, Arugam Beach and a few others are popular beaches in the country.

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Tips for visiting Sri Lanka in June

Sri Lanka weather & when to go: June

Sri lanka june weather overview.

The focus is now on the fantastic weather in the north and east of the island with dry and bright weather expected as beach lovers turn their attention to the east coast beaches such as Trincomalee and Passekudah . Further north in the Cultural Triangle, temperatures remain high and rainfall is at a minimum (avg temp: 32 °C). Hot and dry winds sweep over the flat plains at times.

The south-west and southern coastal areas of the island, as well as the Tea Country, remain under the influence of the summer monsoon, although it is not unusual to go a number of days without rain. Beach days remain a possibility (although the higher sea levels should be considered in some areas). 

Unfollow the herd - travel in Sri Lanka during June and enjoy fewer crowds, better availability, and help to spread the economic benefits of tourism.

Sri Lanka weather & when to go

Pick a month below, june’s weather in detail.

Despite the monsoon, it is not unusual to go a number of days without any rain or just the odd tropical downpour in the afternoons, making beach days still very much a possibility during June (although the higher sea levels should be considered in some areas). The central and northern sections of the west coast - such as Kalpitiya - are typically still enjoying dry weather although the high winds make it a popular time for kite-surfing and not idyllic sunbathing conditions.

Temperatures remain high along the coast (avg temp: 28 °C), whilst it can be chilly up in the hills, especially at night. Swimming in the sea on the south and south-west coast during June is often not recommended. Many hotels will have their red flags out to indicate that sea bathing can be dangerous. Having said that, June is generally a month with good weather and water sports and outdoor activities are OK.

It’s a different story in the north and along the east coast, with dry and bright weather expected as beach lovers turn their attention to the east coast beaches. Further north in the Cultural Triangle , temperatures remain high and rainfall is at a minimum (avg temp: 32 °C). 

The best of Sri Lanka’s beaches in June:

The south-west (the section south of Negombo & Colombo) and the entire south coast: Monsoon season.

The entire east coast: Peak season.

The central and northern section of the west coast (from Negombo northwards): Peak season (sunshine expected but with high winds and sea’s).

We think you may like this journey…

Sambol, Surf & Safari

Combine the island’s top wildlife crowd pleasers with some magnificent hidden gems and cultural highlights before spending some time on the beach.

Looking for inspiration?

14 Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka in June 2024

Sri Lanka is a popular destination for travelers looking for cultural stories, natural splendor, and adventure. While June falls within the country’s southwest monsoon season, there are nevertheless masses of places to explore for the duration of this time.

From the stunning tea country of Nuwara Eliya to the historic town of Galle, numerous locations provide specific reviews throughout the rainy season. With lush greenery and scenic waterfalls, June in Sri Lanka can be a memorable and magical tour experience.

Table of Contents

Weather in Sri Lanka in June

In Sri Lanka, June falls inside the southwest monsoon season, characterized by heavy rainfall and high humidity. The average excessive temperature is around 30°C (86°F), and the common low is around 26°C (79°F). While a wet climate is predicted, there are plenty of indoor sports and cultural attractions to experience. It’s advocated % rain gear and plan thus. However, the monsoon season can also convey lush greenery and scenic waterfalls, making for a completely unique journey.

Sri Lanka in June: Where to Go and What to See during the Monsoon Season

1. sigiriya.

Sigiriya, also called Lion Rock, is an ancient fort positioned inside the principal Matale District of Sri Lanka. It was constructed in the 5th century AD with King Kashyapa and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Climbing to the pinnacle of the citadel is an ought-to-do hobby while travelling Sigiriya .

The view from the top is breathtaking, and you can see the whole surrounding area. June is a top-notch time to go to Sigiriya because the climate is dry and warm, making it the best time to discover this ancient surprise.

2. Arugam Bay

Arugam Bay is a small coastal metropolis in southeast Sri Lanka. It’s recognized for its global-class surf breaks, laid-back atmosphere, and exquisite beaches.

June is a remarkable time to go to Arugam Bay because the surf is at its first class, and the crowds are smaller. Whether you are a pro surfer or a newbie, Arugam Bay is an extraordinary place to catch a few waves.

3. Yala National Park

In Sri Lanka, Yala National Park is located in the southeastern region. It is a great time to visit Yala National Park because the weather is dry and the animals are very active in June.

The park is home to elephants, leopards, and crocodiles. Witness Sri Lanka’s natural beauty and the natural world on a guided safari tour through the park.

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4. Adam’s Peak

Adam’s Peak, also called Sri Pada, is a sacred mountain in critical Sri Lanka. It’s a famous pilgrimage website for Buddhists, Hindus, and Muslims, who trust that the mountain has religious importance.

June is a first-rate time to climb Adam’s Peak, as the weather is dry and the crowds are smaller. The climb to the top is hard, but the perspectives from the summit are sincerely magnificent.

Kandy is a historical city located in the imperative highlands of Sri Lanka. It’s regarded for its stunning colonial architecture, vibrant way of life, and beautiful surroundings.

In June, Kandy is a great place to go to, as the dry and sunny climate makes it a super time to explore the city’s many sights. You can visit the Temple of the Tooth, stroll around Kandy Lake, or explore the botanical gardens.

6. Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya is a picturesque metropolis placed in the principal highlands of Sri Lanka. It’s recognized for its lovely scenery, tea plantations, and cool climate.

June is a high-quality time to go to Nuwara Eliya, as the cool and dry climate makes it an excellent time to discover the town’s many attractions. You can visit a tea plantation, hike within the surrounding hills, or revel in a round of golf at one of the metropolis’s many guides.

Mirissa is a small coastal metropolis positioned in the south of Sri Lanka. It’s acknowledged for its beautiful seashores, crystal clear waters, and lovely sunsets.

In June, the hot and sunny climate makes it a great time to enjoy the seaside and relax in the sun. You can also take a whale-watching tour or experience some of the town’s many scrumptious seafood-eating places.

In the southwest of Sri Lanka, Galle is a historic fortified town known for its beautiful colonial architecture, interesting streets, and colorful lifestyle. June is a wonderful time to visit Galle because the weather is dry and sunny, making it an ideal time to discover all its attractions.

The ancient castle’s ramparts can be toured; the Dutch Reformed Church viewed, and the bustling market filled with souvenirs.

9. Anuradhapura

UNESCO has designated Anuradhapura as a World Heritage Site because it is an ancient city that has been the capital of Sri Lanka for over a thousand years.

Anuradhapura is a great place to visit in June because the weather is dry and hot, making it ideal for exploring its many historical ruins and temples. You can visit the sacred Bodhi Tree, the Ruwanwelisaya stupa, and the historic walls of the city.

Ella is a small metropolis positioned in the valuable highlands of Sri Lanka. It’s known for its lovely scenery and picturesque tea plantations, waterfalls, and hiking trails.

June is a super time to visit Ella because the dry and warm weather makes it an excellent time to discover the town’s many sights.

11. Sinharaja Forest Reserve

One of the last remaining rainforests in the country, Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO. In addition to endemic species like the red-faced langur and Sri Lankan blue magpie, it is home to numerous vegetation and fauna.

Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a wonderful place to visit in June because the dry climate and the wooded areas are opulent and inexperienced.

12. Polonnaruwa

As the second capital of Sri Lanka, Polonnaruwa has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site as it is situated in the heart of the island.

Polonnaruwa is a great place to visit in June since the weather is dry and sunny, making it an ideal time to explore the city’s many historical ruins and temples. Visit the historical Royal Palace, Gal Vihara statues, or Lankatilaka ruins.

13. Trincomalee

Trincomalee is a stunning coastal city located in the northeast of Sri Lanka. It’s acknowledged for its beautiful beaches, clear blue waters, historical landmarks, and the Koneswaram Temple and Fort Frederick.

June is a notable time to visit Trincomalee, as the climate is dry and warm, making it an excellent time to absorb the solar and explore the metropolis’s many sights.

Jaffna is a historic metropolis located in northern Sri Lanka. Its vibrant subculture, colorful galas, and historical landmarks, including the Nallur Kandaswamy Temple and Jaffna Fort, make it a great place to visit in June.

There are many things to do in the town during this time, and it is a great time to explore its many attractions and immerse yourself in its unique culture because of the dry and sunny climate.

In Conclusion

There are a lot of wonderful things about Sri Lanka, including a rich history, beautiful surroundings, and a colorful subculture. June is the best time to visit because it’s warm, sunny and the crowds are a lot lighter. In Sri Lanka, you will find something for everyone, whether you’re interested in historical history, gorgeous beaches, or delicious food. Leave your baggage at home and enjoy a tropical paradise to remember.

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About The Author

Satnam Singh

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Sri Lanka in June – Weather, Things to Do, Places to Visit & More

An amalgamation of nature and culture, Sri Lanka is obviously one of the most loved destinations. Rightly called the gem of the Indian Ocean, this place is an exciting to even contemplate. Pudhina chutney like lush green tea estates and vegetable Biryani like wildlife – an exotic mix of goodness; and blueberry mojito like beaches make it a perfect holiday destination. Be it with your family like friends, friends like family or the most loved one with you are travelling, this place is going to be best expressive and supportive by all means. Sri Lanka tourism in June is undebatable if you are looking for a rainbow kiss! Read through to justify what is in your mind.

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Weather in Sri Lanka in June

The Sri Lanka is June weather is a mix of summer and rain since the country experiences south-west monsoon. These parts of Sri Lanka experiences rain however, the north-eastern parts like Trincomalee and Arugam Bay are comparatively drier and exploring this section of Sri Lanka would sensibly be a better option. Don’t forget to take along jerkins and sweaters. Taking along comfortable beach and casual outfits wouldn’t disappoint you much.

• Average Temperature : The average temperature of Sri Lanka in June is about 28°C.
• Average sea temperature : Sea’s warm temperature is about 28°C.
• Rainfall : The average rainfall in Sri Lanka in June is about 186mm.

Read through: 5 days Sri Lanka itinerary

Top 5 Things to Do in Sri Lanka in June

Things to do in Sri Lanka in June is immersive. Here is your top 5 things to do in Sri Lanka in the month of June.

• Spot this spotted animal – leopards at Yala National Park.
• Do some beaching at Arugam Bay.
• Buy some tea at Nuwara Eliya .
• Seek some blessing at temples of Colombo
• Taste some coconut savoured Seafood.

Also read: Things to do in Sri Lanka

Top 5 Places to Visit in Sri Lanka in June

1. temple of tooth relic.

Located in Kandy, this place is a favourite all-round the year to visit place. This is also an UNESCO world heritage site. With buddhism being the domain religion of Sri Lanka, this temple preserves traditional and cultural aspects as such. Rituals takes place 3 times a day and every Wednesday, this relic is subjected to traditional bathing. This bathing is done using traditional water with scented herbs and fragrant flowers. This holy water is believed to have healing powers. Visiting this temple makes it worthwhile to get an essence of what buddhism mean to Sri Lankans.

Also read : Budget friendly trip to Sri Lanka

2. International Buddhist Museum

Located close to the Tooth Relic temple, this place truly gives the essence of Buddhism. And to know what importance Sri Lanka has on its culture and tradition, this place is all that you need to visit. You can either take a local cab or bus to reach this place from tooth relic temple. This place is definite to make your social circle understand that you are vacationing at Sri Lanka. Picturesque with giant statues – what else is needed to prove you more to look like a museum.

3. Trincomalee

This beach getaway is one must visit place in Sri Lanka in June. This part of the island is mainly occupied by Tamil speaking Sri Lankans. This has one of the scenic beaches and owing to its shallowness, ample of beach activities are performed here – swimming, fishing, whale watching and many other activities. You actually needn’t know swimming to swim here, the shallowness will hold you loving the beach. The sunrises and sunsets are relatively amazing here and promises you of a hopeful day. And spending time in Sri Lanka in the month of June here amongst beaches is absolutely a right choice.

4. Arugam Bay

Pinpointed to the southeast coast of Sri Lanka, Arugam Bay becomes the most enjoyable and a must visit place. Sri Lanka in June becomes its best as monsoon retreats and this bay takes its place being one among the most beautiful beaches, offering various water activities – notably speed boating and diving. Water in perfect blue, with coconut trees covering the margins of the land. Arugam Bay makes it perfect for the visitors to enjoy the seraphic nature of Sri Lanka especially in the month of June. Enjoy your Sri Lanka honeymoon at Arugam Bay with you partner.

5. Adam’s Peak

The best spot to behold the beauty of sunrise or sunset in Sri Lanka will undoubtedly be the Adam’s peak, a 1000 years old pilgrimage site with multi religious significance. Unearthed at an altitude of 2200 meters at Sabaragamuwa, it is a UNESCO world heritage site. Following necessary precautions, the visitors would love to view the Sri Pata, which is considered to be the footprint of Buddha and the vest time to trek here galls between 7:30 AM and 5:30 PM. Its scenic greenery and breathtaking views of countryside, makes it one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka .

Frequently Asked Questions About Sri Lanka In June

Temperatures in the coastal areas of Sri Lanka in June remain high while the hilly areas tend to be chilly especially during the night. The south and the west regions experience summer monsoon making a rainy month. Although some days are drier, but you need to be prepared for odd rains. The north and east regions are rather drier making a good time to visit, especially Trincomalee and Arugam Bay.

Trincomalee and Batticaloa are good places to travel to in Sri Lanka in the month of June as they experience dry and pleasant weather. June also marks the beginning of the season for whale watching in Trincomalee. A visit to Yala National Park known for leopards in June is ideal as well as the dry weather make animals to congregate around watering holes. Jaffna is also a good place to visit if you want to know more about Tamil culture and see its ornate temples.

Yes, Sri Lanka is a good time to visit in June, although you cannot ignore the occasional light rain showers. Arugam Bay and Trincomalee are good places to visit in June. Jaffna on the northern peninsula is dry and pleasant and also a good time to visit to discover more about Tamil culture.

Is June a good time to visit Sri Lanka? And the answer to this is an absolutely yes! Visiting a country in its off season itself is a bliss. You would actually end up exploring more about the country and Sri Lanka for that matter cannot be exhausted. Visit the Pickyourtrail website to get to know more about the Sri Lanka tour packages . If you are planning to visit this beautiful land with your beloved, we have perfect Sri Lanka Honeymoon packages for you. Customise your itinerary to explore this favourite piece of island in your favourite way!

Aiswarya Giridharan

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Sri lanka in june: a month of culture, adventure, and relaxation.

Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure? Look no further than Sri Lanka in June. This island nation offers a unique and mesmerizing experience during this month, with its lush landscapes, vibrant festivals, and warm hospitality. Here are some of the things you can expect when visiting Sri Lanka in June:

Quick Links To Explore

Weather in Sri Lanka in June

June marks the beginning of the southwest monsoon in Sri Lanka, but don’t let that deter you! The rain is usually intermittent and refreshing, and the temperatures are still pleasant, averaging around 27°C (81°F) on the coast. The hill country experiences slightly cooler temperatures, making it an ideal escape from the heat.

Crowds and Costs in Sri Lanka in June

June is one of the best times to visit Sri Lanka , as the crowds are much smaller than during the peak tourist season. This means that you’ll find accommodations and attractions more affordable, allowing you to make the most of your budget. However, it’s still advisable to book your accommodations and transportation in advance to ensure a smooth journey.

