Plan your dream trip
Ayubowan!
More than just a greeting, "Ayubowan" is a beautiful Sinhala word meaning “May you live long”. It's a wish for a long, healthy, and happy life - deeply rooted in Sri Lankan culture.
No matter how long you stay in our beautiful country, you will have a great adventure. Let us help you get the know Sri Lanka and plan your dream trip.
Something for everyone.
Whether you are traveling with friends, a partner, solo or with a bunch of kids, Sri Lanka has great things to offer.
Here we will list some resources for you to check out for inspiration, but we are also happy to help you with our own tips for various parts of Sri Lanka and please let us know if you need more customized assistance.
February/March is a great time to travel!
South & Southwest Beaches (Mirissa, Unawatuna, Weligama, Bentota, Hikkaduwa etc…)
Dry weather, calm seas — great for relaxing on the beach, snorkeling, diving and whale watching especially in Mirissa
Cultural Triangle (Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla, Anuradhapura)
Less rain, dry & warm climate — exploring ancient ruins and temples works well. Go early mornings to avoid heat. Sigiriya climb is hot but very rewarding.
Hill Country (Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Horton Plains)
Cooler & more comfortable than lowland/coastal areas; lush scenery still very green; good for hiking, tea plantation tours, scenic train rides. Nights can be chilly, especially in places like Nuwara Eliya. Train rides are scenic but get tickets in advance for popular routes
Wildlife Parks (Yala, Minneriya, Udawalawe, Bundala)
Dry season → animals tend to gather near water sources, making spotting easier. Early morning or late afternoon safaris are best.
North & East (Trincomalee, Jaffna)
Trincomalee and Jaffna would be worth a visit if you have the time, but it does take some time to drive there (or possibly fly).
We do not recommend going to Arugam Bay at this time as it is not yet in season, so many places will be closed.
X days in Lanka
For general tips of a good travel itinerary, check out the Rough Guides for inspiration and Culture trip for the 12 most beautiful spots.
Hiking
Both Kandy and the Hill Country is great for hiking in February. Contact Hemantha for guided hikes in Kandy (the Knuckles Mountain Range), or climb little Adams peak & Ella Rock by yourself. Another tip is to check out the Pekoe trail app for self-guided hikes around the tea plantations of the country. Make sure to buy a trail pass before you go.
Beach
There are many beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka, but depending on winds and weather, the water can sometimes be a bit rough. It’s a lot more chilled vibe than European beaches, and only a few places offeres sun beds etc. But there are many great seaside spots, so make sure to check our tips here.
Unawatuna: More touristic, but waters should be good for swimming and many seaside cafes. Close to Unawatuna you find Angel Beach Club and Wijaya Beach - good for food and swimming.
Kabalana Beach: Located by the small town Ahanghama where you find plenty of nice cafes, villas and restaurant. Really recommend a stop here.
Dikwella and Hiriketiya: The “new” hipster beach in Lanka. Beaches are nice for both swim and surf.
Goyambokka and Tangalle: Said to be two of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka.
Colombo - Port City: An artifical island with beachside bars like Bellevue is with a visit if you are keen to get some fresh air in Colombo.
Unique Sites
If you have the time, a climb up to Sigiriya Rock is the most unique thing to do in Lanka. A local guide can go with you, and you should go super early in the morning to beat the heat and possibly the crowd.
If you have never been to an asian market, Pettah market is the place to go. Aim for the Red Mosque and get lost from there.
Yoga & Sports
Yoga and Surf goes hand in hand in Lanka, and several places offer yoga and/or surf camps. Also check our tips for places to do drop in yoga. If you want to do a longer yoga retreat, get inspired by Tripaneer.
Ayurveda
Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine, and you find plenty of retreats and treatments in Sri Lanka. New to the concept - read this post for an intro to Ayurveda or jump straight to it and try the popular Shirodhara treatment. Barberyn, Santani and Heritance are all top wellness hotels that offers treatments for body and soul.
Ceylon Tea
Sri Lanka is famous for their Ceylon tea, and a visit to a tea plantation is a nice experience. Splurge with a stay at W15 in Kandy and enjoy their high tea (which is also available at many luxury or heritage hotels). Ceylon Tea Trails offers a luxury stay in the name of tea, or do-it-yourself with an easy hike along the Pekoe Tea Trails.
