Is the winter too harsh here in the north? Well, if you need some sunshine, why don’t you move south… further upto Sri Lanka. And, its not just sunshine, it is a perfect holiday destination to give you some unforgettable experiences. I had a fantastic experience in Sri Lanka, every single time I was there. It’s close, its fun and its affordable too. So let me list out the reasons, why you should be in Sri Lanka right now or may be later this month. What an exciting first trip of the new year it can be. So, let’s go!

1. Brilliant weather and immaculate beaches
One of the perks of vacationing in an island country like Sri Lanka are the stretches of pristine beaches, azure ocean waters and seemingly endless horizon. The beaches of Southern Sri Lanka are well suited for families owing to the calm seas, clear skies and breezy weather. Some of the best winter vacations experienced by travellers to South East Asia have been in the southern region of Sri Lanka where it doesn’t rain often and the sun is out the majority of the time. This has made it an ideal getaway for holiday-goers looking to soak up the sun and frolic in the sea and sand during winters. Hikkaduwa, Mirissa and Weligama are home to some of the best surfing spots. Hikkaduwa particularly is a notable favourite and the preferred spot for a getaway from the hustle and bustle of Colombo. If it’s luxury accommodation along with unique excursions that you’re looking for, stay at Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon where you can expect to experience the island in all its glory whilst having your every need catered to.

2. Whale and dolphin watching
Affordable winter vacations are a possibility in Sri Lanka, where you can enjoy a holiday rich in unique experiences such as whale and dolphin watching without breaking bank. Hotels like Trinco Blu by Cinnamon offer more personalised excursions guided by Cinnamon naturalists to spot spinner dolphins, sperm whales and blue whales up, close and personal during your stay there. The South of Sri Lanka is a whale highway of sorts during winters. Be sure to have your camera with you on your whale watching expedition to capture blue whales, humpback whales and killer whales real time.

3. Enjoy water sports
One of the best things about holidaying in Sri Lanka during the winters is that the island’s toasty weather avails you to a spectrum of adrenaline-boosting physical activities that you cannot experience elsewhere. With endless stretches of pristine coastline, Sri Lanka’s beaches are ideal for a range of water sports with their many shipwreck diving spots, waves for surfing and winds for kite surfing. This winter, make it a point to travel further inland into hill country, particularly to Kithulgala and Ginigaththena, you can enjoy white water rafting, kayaking and waterfall free jumping. You won’t feel like going to New Zealand any more to pump-up your adrenaline.

4. Give in to the call of the wild
When in Yala, safari, sun and sand are the only orders of the day. Those who thirst for adventure and desire to journey into the unknown are in for a treat with a plethora of exotic flora and fauna here. Camp outdoors or pamper yourself with luxury accommodation at resorts like Cinnamon Wild Yala, where specialised naturalists take guests on guided nature walks, Infrared night drives or safaris and bird watching tours. A winter holiday in Sri Lanka would be incomplete without exploring the country’s wild side that is home to leopards, elephants, crocodiles and hundreds of bird species. You will often wonder that a tiny island nation like Sri Lanka has so much to offer in terms of wildlife.

5. World`s most beautiful train trip? – Ella to Kandy in Sri Lanka
Kandy is said to be the heart of Sri Lankan culture and what else can be a better way to reach there than an amazing train ride. Actually, the train trip from Ella to Kandy or the other way around, is considered to be arguably one of the most picturesque train trips in the world. Winters being the ideal time, the seven hour long journey will take you through stunning landscapes of green and lush tea plantations, mountain views, charming villages, waterfalls and bridges with seemingly huge drop-offs. Hop onto this ride and visit the scenic city of Kandy with a stay at Cinnamon Citadel Kandy located on the banks of Mahaweli River.

Sri Lanka’s tropical weather and the many new hotels, eateries, shopping malls and excursions that have cropped up in recent times make it the perfect destination for those desiring to experience a winter vacation with a difference. Be sure to add the above to your bucket list of things to do to make the most of your trip to this quintessential island.

Have you been to Sri Lanka in winters? How was your experience? Share with us in the comments section below.
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These images are wonderful. Thank you for this post.
Thanks a lot Sylvia!
Wonderful post. It reminded me of my visit to Sri Lanka 5-6 years ago.
Thanks Indrajit. Sri Lanka is indeed worth a many visits.