Hotels and Resorts in Sri Lanka: Luxury & Budget Friendly

Where to Go in Sri Lanka in June

June is a great time to explore the cultural and historical wonders of Sri Lanka. Here are some of the places you can visit:

The capital city, Colombo, is a bustling metropolis with a mix of colonial architecture and modern skyscrapers. Explore the bustling markets, visit the Gangaramaya Temple , or take a walk along the Galle Face Green .

The former royal capital of Kandy, is home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic , one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the world. You can also visit the Kandy Perahera , a colorful festival that takes place in July or August .

This hill town is known for its stunning scenery, including Little Adam’s Peak and Ella Rock. You can go hiking, white water rafting, or simply relax in the town’s many tea shops.

Kandy to Ella Train Journey

Nuwara Eliya

This hill station is known for its cool climate and tea plantations. You can go for a hike in the Knuckles Mountains, visit the Hakgala Botanical Gardens, or take a ride on the Blue Mountain Railway.

Yala National Park

Yala is home to a variety of wildlife, including leopards, sloth bears , elephants, and crocodiles. You can go on a safari to see the animals in their natural habitat.

Things to Do in Sri Lanka in June

Here are some of the things you can do in Sri Lanka in June:

• Enjoy the beaches: The beaches in Sri Lanka are still pleasant in June, even with the occasional rain. You can go swimming, sunbathing, or surfing.
• Go on a wildlife safari: Visit Yala National Park or another national park to see the animals in their natural habitat.
• Explore the tea plantations: Take a tour of the tea plantations in the hill country and learn about the tea-making process.
• Visit the temples and cultural sites: Immerse yourself in Sri Lanka’s rich culture by visiting ancient temples, attending traditional dance performances, and interacting with friendly locals.
• Enjoy the festivals: June is a month of festivity in Sri Lanka. The Poson Festival is a significant event, celebrating the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. You can witness vibrant processions, illuminated temples, and enjoy traditional food during this time.

Festivals in Sri Lanka in June

June is a month of festivity in Sri Lanka. The Poson Festival is a significant event that celebrates the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. During this time, you can witness vibrant processions, illuminated temples, and enjoy traditional food.

The festival is held on the full moon day of the month of Poson, which falls in June. The main events of the festival are held in Anuradhapura and Mihintale, the two places where Buddhism was first introduced to Sri Lanka.

In Anuradhapura , the procession begins at the Mahabodhi Temple and ends at the Ruwanwelisaya Dagoba. The procession is led by monks and is accompanied by music and dancing. The temples in Anuradhapura are also illuminated during the festival.

In Mihintale, the procession begins at the foot of the mountain and ends at the summit, where the Arahant Mahinda is said to have preached Buddhism to King Devanampiyatissa. The procession is also accompanied by music and dancing.

The Poson Festival is a time for Sri Lankan Buddhists to celebrate their faith and to pay homage to the Arahant Mahinda. It is also a time for tourists to experience the rich culture and traditions of Sri Lanka.

What to Pack for Your Trip to Sri Lanka in June

Here are some things you should pack for your trip to Sri Lanka in June:

• Lightweight clothing: The weather in Sri Lanka in June is hot and humid, so pack lightweight clothing made of natural fibers, such as cotton or linen.
• Rain jacket or umbrella: The southwest monsoon season begins in June, so it’s a good idea to pack a rain jacket or umbrella.
• Comfortable walking shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking in Sri Lanka, so make sure to pack comfortable walking shoes.
• Sunscreen and sunglasses: The sun in Sri Lanka is very strong, so be sure to pack sunscreen and sunglasses.
• Insect repellent: There are mosquitoes in Sri Lanka, so it’s a good idea to pack insect repellent.
• Adapter for power outlets: The power outlets in Sri Lanka use a different plug than the ones in most countries, so you’ll need an adapter.

Suggested reading: What to Pack for Sri Lanka? A Comprehensive Guide

Tips for Travelers to Sri Lanka in June

Here are some tips for travelers to Sri Lanka in June:

• Be prepared for rain: The southwest monsoon season begins in June, so be prepared for rain. The rain is usually intermittent, but it’s a good idea to pack a rain jacket or umbrella.
• Respect local customs: Sri Lanka is a Buddhist country, so be respectful of local customs, especially when visiting religious sites. This means covering your shoulders and knees when entering temples and other religious sites.
• Plan your transportation ahead: Some routes might be affected by the weather, so it’s a good idea to plan your transportation ahead.

Sri Lanka Tour Packages

Our Sri Lanka tour packages offer the perfect way to explore this beautiful island. We have a variety of packages to choose from, so you can find one that fits your interests and budget. We can also create a custom itinerary for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Sri Lanka in June

Are the beaches enjoyable in june despite the rain.

Yes, the beaches are still enjoyable in June, even with the occasional rain. The warm temperatures and the beauty of the coastal areas can be enjoyed. Just keep an eye on the weather and be prepared with rain gear.

Is June a crowded month for tourists in Sri Lanka?

No, June is not as crowded as the peak tourist season. It offers a quieter and more serene experience, and accommodations and attractions are often more affordable.

Can I still explore national parks and wildlife in June?

Absolutely. Despite the rain, many national parks, including Yala National Park, remain open. Wildlife enthusiasts can still enjoy spotting various species.

How should I plan my transportation in Sri Lanka during June?

It’s advisable to plan your transportation in advance, as the weather might impact road conditions in some areas. Check for any weather-related advisories before traveling.

Are there any specific cultural etiquettes to be aware of in June?

Always dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. It’s respectful to remove your shoes before entering temples and to ask for permission before taking photos of locals.

Are there any precautions I should take for health and safety in June?

Stay hydrated, use sunscreen, and carry insect repellent. Be cautious with food and drink to avoid any stomach discomfort. Stay updated on weather forecasts and follow any safety advisories.

Can I enjoy outdoor activities despite the rain in June?

Yes, you can still enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, exploring cultural sites, and even some water sports. Just be prepared with appropriate clothing and gear for rain protection.

Copyright © 2024 Lanka Tour Experts. All Rights Reserved.

23 things you need to know before going to Sri Lanka

Oct 14, 2023 • 11 min read

Get to grips with Sri Lanka's complex culture with these top tips on health, safety and etiquette © Cavan Images / Getty Images

Floating in tropical waters off the southern tip of India, Sri Lanka is defined by its gentle Buddhist culture, friendly people and laid-back way of life despite its troubled recent history.

A little knowledge goes a long way when it comes to having an easy trip to this Indian Ocean island. For such a small nation, Sri Lanka is hugely diverse. Surf-pounded coastlines rise to forested national parks , temple-studded plains and jungle-covered highlands - with the added perk that nowhere is that far from a  beach .

Most visitors start on the coast and duck inland to tea gardens, ancient cities and national parks, but navigating Sri Lanka 's frenetic public transport system and cultural sensitivities can be confusing for new arrivals. To help you out, here are some of the things you need to know before traveling to Sri Lanka.

1. Apply for a visa in advance

As a first step, check the latest visa requirements for Sri Lanka. Most nationalities need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) in advance of travel, but fortunately, they're not hard to get.

2. Check your travel vaccinations

Sri Lanka is a tropical destination, so check with your doctor to make sure you're up to date with your travel vaccinations. Recommended vaccinations for Sri Lanka include diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B and polio. Long stayers might also consider getting vaccinated against typhoid and rabies (although rare, rabies can be fatal, and it's carried by dogs, cats and monkeys in Sri Lanka).

3. Plan your trip according to the monsoons

Between May and September , the south coast and west coast of Sri Lanka are lashed by the southwest monsoon, which brings plenty of rainfall and choppy seas, while northern and eastern parts of the island are fine and dry. When the northeast monsoon hits Sri Lanka between November and March, the south and west are at their best, and it's the northern and eastern parts of Sri Lanka that see the showers.

In fact, monsoon rainfall in Sri Lanka is quite sporadic – expect short, sharp downpours interspersed with long, hot sunny spells. Traveling to different parts of Sri Lanka during their rainy "off-seasons" has its rewards – visitor numbers fall and hotel rates drop quite significantly.

4. There's no alcohol for sale on full moon days and religious events

Sri Lanka has a huge number of bank holidays, and almost half of these are poya days, marking the arrival of the full moon, an auspicious event in Sri Lankan Buddhism. All poya days are dry days – alcohol is not sold in shops, restaurants or bars (though you can still access your hotel room’s minibar). The ban on alcohol also extends to other religious events such as the Buddhist festival of Vesak in May.

5. Carry cash: the currency is the Sri Lankan rupee

Stock up on rupees on arrival in Sri Lanka, not before, and don't change more than you need. Sri Lankan rupees are hard to exchange outside of Sri Lanka. ATMs are widespread all over the country – stick to Bank of Ceylon ATMs where possible as they don't charge a fee. Card machines are common in larger hotels, restaurants and tourist-oriented shops.

Try to build up a stash of lower denomination notes wherever possible (for example, withdraw LKR5900 rather than LKR6000). You'll need small bills to pay for tuk-tuks and buy things from local shops and markets and for tipping. Carrying some cash in dollars, euros or pounds sterling is also useful – all are widely accepted in tourist areas.

6. Be realistic about how much ground you can cover

It takes a surprising amount of time to travel around Sri Lanka thanks to winding routes and the limited number of roads crossing the interior of the island. Traffic also has to navigate a variety of hazards including badly surfaced roads and roaming wildlife (buffaloes, cows, feral dogs and even elephants). To do the island justice, don’t rush. You’ll need at least a month for a circuit of the island with detours to national parks, ancient cities and tea plantations inland.

Thanks to Sri Lanka’s improving expressway network, road travel from Colombo to southern towns such as Galle ,  Matara and  Tangalla is fairly rapid. With its twisting, congested roads, the  Hill Country is the most time-consuming region to navigate (consider taking trains to explore instead).

7. Pack the right gear for Sri Lanka’s hills and religious sites

Sri Lanka’s mountains reach elevations of over 2,000m (6,560ft) and temperatures are lower in the highlands than on the coast. Pack a light jumper for cooler nights and early morning starts (particularly between December and March). Also bring a sarong – you can use it as a beach blanket or towel, as a shawl or skirt to cover your shoulders or knees when visiting temples, and as a warm layer when traveling on air-conditioned buses or for pre-dawn safari jeep drives.

8. Plan ahead for the hill country trains

Sri Lanka Railways runs the nation's trains, including services on the spectacular Main Line, which slices east from Colombo  through the island’s highest mountains, cloud forests and tea estates. It’s a stunning journey and hugely popular with tourists and locals alike, particularly the section between Kandy and Ella .

Book tickets in air-conditioned first class or fan-cooled second class well ahead to guarantee a seat, either in person at stations or online via booking sights such as 12GoAsia . Tickets are released 10 days prior and sell out quickly.

9. Swimwear is for the beach only

For the most part, Sri Lankans are socially conservative and deeply religious. Swimwear is fine for the beach, but not when wandering about town. Going nude or topless is not permitted on any Sri Lankan beaches.

10. Avoid public affection and disruptive behavior

Public displays of affection are frowned on, as is loud or brash behavior, and losing your temper in public (keep this in mind when haggling – this should never be an angry process).

11. Dress respectfully when visiting temples

When making trips to religious sites, wear clothing that covers the legs and upper arms and shoulders. Remove your shoes and headwear before entering any Buddhist or Hindu temple or mosque, even if the site is a historic ruin. Socks are allowed (and you'll need them on scorching hot sunny days).

Tourists are less common in  Jaffna and the north where a distinct Sri Lankan Tamil Hindu culture predominates. Respect local etiquette when visiting Hindu temples – ask for permission before entering as non-Hindus are barred from entering some shrines. Some temples also require men to remove shirts and enter bare-chested (for example, Jaffna’s vast Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil ).

12. Show respect to Buddha images

Sri Lankan Buddhists take depictions of the Buddha very seriously and these should always be treated with respect. People have been deported from Sri Lanka for displaying "disrespectful" Buddha images, so avoid wearing clothing with Buddha images and if you have tattoos of Buddhist iconography, keep these covered. The same rules apply to statues – posing for selfies with a Buddha statue is a definite no-no, as is turning your back toward a Buddha image.

13. Be considerate when taking photographs

When photographing people, always ask for permission first. Note that if you photograph the famous stilt fishers at Koggala, you may be asked for payment (genuine stilt fishers are a rare breed nowadays). Flash photography isn’t allowed in temples (nor in the vicinity of military sites) and taking photos may be banned entirely at some Hindu sites. If you are photographing temples, be careful not to stand with your back toward a Buddha statue while you are snapping.

14. Use your right hand to eat

Traditionally, Sri Lankans eat with their right hand, using the tips of their fingers to mix rice and curry into little balls, and their thumb to gently push the food into their mouths. You may be encouraged to try this if you are invited into a local home for a meal, but always wash your hands first for hygiene reasons. Avoid eating (or shaking hands) with your left hand as it is used for less sanitary tasks such as personal ablutions.

15. Tipping is customary

Tipping is a way of life in Sri Lanka and many restaurant workers rely on the extra income this practice brings. Most larger hotels and restaurants add a 10% tip as standard; use this as a guide for how much to tip in places that don’t. 

16. Give wildlife space

In 2017, a British journalist died after being snatched by a crocodile at a lagoon near  Arugam Bay . Such attacks are rare, but they happen so be vigilant in rivers and lagoons. Dangerous sharks are not a problem in Sri Lanka, but poisonous snakes are found in waterlogged areas on land such as paddy fields. 

Keep a keen lookout for elephants on roads leading to national parks or when walking or driving in the hills. If you see one, keep your distance and be ready to back away. Never feed a wild elephant – this habituates elephants to associate humans with food and act aggressively.

17. Take standard safety precautions

Sri Lanka is one of the safest countries in Asia when it comes to petty crime. Violence against tourists is very rare, and theft and robberies are uncommon, though they do happen occasionally. As a precaution, wear a money belt and use your hotel safe.

Female travelers should avoid traveling alone at night, particularly on public transport, and take care walking alone on empty beaches. Given Sri Lanka’s conservative culture, long sleeves and dresses are culturally appropriate and will reduce the chance of being harassed.

18. Do not drink the tap water

Sri Lanka's tap water could theoretically be used for brushing your teeth but we don't recommend it, and it's certainly not safe for drinking. Bottled water is plentiful and better hotels provide clean drinking water for guests. If you do buy bottled water, check that the seal is intact and look for the Sri Lanka standards certification mark. Always dispose of empty bottles responsibly – filling your own drinking water bottle from a large bottle is better than buying lots of small plastic bottles.

19. Beware of scams and pickpockets

Scammers are active in  Galle Fort , Kandy and Colombo’s Galle Face Green , looking for tourists to cheat or charm out of money. Never buy gems hawked on the street – they will almost certainly be convincing fakes made from colored glass – and be dubious of any shop trying to sell you gems to "sell at a profit back home." Seek out information from official tourist offices and directly from operators rather than trusting agents, particularly if they seek you out first.   

Keep your money and valuables out of sight when on busy trains and buses, and when exploring crowded areas streets such as Colombo’s Pettah market district . Tuk-tuks have a habit of overcharging tourists – ask drivers to use the meter (and take another tuk-tuk if they refuse), or order a ride via Uber or local app,  PickMe .

