How to Plan a Perfect Vacation to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a beautiful country where there is so much to do and see. Despite being a small island, it is rich in biodiversity and experiences, each starkly different from the other that it would seem quite daunting for a first-time traveller to the country. What adventures do you go on and which adventures do you pass up? That is why this guide is going to take you through step-by-step of a perfect vacation in Sri Lanka.

When to Go

Before you plan on where to go in Sri Lanka, consider which of the seasons you are planning to go in. Sri Lanka does not have the four seasons, being a tropical country situated close to the equator. The country has two monsoons: the north-eastern and southwestern. The north-eastern monsoon is stronger than the other and usually occurs during October to mid-December. Travelling can be quite difficult during this time, especially if you want to visit the hill country. The lesser monsoon only affects the southwest so if you are coming to Sri Lanka for the beaches, May and June are the best months to visit.

Type of Experiences

As mentioned above, Sri Lanka is the land of countless opportunities so what you want from the country can be arranged simply by paying more attention to your plan. If you would rather come to Sri Lanka for the beaches, then you can plan a trip that takes you to the best beaches in the country, from Galle and Kalutara and up north to Trincomalee or east to Arugam Bay.

If you are visiting for the culture, you can head inland to the Cultural Triangle which will encapsulate Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Dambulla before heading to the hill capital of Sri Lanka which was the last of the Kingdoms.

If you are visiting for nature; your journey can take you to the deep south, to Yala National Park where resides the largest density of Sri Lankan leopards in the world and then head up just past the cultural triangle to see elephants in Minneriya.

How to Get There

Travelling around Sri Lanka tends to take a while, especially since most roads tend to meander around mountains. But recently the building of expressways to the south and from the airport to Colombo will help bring down the travel times. Public transport is not very reliable concerning times but travelling by train will bring you in close quarters with some of the most scenic rides in the world. Especially the upcountry train ride from Colombo to Ella via Kandy. Sri Lankan buses tend to be packed most of the time but are quite an interesting and jovial experience and a great way to see how the locals live day-to-day.

Where to Stay

Sri Lanka is famous for some aesthetically pleasing and beautiful hotels. Excellent Hotel Deals and other similar websites where you can find accommodation deals all around the country are available. Whether they are luxury hotels or Airbnbs you can find out all the latest and what sort of perks and deals can be enjoyed while you are staying in the country. There's something for every kind of budget.

Finding a Guide

Hiring a guide to escort you through the Cultural Triangle is a fine idea, especially if you would like to learn more about the rich heritage and culture of the country as well as interesting anecdotes of its colourful history. The guides will also be able to explain to you little intricacies so that your whole trip is made all the more enjoyable.