"The central interior of Sri Lanka is dominated by the so-called Cultural Triangle, whose quartet of UNESCO World Heritage Sites has a collective history spanning more than 2,500 years. The ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa are best known for the giant dagobas that tower above them, while Dambulla is famed for its painted cave temples and Sigiriya Rock for the fortified palace on its pinnacle. ”
- Philip Briggs
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PLAN MY JOURNEYThe Cultural Triangle
The birthplace of Sri Lanka’s ancient Buddhist tradition, Anuradhapura served as the Sinhala capital from the 4th century BC to the 10th century AD. The tallest of its ancient domed dagobas was once the third-highest construction on the planet, topped only by the two main pyramids at Giza. Anuradhapura is also home to the venerated Temple of Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, site of a sacred Bo Tree grown from a branch of the original under which the Buddha attained enlightenment in 528 BC.
Anuradhapura’s successor as capital was Polonnaruwa. Here, a sprawling archaeological reserve hosts a wealth of fascinating sites, from the spectacular circular Vatadage and quartet of giant Buddha sculptures at Gil Vihara to the remains of a 12th-century palace built by King Parakramabahu.
For most visitors, the highlight of the cultural triangle is Sigiriya, the 180m-high granite citadel upon which King Kasyapa built the most elaborate of Sinhalese palaces some 1,600 years ago. The nearby Caves of Infinite Buddhas at Dambulla contain a treasure trove of rock statues and murals dating back to the 15th century.
Archaeological and historic attractions aside, the cultural triangle is home to some of Sri Lanka’s top safari destinations. Minneriya National Park in particular is famed for an annual dry-season ‘gathering’ comprising several hundred individual elephants, while the vast and relatively little-visited Wilpattu National Park is regarded to be the best place in the country to look for sloth bear.
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
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Sri Lanka’s weather in January is generally warm and dry, especially in the central, western and southern regions. If you are looking to explore the Cultural Triangle and then spend some time on the beaches of Negombo, Bentota or Tangalle, this is a great time to travel. The north-east (maha) monsoon will still be affecting the east coast, although the period of the heaviest, most prolonged rains will be coming to an end.
The weather in February remains pleasant, with beautiful sunny days on the west and south coasts and in central Sri Lanka. There is minimal rainfall in these regions and temperatures can rise to over 30 degrees. There are still rains in the east coast; however, these are beginning to become more sporadic and less intense. Independence Day is an annual, country-wide celebration that takes place on 4th February.
March is one of the best times of year to visit Sri Lanka. The north-east monsoon is almost over and the temperatures on the east coast are starting to rise. The beach resorts of the west and south coasts tend to be basking in glorious sunshine and temperatures in the mid-30s, although towards the end of the month there may be some rain. The Hill Country also experiences a rise in temperature during March.
Another good month to visit the island, April continues the trend of a warm and sunny Sri Lanka climate, particularly at the beginning of the month. As it’s the end of the dry season in the west and south, humidity is relatively high, especially in the Cultural Triangle. If you are looking to visit the Hill Country – including the city of Kandy and beautiful Nuwara Eliya, then this is one of the best times to visit. The mornings and evenings are not so chilly, the daytime temperatures hover around the mid-20s and rainfall is below average. The Sinhalese/Tamil New Year also takes place in mid-April.
This is the month where the focus really starts to shift from the resorts of the south and west to the beaches of the east. Here, the sun starts to consistently shine and the temperatures rise to the high-20s. The south-west, or ‘yala’, monsoon reaches the south, west and central regions this month. The rains tend to be short and sharp, and there are often gloriously sunny interludes. Swimming in the sea along the south and west coastlines is usually discouraged during this period as winds that accompany the monsoon can create large waves. The Vesak Full Moon Poya Day, or Festival of Lights, is celebrated in May.
The south-west monsoon continues to affect the southern and western regions of the island, with increased rainfall and lower temperatures in the Hill Country.If you’re seeking an idyllic beach, the east coast is the place to go. The temperatures rise in to the low-30s and days are usually gloriously sunny. This is a good time of year to combine an exploration of the Cultural Triangle with a relaxing stay at one of Passikudah’s or Trincomalee’s luxury resorts. The Poson Poya is celebrated in the Cultural Triangle.
Sri Lanka’s weather in July is similar to June – the monsoon is still affecting resorts such as Negombo, Bentota and Weligama, while the beautiful east coast is warm and sunny. There are lots of religious festivals that take place throughout the summer months including the Hindu festival of Vel, and Esala Perahera, also known as the Festival of the Tooth, which falls in either July or August.
Unlike many of our other Asia destinations, Sri Lanka is an excellent choice during the school summer holidays. The rainfall amounts in the south and west drop significantly in comparison to the previous months (they’re also lower than the following months, too) while the east coast climate remains very pleasant. The previously mentioned Esala Perahera may fall in August and is celebrated with parades and fire-lit dances in the city of Kandy.
The rains of the south-west monsoon increase again this month, especially in the western, southern and Hill Country regions. September also sees the last of the really good weather on the east coast – you may even experience rainfall during the latter half of the month. If you are staying in Trincomalee, we recommend heading out on a whale-watching trip as blue whales pass the east coast on their migration around the island.
Sri Lanka weather in October can be changeable – it is one of the wettest months across the whole island. The south-west monsoon is still affecting the south and west for most of the month, although this does start to fade later in the month. While one monsoon is ending, another is beginning its approach towards the north and east regions.
The number of sunshine hours increases in the south and west, however there still may be some downpours. The best time to visit these regions is later in the month. The Hill Country and Cultural Triangle will be experiencing high levels of rainfall this month, and the arrival of north-east monsoon means rainfall is increasing along the west coast. The Hindu festival of Deepavali, also known as the Festival of Lights, takes place in late October or November.
December in Sri Lanka marks the start of the high season for the beach resorts on the south and west coasts. The weather is also starting to improve in the Hill Country and the Cultural Triangle, although rain can still be expected. This month also sees the beginning of the whale-watching season off the south coast. The north-east monsoon continues to bring intense rainfall to the island’s north and east regions.
Explore The Cultural Triangle Properties
Ulagalla
Ulagalla
Ulagalla belongs to the Uga Escapes group of luxury boutique hotels found in the most exquisite regions of Sri Lanka. This retreat is where you can immerse yourself in the country’s wildlife and observe exotic monkeys, peacocks, ..
Vil Uyana
Vil Uyana
Vil Uyana is an eco-establishment that belongs to the family of Jetwings Hotels. With Traditional Maldivian water villas perched on stilts over a paradisal lagoon and paddy fields, this is where travelers can immerse themselves in ..
Water Garden Sigiriya
Water Garden Sigiriya
Water Garden Sigiriya is owned by Union Resorts & Spa Ltd. The luxury boutique hotel lives up to its namesake and is nestled in the heart of beautifully landscaped water gardens. The venue is nothing less than enchanting and ..
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
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Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
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Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
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Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
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Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.
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We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.
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Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.