20. Protect yourself against mosquitoes

Mosquito bites are one of the biggest health concerns in Sri Lanka. Although malaria has been eliminated, mosquitoes can carry debilitating dengue fever, a painful illness that can have serious side effects. No vaccinations are available for dengue and treatment can only reduce symptoms. Protect yourself by covering up at dawn and dusk, sleeping under a mosquito net and wearing strong repellent containing high levels of DEET ( diethyltoluamide ).

21. Be road-safe in Sri Lanka

Traffic is one of the biggest dangers facing visitors to Sri Lanka. Accidents involving motorcycles and lorries are common, and bus collisions – often involving pedestrians – are also a problem. Common causes of accidents include dangerous overtaking, overloading and pulling in suddenly to pick up passengers on the roadside.

Private bus company drivers tend to drive more recklessly than their government-run, SLTB counterparts. Don’t expect vehicles to stop at pedestrian crossings and keep your wits about you when walking beside any roads (sidewalks are rare in Sri Lanka).

22. Never underestimate the ocean

Sri Lanka's beaches may be idyllic, but there are few lifeguards and strong currents are a danger (particularly during the monsoon seasons). Many beaches shelve steeply and drowning is the second most common cause of death among tourists after road accidents. Seek local advice before swimming in unfamiliar water.

23. Natural disasters are a risk

Sri Lanka was one of the countries worst affected by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, which swept away more than 35,000 people and devastated many coastal areas. Following the disaster, early warning systems have been put in place in major towns and resorts, but not in rural, isolated areas, so be alert to signs of earthquakes and tsunamis.

The most common natural disaster in Sri Lanka is localized flooding during the southwest and northeast monsoons, which can cause landslides in highland areas. Sri Lanka is also vulnerable to tropical cyclones and periods of drought. For up-to-date weather warnings and situation reports, bookmark the country’s Disaster Management Center website .

This article was first published March 2022 and updated October 2023

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Sri Lanka In June: 5 Best Places To Visit in 2021

Visiting Sri Lanka in June? The month of June, when the oppressive heat of summer is starting in the northern hemisphere is a perfect month for visiting a paradise-like island of Sri Lanka. But it is also a month in which Sri Lanka gives a respite from the winter’s cold climate of the southern hemisphere.

And wondering where to go? we would like to present to you the 5 best places to visit in Sri Lanka in June.

Sri Lanka in June 2021 Itinerary Idea

Hikkaduwa is a resort town on the southwestern shore of Sri Lanka best known for the seafood and as a surfing spot.

But the waters and area around the town offer much more to its visitors. One of the most popular attractions is watching little baby turtles being released into the sea in the hatchery located on the beach. Of course, those baby turtles grow up eventually and snorkeling with them is also a popular activity.

If you are not feeling like swimming, or if you have small kids, you can still enjoy the sight of these majestic creatures by hiring a “glass” bottom boat.

If you are looking for a different experience on the water, you can easily book a river safari on the Madu Ganga river or hire a small catamaran ride around the Rathgama lake.

Suggested Read: Sri Lanka Holiday Packages from South Africa

Nuwara Eliya

Located at 1,868 meters above the sea, due to its persistent temperate climate Nuwara Eliya was the favorite place of British colonists looking for a respite from the heat of the lowlands.

Featuring landmark building with preserved colonial-era architecture it is often called Little England.

It is arguably the most important place for tea production in Sri Lanka, and the lush green hills surrounding Nuwara Eliya with many tea plantations are proof of this.

Here you can lay back and enjoy some of the best teas in the world. Just 30 kilometers away is the Horton Plains, a very popular spot for hiking.

The most popular spot of this area is the World’s End, a sheer drop cliff of 1,200 meters offering a stunning view of the area below. On clear weather days, it is possible to see the Indian ocean some 82 kilometers away.

Suggested Read: Sri Lanka Tour Packages from Delhi

The city of Kandy, the last capital of the Sinhalese civilization and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Within the Royal Palace complex is Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a Buddhist temple where a relic of Buddha’s tooth is kept.

Because of this sacral object, this temple is one of the holiest places for Buddhists in Sri Lanka. The Royal Botanical Gardens of nearby Peradeniya are another popular attraction.

Sprawling over a half square kilometers it houses more than 4,000 plant species and a world-famous collection of orchids.

Kandy is also a starting point of one of the most iconic train rides in the world, the Kandy to Ella route.

Suggested Tour: 9 Days Sri Lanka Tour Packages

This is one of must things to do in Sri Lanka in June, A city located in the center of the so-called Cultural Triangle, with corners being former capital cities of Sinhalese civilization, Kandy, Polonnaruwa, and Anuradhapura; is the perfect spot for exploring the ancient history of Sri Lanka.

Especially if you have in mind that these three corners are just a little bit over an hour’s drive away. But the city itself has a few historical monuments worth seeing.

Most famous of those is the Golden Temple of Dambulla, a cave temple complex dating as far back as the 1st century BC. The cave complex is considered to be the best-preserved one in Sri Lanka.

In the vicinity of the temple complex are burial sites more than 2,700 years old, which is evidence that the ancient Sri Lankans have inhabited these caves centuries before the founding of the temple.

Just twenty minutes drive from the city center of Dambulla is the ancient fortress of Sigiriya. A citadel built in the 5th century AD on top of a 200 meters rock overlooking a sprawling ancient city on the plains surrounding it.

Colombo is the economic capital and largest city in Sri Lanka. Because of the nearby Bandaranaike International Airport, it is always either the first or the last city people visit in Sri Lanka.

It is a city where the whole of the Sri Lankan culture is distilled and easily accessible.

From the collection of artifacts displayed in the National Museum of Colombo, artifacts dating from prehistory to modern times, over colonial-era buildings of the Fort area, to the modern commercial buildings of the city center and floating market of the Pettah neighborhood.

Among the most popular landmarks of the city is the Gangaramaya Temple , one of the most important places of Buddhist worship and learning in Sri Lanka.

Another significant temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Colombo, the Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam Kovil.

The two most popular spots for leisure and relaxation are the Old Dutch Hospital and Galle Face Green.

Old Dutch Hospital dates from around 1681 and was built by the Dutch East India Company.

Today it is a picturesque shopping and dining district featuring restored original architecture. Galle Face Green is a 5 hectares promenade along the shore.

Originally laid out by Dutch with the defensive purposes of the nearby fort, today is the most popular spot for outdoor activities in Colombo.

Planning and organizing a vacation in another country can often be a daunting proposition for most people. And the best course of action is to employ the services of the expert.

T2 Travels Sri Lanka is a premier travel company in Sri Lanka that can offer you a wide range of pre-made Sri Lanka tour packages in Sri Lanka in June, ranging from 3 to 7 days of length.

But furthermore, T2 Travels Sri Lanka can offer you a fully customized one of a kind tour package, tailored exactly to your needs and desires.

With the best rates on the market, T2 Travels Sri Lanka can take care of all your hotel and travel accommodations, and make sure that your dream vacation in Sri Lanka in June becomes a reality.

About the Author: Editorial Staff

Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka: Month by Month Breakdown

In recent years, Sri Lanka has emerged as one of the best tourist destinations in Asia, because this small island nation off the southern edge of India has an incredible wealth of diversity.

You can explore biodiverse forests and wetlands, go on safari in search of elephants or leopards, or whale watching along the extensive coastline.

There are glorious beaches, colonial ruins and ancient cities waiting to be explored.

But it’s important to know the best time to visit Sri Lanka because while the country’s southern location near the equator ensures that it enjoys warm temperatures all year round, you need to be wary of the monsoons. 

Different parts of the country are hit at different times of the war by prevailing monsoons that bring with them wind and rain.

The north and eastern coast is hit between November and March, while the south and west coast are hit between April and September.

Luckily though, that means that there’s always a great place to visit any time of the year in Sri Lanka. To help you plan your trip, here’s our month by month breakdown on the best time to visit Sri Lanka. 

Don’t leave home without: Lonely Planet Sri Lanka (Travel Guide)

Table of Contents

January in Sri Lanka 

January is a great time to be in the southwest of Sri Lanka because this part of the country is dry and the weather is wonderfully pleasant – it’s not humid and it’s not too hot. 

The days are remarkably sunny and there are few clouds in the sky, but of course, with optimal temperatures, comes peak tourist season. 

Those temperatures range between 20 and 30 degrees depending on your location, which draws in many winter sun-seekers from across the northern hemisphere too. 

January might be the best time to visit Sri Lanka, but everyone else will have the same idea too, especially in the southwest which is the tourist hot spot. 

Yaks National Park is one d the most popular destinations in January, and it’s worth the higher costs and busier tracks because you’ll be able to see a wealth of wildlife in the wilderness. 

The animals are easy to spot in the dry season, and you’ll be able to find elephants, leopards and perhaps even a sloth. 

February in Sri Lanka

February is also the best time to visit Sri Lanka to explore the south and west coasts too, but these sides of the island are rain-free. 

The north and east coasts, on the other hand, are right now being lashed with heavy rain and storms from the prevailing monsoon. 

February is busy in the south though, but the weather is beautiful. Head to Marissa, along the coast, where you can enjoy fantastic white sand beaches and sit under swaying palm trees in a tropical idyll. 

Mirissa is a great destination for whale watching and dolphin spotting and February is the perfect time to be there.

This is the middle of the whale watching season here, which runs from November through to April, and concludes with the dry season.

March in Sri Lanka

March is the last month of the dry season in the southwest before the monsoon winds arrive bringing with them rainstorms for the next half of the year. 

This is your last opportunity to enjoy the southwest at its best because the weather is hot but the humidity has yet to arrive. 

Again, head to Mirissa for the whale and dolphin tours, or explore Yala National Park to see the flora and fauna.

While Yala might be dry, and the scenery isn’t that great to look at, the wildlife is easy to spot because of the lack of greenery.

As watering holes empty, the animals will congregate around particular areas where they can find water and hence they’ll be easier to find when on safari.

April in Sri Lanka

April is still a good time to visit the southwest beaches, even as the monsoon begins to arrive along the coast. 

It’s still sunny and temperatures are climbing ever higher, so you can spend your days lazing on the beaches. 

It’s a good time for wildlife spotting too, so head to the national parks for some safari adventures. 

Temperatures can be high in April though, so you might want to consider heading inland and into the more mountainous regions.

This is the best time to visit Sri Lanka to see iconic highland destinations such as Ella or Kandy and to rise the famous picturesque terrain into the Central Highlands.

At higher elevations, you’ll escape the worst of the April heat, and did some great hiking spots and tea plantations to visit.

May in Sri Lanka

May is when the southwest monsoon really begins to hit home and this is a month when the low season begins in Sri Lanka. 

But while the tourist destinations in the south and west might be rainy and wet, it’s a different story in the north.

In fact, this is the best time to visit Sri Lanka to explore the northeast coast, where you’ll find a dry climate and hot and sunny days as the monsoon ended weeks ago here.

Visit Trincomalee to enjoy the beaches of the east coast and to see the whales as they migrate here.

If you want to escape the heat, then head into the highlands, although be prepared for a few rain showers here too.

June in Sri Lanka

June is still low season across Sri Lanka because the monsoon is ravaging the south and west and temperatures across the country are at their highest. 

If you visit in June, you’ll get some bargains on flights and accommodation, but you’ll want to stay as far north as you can to escape the rains and the heat. 

July in Sri Lanka

The low season trend continues through July, as the rain cause havoc along the southwest coastlines. 

Again, head north and get off the beaten track as you’ll find a wealth of intriguing destinations to discover in the dry and sunny parts of the country.

Explore ancient cities or go whale watching along the coast and see a part of Sri Lanka that few tourists ever make the effort to visit, at a time when there are few tourists anywhere in the country.

August in Sri Lanka

August is still low season across Sri Lanka however the extremely high summer temperatures are starting to lower and actually, the monsoon in the southwest begins to calm down. 

While there will be rain, it’s not quite so fierce, and the northeast still remains totally dry. 

This is a great month for safari, because in Minneriya National Park the animals are all gathered at the watering holes, and it’s a famed time to see the herds of elephants as they move across the plains. 

In Yala National Park in the youth, the lighter rains make the park more accessible while the flora is at its most extant and green, after the heavy monsoons.

It’s a lovely time to explore this part of Sri Lanka, as most tourists will only ever experience safaris in the dry season.

September in Sri Lanka

The east coast is on top form in September, because while the southwest still experiences rainfall and the north is beginning to be hit by the monsoon too, places like Trincomalee and Arugam Bay at their best. 

The sun is out in force here and you can explore the long coastline and enjoy the spectacular beaches.

You’ll even catch the whales in action too, so take a tour out in search of these beautiful marine mammals. 

The east coast is still developing in terms of tourism, but now is the best time to visit Sri Lanka to see this part of the country while it’s still rustic and authentic. 

October in Sri Lanka

The southwest monsoon will be ending now, so it’s a good time to visit the more touristy parts of Sri Lanka before the high season crowds arrive. 

The weather is still hot and muggy but it’s mostly dry, and you’ll see Yala National Park as it’s resplendent with green scenery. 

The east coast is also beautiful in October and it’s the last chance to experience the beaches before the northeast monsoon hits. 

November in Sri Lanka

November is the tentative start to the high season in Sri Lanka because temperatures are lower and the climate is cooler. 

The southwest is now dry and sunny and attracting tourists, but it’s still a good time to explore before the December rush begins during the Christmas holidays. 

December in Sri Lanka

December is peak season in Sri Lanka, because Christmas and New Year holidays bring in travelers and vacation-goers from across the world, especially those looking for winter sun.

This is the best time to visit Sri Lanka to explore the southwest coast, as temperatures are hovering between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius.

It’s incredibly dry and sunny and the perfect time to be relaxing on the beaches. 

Along the southwest coast, you’ll find whales and dolphins and it’s a great time to take a boat tour.

Equally, you can just take the chance to relax and unwind in the glorious weather as you spend Christmas Day in the sunshine.

More on Sri Lanka:

• Ultimate Sri Lanka Itinerary: 2 Weeks to 4 Weeks
• The Most Spectacular Places to Visit in Sri Lanka
• Ultimate Guide to Sigiriya Lion Rock in Sri Lanka
• Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka: Best Sights & Travel Tips
• Best Sri Lanka Safari: 8 Park Comparison guide
• 10 Epic Things to do in Ella, Sri Lanka
• 9 Epic Reasons to Visit Mirissa, Sri Lanka
• Safari Guide to Kaudulla National Park
• Yala National Park Safari: Only Guide You Need
• Kumana National Park-The Only Safari Guide You Need
• 10 Sri Lanka Beaches You’d Be Foolish to Miss
• 11 Epic Reasons to Visit Arugam Bay (Spoiler: Epic Breaches!)
• Boogie Boarding in Sri Lanka

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Travel planning resources, about david stock.

I have always been an outdoorsman so becoming an adventure traveler was just the next natural step. I love nature, I love to get off the beaten path and I like to explore. I enjoy scuba diving and cars. And yes, Lina and I have a naked dog.

2 thoughts on “Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka: Month by Month Breakdown”

This is a very helpful guide. I would love to visit Sri Lanka (once all this craziness is over) and had no idea when to go. It seems there’s really pros/cons to every month, but I think August would be a perfect time for me to visit because I’d looove to see animals at the watering hole! Thanks for the guide!

