Tailor-made
Sri Lanka
Holidays

Sri Lanka is an absolutely brilliant destination for a family holiday. The distances are manageable, the wildlife is exciting, the beaches are safe, the food is fresh and full of flavour, and perhaps most importantly, Sri Lankans genuinely love welcoming families. Here at HA, we completely understand that every family is different. Over the years, our Sri Lanka experts have tested countless properties across the island, making sure we know exactly what they have to offer your family and your holidays. Below are the hotels we come back to time and time again when planning tailor-made family holidays. 1. Villa Hundira, Negombo If you’re arriving after a long flight, the last thing you want is a long journey. You want calm, space, and to feel like your holiday has already begun. Villa Hundira is a brilliant first stop. Set on the lagoon in Negombo, it feels more like staying in someone’s beautiful home than a hotel. There are two pools, family suites, and loads of space for children to roam about without it feeling busy or overwhelming. The meals here are wonderfully flexible. You can eat anywhere on the property, and timings aren’t rigid – which makes a big difference when you’re juggling jet lag or younger children. Array ( [0] => stdClass Object ( [content] => “Villa Hundira is such a lovely way to start a Sri Lanka holiday. It’s quiet, homely and really flexible, just the place to help parents relax and get into holiday mode almost instantly.” [name] => Rebecca [location] => HA Sri Lanka Destination Manager [text_color] => [quote_color] => [admin_label] => Item 1 ) ) “ “Villa Hundira is such a lovely way to start a Sri Lanka holiday. It’s quiet, homely and really flexible, just the place to help parents relax and get into holiday mode almost instantly.” Rebecca HA Sri Lanka Destination Manager ” 2. Aliya Resorts & Spa, Sigiriya Sigiriya is usually high on every Sri Lanka family holiday itinerary – climbing the rock, cycling through villages, exploring ancient ruins. Aliya Resort & Spa is a fantastic base for this part of the trip. The Deluxe Rooms with attic are mezzanine-style rooms that work brilliantly for families, giving everyone their own space without needing two separate rooms. (So you save some pennies too!) The infinity pool is huge, and the views towards Sigiriya Rock are pretty special – especially at sunset. There’s also a choice of on-site eateries, which makes evenings easy after busy days exploring. Array ( [0] => stdClass Object ( [content] => “The mezzanine attic rooms at Aliya are such a clever option for families. And that pool, with Sigiriya Rock in the distance – it’s one of my favourite views on the island.” [name] => Dawn [location] => HA Sri Lanka Destination Manager [text_color] => [quote_color] => [admin_label] => Item 1 ) ) “ “The mezzanine attic rooms at Aliya are such a clever option for families. And that pool, with Sigiriya Rock in the distance – it’s one of my favourite views on the island.” Dawn HA Sri Lanka Destination Manager ” 3. Rengala House, Knuckles Mountains If your family prefers a smaller, more personal place to stay, Rangala House is a real gem in the mountains. This converted tea planter’s bungalow sits high in the Knuckles Mountains and feels so homely. There are brilliant family rooms, wide gardens and cool mountain air, making for a welcome break from the heat of the Cultural Triangle. What really makes Rangala stand out for us is the food. There’s no set menu. Once you and your family sit down for dinner, the chef comes out and chats with you about what you do and don’t like, tailoring meals to your family each day. Service doesn't get much more personal than that! The staff are so kind here, and genuinely attentive. Your family will be so well looked after. 