How to Plan a Trip to Sri Lanka—A Tropical Paradise of Many Allures

Planning a trip to Sri Lanka can be overwhelming for some people who are anxious about a first-time visit to a tropical country. However, nothing could be easier than planning for a holiday on a sunny island. Here are some essential tips on how to plan a trip to Sri Lanka. A first-time visitors guide to exploring the paradise island on the Indian Ocean.

The Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka

As a tropical island, Sri Lanka experiences only the wet and dry season. Two monsoon seasons affect the island. It's best to avoid visiting the place during these seasons as rainfall can be quite heavy during then. The north-east monsoon, which blows in rain from north to east of the island is the strongest and lasts between October and mid-December. However, if you plan to explore the Southern coastal belt and the west, where the commercial capital is located, you can plan a trip around this season.
The second monsoon takes place from May to June and blows in rain from the south to the western end of the island, directly affecting Colombo and the beaches of the south. Hence, a trip to the rustic beaches on the eastern coast of Sri Lanka can be planned at this time. Learn more about the best places to visit in Sri Lanka by checking out your options online. There are several well-researched sites like Truly Sri Lanka to choose from.

Choose How to Travel to Sri Lanka

Air travel is the fastest. Arriving from Europe, you can book a direct 10-hour flight via the national carrier Sri Lankan Airlines, which flies from London and Frankfurt to the international airport in Katunayake. Travellers from the US must choose connecting flights via London, India, Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok, or Malaysia. Once on the island, you can travel by bus, train, or taxi. Download the Uber or PickMe app to book your taxi at the best fares. Tuk-tuks can be hailed off the street. Or you can hire a car and drive yourself or choose a chauffeur-driven vehicle.

Choose the Type of Experience You Want in Sri Lanka

Stilt Fishing Experience in Koggala,Sri Lanka | Image via unsplash

A small island, Sri Lanka is very surprising as it’s home to bio-diverse environs that are quite shocking. This is because, within a matter of four hours, you can go from chilling on sunny beaches in the south to warming yourself by a fireplace in the central highlands. So, decide on what you want to do. 

Be a beach bum and explore the beaches from coast to coast. Or visit the highlands, and central hills to explore tea country, chase waterfalls, hike, learn about ancient cultures and traditions and relax in cool climes. Then you’ve got the north-central where you can indulge in safaris looking for exotic wildlife by exploring the national parks. Marvel at herds of elephants and visit ancient rock temples built in the 5th century by past kings. Discover shrub jungles that are majestic and beautiful. Visit the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, go see the famed Stargate, marvel at ruins that showcase the majesty of ancient Sri Lanka and see how Buddhism flourished on the island influenced by the Buddha himself.

What to Pack for Sri Lanka

Pack loads of cotton clothing, because even during the monsoon it’s never too cold in Sri Lanka, except for when you visit the highlands. Nuwara Eliya will require warm clothing. Otherwise, a light jumper will do. Take caps and hats as well as shades for your eyes as the sun can be quite strong. 

Don’t forget your sunscreen too. And you need plenty of shorts and sandals to keep cool. A few long-sleeved shirts and slacks or skirts for when you visit religious places, which require modest wear will be useful while evening dining can be quite fancy at some resorts and restaurants in Sri Lanka so one or two elegant kits will serve you well. Take along good walking shoes, as well as a filter bottle for staying well-hydrated.


Happy Travels!