Glad to hear you found our information helpful for planning your trip to Sri Lanka! You’re exactly right, the best time really depends on what your travel goals are. August is a great time for viewing wildlife! Hoping you can go this year(fingers crossed). Cheers.

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The Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka for Weather, Safety, & Tourism

The best times to visit Sri Lanka for ideal weather are

January 15th to February 25th

based on average temperature and humidity from NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). Read below for more weather and travel details.

Sri Lanka Travel Guide

Temperature.

• Perceived Temperature
• Rain and snow
• Humidity and wind
• The busiest and least popular months
• Overall travel experience by time of year

Other Sri Lanka Travel Info

Weather in sri lanka.

Average temperatures in Sri Lanka vary very little. Considering humidity, temperatures feel hot all year with a chance of rain throughout most of the year. The area is far less temperate than some — in the 6th percentile for pleasant weather — compared to tourist destinations worldwide. Weeks with ideal weather are listed above . If you’re looking for the very warmest time to visit Sri Lanka, the hottest months are May, June, and then July. See average monthly temperatures below. The warmest time of year is generally late May where highs are regularly around 89.8°F (32.1°C) with temperatures rarely dropping below 76.5°F (24.7°C) at night.

Sri Lanka Temperatures (Fahrenheit)

Sri lanka temperatures (celsius), “feels-like” temperatures.

The way we experience weather isn’t all about temperature. Higher temperatures affect us much more at higher humidity, and colder temperatures feel piercing with high winds. Our perceived temperatures factor in humidity and wind chill to better represent how hot or cold the day feels to a person.

Sri Lanka Perceived Temperature (F)

Sri lanka perceived temperature (c), average sri lanka temperatures by month.

Daily highs (averaged for the month) usually give the best indication of the weather. A significantly lower mean and low generally just means it gets colder at night.

Show Fahrenheit

Show celsius, precipitation (rain or snow).

If dry weather is what you’re after, the months with the lowest chance of significant precipitation in Sri Lanka are July, March, and then February. Note that we define “significant precipitation” as .1 inches or more in this section. The lowest chance of rain or snow occurs around mid January. For example, on the week of January 15th there is 1 day of precipitation on average. By contrast, it’s most likely to rain or snow in late October to early November with an average of 4 days of significant precipitation the week of October 29th.

Chance of Precipitation

The graph below shows the % chance of rainy and snowy days in Sri Lanka.

Snow on the Ground

The graph below shows the average snow on the ground in Sri Lanka (in).

Average Rain and Snow by Month

Show inches, show centimeters, humidity and wind.

Sri Lanka has some very humid months, and above average humidity throughout the year. The least humid month is March (69.3% relative humidity), and the most humid month is December (80.4%).

Wind in Sri Lanka is usually extremely calm . The windiest month is June, followed by July and August. June’s average wind speed of around 5.3 knots (6.1 MPH or 9.8 KPH) is considered “a light breeze.” Maximum sustained winds (the highest speed for the day lasting more than a few moments) are at their highest in mid June where average top sustained speeds reach 8.7 knots, which is considered a gentle breeze.

Relative Humidity (%)

The graph below shows the average % humidity by month in Sri Lanka.

The graph below shows wind speed (max and average) in knots.

Average Wind Speeds

Show wind speeds.

All wind speeds are in knots. 1 knot = 1.15 MPH or 1.85 KPH.

Show Relative Humidity by Month

Is it safe to travel to sri lanka.

Our best data indicates this area is somewhat safe. As of Dec 04, 2023 there are travel warnings for Sri Lanka; exercise a high degree of caution. Check this page for any recent changes or regions to avoid: Travel Advice and Advisories . This advisory was last updated on Oct 26, 2023.

The Busiest and Least Crowded Months

The busiest month for tourism in Sri Lanka is July, followed by August and January. Prices for hotels and flights will be most expensive during these months, though you can save if you purchase well in advance. Tourists are unlikely to visit Sri Lanka in March. Those willing to visit at these times will likely find it the least expensive month.

Estimated Tourism by Month

Most popular months to visit, overall sri lanka travel experience by season, spring (march through may).

Humidity and temperatures combine to make this season feel warm. Highs range from 89.8°F (32.1°C) and 87.2°F (30.7°C) with similar temperatures in the later months. Rain is somewhat common with 5 to 8 days of significant precipitation per month. Spring is the slowest for tourism, which makes it a good time for those looking for deals.

Summer (June through August)

The middle-year months have very comfortable weather with high temperatures that are quite warm. These months see the least precipitation with 4 to 6 days of precipitation per month. June – August is the busiest season for tourism in Sri Lanka, so lodging and other accommodations may cost more than usual.

Fall (September through November)

Fall daily highs range from 87.8°F (31°C) and 84°F (28.9°C), which will feel very nice given the humidity and wind. It rains or snows a good amount: 7 to 13 days per month. Tourism is fairly slow during these months due to the weather, so hotels may be lower priced.

Winter (December through February)

Weather is perfect this time of year in Sri Lanka to be enjoyable for warm weather travelers. The average high during this season is between 87.2°F (30.7°C) and 82.1°F (27.8°C). On average, it rains or snows a fair amount: 5 to 12 times per month. These times of year are the second busiest with tourists.

Best Times to Travel › Sri Lanka

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If you're dreaming of a getaway to the tropical haven of Sri Lanka this June, you’ll want to prepare yourself for lush landscapes, rich culture, and above all: rain. June marks the off-season for tourism in Sri Lanka, meaning fewer crowds and more opportunities to discover hidden gems off the beaten path. Here’s our guide to the weather in Sri Lanka in June. 

What is the weather like in Sri Lanka in June?

Temperatures in sri lanka in june, is june a good time to visit sri lanka, what about crowds and costs, festivals and events in sri lanka in june, ready for your dream trip to sri lanka in june, visit sri lanka in other months, tailor-made travel itineraries for sri lanka, created by local experts.

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The ideal itinerary for everyone planning to go on a Sri Lankan adventure. Hike historic temples, become part of a Sri Lankan village for a day, visit tea factories, and many more activities included before spending the last few days relaxing on the beach.

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Join us on a once-in-a-lifetime voyage exploring stunning sunny beaches; lush green mountains; unspoilt forest trails and breath-taking world heritage sites. This all-encompassing itinerary includes accommodation, private transportation and a variety of excursions and activities.

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Discover Sri Lanka

There is so much to see and do in Sri Lanka! This 10-day trip will take you around some of the most exciting parts of the country; spot Elephants in their natural habitat, discover the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and learn more about the famous Ceylon Tea plantations.

Weather in Sri Lanka in June marks the peak of the southwest monsoon season. Brace yourselves for heavy rainfall and a hefty dose of humidity across the island. Picture frequent showers, thunderstorms, and grey skies, especially in central and southern regions. Outdoor activities may be limited thanks to the wet weather, and keep an eye out for flooded roads and landslides, especially in hilly terrain.

June falls into the low season for tourism in Sri Lanka. The monsoon showers tend to put a damper on travel plans, resulting in fewer tourists compared to the bustling months of December to February. However, adventurous travelers may still choose to visit Sri Lanka during this time for a chance to soak up Sri Lanka's beauty amidst the rain.

On average, Sri Lanka receives around 300-400mm of rainfall in June, with the southern and western regions experiencing the most. The is rain heavy, persistent, and might put a dampener on your travel plans — especially if you're venturing into low-lying areas.

Overall, June isn't your classic sunny Sri Lankan getaway. The heavy rainfall and increased humidity can significantly impact outdoor activities and transportation, making it challenging to explore the country.  That said, if you're up for embracing the monsoon season, it could still be an unforgettable adventure. Just remember to pack your rain gear!

Rough Guides tip : planning a trip to Sri Lanka can be laborious. Trust  our local experts to manage the planning and booking efficiently.

The weather in Sri Lanka in June is great for seeing cultural sites  © Shutterstock

Overall, June brings warm temperatures across the country, creating a perfect environment for exploring. However, there are variations in rainfall levels depending on the region. In the north and southeast, you'll experience relatively lower rainfall, making it a bit drier. Meanwhile, in the southwest, there's more precipitation, which contributes to slightly cooler temperatures in that area.

North Sri Lanka

In the northern part, including cities like Jaffna and Mannar, the average high temperatures range between 31-33°C (88-91°F), with lows typically around 25-27°C (77-81°F). Despite the warm temperatures, this region tends to receive relatively low rainfall during June, averaging around 50-100mm for the month.

Southwest Sri Lanka

Moving to southwest Sri Lanka, encompassing cities like Colombo and Galle , temperatures remain warm but slightly cooler than the north. Here, the average high temperatures range from 29-31°C (84-88°F), while lows range from 24-26°C (75-79°F). June brings increased rainfall to this region, with precipitation levels averaging around 200-300mm.

Southeast Sri Lanka

In the southeast region, including areas like Batticaloa and Trincomalee , temperatures are similar to those in the north and southwest. Highs typically reach 31-33°C (88-91°F), with lows around 25-27°C (77-81°F). Rainfall in this area remains moderate during June, with an average of 100-150mm for the month.

Learn more and compare the weather in different months with our guide to the weather in Sri Lanka .

Tea, Sri Lanka © Shutterstock

 June can be a solid time to experience Sri Lanka in all its relaxed and authentic glory. Just make sure you're ready for monsoon rain showers and varying weather conditions. 

During June, you might encounter a bit of a mixed bag weather-wise across the country. While the southwest region might still get some rainfall, especially early in the month, other areas like the east coast tend to be drier and perfect for beach bums .

Temperatures during June typically stay warm and comfortable. That said — don't forget that umbrella, because rain showers, especially in the afternoons or evenings, are definitely on the cards. 

Ready to take your trip without the hassle of planning and booking? See our tailor-made trip service .

Sri Lanka slips into its low tourist season during June as the monsoon season starts making its presence felt. This means you'll see fewer tourists hanging around, giving you more space to chill out at all those popular spots and beaches. 

Plus, you'll notice that prices for places to stay and things to do take a nosedive compared to earlier months, making June one of the best times to save some cash while exploring Sri Lanka.

That said, the reason for the low season is the heavy rains. So, if you've got outdoor plans or sightseeing on your agenda, just be ready for a bit of rain and some cloudy skies.

 If you're all about snagging a deal and don't mind a bit of rain, June could be a great time to visit. If you prefer better weather, maybe try to plan your trip during the shoulder seasons of March or August. 

Still planning your trip? Browse our Sri Lanka itineraries for inspiration. 

The spectacular Knuckles mountain range in Sri Lanka © Shutterstock

When planning your trip to Sri Lanka, it's worth checking if your visit aligns with one of the country's captivating festivals or events. Remember, booking your accommodation early is crucial to ensure you have a comfortable stay, especially during busy periods. And for more ideas to make the most of your Sri Lankan experience, explore our curated list of the best things to do in the country. 

Poson Full Moon Festival

First up, we have the Poson Full Moon Festival, a significant celebration commemorating the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka by Arahat Mahinda. 

This festival holds immense importance for Buddhists and is marked by religious observances, temple illuminations, and almsgiving. You have the chance to witness pilgrimages to sacred sites like Mihintale and Anuradhapura, where colorful processions and cultural performances take center stage. 

Esala Festival

Held in Kandy , the Esala Festival is one of Sri Lanka's most spectacular cultural events. It culminates in the grand Esala Perahera, a procession featuring beautifully adorned elephants, traditional dancers, and musicians. Here you can witness the vibrant pageantry, religious rituals, and cultural displays that highlight the rich heritage of Sri Lanka.

Kitesurfing Championships in Kalpitiya

For adrenaline junkies and beach lovers, Kalpitiya is the place to be in June as it hosts the annual Kitesurfing Championships. Watch in awe as skilled athletes take on the wind and waves, showcasing thrilling displays of skill and agility.

The event promises a lively atmosphere with beachside festivities and plenty of opportunities to interact and learn from kiteboarding enthusiasts. 

Sri Lankan love cake © Shutterstock

Excited for a Sri Lanka adventure? Opt for our tailor-made trip service, and eliminate the need for extensive research on your dream vacation. Count on us for planning and booking; our journeys, thoughtfully crafted by local travel experts, can be completely customized to match your preferences.

• Sri Lanka deluxe (12 days):  Experience the Central Province's tea plantations and waterfalls, then unwind on the golden beaches of Sri Lanka's south coast. 
• Sri Lanka wildlife discovery (10 days):  Experience Sri Lanka's untamed beauty: observe elephants at Yala and Udawalawe National Parks, enjoy a sunrise hot air balloon ride, and admire stunning cave drawings at Dambulla Cave Temple.
• Luxury yoga (15 days): Indulge in a restorative holiday in Sri Lanka, with yoga, meditation, and Ayurvedic treatments for a perfect digital detox and inner balance.

Planning your trip to Sri Lanka? See what the weather is like in Sri Lanka in other months: 

• January :  Warm temperatures with moderate crowds, ideal for beach outings and cultural exploration in Sri Lanka.
• February :  Sunny skies and increasing crowds as tourists flock to enjoy the pleasant climate and outdoor activities.
• March : Dry weather with rising temperatures and moderate crowds, making it a good time for sightseeing and wildlife spotting.
• April : Hot and humid conditions with large crowds due to the Easter holiday and the Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations.
• May : Intermittent rainfall begins, accompanied by fewer crowds, offering a quieter atmosphere for exploring Sri Lanka's attractions.
• July :  Heavy rainfall continues, keeping crowds low, though the weather is still suitable for cultural immersion and indoor activities.
• August : Monsoon rains gradually subside, attracting moderate crowds eager to experience improved weather conditions and outdoor adventures.
• September :  Rainfall decreases further, with fewer crowds making it an ideal time for budget-conscious travelers to explore Sri Lanka's attractions.
• October :  Post-monsoon period brings clearing skies and moderate crowds, offering pleasant weather for outdoor activities and cultural exploration.
• November :  Dry weather prevails with moderate crowds, providing optimal conditions for exploring Sri Lanka's diverse landscapes and cultural sites.
• December :  Peak tourist season with warm temperatures and large crowds, particularly around Christmas and New Year, perfect for beach holidays and cultural experiences.

The Rough Guides to Sri Lanka and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Travel advice for Sri Lanka

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Sri Lanka

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• How to get to Sri Lanka
• Getting around Sri Lanka: Transportation Tips
• Travel Health Sri Lanka
• Sports and Outdoor activities in Sri Lanka
• Travel Tips Sri Lanka for planning and on the go
• Best time to visit Sri Lanka

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written by Dre Roelandt

updated 21.03.2024

Dre Roelandt is originally from the United States but lives and works in Berlin, Germany. Dre is a freelance writer and artist with a passion for travelling. They are an in-house Content Editor at Rough Guides.

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Best of Sri Lanka in 5 Nights: Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage Included

7 nights sri lanka family holiday package with wildlife safari, sri lanka budget tour package: climb sigiriya rock fortress, sri lanka ramayana trail tour package, quick sri lanka 4 nights tour package, soulmate special sri lanka honeymoon package, sri lanka travel essentials.