4. Maalu Maalu Resort, Passikudah If you're looking to head to Sri Lanka with your family during the summer holidays, the East Coast really shines. Maalu Maalu Resort sits right on Passikudah Bay, where the sea is famously shallow and calm – ideal for younger swimmers. The rooms are designed as wooden fishermen’s huts dotted along the beach, giving it a relaxed, coastal feel. Like its sister property, Aliya, it offers Deluxe Rooms with an attic that are perfect for families. There’s a huge pool, and you can also wander along the bay for different dining options if you fancy a change of scenery. Array ( [0] => stdClass Object ( [content] => “Passikudah is a top spot to head to during the summer holidays. The water is calm, shallow and warm - and the weather should be beautiful! A stay at Maalu Maalu makes beach time feel effortless with the kids.” [name] => Lisa JS [location] => HA Sri Lanka Destination Manager [text_color] => [quote_color] => [admin_label] => Item 1 ) ) “ “Passikudah is a top spot to head to during the summer holidays. The water is calm, shallow and warm - and the weather should be beautiful! A stay at Maalu Maalu makes beach time feel effortless with the kids.” Lisa JS HA Sri Lanka Destination Manager ” 4. Rosyth Estate House, Kandy Just a short drive from Kandy but set on its own tea estate, Rosyth Estate House offers something a little different. (And we love different!) Owned by a British and Sri Lankan couple, it has a relaxed, boutique feel. It’s small enough to feel personal, but big enough for everyone to have space. The team here are wonderfully hands-on. They’ll happily organise cooking classes or treasure hunts in the gardens for children, while parents relax in a hammock or sneak off to the spa. It’s a brilliant balance of family time and activities, with plenty of opportunities for grown-up downtime sprinkled in. Array ( [0] => stdClass Object ( [content] => “Rosyth really understands how to look after families. The staff engage with the children so naturally, staying here gives parents proper breathing space.” [name] => Rebecca [location] => HA Sri Lanka Destination Manager [text_color] => [quote_color] => [admin_label] => Item 1 ) ) “ “Rosyth really understands how to look after families. The staff engage with the children so naturally, staying here gives parents proper breathing space.” Rebecca HA Sri Lanka Destination Manager ” 5. Flameback Eco Lodge, Weerawila If wildlife is high on your list to enjoy with your family, Flameback Eco Lodge is such a fun option. From here, you can visit both Uda Walawe and Yala National Parks . But the wildlife experiences aren't limited to when you're out and about. Back at the lodge, children can join the Junior Naturalist Programme – taking part in activities with a resident naturalist to learn about animals and the local environment. There are also cookery demonstrations, Palmyrah weaving, bird watching and village tours. They’ve recently opened a two-bedroom family glamping tent, which works brilliantly for those travelling with older children. Array ( [0] => stdClass Object ( [content] => “Flameback has a real knack of making wildlife learning feel exciting rather than educational. Kids get completely stuck in, and they'll come away knowing so much more about what makes Sri Lanka so special.” [name] => Dawn [location] => HA Sri Lanka Destination Manager [text_color] => [quote_color] => [admin_label] => Item 1 ) ) “ “Flameback has a real knack of making wildlife learning feel exciting rather than educational. Kids get completely stuck in, and they'll come away knowing so much more about what makes Sri Lanka so special.” Dawn HA Sri Lanka Destination Manager ” 5. Wild Glamping, Gal Oya For something that feels properly adventurous that you and the kids will be chatting about for years, Wild Glamping in Gal Oya delivers. The family tents are spacious and comfortable, and the pool has ridiculously good views across the landscape. It feels really wild and off-the-beaten-track here, almost Jurassic Park-like. Activities here are what make it so special. You can head out on a boat safari to see elephants swimming between islands, walk through the jungle with a member of the indigenous Veddha tribe, join a jungle cooking class or explore by bike. It’s immersive, hands-on and memorable from the minute you arrive until you wave goodbye. Array ( [0] => stdClass Object ( [content] => “Gal Oya feels really rustic and untamed. The boat safari is always a highlight, seeing elephants from the water is something children never forget. And how many kids can say they've taken a walk with the chief of an indigenous tribe?!” [name] => Rebecca [location] => HA Sri Lanka Destination Manager [text_color] => [quote_color] => [admin_label] => Item 1 ) ) “ “Gal Oya feels really rustic and untamed. The boat safari is always a highlight, seeing elephants from the water is something children never forget. And how many kids can say they've taken a walk with the chief of an indigenous tribe?!” Rebecca HA Sri Lanka Destination Manager ” Planning