Each year Sri Lanka has two monsoon seasons which effect contrasting regions of the island, and during the months of November – January the south and west are blessed with perfect, dry weather.
One of Sri Lanka’s annual highlights is Duruthu, a joyful festival venerating the first visit of Buddha to Sri Lanka which falls on 26th January. A riot of colour and music, the three day celebration spectaular features a vibrant carnival procession of beautifully decorated elephants, dancers and drummers. Located in Kelaniya, 10 kms from Colombo, it’s an unmissable sight to behold.
It is worth journeying to the ancient royal capital of Anuradhapura, where the sacred Bo tree under which Buddha gained enlightenment still grows alongside imposing structures of antiquity. The imposing rock fortress of Sigiriya; a 1500 year old citadel built into a gigantic granite rock studded with caverns, will take anyone’s breath away.
Around late January / early Feburary the Maha monsoon which effects the northeast will be winding down and the national parks of Yala and Wilpattu will be zinging with lush green vegetation and wildlife courtesy of dense regular rainfall. Here you can head out on safari to make friends with birds of paradise, crocodiles, elephants and deer.
Most of Sri Lanka’s parks can be visited perennially all year round however many are at their peak from November through to February. Horton Plains is a hauntingly beautiful high-altitude park offering majestic hikes and vertigo-inducing vistas while Sinharaja Forest’s exotic biodiversity makes it a must-visit for the eco-tourist. Bundala National Park is a migrating haven so come winter is teeming with all manners of tropical birds.
During winter the western and southerly beaches benefit from heady rays of sunshine and temperatures average around 30 degrees. For some water sports action, the waters of Hikkaduwa, Wewala and Argugam Bay offer prime surfing locations. With smaller, cove-esque beaches, Dickwella and Tangalle are ideal for diving or simply reclining in the warmth.