Things To Do in Sri Lanka in Winter

Are you thinking of visiting somewhere nice in Asia and are looking for great suggestions? May I recommend Sri Lanka, we’ve compiled an itinerary of things to do in Sri Lanka in winter. Sri Lanka formerly Ceylon is a small South Asian country in the Indian Ocean and is known as the pearl of the Indian Ocean. Though the country has been marred by civil unrest in the past, it is a gorgeous Island to visit.

A trip to a warmer climate is exactly what you need to chase away the dread of the winter cold. According to the experts at Holiday Weather, Sri Lanka is a great destination choice for a winter holiday. The weather is sunny and dry from December through to March, a stellar season for visiting Sri Lanka. Its the best time to get a tan, relax, and recharge before returning to the cold weather.

Top 4 Things to Do in Sri Lanka in Winter (Beyond the Beaches)

At beginning of every year, I am always in search of the perfect winter escape destination and this year it was Thailand. We absolutely loved our time in Phuket, Thailand but we realised that we absolutely want to visit Sri Lanka yet and mostly for something beyond the beaches. There are so many wonderful things to do in Sri Lanka butt I think personally the following are high on my list.

Watch the whales

Go to the south of Sri Lanka in winter and you’ll be able to enjoy a magnificent view of the traveling whales. Here you’ll be able to find blue and humpback whales, and if you are lucky, you might even spot some killer whales as well.

If you’ve never done whale watching before, this experience will be astonishing. And if you did, you should already know that while the novelty wears off, the sheer magnitude of the beauty and greatness of these majestic creatures hits you just as hard every time.

Climb Adam’s Peak

Coming to Sri Lanka in winter means you get to enjoy some of the best weather the island has to offer. Therefore, you should use the opportunity to explore the natural wonders of the place that are hard or outright impossible to reach during the monsoon season. Climbing Adam’s Peak is one of such experiences and it’s also one of the most interesting activities you can do while in Sri Lanka, according to Sandun from T2 Travels Sri Lanka. Not many tourists brave the climb of 5500 steps, but those who do wouldn’t regret it.

Not only is the view completely breathtaking, but you also get to see the mystical footprint of Buddha. The trek is long and exhausting and you’ll need to stock up on water and snacks. However, the most important thing to take with you on this pilgrimage is a camera. Every step here will reward you with a stunning view.

Explore the city of Galle

The most popular destinations in Sri Lanka are, without a doubt, Colombo and Kandy. However, if you want your winter vacation to have a bit more of a unique flavor, you should visit Galle. This city was built around an old Dutch fort and today it’s one of the most eclectic places on the island. Here you’ll see a mix of temples, colonial architecture, and industrial buildings.

According to Antony Horowitz, who writes for The Telegraph, this strange mix creates a unique charm that can’t fail to make one fall in love with the place. Even the drab industrial buildings and houses made of concrete look special and welcoming when surrounded by some of the most beautiful views in the world. In Galle you’ll be able to see how different types of life can coexist together and learn how to appreciate the surrounding beauty no matter where you are.

Watch the elephants

Admiring the giants of the oceans should be followed by admiring the giants of the land. Sri Lanka has one of the most thriving populations of elephants and winter months are the best season for watching them in their natural habitat.

Go to the Yala and Gal Oya National Parks to see these incredible creatures roam the jungle. Sri Lanka is renowned for its rich wildlife, so elephants aren’t the only creatures you will be able to see on these trips. This is also a good time for bird-watching, but really, any time in Sri Lanka has something to offer to the lovers of wildlife.

Have you ever been to Sri Lanka? Outside of the beaches, what would you recommend for a first time visitor?