Ideal Duration: 7-10 days for exploring Colombo, Kandy, and Sigiriya; longer for a more relaxed exploration of beaches and historical sites

Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

Best Time: December to March (Dry season for most regions) Read More

Visa Policy for Indians: ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) required

Visa Policy for Other Nationals: ETA required for many countries

Getting In Sri Lanka: Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo Read More

Getting Around Sri Lanka: Buses, trains, tuk-tuks, rental cars Read More

Budget for Food & Drinks (per day): USD 10 to USD 20 for budget travellers, USD 20 to USD 40 for mid range travellers and USD 50 and above for luxury travellers

Accommodation Cost (per night): Budget Accommodation USD 10 to USD 20, Mid-range Accommodation USD 30 to USD 70, Luxury Accommodation USD 100 and more

"A Land Like No Other"

Sri lanka tourism.

Sri Lanka is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean known for its spectacular beaches, thousand-year-old Buddhist temples, abundance of wildlife, and rich archaeological history. The plethora of water sports, breathtaking sunsets, sprawling tea gardens, and mouth-watering Sri Lankan food will surely make you fall in love with this gorgeous place. 

The island's coastline stretches for approximately 1,340 kilometers (832 miles) and is dotted with palm-fringed beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs. Additionally, the island is known for its marine life, and visitors can enjoy whale watching in Mirissa or diving and snorkeling along the stunning coral reefs. The beach towns of Weligama, Hikkaduwa , Bentota , and the scenic fort city of Galle are perfect for a laid-back vacation. Colombo is Sri Lanka's capital and usually the entry to the island nation offering many attractions including temples, gardens, malls & casinos and a brilliant nightlife.   Kandy , the spiritual capital of Sri Lanka is famous for the Temple of the Tooth Relic, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most sacred Buddhist places in the world. Nearby Dambulla Cave Temple  is another UNESCO world heritage site which displays over 150 priceless Buddha statues, intricate sacred cave paintings, and huge murals. It is Sri Lanka's best-preserved Buddhist shrine within ancient caves. Ancient cities like Anuradhapura , Polonnaruwa , and Sigiriya are UNESCO World Heritage Sites dotted across the country that showcase impressive archaeological ruins, including towering stupas, ancient palaces, and intricately carved temples. The Cultural Triangle, encompassing these destinations, is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. As a biodiversity hotspot, Sri Lanka has several national parks and wildlife reserves, including Yala National Park , Wilpattu National Park , and Udawalawe National Park . The scenic tea plantations of Sri Lanka are also major attractions. The hill country, particularly around Nuwara Eliya and Ella, offers picturesque landscapes of rolling hills covered in neatly manicured tea bushes. Take scenic train rides through these tea-covered hills and indulge in high-quality Ceylon tea while enjoying breathtaking views.  Sri Lanka is renowned for its Ayurvedic practices and wellness retreats. Pamper yourself with Ayurvedic treatments, yoga, meditation, and spa therapies. Immerse yourself in Sri Lanka's vibrant culture by participating in cultural activities such as traditional dance performances, learning to cook Sri Lankan cuisine, visiting local markets, and interacting with friendly locals.

Tourist Places to Visit In Sri Lanka

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Must Know Before You Travel to Sri Lanka

• Sri Lanka has stabilized since the widespread shortages and large demonstrations and protests in mid-2022. 
• Opening Time: Most businesses are open from Monday to Friday between 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Many museums shut on Fridays, while Hindu temples stay open from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Buddhist temples generally stay open from dawn until dusk or later.
• Poya (full moon night):  Buddhist full moon holiday, which occurs once a month. Most shops and businesses are closed, and the sale of alcohol and meat is prohibited. Also expect less public transportation, especially buses. 
• Photography: Many stilt fishermen and tea pickers expect to be paid for photographing them. Posing with images of Buddha is not allowed. Also, photography is not permitted inside Hindu temples.
• Carrying coral, shells, or other protected marine products from Sri Lanka is prohibited.
• Scams: Stay away if a stranger offers to ship you a parcel of tea or invite you to a special elephant festival
• Weather:  Even though Sri Lanka is a relatively small country in size,  some of the destinations experience different rainy months. Read more about Sri Lanka's weather
• Contrary to a common assumption that Sri Lanka closely resembles India, there are unique distinctions that make Sri Lanka a truly distinct destination. While both countries share geographical proximity, Sri Lanka boasts a rich tapestry of culture, religion, and culinary traditions that set it apart. The serene beaches of Sri Lanka are some of the finest in South Asia. Even accommodation options in Sri Lanka are not only affordable but also easily accessible. There is also lower crowd density at many sites across Sri Lanka as compared to India. Here are more reasons why Sri Lanka is not like India .

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Best time to visit Sri Lanka

Top places to visit in sri lanka by month, holidify's opinion on travel to sri lanka, what's great about travelling to sri lanka.

• Great beaches.
• Religious and historical sites
• Rich wildlife
• Accomodation and transport are relatively affordable
• Rich traditional values

What's Not So Great about Travelling to Sri Lanka?

• Pickpocketing and small thefts are common
• The Road network is not in the best condition in many areas
• Liquor laws are strict in majority areas

Who should Travel to Sri Lanka?

• Beach lovers
• Cultural heritage and history enthusiasts
• Honeymooners
• Budget travellers

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Exchanging money in sri lanka, nightlife in sri lanka, shopping in sri lanka, reasons why sri lanka is different from india.

• Sri Lanka offers a compact island experience, allowing travelers to explore its diverse landscapes, from pristine beaches to lush tea plantations, within a relatively small area.
• Sri Lanka boasts a rich cultural tapestry with influences from Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity. You can immerse yourself in the island's unique heritage by exploring ancient temples, participating in traditional festivals, and savoring authentic cuisine.
• Sri Lanka's compact size makes it easy for tourists to explore its natural wonders, including lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and abundant wildlife in national parks such as Yala and Wilpattu.
• Sri Lankan cuisine delights the palate with its bold flavors and aromatic spices. Travelers can indulge in mouthwatering dishes such as hoppers, kottu roti, and fragrant rice and curry, experiencing a genuine culinary adventure.
• Sri Lanka is home to ancient cities such as Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, which offer a glimpse into the island's rich history. You can explore well-preserved ruins, majestic stupas, and intricately carved temples.

Hygiene in Sri Lanka

Food of sri lanka, top hotel collections for sri lanka.

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Sri Lanka Tour Itinerary for June

Looking for Sri Lanka itinerary for June? Sri Lanka is blessed with warm, sunny weather almost 365 days a year, and June is no exception to head to the tropical beaches, the misty mountains or the Cultural Triangle. If you’re heading to Sri Lanka for 7 days in June, here are some interesting places to be in June.

1. Kandy (Must Visit Location in Sri Lanka in June)

Noted as the holiest city in the hills of the island, Kandy is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a number of breathtaking buildings and protected areas that are worth a visit. Sri Dalada Maligawa is the most sacred temple on the island as it is believed to hold the tooth relic of the Buddha within its chambers. The temple is located on the same grounds as the Royal Palace, home to the last king of Sri Lanka. It was said that the sacred tooth relic could only be looked after by he who was fit to rule the country, and no one else. Over the royal palace premises, a forest looms over in the centre of the city, home to monkeys, birds and other animals. Once you’re inside the forest, there is but a trace of the city beneath you!

2. Nuwara Eliya

Mist shrouded mountains blanketed in green acres of forest and tea plantations means you’ll be in the heart of Sri Lanka’s hill country. Nuwara Eliya is a land lost in time, and was often referred to as Little England for its similar characteristics during the colonial era. As you stroll through the city, you’ll find cottages and bungalows that resemble an old English countryside. In Nuwara Eliya in June, there are many things to do from scenic walks around Lake Gregory to hikes through Horton Plains as you search for World’s End!

3. Dambulla

Away from the mountains, head over to Dambulla . Historically rich and just a moment’s drive away from Sigiriya, the city is most famed for the Dambulla Cave Temples, which holds a number of Buddhist figurines and artefacts within its caves. The domineering Golden Statue of Lord Buddha sits, watching over the town.

4. Anuradhapura

One of the first capitals of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura is a religious, historic town. As you stroll through this ancient city, you’ll find a number of stupas, shrines and temples that each have a special significance in the history of Buddhism in the island. It was believed that the Sri Maha Bodi, the holiest tree on the island was brought as a sapling from the Sri Maha Bodi in India, the very tree where Lord Buddha was believed to have attained enlightenment. Here you’ll find crowds of worshippers and believers praying and meditating in June.

5. Polonnaruwa

Another capital of ancient Sri Lanka, Polonnaruwa is also believed to be a holy city on the island. Dazzled with ancient shrines, palaces, man-made water tanks and historical buildings, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is packed with history and rich legends of kings and fallen kingdoms.

Said to have the largest density of wild leopards, Yala is a nature lover’s and a wildlife enthusiast’s dream getaway! Make sure to stop at Yala National Park in June for an exciting safari through rugged terrain as you search for the park’s most elusive inhabitants, from leopards and sloth bears to elephants and crocodiles! You’ll also seen plenty of birds, both migratory and endemic, reptiles and other animals.

7. Pasikudah

If you’re looking to head to the beach for some time under the sun, Pasikudah beach is the best place to be in June. Wade into the shallow waters and simply relax in the gentle waters – the bay is known to be quite shallow! Pasikudah is located on the eastern coast of the island and is most popular between the months of June – August.

The historic town of Galle , located on the south coast of Sri Lanka is definitely one of the most favoured places for locals and tourists to visit in Sri Lanka in June when they’re in the country. A perfect mix of history and modernity, the town resembles the country’s past and present. Stroll through the ancient ramparts of the Galle Fort, initially built by the Portuguese during their occupation of the island, or dine on the narrow cobble stoned pathways after exploring through the museums and historic buildings within the fort.

Interested in a day of adrenaline pumping water sports? Head down to Bentota for some fun and partake in a variety of water sports from jet skiing and banana rides to water skiing and river cruises through thick mangroves. There are a range of things to do in Bentota, as the town is bordered between a murky river and the azure ocean!

To Get a Customized Sri Lanka Tour Itinerary for June Contact Olanka Travels . Also check packages for  6 day Sri Lanka tour .

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Home » Asia » Sri Lanka » Sri Lanka Itinerary Trip Planner | Travel Routes for 2024!

Sri Lanka Itinerary Trip Planner | Travel Routes for 2024!

So you’re planning an itinerary for Sri Lanka? That almost feels self-defeating. Both a part of South Asia and an island paradise, time has a certain way of taking its own flow here—locals lovingly refer to it as  ‘Sri Lanka Time’.

But perhaps you’re visiting Sri Lanka for a quick-blast holiday? Or maybe you just want to explore it fully before you kick off to the next grand destination? Either way, it’s good to know exactly where to go in Sri Lanka before you arrive.

Though not as big or as difficult to travel as its bigger brothers further up the subcontinent, you’re still looking at slow transit times and unpredictable occurrences of deeply-structured chaos. That’s why it’s important to be clued in on the ins-and-outs of executing a Sri Lanka itinerary seamlessly.

And that’s exactly why I present to thee a seamless itinerary for Sri Lanka… Two in fact!

Using these travel routes for Sri Lanka (as marked by the varying monsoon seasons), you’re going to see  a lot  of the country! All the best parts in fact, plus some sneaky bonus stops you’re probably not going to find out about anywhere else. I’ll be covering the coolest destinations in Sri Lanka, what to do there, and, of course, the best and brightest places to stay.

In one seamless guide.

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The Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka

2-week sri lanka itinerary: the south in-season, 3-week sri lanka itinerary: culture hotspots and backpacker sticky places, sri lanka itinerary – travel guide tips and pointers, faq on sri lanka itinerary.

Sri Lanka is an all-year-round destination… in that it’s always raining and always sunny simultaneously somewhere on the island. The pesky alternating monsoon seasons make planning a trip to Sri Lanka a wee bit more complicated. In that sense, Sri Lanka is also a year-round monsoon destination!

• Northeast “Maha” Monsoon (December to February): Over the Christmas holiday period, the north and east take a refreshing shower, Arugam Bay all but shuts down, and the south coast of Sri Lanka is in full tourist swing.
• Inter-Season “Dryboi” Monsoon #1 (March-April): You’ll catch some rains in the southwest quadrant of the island during this period while everywhere else stays mostly dry.
• Southwest “Yala” Monsoon (May-September): This is when Sri Lanka’s south and west coast highlights really start to get soaked. The Yala monsoon period is easily when to go to Sri Lanka’s east coast—spending a surf season “stuck” in Arugam Bay in particular.
• Inter-Season “Sadboi” Monsoon #2 (October-November): It kinda just rains everywhere during this period… a lot. Have fun with that!

Right, so that may look way too complicated, but it’s not so bad. Except for when it really pours, the rains in Sri Lanka are pretty typical Asian-style monsoons: they rarely hang around for more than a couple of hours max. You can still expect frequent catchups with Mr Blue Sky even during the rains.

Realistically, the best time to visit Sri Lanka depends on where you want to go . Keep in mind the rough timing of seasons (and my even rougher attempt to break them down), and you’ll find that crafting a primarily dry itinerary for touring Sri Lanka will be easy. Just avoid the ‘Sadboi’ season; that shit sucks.

Weather in Sri Lanka

Monsoons aside, the climate in Sri Lanka is a much more straightforward ordeal. Expect serious thigh chafing conditions—hot and humid. Sometimes it may be just hot, and sometimes it may just be humid, but it’s probably always going to be at least one of the two.

The exception is in the hill country (central highlands). Up here, things cool off considerably and even get properly cold in the right places. I’d actually go so far as to say it’s my sweet spot; blissful sunny mornings cooled off by drizzles of afternoon mist leading into a full night’s rest snuggled betwixt the blankets.

Check out the table below for some average temperatures in Sri Lanka. I’ve chosen Colombo (Sri Lanka’s west coast capital) and Nuwara Eliya (the balmy capital of the mountainous tea country) to contrast the two distinct climates.

So, before we start the 14-day Sri Lanka itinerary extravaganza, I wanna talk about arrival and Day 0. For any and all backpacking routes in Sri Lanka, you’ll be landing at Sri Lanka’s international airport— Bandaranaike —which is near Colombo but not in Colombo. This is a blessing in disguise.

Colombo is beautiful on the inside… probably. It’s hard to tell because it’s so ugly on the outside. I spent a week here: the only redeemable thing I found was UberEats so I could just stay in my hostel in Colombo .

Instead, I present to you… Negombo!

Negombo is a fine alternative to staying in Colombo’s gridlocked mayhem. It even sounds similar!

Negombo is a whole lot more chill, the beaches are nicer, and it’s closer to the airport. Maybe I sound like a vacuum salesman pitching the newest model, but suck it up, princess! Any and all times you can skip Colombo, do it.

Colombo is yesterday’s soggy street roti disappointing my mouth.

Where to Stay in Negombo:  YoYo Beach Hostel

There are actually two YoYo sister hostels in Negombo—this one and the airport hostel. The YoYo Beach Hostel is aimed more at a party vibe; you can expect to crack open the arrack by night and sleep off the migraine on the beach by day.

The  YoYo Airport Hostel  (which is closer to the airport than the beach) is more setup for one-night stayovers when flying in and out of Sri Lanka. You’ll get quiet vibes and a soundproof room with the option to transfer to the Beach Hostel if you wanna partake in family dinner. Truth be told, they’re both pretty mint places to stay, and you can’t really go wrong with either!

Sri Lanka in Two Weeks: The Breakdown

1. Bandaranaike International Airport 2. Negombo 3. Sigiriya 4. Kandy 5. Ella 6. Yala National Park 7. Mirissa (South Coast Beaches) 8. Galle Fort

December to January is the peak; March and April is a comfortable shoulder season.