a family holiday to Sri Lanka? Sri Lanka works beautifully as a multi-centre family holiday. It's easy to plan in a mix of culture, wildlife, hills and beach. And with the right hotels, travelling with children feels lovely and straightforward here. If you’d like to chat through which properties would suit your family best – whether you’re travelling in summer or over the Christmas holidays – our Sri Lanka experts would love to help shape something around you. Because, after all, no two families travel in quite the same way. Get a quick quote Sri Lanka family holidays we love Sri Lanka is calling Chat to one of our specialists about your Sri Lanka family holiday today. ZEN_HOLIDAY_GET_A_QUOTE ZEN_HOLIDAY_TEL ZEN_HOLIDAY_OPEN_HOURS

A brand, spanking new year is around the corner. 12 fresh months, 52 weeks, 365 days – all just waiting to be filled with adventures. Travel was well and truly back in 2022 (thank goodness!), and 2023 is set to be bursting with holidays left, right and centre. We’ve been busy designing holidays all over the World, here’s a handy infographic to show where you’re going (so far) over the next 12 months… Have you booked your 2023 holiday yet? If not, now’s the time!   Get inspired…   Wildlife, nature and Pura Vida lifestyle is top of the bill in 2023. Costa Rica is the most popular holiday destination amongst our clients (so far), with 12% of holidays heading to the nature lover’s paradise.   Costa Rica holiday highlights ☑ Visit Arenal , Costa Rica’s adventure capital, and zip line through the canopy, soak in the hot springs, kayak in the shadow of a live volcano and hike over hanging bridges. ☑ Soak up the wild beauty of the Osa Peninsula . Reaching this region is a bit of a challenge, but being simply the best place to see wildlife in all of Costa Rica, we’d argue it’s more than worth it! ☑ Sun yourself on one of the beautiful beaches along the Northern Pacific Coast . Don’t miss a visit to the tranquil Nicoya Peninsula (and a stay at the incredible Lagarta Lodge , too!) Costa Rica holidays     A county of so much variation and contrast, it’s not tricky to see why Vietnam makes up a huge 10.9% of our 2023 holidays already.   Vietnam holiday highlights ☑ Float amidst the towering limestone rocks of Asia’s most spectacular landscape. A cruise on Ha Long Bay is a must for any Vietnam holiday. ☑ Enjoy a slower pace of life for a few days in the yellow-washed gem that is Hoi An . With cobbled streets that come alive with the light of thousands of lanterns after dark, small tailoring shops, riverside cafes and traditional merchant houses, it’s a special place. ☑ Trek with a local hill tribe through the stunning landscapes around Sapa . Vibrant green valleys, perfectly terraced rice paddies, fast-flowing streams and countless waterfalls await you here. Vietnam holidays     A Jordan holiday is so much more than just a visit to Petra. As 9.9% of our booked clients are set to find out next year…   Jordan holiday highlights ☑ You simply can’t visit Jordan without making a trip to “the rose-red city half as old as time”. Petra is as stunning as it is historic, prepare to pinch yourself once you’ve made your way down the Siq Canyon and are treated to that first glimpse of the famous Treasury Tomb. ☑ Experience the feeling of weightlessness with a bob about in the turquoise waters of the Dead Sea . Found at the lowest point on the Earth’s surface (422 metres below sea level, to be exact), it’s a truly unique place to visit – and the health benefits claimed of its waters are worth the trip, too! ☑ Visit the ancient city of Jerash . Found just outside Amman , Jordan’s capital, these ruins are incredibly well preserved and anyone who loves a bit of history in their holiday mix, will be in their element here. Jordan holidays     South Africa is the destination that started HA. It was the very first place we ever sent clients all those many years ago. And, with 8.7% of holidays heading here next year, we’re chuffed that it’s still as popular as ever.   