1. Looking at Sigiriya Rock 2. The train ride to Ella 3. The hill country

Stop 1: Sigiriya (Days 1-3)

Next up is Sigiriya. You’d be hard-pressed to find a single suggested itinerary for Sri Lanka that didn’t include the majestic wonder of Sigiriya: the ancient rock fortress.

Set in the central, dry, and hot lowlands region, Sigiriya sits inside the Cultural Triangle area (which I’ll cover more in the ‘3-Week Sri Lanka Itinerary’ ). Beneath the hulking behemoth of Lion’s Rock  (AKA Sigiriya), is a relatively sleepy and tourist-lite village (comparatively to Sri Lanka’s other famous places to visit). I actually really dig the town; tourists float in, but it’s not overdone. Plus there are some endearing strange ones kicking around town.

The rock fortress of Sigiriya is the main draw to this area (not to mention one of the most famous tourist attractions in Sri Lanka).  If you’re only in Sri Lanka for 14 days, it’s a must-see thing. Powerful yet humbling, the supposed tomb of the God-King Ravana himself, it’s also mega-touristic and a tough price to swallow for those travelling Sri Lanka on a budget.

There are, however, other options…

You can potentially find a direct bus, but the train runs from either of the  ‘-ombos’  to nearby  Habarana . It’s an easy bus ride or tuk-tuk to Sigiriya from there.

The choice is as follows:

• Pay  $25 , climb Lion’s Rock with a horde of tourists and locals (it’s a very sacred site), and experience the admittedly very impressive ancient fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Or… climb the nearby Pidurangala rock for about  $3  with a smaller swarm of tourists and locals, and watch the sunset (or sunrise) set the hues of Sigiriya ablaze.

Ultimately, the choice is yours, however, I do recommend the latter. And at sunset. Alternatively, just do both!

• Shenadi Restaurant –  Yummy local food at cheap prices—it’s just that simple.
• Rastarant Sigiriya –  The juices are bangin’ and the slackline’s a’ hangin’!

Where to Stay in Sigiriya:  Jungle Vista

The family who runs the hostel are also mega-lovely, can easily organise safaris and tours, and cook up a mean Sri Lankan feed every night. It’s a bit out of Sigiriya town (about 10 km) but absolutely worth the tuk-tuk fare (the family can organise you transport anyway).

Stop 2: Kandy (Days 3-5)

Ok, ok, Kandy… most tourists I meet travelling Sri Lanka are pretty unenthused by Kandy. I can’t necessarily blame them. It’s, admittedly, a bit like chewing bubble gum—fun for a brief period, but the magic quickly wears off.

Yet, still, I like Blandy. It’s a normal but pretty city where normal people do normal boring things. There’s a mall with an ice-cream parlour, a lake for moonlit romantic strolls, and heaps of cheap food around.

If you’re a backpacker, Kandy is similar to Colombo (albeit way more chill and lacking in a proper nightlife); there’s not much reason to go there except to start the unbelievable train journey to Ella. If you’re visiting Sri Lanka for the first time, or on a whirlwind 5 to 7-day itinerary, you can just book a hostel in Kandy , stay a night, rest up, and catch the train right on out the following morning.

Unless you’re lucky enough to score a direct bus, chances are it will be one bus to  Dambulla  (30 mins approx.) followed by another bus to Kandy (hopefully < 3 hours).

Honestly, I scoped a few attractions out, and it really is the kind of city where you’re better off just wandering and seeing what secrets you find. That said…

• Temple of the Tooth –  Easily the most famous thing to see in Kandy, this temple holds a very sacred artefact: the alleged tooth of Lord Buddha himself. Personally, I’d say it’s not really worth the price of entry since you don’t even get to see the tooth, but it’s a mention for the temple-nutters.
• To the Batcave –  This is something special. I’m not sure if it’s seasonal (I visited Kandy in September) but at twilight, the sky fills with a myriad of bats—truly innumerable. Find a high spot in the hills, roll up, and enjoy the show.
• Licenced to Grill –  Delicious puns aside, you get wraps and burgers at mean prices with chips that are really more like wedges (which makes them better).

Where to Stay in Kandy:  Hipsters Hideout Lounge

You know when something is not particularly special, but it just kinda appeals to you. That’s how I feel about Hipster’s Hideout Lounge.

It’s cheap and the walls have got some cool art going on, but it was also pretty quiet every time I visited Kandy. The dorms are basic too—no lockers. That said, I like the vibes, and it’s always my go-to place every time I stay in Kandy.

Inter-Stops: The Kandy to Ella Train

This is why you have to at least pass through Kandy: the train to Ella. The Kandy to Ella train is a must-do thing on any and all Sri Lanka itineraries. It’s not a journey to be missed.

Chances are you’ve already heard of the train ride from Kandy to Ella. If not, you’ve at least seen pictures, even if you don’t know it. Winding train tracks elegantly slice paths through the jungles, tea plantations, and misty slopes of the hill country. It’s one of those types of train journeys where you get to do this:

You don’t have to actually board the train at Kandy. There are stops before and after, and you can even board the train at Colombo. That is a bloody long ride though.

Kandy is about the right distance to Ella (roughly an 8-hour train ride plus the margin-of-error for the Asia effect), and there are a few extra spots you can stop along the way in Sri Lanka’s hill country if you can smush it all into your travel itinerary route. Since we’re already smushing a lot in, I’ll cover the extra places to go in the 3-week itinerary: check the hill country section .

Stop 3: Ella (Days 5-8)

Man, cutting only 4-days from your Sri Lanka itinerary for Ella hardly even seems like enough! Ella is easily my favourite place to go in Sri Lanka: I collectively spent around 2 months there staying it what used to be one of the best hostels in Sri Lanka (R.I.P. and bless).

I wouldn’t suggest staying in Ella town itself. There’s some good food in town, and some souvenir/Goa-lite shopping, but, otherwise, it’s an over-capacity tourist bubble. The real draw of Ella is everything around the bubble.

Smack-bang right in the middle of the emerald sea of the hill country, Ella is surrounded by gorgeous tea plantations, stunning valley panoramas, and plenty of aimless wandering opportunities. If you’re not staying outside town in the fairytale fields of cloud forests and shifting mists, you’re missing out.

From Kandy, I’m only going to tell you to catch the train every time.

• Little Adam’s Peak –  An easy walk with a grand payoff. For people that like eating the cake but don’t wanna bake it.
• Ella Rock –  A more challenging and dynamic hike with, arguably, less viewing payoff. There are heaps of backtracks here making it a fave for anyone that likes exploring. For those that like baking the cake but don’t want to eat it because the calories will ruin their trim walking figure.
• Nine Arches Bridge –  It’s a pretty bridge that the trains runs across with people selling drinking coconuts nearby. I don’t really get it, but it’s mega-touristy and a super popular attraction in Sri Lanka, so I thought I’d be remiss not to mention it.

In Ella itself:

• Matey Hut –  There are some blessed dank eateries in town (shoutout to the nameless roti shop on the south edge of town), however,  Matey Hut serves up high-quality Sri Lankan cuisine in a tourist restaurant setting.
• Cafe Chill –  It’s not really my jam—a proper tourist joint through and through. The prices are high, the food top-notch, and the music is usually on-point too! Along with  Cafe One Love , it’s one of the two main watering holes in town.
• MozarElla –  No matter where you go in the world, you will always find three things: pigeons, pizza, and Australians.

Where to Stay in Ella:  Ella Escapade Hostel by Nomadic

As I said, it’s better to stay  outside  of Ella, and this is a sweet spot. Getting into town itself will take some forethought, however, in the surrounding area of the property, there is heaps to explore.

You’ve also got free breakfast here saving you the trek into town (although walking the train tracks into town is always a blast). Ella Rock is also super close and easy to access. Once you get to Ella town itself and feel how touristy and packed it is, you’ll be glad you booked this peaceful place outta town in the mountains.

Stop 4: Yala National Park (Days 8-10)

We’re heading south towards the beach, but first, stop 4 and a disclaimer! Listen, there are three things nearly all backpackers travelling Sri Lanka will do:

• Go on a safari
• Get an elephant tattoo (probably shortly after the safari)

On point two, Yala is arguably the best place to visit in Sri Lanka in your 14 days of adventuring for a safari; it’s Sri Lanka’s biggest national park . Personally, though, I wouldn’t recommend it.

The animal tourism in Sri Lanka has a less than sterling reputation . Even on my own personal backpacking trip to Sri Lanka, I saw multiple instances of animal abuse both inside and outside the tourism industry.

Many safaris in Sri Lanka are not at all in line with responsible and ethical wildlife tourism , and nearly all are contributing to the greater issue. In Yala alone, safaris are overbooked, traffic is frequent, drivers are reckless and endanger the wildlife, and wild animals are (and have been) killed as a result.

Chances are, if you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka, you’re already considering booking a safari. Ultimately, you do you. Just consider this the counter-perspective.

Unles you want to organise a driver or shared tourist taxi (which is easy from Ella), you’ll need to catch the bus. There are a few options for where you can go close to the national park, but Ella to Kataragama is a standard route and base for exploration.

A safari or not—s’up to you. Fair warning though, you’re not really permitted to explore the national park at your own duress like other places in the world. I’d really just suggest outright skipping Yala and the moral bankruptcy to go just soak up the beach for longer.

Where to Stay in Yala:  Leopard Trails

When I say luxury, I do really mean luxury: it’s an expensive, high-end tent accommodation with all the trimmings of a modern-day resort. And, of course, they’ll set you up for all your safari shenanigans.

An Ethically-Sound Alternative to a Sri Lankan Safari: Millennium Elephant Foundation

That’s right – you can get up-close-and-personal with some of the most majestic beasts in Sri Lanka and not even feel a drop of moral anxiety about it!  Millennium Elephant Foundation  is  ethical elephant tourism.

These guys don’t even let you ride the elephants. They used to let you ride them bareback, but now they’ve exchanged that program for their much more whimsical and respectable  Elephant Walk Experience . It’s kinda like a first date: you get to hang out, go for a romantic stroll with your partner elephant, and even help them bathe at the end if you’re lucky. ?

Was the first date divine? Then it’s time to commit because the  Elephant Foundation accepts volunteers too!  Not only will you get to hang out, care for, and bathe with the lovelies, but you’ll help out around the property too with farming, veterinary work, and teaching!

Honestly, there’s zero reason not to drop the cash you were going to spend on booking a safari on this instead. It’s  1000 times more  of an authentic experience,  1000 times less  morally reprehensible, and  100,000 times better  than sitting in a jeep staring slackjawed at wild animals that really just wish you’d piss off…

Stop 5: South Beaches (Days 10-13)

And it’s time for the beach! We’ve spent nearly 14 days in Sri Lanka already, and we still haven’t hit the beach—shameful.

Instead of sending you along Sri Lanka’s south coast, however, I’m going to lay out the beach destinations here for you (southeast to southwest direction) and who they’re good for:

You’ll find a bus from Kataragama no sweat. Once you’re on the south coast, the train runs from Colombo as far east as  Matara  (between Mirissa and Tangalle), and the buses run straight along the coast from town to town. Getting around Sri Lanka’s south coast is super easy!

Pretty much anything associated with beaches and tourists:

• Diving/Snorkelling
• Drugs, backpackers, and parties

Where to Stay in Sri Lanka’s South (Mirissa):  Colours Hostels

A good atmosphere and a pumping little piece of backpacker accommodation in Sri Lanka’s south. To be fair, there are heaps of cool areas stay (just see above), but Mirissa is pretty central, close to lots of good beaches, and has a neato tourist-friendly scene going on.

Good people generally float in, the family feeling is high, and breakfast is a killer. Expect good vibes.

Galle and the Fort (Days 13-14)

Galle Fort—so pretty yet so strange. It is the perfect spot, however, to round off your southern Sri Lanka tour. Inside the fort proper—Galle’s main tourist hub—there’s an almost timeless bubble quality (even if the tuk-tuk bois are too thirsty); it’s easy to decompress here before heading back towards the madness of Colombo (or, ideally, straight to the airport).

Galle is an oddball. Outside the fort in Galle city things make sense in that they make no sense: the typical South Asia craziness ensues. It’s a Sri Lankan city through and through.

Once you step inside the fort though, the game changes—rice and curry goes out the bathroom window and barista coffee and cake come right on in. It’s like a little slice of Europe in Sri Lanka (right down to the narrow alleyways lined with Volkswagens and Portuguese/Dutch-era colonial architecture).

Personally, I’m not a big fan of staying in Galle Fort. The lack of street food and vendors peddling single cigarettes feels too inauthentic. But if you’re wondering where to stay in Sri Lanka for 2-3 days after a whirlwind highlight itinerary route, it’s a very beautiful place to tie it all up with some fine-dining and a romantic moonlit stroll.

Both the main bus station and the train station are situated right out front of the fort—easy peasy!

Depending on your style of travel, you’ll either find heaps to do or not much:

• Shopping –  And heaps of it! Tea, spices, souvenirs, art, gems (watch for scams) are all on ample display.
• Dining –  Much like shopping, there are heaps of restaurants functioning more on a Western schema.
• Early morning/late night strolls –  Galle is easily prettiest when the tuk-tuk mafioso and touts are sleeping off a hard day’s harassing. And, honestly, it’s kinda charmingly quaint.
• Galle Lighthouse –  I just think it’s super pretty.
• Abacate –  I simply CANNOT recommend this place enough. Genuinely authentic food inside the fort coming in at a fair price (which is also unheard of in the fort). I know the cook and his family personally, and there isn’t a single person in Sri Lanka I would rather send me into a blissful kottu-induced food coma on the whole damn island.
• Street eats –  For street food and hole-in-the-walls, you’ll have to leave the fort. Once you cross the big intersection back to the city main, you’ll find the good stuff again.

Where to Stay in Galle Fort:  Fort Sky House

Well, Galle Fort is  super  upper-class and when in Rome… rent a swanky apartment with an open-air kitchenette/lounge bar terrace! The whole apartment is most definitely continuing that whole Sri Lanka meets European village neighbourhood feel.

It’s in a sweet location in the fort—conveniently located but still in a private spot—with a very gracious host. Honestly, you’re about to leave Sri Lanka, so why not pimp out and just treat yo’self for the remaining nights!

Getting Home:  After Galle, getting to the airport is pretty simple. One option is to ride the train to Colombo and make your way from there, however, you’ll also find buses that go direct from Galle’s main bus station to the airport. Just ask around, and you’ll be fine.

Okely-dokely, you’ve got an extra week, and the rains are pissing down in the south. There are a few crossovers between this suggested Sri Lanka itinerary and the last, however, I’ll elaborate further on a few areas. Besides, Sigiriya, Ella, and the train are absolutely necessary things to do in Sri Lanka even in just seven days.

I’ve given you a few extra bonus stops too, but mostly I’ve bumped this up to a 3-week itinerary for Sri Lanka to give you extra time to spend in Arugam Bay. Arugam Bay is one of those places that people get stuck.

Sri Lanka in 3 Weeks: The Breakdown

1. Bandaranaike International Airport 2. Negombo 3. Sigiriya 4. Polonnaruwa 5. Anuradhapura 6. Wilpattu National Park 7. Jaffna 8. Trincomalee 9. Arugam Bay 10. Ella 11. Nuwara Eliya 12. Adam’s Peak  (Sri Pada) 13. Kandy 14. Meemure Village

March through to September with the summer months being the busiest.

1. Mad munchies in Arugam Bay 2. Still the hill country 3. An adventure to Meemure

Stop 1: Sigiriya and the Cultural Highlights (Days 1-4)

Well, we already talked about Sigiriya, so instead, I’m mentioning a few other notable places to travel to in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. I still recommend staying in Sigiriya and soaking that yumminess up though (potentially with some side-adventures to explore the local landscapes).

But, since you’re spending a few more days touring Sri Lanka, there are a few extra bonus day trips from Sigiriya you could consider:

• Polonnaruwa – The ancient city of kings. It’s a $25 entrance fee, but, honestly, if you were considering dropping that on Sigiriya Fortress, just visit Polonnaruwa instead. Think of Polonnaruwa as a historical theme park. Once, 800 years ago, it was a thriving city, a hub of culture and commerce, and the seat of power for one of Sri Lanka’s ancient kingdoms . Now it’s a playground for lovers of archaeology, history, and ruins. It’s a large space—you’ll need to hire a tuk-tuk driver or a bike to explore it—but if you’re a sucker for old-world goodness, it’s worth the trip.
• Dambulla cave temple – It could be worth the trip if you’re really into temples. Dambulla town itself is a waste, but the cave interior temple (another extremely sacred site in Sri Lanka) is very impressive. It’s also extremely commercialised and carries that whole “God is dead” feeling… so… up to you!
• Jathika Namal Uyana (Rose Quartz Mountain) – Dude, I missed checking this out, and I hate myself so much for that. It’s exactly what it purports to be: five bucks and you’ll be standing on a mountain of pink rose quartz. Don’t be like me— go .

Where to Stay in Sigirya (again):  Nethmini Leege Cottage

It’s another place to stay in Sigiriya and a damn cool bit of accommodation in Sri Lanka—a treehouse! Nestled in the jungle, you’ll be surrounded by the gorgeous nature of Sri Lanka’s lowlands.

It’s very close to Sigiriya town and walking to Lion’s Rock is even an option. It’s still a homestay, however (treehouse or not), so expect some damn good home cooking! A mum-cooked meal when you’re so far away from home is always a blessing.

Stop 2: Anuradhapura (Days 4-6)

If you’re feeling the temple/history burnout, you can leave Anuradhapura off your itinerary in Sri Lanka. There’s not much else to see there except more of Sri Lanka’s historical attractions.

Well, that’s a lie—there is one thing that’s pretty dope: Sri Maha Bohdi . Thought to be the oldest-living human-planted tree in the world, the tree started as a cutting from the original tree that Lord Buddha gained enlightenment beneath. Planted as a sapling by one of the kings of old, now it’s an incredibly revered place to visit in Sri Lanka.

Past that, you’re looking at a similar concept to exploring Polonnaruwa, albeit slightly different in the execution. Another archaeological park with a $25 entrance fee and another archaic kingdom, however, this time it’s the cradle of Buddhism in ancient (Sinhala) Sri Lankan civilisation.

Enormous towering dagobas (brick stupas) and sprawling monastic complexes fill the area. Much like Polonnaruwa, it’ll be a matter of renting a bike or tuk-tuk driver to explore Anuradhapura to its fullest.

From Sigiriya, your options are:

• To travel to Dambulla and catch the direct bus from there.
• Or you should, theoretically, be able to catch a train from  Habarana  (or any other station) to Anuradhapura (since the train runs through it). I can’t properly confirm this through my sources, however.
• Abhayagiri Vihara –  One of the major monasteries in Anuradhapura and the biggest in Sri Lanka for a long while. Topped by a towering dagoba, there is some complex architecture on display here including the pools and intricately carved Moonstone.
• Isurumuniya Vihara –  Another monastic complex except this time, it’s carved out of rock!
• More of the same –  Yah, seriously, throw a rock in Anuradhapura and you’ll hit a ridiculously impressive dagoba or stupa (and probably a one-way ticket to Sri Lankan jail). A couple of other key players in Anuradhapura’s stupa scene include  Jetavanaramaya  and  Ruwanwelisaya .

Check out  Mango Mango  for some cheap local cuisine in a restaurant setting. Failing that, the shopping centre has some other snackeries.

Where to Stay in Anuradhapura:  Heaven Upon Rice Fields

Well, to start, there’s aircon, and in the mugginess of Sri Lanka’s central region, that really is a little slice of heaven (upon rice fields). Honestly, it’s just a nice place to stay in Anuradhapura.

A cute little Sri Lankan bed and breakfast with a darling outlook of—yup, you guessed it—rice fields! Yummy brekky, yummy dinner, bike rental (which is perfect for exploring Anuradhapura), and a damn nice room.

Booking a Tour in Sri Lanka

Usually, I’m not much of a tour guy, however, for some of these major historical sites in Sri Lanka— Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura in particular —you can see why booking a tour is smart. With such a complex and deep history locked behind such an esoteric culture and language, booking a tour is really the only way to fully comprehend these ancient wonders of Sri Lanka.

Organising a tour once your there is always easy; there’s always a bare minimum of 36 touts lurking in the bushes at any given time. However, if you want to pre-book, or want to ensure that you get a legitimately insightful and professional guide, I’d advise booking a less off-the-cuff tour through the links below.

Safari Stop-or-Not: Wilpattu National Park

Wilpattu National Park is northwest Sri Lanka’s answer to Yala. The largest national park in Sri Lanka, Wilpattu is also potentially an even better choice than Yala for seeing leopards (they’re still mighty rare, however).

Pretty much everything I said about Yala National Park still holds true here. It’s not so much a matter of the park-to-park context as it is the wildlife tourism in Sri Lanka as a whole.

That said, with two different Sri Lanka itineraries, two different monsoon seasons, and two different routes, this your alternative place to go if your heart is really just that set on a safari.

Where to Stay in Wilpattu National Park:  Base Camp Wilpattu

More ethically questionable luxury glamping— woo!  This one is allegedly reported, however, to abide by a strict set of environmental policies and be run by some upstanding peeps. Whether that’s true or not I can’t say, but I can say that you’ll be comfortable!

Fancy beds, fancy meals, fancy trimmings, and they’ll probably even deck you out with you own emblazoned fancy pants. Jokes aside, the reports are in that this is a dope place to stay and start your safari from. Apparently the staff really do care.

One Last Note on the Ethics of Wildlife Tourism in Sri Lanka

You can find reasonable or even positive forms of animal tourism in Sri Lanka (and low-impact safaris too). This is more a callout to be  shrewd . Extremely shrewd.

You’re travelling in a region of the world with a historically poor (and earned) reputation for the mistreatment of animals. A lot of backpackers and tourists kinda just roll in and assume that because a man in khakis told them it’s ok, that’s it’s ok. That’s usually not the case.

So be critical; taking the hypothesis that it’s a case of unethical tourism until given proof to the contrary is a good method. It’s better to be safe than sorry on this topic.

Oh, and for the love of God, please,  do not ride the elephant s .

Bonus Stop: Jaffna (Days 6-8)

Now, this is certainly an uncommon place to visit off the standard Sri Lanka backpacking itinerary. I’m saying it’s a bonus stop because:

• It is going to add some distance to your travel route.
• It’s a bit more challenging to travel.
• You honestly may just be busting to hit the beach after spending a week in the hot, humid, booze-less cultural epicentre of the island.

It’s impossible to really understand Jaffna without knowledge of the history of Sri Lanka. The tl;dr is that there are actually two subgroups of Sri Lankan people—the Sinhala and the Tamils. In modern times, there was an ungodly civil war that ripped these two peoples lives apart for more than two decades, and in the primarily Tamil northern area of Sri Lanka, you’ll still see traces of the horrors that occurred.

It’s not all doom and gloom though… Jaffna is also super pretty! It’s a change in architecture to a more South Indian style and, if your spice palette has refined enough to notice the subtle differences, it’s a change in cuisine too.

You don’t need to spend too many days in Jaffna. Mostly, you’ll be concerned with checking out some (more) temples and finding a soulful spot in the ocean to cool off during the midday heat. The remaining eleven days on this Sri Lanka itinerary is going to leave the historical stuff alone mostly in exchange for the blissful beach days. But if you’re interested in rounding off your experience by meeting the other half of Sri Lanka’s people before getting lost the bikini-booty-bods, travel to Jaffna.

There’ll be a bus—there’s always a bus in Sri Lanka—but the train also runs all the way north to the Jaffna peninsula.

• Island tour –  From the tip of the Jaffna peninsula, there are a couple of choice islands to visit: there’s  Nainativu Island  with its gorgeous Tamil-Hindu temple while  Delft Island  has both colonial and natural delights.
• Off-beat travel –  There are plenty of official homages to the civil war in Jaffna, however, look hard enough and you’ll start to see darker examples of what transpired. Crumbling ruins, forts, and even old bullet holes are there for those willing to look.
• Malayan Cafe –  Cheap and proper local grub where they won’t even bother giving the whiteys cutlery. An absolute gem.
• Jaffna mangos –  Not to be confused with the restaurant in Jaffna  called  ‘Mangos’ (who serve killer dosa). The mangos in Sri Lanka’s north are rumoured to be the best on the island, and you’ll find plenty of street food ops to eat them with a seasoning of chilli, sugar, and salt.

Where to Stay in Jaffna:  Sky Park View Guesthouse

First up, I like the location; it’s right across from a park! There aren’t any dorms here, but the private rooms are cheap (the same prices as a dorm in a lot of other hostels around Sri Lanka).

You’ve got scooter rental, super friendly and helpful staff, and plenty of local food around. It’s not ultra-flash, but it is home and a good bit of budget accommodation in Jaffna.

Stop 3: Trincomalee (Days 9-12)

The warm-up to the inevitable time-sink of Arugam Bay. There’s no good swell in Trincomalee if you’re chasing the ultimate surfing holiday in Sri Lanka , however, everything else is on point!

You’ll find long sandy beaches lined with deckchairs and drinking holes. A Lion Strong, a round of beach volleyball, and an escape from the insane midday heat in the sparkling water is a guarantee. It’s also considerably quieter than Arugam Bay—like everybody left their mutual chaos behind along with their binge alcoholism.

That’s what Trinco feels like: Arugam Bay all grown up. Arugam Bay in its 30s when it started showering regularly and stopped sleeping with everything with a pulse. It’s cleaner, a bit more refined, a bit more expensive, and also a bit more boring. It’s either the warm-up to Arugam Bay or the place to come down afterwards.

From either Anuradhapura or Jaffna you can catch the train, but it will require a backtrack to the  Maho Junction . There are also direct buses from both cities which would be your better option.

The train actually alights closer to the centre of town where you almost definitely won’t want to stay considering all those beautiful Sri Lankan beaches hanging around.

• Uppuveli  is the main tourist hub ( Sarvodaya Road  specifically). It’s one long street filled with restaurants, shops, and various bits of accommodation with  plenty  of beach access.
• Nilaveli  to the north of Trinco is a much quieter area. There are still plenty of Sri Lanka’s beautiful beach hotels and resorts, but the actual area (and beach) is way more local.

As I said though, Trincomalee is noticeably more expensive than a lot of other places in Sri Lanka that I visited. If you’re budget travelling in Sri Lanka, the best way to keep the costs down is to step outside the tourist bubble. One foot off of Sarvodaya Road back into the real Trinco and everything gets  a lot  cheaper.

Where to Stay in Trincomalee:  Wanderers Hostel

And it’s back to the hostel life! Dorms with aircon (boom, Buddha),  plenty of travellers to chill with, private rooms for sex after the beach! (Na, Trinco is  wayyy  too hot for banging.)

It’s a chill hostel although I do wish they would actually fill that plunge pool up. There’s free tea and coffee but no food served, and the WiFi is inexplicably good. Like, really damn good—I don’t get it either.

Stop 4: Arugam Bay (Days 12-?)

We maaaade it. Here’s a season in Arugam Bay in a nutshell:

• Sweet wonderful vacuous meaningless backpacker sex

Personally, it’s not my vibe (except the doobies-munchies). But any way you swing it,  this is undeniably a backpacker haven—anywhere the Israelis congregate en masse usually is. If you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka, and particularly a first-time visit, plan to lose track of your holiday itinerary for an indeterminate amount of time. Arugam Bay is the surf mecca of Sri Lanka as well as the backpacking mecca. Arugam Bay is one of those places.

It’s a sticky place.

You may want to consider a taxi if you’re not a fan of long stints on the bumpy bus. Otherwise, from Trincomalee, it’s a bus to Batticaloa and a change for Arugam Bay.

Wednesdays are also a party night, but it’s a dumb party and no one goes:

• Blue Wave Hotel Pool Party (Thursdays) –  An Israeli pool party (legitimately) featuring Tel Avivian Ibiza vibes and next-level trash music. It’s easily the best place to get laid in Arugam Bay.
• Whiskey Point (Fridays) –  The traveller-fave of Arugam’s throwdowns. A beach bar a bit out of town featuring house and techno.
• Mambo’s (Saturdays) –  It’s another beach bar featuring techno and house except that this one is in town and there’s a slackline—yay!

My happy place:

• Mama’s Restaurant –  Welcome to Sri Lanka at it’s finest! All-you-can-eat rice and curry buffet, 6 types of curry, full-power papas, and no end or regrets in sight until you puke.
• Blue Vans/Trucks –  On the south side of town, there’s a row of them all serving up street eats, and they all kick ass!
• Bites –  Go here, get yourself a brookie It’s a brownie-cookie—eugenics done right.

Where to Stay in Arugam Bay:  The Long Hostel

The amenities are tight, and the dorms get the job done, but you’re more staying here for the vibe. It’s backpackery, young, 100% party-surf focused, and, honestly, kinda cliquey. Like I said, love it or hate it, it’s Arugam Bay to a tee.

Oh, and the iced coffees will blow your mind wide open.

A Final Note on Backpacking Arugam Bay

Jokes aside, Arugam Bay really is backpacker central and a place people “get stuck”. It’s like a little slice of Thailand backpacking with a South Asian twist. Whether you love that or not is ultimately up to you.

If you’re not so much on a backpacking Sri Lanka tour as vacationing there, it may not be your vibe. Despite the copious amounts of joints being rolled, it definitely doesn’t feel chill. With such a high concentration of travellers, there’s the level of madness that you’d expect from other similar bubbles in the world like Pai, Pokhara, or Goa (though nothing competes with Goa).

Even if you’re a backpacker through-and-through but, perhaps (for example), one who’s grown into quiet living and out of many elements of the Southeast Asia backpacking scene, it still may not be your vibe. Unless you’re like me and will go anywhere there’s cheap food and doobs. Then it’s kickass for a week.

…Or if you’re a surfer. Then you’ll definitely be fine.

Stops 5-6: Ella, Kandy, and the Hill Country (Days 16-21)

Yup, the same as the 2-week Sri Lanka itinerary except in reverse! I really cannot stress enough how much this part of the country and the train journey are a must-see in Sri Lanka in any itinerary.

Ella really is the ultimate detox to skip the bends leaving Arugam Bay. There is a tranquil majesty to Sri Lanka’s hill country ( outside of Ella town) that will make even the most crushing wipeout a gentle ride to shore. If you can take a few extra days to hike, explore the valleys, or even just smoke and watch the sky, definitely do it.