South Africa holiday highlights ☑ Most South Africa holidays we design, start in the incredible capital of Cape Town . And what a welcome. Gorgeous beaches ready for sundowners, fantastic shopping, fascinating history and world-class food and drink – all set against a backdrop of the unmistakable Table Mountain. It’s not hard to see why Cape Town is considered one of the most iconic cities in the World. ☑ Animals, animals, animals. The quest for the Big 5 is at the top of most South Africa holiday wish lists. And, with incredible safari offerings all over the country, wildlife sightings are (almost) guaranteed to be brilliant here. They’re wild animals of course, they go where they please. But, whether you visit Kruger , the Eastern Cape , Limpogo , KwaZulu-Natal , the Kalahari , or one of the many other reserves – we fancy your chances! ☑ Head to the Great Escarpment , to take in some of the very best landscapes South Africa has to offer. With waterfalls, river canyons, forests, wildlife and viewpoints galore (don’t miss God’s Window!) – it’s a great addition to any South Africa holiday. South Africa holidays     It’s finally back! It’s been off the holiday list for far too long, so we couldn’t be happier that 8.5% of the booked travels in 2023 are heading off to this captivating country. Bullet trains, robot cafes, perfect gardens, bamboo forests, ancient walking trails and so much culture awaits.   Japan holiday highlights ☑ We’re not sure you can visit Japan, without experiencing its largest, craziest and most robot-filled cities. Tokyo is often considered the biggest metropolis on the planet – and we love it. For all of its neon lights and progressive technology, its historic soul is very much intact with countless temples, shrines and gardens dotted around the city. ☑ The spiritual heart of Japan, Kyoto is bursting with shrines and history. Step back in time with a bike ride down the ancient streets of the Gion neighbourhood (keep your eyes peeled for Geisha!), head to the bright red gates of the Fushimi Inari Shrine and even test your sword skills at a Ninja workshop . ☑ Experience a different side of Japanese life and culture with some time in Takayama . The perfect base from which to visit to beautiful, rural countryside (the Christmas-card village of Shirakawago is very close by!) – the antique wooden buildings will charm you in no time at all. Japan holidays     Without doubt the must exotic and alluring getaway you can have within a 4-hour flight from the UK, it’s no wonder that Morocco is always a popular one with our clients, snapping up 8.2% of 2023 booking so far.   Morocco holiday highlights ☑ Spend a day or two on the golden sands of the Erg Chebbi. It’s one of only two places in Morocco where you can see the start of the great Sahara Desert. Take a camel ride across the dunes and sleep under the stars. A highlight of any Morocco holiday for sure. ☑ Explore the bohemian streets, pretty medina and blue-washed walls of Chefchaouen . Perfect for photography lovers, this stunning town is set against a backdrop of mountains with so many trails to explore! ☑ For a real slice of authentic Morocco, venture into the High Atlas Mountains and spend some time with the Berbers . There are trails to explore, mountains to climb, fresh mint tea to drink and home-cooked traditional dinners with local families to enjoy. Morocco holidays     Sri Lanka had a bit of a rocky start to the year, but we’re delighted to say it’s fully back on the holiday radar now! With 7% of booked holidays next year visiting this jewel-shaped island, we’re so excited for more of our clients to fall in love with all it has to offer.   Sri Lanka holiday highlights ☑ Take on of the most picturesque train rides on earth up into the rolling tea hills in the middle of the country. Make the most of the slight drop in temperature and take a hike to Lipton’s Seat, enjoy a tour of a local tea factory and indulge in High Tea at the Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya. ☑ Dig out your binoculars for a safari at Yala National Park . With a varied ecosystem made up of monsoon forests, grasslands, sandy beaches and wetlands – the animal sightings are brilliant here. Plus, said to be home to one of the highest concentrations of leopard on earth, it’s THE place to go if you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of one of the illusive cats. ☑ Spend some time in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle to get a taste of the country’s rich history. Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress, explore the Dambulla Cave Temples and take a bike ride around the ancient city ruins of Polonnaruwa. Sri Lanka holiday     Namibia has been having a bit of a moment recently and – quite rightly – growing in popularity as a Southern Africa holiday destination. An impressive 6.6% of HA holidays next year are heading to this otherworldly landscape…   Namibia holiday highlights ☑ One of the big hitters of Namibia holidays, the sand seas of the Namib Desert (the oldest desert on earth don’t you know!) around Sossusvlei are something very special. The graceful curves of the massive glowing dunes stand in stark contrast to the other-worldly white pans “vleis”, with dead trees and cracked mud, that lay in their shadow. ☑ The Skeleton Coast forms a division between mainland Namibia and the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Dotted with shipwrecks, without doubt, this coast line is one of Namibia’s most unspoiled and remote areas. Experience it in true style with this ‘Flying the Skeleton Coast’ holiday. ☑ Head to the wide open plains of Etosha National Park to experience one of Southern Africa’s premier safari destinations. Boasting incredible numbers of elephant, zebra, giraffe, antelope and big cats, (plus fairly good number of elusive Black rhino!), a safari adventure awaits here. Namibia holidays     Nabbing 6.1% of next year’s holiday bookings so far, the orangutan-filled rainforests of Borneo are looking to be popular over the next 12 months.   Borneo holiday highlights ☑ A nature-lovers dream, the Danum Valley Conservation Area is one of the world’s most complex ecosystems. It’s perfect for wildlife spotting, with orangutan, Pygmy elephant and clouded leopard spotted frequently. The area is strongly protected, and access tightly restricted, so make sure you factor in a stay at the beautiful Borneo Rainforest Lodge to experience it for yourself. ☑ Visit the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre in the heart of Sepilok. Set amidst lush rainforest and explored via a series of elevated walkways, this is a brilliant place to come for a taste of Borneo wildlife – with the chance to do good along the way. ☑ The island paradise of Gaya Island is the perfect place to unwind on your Borneo holiday after all of the orangutan-spotting excitement. White-sand beaches, fringed with lush palms on one side and turquoise waters the other. Dive on in. Borneo holidays     Canada is vast, diverse and packed full of extraordinarily wide range of scenery and experiences. Whether you’re after beautiful beaches, snowy mountains, wildlife encounters, adrenaline-pumping outdoor adventures or a tranquil lake cruise – it’s got you covered. That 5.2% of bookings are in for a real treat…   Canada holiday highlights ☑ Take one of the World’s most iconic journeys, a train ride on the Rocky Mountain Express through the towering snow-capped peaks of the the Rocky Mountains. This two-day rail journey takes you all the way from Vancouver to beautiful Jasper. ☑ Experience the power of Mother Nature at full force with a visit to Niagara Falls . You can take a boat ride right up to the falls, fly over the top of it or even walk right behind the plummeting water. Plus, nearby Niagara-on-the-Lake with its artisan shops, art galleries and cafes is the perfect base. ☑ You can’t truly appreciate the beauty of Canada until you’ve seen Banff with your own eyes. Canada’s very first National Park (created in 1883), the bright blue water set against the backdrop of mountain wilderness, is pinch-yourself perfect.     The charm of the Cambodian smile is ready and waiting to welcome 4% of HA holiday bookings in 2023 (so far, that is!). We have a real soft spot for this country, its beauty, sights, and its warm, resilient people.   Cambodia holiday highlights ☑ Fall in love with the charms of Siem Reap . Obviously you have to spend some time exploring the ancient temple complex of Angkor Wat , but there’s so much more on offer here. Take a street food tour by vespa and enjoy some of the many sophisticated restaurants and chic bars popping up all over the town. Don’t miss an evening at the Phare Circus either, such talent! ☑ Sun yourself on the secret islands of the south coast . With powdery white sand beaches, lapped with clear blue waters, these small islands boast dramatic headlands and jungle forests. They’re also home to luxurious hideaways perfect for a slice of well deserved R&R after time spent soaking up the history and culture of Cambodia. ☑ Journey up into the Cardamom Mountains . This remote virgin rainforest is one of the last remaining habitats for Asian elephants, bears, tigers and the Siamese crocodile. With deserted river islands, thundering waterfalls and Wildlife Sanctuaries to visit, the Cardamom Mountains would be a great addition to any Cambodia holiday. Cambodia holidays     Oman is such a unique holiday destination – and we can’t wait to send 3.5% of our 2023 clients there. With cities, deserts, rich culture, mountain villages and so much history to explore, it has all the makings of a great adventure for all the family.   Oman holiday highlights ☑ Start your adventure with some time in the capital of Muscat . Old Muscat and Muttrah make up the historical heart of the city, with palaces to explore, forts to walk around, giant chandeliers to be wowed by and old souqs to get lost in. With beach resorts nearby and the option to take a sunset Dhow cruise , too, there’s something for everyone. ☑ It might be just a few hours from Muscat, but the Wahiba Sands feel anything but. Stretching nearly 200 miles from north to south, you’ll find towering golden dunes, deep valleys, local Bedouins and an awful lot of camels here. What’s more, with some beautiful tented camps to choose from, you’ll be relaxing in comfort under the starry desert skies. ☑ Venture up towards the Hajar Mountains and explore the sheer canyons, terraced villages and forts around Nizwa . You’ll feel a million miles away from day-to-day life here – a real insight into rural Omani life. Oman holidays     Whether you visit the North Island, the South Island, or both, New Zealand has all of the makings of an adventure worthy of your 2023 holidays. With 2.4% of booked holidays heading here, we’re already excited to see the travel snaps.     New Zealand holiday highlights ☑ Get away from it all and spend some time in Abel Tasman National Park . All of New Zealand is staggeringly beautiful, but there’s something extra special about this region. With sheltered turquoise waters perfect for kayaking and so many incredible walking trails with a more breathtaking view waiting around every corner – it’s a must. ☑ Be captivated by the marine life playground that is Kaikoura . This is THE place to go to spot giant sperm whales, playful dusky dolphins, seals, sweeping albatross and so much more. ☑ Tucked away in the far south-western corner of the South Island, you’ll find the Fjordland National Park. A boat ride through Milford Sound (or the slightly quieter Doubtful Sound), will certainly make you New Zealand holiday highlights list.   So, where makes your holiday wish list?   Latest posts 15 of our favourite holiday ideas Summer holiday ideas: Our team share their favourite summer itineraries The hibernation’s over: Canada holidays are back! The most popular destinations for 2025 so far Holiday quiz: Find your perfect 2025 holiday  

Welcome to the pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka! This jewel shaped island is packed full of stunning landscapes, rich history, vibrant culture and smiling locals – all waiting to welcome you. If you’re wondering when to go to Sri Lanka, you’ve stumbled across the right place. Sri Lanka is a year-round destination, you just might need to plan your holiday to dodge the monsoons, depending on what time of year you intend to visit. Sri Lanka experiences two key monsoon seasons every year; the ‘Yala’ and the ‘Maha ’. So, this means the weather is very different dependent on what side of the island you visit and when. But that’s where we come in! Read on for our guide to the best time to visit Sri Lanka .   When to go to Sri Lanka: Month by month January February March April May June July August September October November December           In short, Sri Lanka’s seasons are as follows: December to April: The best time to visit the west coast, south coast and hill country March to September: The best time to visit the east coast and Cultural Triangle A bit too rainy: October and November     Sri Lanka’s monsoon seasons: The Yala Monsoon – (May to October/November): This is the main southwest monsoon, and it hits the west and southwest coasts and the tea hills. The Maha Monsoon – (October/November to February): This monsoon is less severe but brings rains to the east coast. The months of November and December are the wettest!         