When you do catch the train to Kandy, there are a few extra stops you can consider to break up the trip, provided you have the time:

• Nuwara Eliya – One of several points of interest in Sri Lanka that still  heavily carries the colonial remnants. The racecourse, the architecture, the tea, and definitely the post office all feel like cracking open a city-sized time capsule the British colonialists left behind. You’re up high in the hills here though, so expect it to get cold and rainy.
• Haputale –  Speaking of tea, at Haputale you’ll find Lipton’s Seat (yes, of  that Lipton) which is really more like an imperialist’s throne overseeing the incredible sweeps of plantations, hills and even right down to the south coast on a clear day!
• Hatton –  I’m not so much suggesting that you stick Hatton on your Sri Lanka itinerary as what’s near it: the mighty and majestic Adam’s Peak (AKA Sri Pada AKA  Samanalakanda AKA  Bob’s Your Uncle AKA a million other things). One of the most sacred places in Sri Lanka, Adam’s Peak is an absolutely exquisite climb to venture above the sea of clouds. The climbing season for both pilgrims and tourists runs from December to May, however, it’s a much nicer climb in the shoulder season before it gets crazy.

When you do arrive in Kandy, and since you’ll be departing shortly, forget the dorms! Take a nice accommodation in Kandy out of the city or up in the hills, and soak up the last few days spent with Sri Lanka.

Where to Stay in Sri Lanka’s Hill Country

Idyll Homestay

The view is incredible, the bed is incredible, the visits from the local critter-cuties are incredible… the breakfast is  super  incredible! What ties it all together though is the host: he really goes above and beyond for his guests. Short of languishing within a hippy mountain palace, it’s undoubtedly one of the nicest places to stay in Ella.

Laughing Leopard Hostel

Truthfully though, the staff who run this place are warm and friendly to a fault; they really do create a space for people to relax in whatever capacity. If they also happen to enjoy some late night drinks and techno bangers, can you really blame them for that?

The Cliff Lodge

High up in the hills above Haputale is The Cliff Lodge: a place to retreat to, ditch the WiFi for a few days, and reset. Calling it a  “lodge”  is generous—you’re given a tent set up in an old tea picker’s hut, but that’s part of the charm. For nighttime fires, unreal starscapes, and a complete digital detox, this is where to stay in Sri Lanka.

Private Rooftop Villa with a Plunge Pool

Stop! You had me at skinny dipping!

I didn’t say skinny dipping…

Well… now you did!

It’s a private top floor villa outside of Kandy surrounded by lush greens and splatterings of colonial architectural charm. Breakfast is complimentary, the hosts are mega-chill, and, again, there’s a private plunge pool. Finish Sri Lanka with a bang…?

The Ultimate Boss: Meemure and the Knuckles Mountain Range

Mmm, yum. Mountains—my happy place (other than joints and buffets). This is about as off the beaten path in Sri Lanka as you can probably get. The unquenchable, untameable, and unabashed Knuckles Mountain Range hiding Sri Lanka’s most remote village—Meemure.

You’ll need to dedicate at least 3 days in Sri Lanka from your itinerary for the trip: one day there, one day to explore, and one day to return. If you can spare more time, then that’s even better.

Travelling to Meemure is one of those things where it’s about the journey. It may not be as hardcore as some other South Asian adventures (*cough* backpacking Pakistan *cough*) , but it’s still the most hardcore thing and hidden place I could unearth on my trip to Sri Lanka.

I really can’t break that down concisely here; you’ll have to read my  Meemure Village Cheeky Adventure Guide  for the deetz!

Again, check the guide. Even reaching and experiencing Meemure (and laying eyes on that absolutely magnificent Lakegala) is a feat and reward together. Outside of that, the Knuckles Mountain Range is so, so yummy and missing out on hiking them would be a damn shame. If you happen to see a leopard too, congrats! You’re a real traveller: stuff the safari up the industry’s left nostril.

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Holy mother of box-ticking, Batman! Those are some blessed Sri Lanka travel itineraries.

Now, you’re probably going to have a cracker of a time no matter where you go; there are heaps of beautiful places in Sri Lanka . There are also heaps of beautiful feeds to feast upon in Sri Lanka! (I’ve failed to mention it thus far, but get yourself a kottu—Sri Lanka’s answer to greasy hangover food.)

However, before commencing on that ultimate holiday vacation to Sri Lanka, get yourself keyed on the insider knowledge. I didn’t live there for three months just so I could not share this stuff!

How many days should I spend in Sri Lanka?

Truthfully, I’d say anything less than a month just really isn’t doing it justice. There are just soooo many places to see in Sri Lanka . You could, however, potentially smush it all into a 3-week trip to Sri Lanka. My initial route backpacking around Sri Lanka was similar to the above-listed 3-week itinerary and weighed in somewhere between 3 and 4 weeks in execution.

If you’re not really the smoke, surf, and turf kinda human, the beaches may not slow you down as much as they would a typical backpacker. For everyone else though, Sri Lanka’s beautiful beach destinations—Arugam Bay in particular—will more than likely initiate “Actually, I’ll leave tomorrow,” syndrome.

When you’re planning your trip to Sri Lanka, ease up on the allotted time in your itinerary for the historical and cultural sites, and free up more for the ‘fun’  stuff. The historical sites in Sri Lanka are dope, no doubt, but every traveller I met at the beach or in Ella expressed regret over not having gotten there sooner.

Besides, for the same cost as entry to Sigiriya Fortress or Polonnaruwa, you could rent a surfboard for 7-8 days. You do the math.

…Wait, nevermind, I just did it for you.

What kind of travel budget do I need for touring Sri Lanka on an itinerary?

Obviously, that’s a highly variable question dependent on the length of your itinerary and travel style. I was able to live pretty comfortably on a daily budget of $20 a day in Sri Lanka, however, this is The Broke Backpacker and so that should give you an idea of how cheaply I travel .

If you travel like a backpacker, but it’s more of a holiday itinerary for Sri Lanka (as opposed to that sweet, sweet slow travel life), upwards of $40 a day should be plenty. That’s an extra $20 of wiggle room a day on top of the necessities (sleeping, eating, smoking) for activities, partying, and whatever else.

BUT, if you’re more the quick vacation type, say a budget for 2 weeks in Sri Lanka, $60 a day is a cool max. You can set yourself up in a few top hotels around Sri Lanka and leave the dorms behind.

Finally, if you want to scoot around the island quickly, maybe a whirlwind 5 or 7-day itinerary through Sri Lanka’s highlights, you’ll be relying on taxi services or even a private driver. Honestly, that could run you up to $100 a day or even more depending on how you eat and sleep.

Folks, slow travel is cheaper.

How to Get Around Sri Lanka

Right, so I’ve mentioned a lot of buses and trains , and the truth is that they’re simply the cheapest way of getting around Sri Lanka. But they’re also slow. And uncomfortable. And prone to the South Asia effect (it once took me 11ish hours, 6 bus changes, and one after-dark breakdown to go the 200 km from Unawatuna to Ella).

That said, I still love the public transport in Sri Lanka! It’s chaotic and an adventure every time. And… it’s super cheap:

• Bus from Trincomalee to Arugam Bay (via Batticaloa): < $7
• Versus a private taxi: $85-$90 (contingent on you haggling ability)

Taxis are, otherwise, going to be the main form of tourist transport services in Sri Lanka to utilise. You can save money by hooking up with a crew and sharing transport to the next destination; it’s always easy to find peeps in the tourist bubbles. Taxis are faster, but they’re expensive; you’re going to need to haggle like a pro .

You could also consider renting a bike in Sri Lanka. Cost-wise, that’ll run you about $5-$10 a day (though you can definitely get it cheaper if you rent for an extended period), however, Sri Lanka is a phenomenal road trip country! Just make sure you dot your i’s and cross your t’s with licencing and legalities.

And wear a bloody helmet—dem buses will smoke ya!

Tuk-Tuk Rental in Sri Lanka

Aww, yeahhh —and now we’re talking about the best way to travel in Sri Lanka. Cross the whole damn thing in your own mighty three-wheeling steed!

Can you rent your own tuk-tuk in Sri Lanka? Damn, right you can, and it don’t get much better than this. Well… unless you pay the few extra bucks for the optional boombox!

It really isn’t as confronting to learn to drive a tuk-tuk as you may think. I started to get the hang of it within 5 or 10 minutes. Plus, the looks the other tuk-tuk drivers give you when you overtake them are just so damn delicious.

It’s definitely not the cheapest form of transport in Sri Lanka— $25-$30 a day including rental costs, food, etc. —but that’s not really the bloody point! You’re driving a goddamn tuk-tuk in Sri Lanka! No matter what happens, it’s gonna be a journey you remember for the rest of your life, guaranteed.

All I can say is that I did it (well, hitched a ride with some peeps who did it), it was hella fun, I made some blessed life-long friends along the way (love you guys to the moon), and it’s a top recommendation for travelling around Sri Lanka without a shadow of a doubt.

Check out tuktukrental.com for more info. Use the code  brokebackpacker at the checkout when you decide to take the plunge, and let the good times roll out!

What to Pack for Sri Lanka

Packing for Sri Lanka is pretty straightforward; take whatever your usual backpacking setup is. There aren’t too many other nuances speak of.

DEFINITELY DO, HOWEVER, take a high-quality rain jacket . Even if you’re doing your best to avoid the monsoon, chances are that you’ll get rained on at some point during your visit to Sri Lanka.

Oh, and the mosquitoes are assholes. Take something from home or, better yet, just buy some Odomos when you arrive. It’s cheap there, and the best damn mosquito repellent I’ve ever used!

Travel Security Belt

This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off.

Microfiber Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must.

‘Monopoly Deal’

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Still wondering what to take to Sri Lanka? Then check out our full backpacking packing list more more ideas on gears, gadgets, and goodies for the road!

Staying Safe in Sri Lanka

So… Is Sri Lanka safe ? Yup! I mean, it’s not perfectly safe, but you can also choke on your toothbrush if you’re not careful so…

It’s easiest to think of it as India-lite. The same travel rules you’d apply for backpacking in India, apply it here and then just dial it back a notch.

• If someone asks if you’d like to take a photo of them, or they’re behaving like a tourist attraction (eg. a stilt fisherman or tea picker), then they’re almost definitely going to ask for money if you do take that snap. Kids will too!
• Never trust a tuk-tuk driver—GPS out and money is exchanged only after you’ve confirmed you’ve arrived at the correct destination.
• Travellers of the feminine disposition won’t have nearly as hard a time as in India but should still be wary, smart, and be careful where they’re walking alone at night. And get used to being stared at—take it in stride.
• Don’t leave your valuables unguarded on the beach (or anywhere for that matter).
• Your shoulders and knees need to be covered at sacred sites. No iconography of Lord Buddha-san (tattoos, shirt logos, etc.) and no turning your back on the Buddha statues or taking selfies with them.
• Watch out for scams but also don’t spit the dummy every time someone overcharges you 20 rupees. Therein lies the road to insanity.

Honestly, it’s a standard South Asia affair. Sri Lanka is pretty chill, and out of the three major backpacking destinations of the Indian subcontinent (Nepal, India, and Sri Lanka), I’ve found Sri Lankans (the Sinhala people specifically—maybe it’s the Buddhism) to be the most scrupulous and sincere.

Getting Insured for Your Trip to Sri Lanka

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Find out what people want to know when planning their Sri Lanka itinerary.

How many days is enough to visit Sri Lanka?

14 days is a great amount of time to get around the country and take in the highlights.

Is 10 days enough in Sri Lanka?

It’s pushing it but you could see most of the main sights if you prioritise your time.

Is 3 weeks too long in Sri Lanka?

3 weeks is the perfect amount of time to really take in pretty much everything there is to see and have some down time too.

Is Sri Lanka cheap?

Yeah, Sri Lanka is a super affordable destination, it’s an ideal place to go backpacking!

Concluding Your Itinerary in Sri Lanka

Y’know, when I started writing this itinerary, I was all like “Man, itineraries are lame” .  And now…? Well, I still think itineraries are lame.

But it was also an absolute pleasure to write about travelling Sri Lanka again. I get a little blast of candy-nostalgia every time I return in my mind’s eye to that gorgeous island. Cloud forests rolling through plantations and emerald hills, the chaotic madness of any and all bus rides, dawn on sunkissed beaches watching lone fishermen drag their laden nets in.

Sri Lanka is both the gem of the Indian Ocean and subcontinent itself. Whether it’s one, two, or three weeks in Sri Lanka, every moment is a blessing. If you can give yourself 3 months, that’s even better!

Plan your trip with my perfectly crafted itineraries for Sri Lanka; there is a lot of love and care in them. See all there is to see, but also, remember to stop and smell the kottu. And to meet the peeps.

And to ride the trains, take a big slow breath, and, most of all, to appreciate the sky.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Ziggy Samuels

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Hey Ziggy, we are older backpackers planning a 3 month trip to Sri Lanka early next year. I am excited by your information and will refer to it many times, I’m sure. We love travelling slowly, Sri Lanka will suit us well. Thank you!

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Courtesy Adaderana

April 22, 2024   09:42 pm

A historic milestone in the Indo-Sri Lankan cultural and religious bond was marked yesterday (21) with the official launch of the ‘Sri Ramayan Trails’ project at Taj Samudra in Colombo, the President’s Media Division (PMD) reported. 

This initiative aims to bolster the country’s tourism industry by leveraging cutting-edge technology and innovative tourism methodologies, it said.

Under the auspices of His Holiness Swami Govind Dev Giri Maharaj, the Chief Treasurer of the renowned Sri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, and graced by Mr. Sagala Ratnayaka, Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff, the launch event showcased a commitment to fostering deeper ties between the two nations, the PMD said.

The Sri Ramayan Trails seeks to highlight nine significant sites mentioned in the epic Ramayana, scattered across Sri Lanka. By offering a spiritual and cultural journey for Hindu pilgrims and travelers alike, the initiative aims to draw millions of Indian and international tourists to the country. Its overarching goal is to strengthen the nation’s spiritual and cultural heritage while also boosting its tourism sector.

In addition to offering access to these sacred sites, the project aims to provide visitors with an immersive experience by showcasing the ancient spiritual events associated with these revered shrines, brought to life through cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR), and Virtual Reality (VR).

Spanning from Adam’s Bridge in the Mannar Basin to Seetha Eliya in Nuwara Eliya, every location mentioned in the epic Ramayana has been carefully chosen for inclusion in this pilgrimage endeavour.

Notable figures such as former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, Indian High Commissioner HE Santosh Jha, former member of the European and British Parliament Niranjan Dev Adhitya, and other dignitaries graced the event with their presence.

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Sri Lanka visa update: New online visa system introduced by Sri Lankan government

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Sri Lankan Department of Immigration and Emigration launches new visa process and online portal, collaborating with IVS Global Institute and GBS Technology Service. The e-visa system aims to enhance efficiency, catering to tourist … Read more

Sri Lankan Department of Immigration and Emigration launches new visa process and online portal, collaborating with IVS Global Institute and GBS Technology Service. The e-visa system aims to enhance efficiency, catering to tourists and investors for economic development. Read less

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Sri Lankan Department of Immigration and Emigration launches new visa process and online portal, collaborating with IVS Global Institute and GBS Technology Service. The e-visa system aims to enhance e...