The best time to visit Sri Lanka Sri Lanka in January Summary: Warm/dry/sunny, great for outdoor activities, very busy in late January January is lovely in Sri Lanka, with warm and sunny weather on the south and west coasts. The rains of the maha monsoon will still be hitting the east coast, so these beaches are best avoided if you’re keen to avoid any sogginess. January is also an ideal month to pair your Sri Lanka holiday with an unforgettable beach escape in the Maldives. That doesn’t sound too shabby to us! Events: Don’t miss the colourful celebrations of the Tamil Thai Pongal festival in January. This Hindu harvest festival is celebrated by Tamils across India and Sri Lanka and showcases the rich cultural heritage of the country.       Sri Lanka in February Summary: Beautiful beach weather, great for wildlife tours and outdoor adventures February is one of the best months to experience the magic of Sri Lanka, and our clients always love it. With dry and sunny weather across most of the island, it’s a brilliant time to head off exploring the ancient ruins in the Cultural Triangle, hiking through the lush highlands, and relaxing on the pristine beaches. Events: February is the month of Sri Lanka’s Independence Day (4th February), with celebrations taking place across the country.   A note from Rebecca February has always been such a popular month for my clients travelling to Sri Lanka. It’s a month where I get to design long, complex 2-4 week itineraries that take in so much of the country. I love it! Get in touch with Rebecca           Sri Lanka in March Summary: Fab for blue whale-watching, dry across the country, nice and warm in the hill country Heading off on a Sri Lanka holiday in March is a great idea. The south and west coasts are basking in glorious sunshine and temperatures above 30°C and it’s one of the warmest months of the year to visit the Hill Country, too. What’s more, the beginning of the month is the best time of the year to spot blue whales as they feast on krill in the waters off the coast. The north-east maha monsoon is over, so March is also dry on the east coast. This means, you can visit ANY of the country’s incredible beaches, and should be treated to beautiful weather. Top tip: If you’re thinking of combining a Sri Lanka adventure, with a bucket-list-ticking trip to the Maldives, March is a great month to choose.       A note from Rebecca "March is one of my favourite months in Sri Lanka. Everywhere should be sunny and dry. Plus, if you want to get away from the crowds, you can head to the beautifully remote beaches of the east whilst they’re still lovely and peaceful!" Get in touch with Rebecca       Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Sri Lanka   Sri Lanka in April Summary: Great month for family adventures, perfect for outdoor adventures, tag on a trip to the Maldives April is a good month to visit Sri Lanka. The beginning of the month is generally dry and sunny, but as the month goes on, the dry season comes to an end in the south-west. Things can start to get a little humid (especially around the Cultural Triangle) as the yala monsoon rolls in. April is one of the best months of the year to visit the tea hills though. Kandy and the beautiful towns across the Hill Country all experiencing lovely weather and pleasant temperatures. During the day the temperatures hover around the mid 20s (perfect for hiking!), and don’t drop too much in the evenings either. Events: The Sinhalese / Tamil New Year takes place in the middle of April.   Top tip from Rebecca "April is a brilliant month to combine your Sri Lanka holiday with some luxurious sun-soaking in the Maldives!" Get in touch with Rebecca         Sri Lanka in May Summary: Beautifully quiet, inter-monsoon season, stunning on the east-coast beaches May is one of the quietest months of the year to visit Sri Lanka and a brilliant time to visit weather-wise, too. Nestled between the two monsoon seasons, you could well be lucky with the weather wherever you choose to go. The beautifully undeveloped beaches on the east coast will be wonderful in May. Temperatures are often 30ºC plus and you’ll be treated to many hours of glorious sunshine. By the end of May, the yala monsoon has arrived on the south/southwest coasts as well as the central regions, so a raincoat may be needed. However, the rains come and go, and they’re often broken up with lovely sunny spells in between.     Jaffna, Sri Lanka   Sri Lanka in June Summary: Lovely and quiet, great for wildlife tours, beautiful in the north/east June is a brilliant month to visit the north and the beaches in the east of Sri Lanka. Head up to explore the culture in Jaffna and then unwind on the beautiful, remote beaches on the east coast. The animals are usually quite active in June, so it’s a great month of the year to head to one of the national parks for wildlife tours and safari.   Sri Lanka in July Summary: Good throughout most of the island, northern beaches are wonderful, last chance for great wildlife viewing at Yala July is a great month of the year to explore the majority of Sri Lanka, with temperatures teetering around 30°C throughout the country. The east coast is enjoying beautiful sunshine, plus, the southern yala monsoons are petering out slightly.     A note from Rebecca "July is perfect for top-notch wildlife viewing at Yala, Wilpattu and Minneriya National Parks. So, it’s definitely worth factoring in a safari or two if you can." Get in touch with Rebecca         Sri Lanka in August Summary: Brilliant month for a family holiday, northern beaches are beautiful, fab for bird-watching, leopard spotting and there are even sloth bears in Wilpattu National Park! August is a great month for families to visit Sri Lanka. By the time August rolls around, the yala monsoons have temporarily subsided, making the southern beaches a great choice for long, sunny beach days. However, if beach days are top of the agenda, we’d recommend the east coast as a safer bet weather-wise in August. In short, despite the occasional showers, the beautifully warm temperatures make August a great month to explore what Sri Lanka has to offer. Events: Whale-watching season is in full swing off the east coast. We hugely recommend heading to Trincomalee for a boat trip to spot these ocean giants if you can.     Top tip from Rebecca "August is one of the best months to head to Minneriya National Park. Being dry season in this region, elephants flock to the Minneriya tank in huge numbers in search of water. The result is the largest gathering of Asian elephants visible anywhere on earth. It really was such an incredible sight." Get in touch with Rebecca       The Minneriya Elephant Gathering, Minneriya National Park, Sri Lanka   Sri Lanka in September Summary: Things are getting quieter, good deals, sunny eastern beaches September is a great time to head to the north and the east coasts of Sri Lanka. You can be lucky with lower prices and fewer tourists. Plus, the elephants still tend to be gathering by around the water tank in Minneriya National Park – so, witnessing this wildlife phenomenon could make a great addition to your Sri Lanka holiday plans. Events/worth noting: Yala National Park usually closes for the month of September. This is to allow for yearly maintenance, and to let the wildlife roam undisturbed by tourists following a long and busy season. (We love this!)     Top tip from Rebecca "September is one of my favourite months to design Sri Lanka holidays for. Don’t miss the adorable sloth bears in Wilpattu National Park. And, head to the Pigeon Island Marine Reserve off the coast of Trincomalee for a spot of snorkelling. Would you look at the colour of that water!" Get in touch with Rebecca       Sri Lanka in October Summary: Unpredictable and a bit wet . October/November is the classic inter-monsoon season in Sri Lanka, when both the yala and maha monsoons overlap. October is an unpredictable month for a Sri Lanka holiday. It’s generally one of the wettest months of the year to visit, with the south-west ‘yala’ monsoons taking longer to fade in the south and the north-east ‘maha’ monsoon on its way, rains are likely across the whole island. However, less-favourable weather usually means less tourists. So the sites will be quiet and there may be some good deals to snap up if you don’t mind a few downpours.     Sri Lanka in November Summary: Inter-monsoon season, so still quite soggy! The yala monsoons are taking longer and longer to clear through these days, so November is still a little questionable wherever you plan to visit in Sri Lanka. We recommend aiming for late November if you want more guarantee of better weather.       Sri Lanka in December Summary: Lovely and quiet at the beginning of the month, great weather, fab for outdoor adventures and family holidays Mid-December is the start of high season on Sri Lanka’s south and southwest coasts. The weather in the hill country is also starting to dry out a little. Rains are still very possible though, so – as always – make sure you pack prepared… you might just need an umbrella.