Sri Lanka in Winter

23 September 2024
Sri Lanka in Winter

The dry and pleasant weather of a Sri Lankan winter is perfect for enjoying its beaches, wildlife, and breathtaking views. Take advantage of the season and spend 11 days immersing yourself in the unique sights, sounds, and flavours of Sigiriya, Gal Oya, Ella, Bentota, and Colombo!


Day 1: Sigiriya

Sigiriya is one of Sri Lanka's most treasured historical landmarks. This ancient palace and fortress, perched on a towering rocky plateau 370 meters above sea level, draws thousands of visitors each year. Nestled between Dambulla and Habarane, Sigiriya offers a breathtaking blend of natural beauty and human ingenuity, with its rock formation rising 200 meters above the lush jungle below.

Visitors can explore the remains of a grand palace, surrounded by a vast network of fortifications, serene gardens, ponds, canals, and fountains. 

Day 2: Sigiriya - Dambulla - Minneriya

Dambulla Market
Sri Lanka’s vibrant markets offer a kaleidoscope of colours, flavours, and treasures and are a feast for the senses.

Jeep Safari at Minneriya National Park
Experience the thrill of a jeep safari through Minneriya National Park, a wildlife sanctuary where you’ll witness herds of Sri Lankan wild elephants in their natural habitat.  

Day 3 & 4: Sigiriya - Gal Oya

Boat Safari at Senanayake Samudra
Escape to one of Sri Lanka’s most serene and unspoiled national parks, Gal Oya. This hidden gem boasts a stunning landscape of lakes, dense jungle forests, and towering mountains and is home to Asian elephants, sloth bears, leopards, water buffalo, the endemic toque macaque and an array of bird species, from eagles and herons to storks and orioles. Sri Lanka’s largest inland lake, Senanayake Samudraya, offers a unique opportunity to enjoy a boat safari and traditional jeep drives.

Jungle Night Walk with a Naturalist
Explore the forest as the nocturnal wildlife awakens. Search for amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and birds. You might be able to spot the unusual Frogmouth bird or even encounter the rare and endangered thick-tailed pangolin.

Wild Glamping Gal Oya

Nestled close to the untouched Gal Oya National Park, Wild Glamping Gal Oya is situated in the enchanting mountain village of Rathugala, home to the indigenous Veddas of Sri Lanka. 

Offering a one-of-a-kind glamping experience, this retreat combines rustic luxury with the unspoiled beauty of savannahs, medicinal forests, and mist-covered mountains.

Nature enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the serenity of a 30-acre organic farm, where they can also discover the Veddas' timeless wisdom of living in harmony with the natural world.

Day 5 & 6: Gal Oya - Ella

Ella boasts some of the most stunning views in all of Sri Lanka. Explore iconic spots like Ella Gap, Ravana Ella Falls, Little Adam’s Peak, and Bambaragala Peak, as well as enjoy the many scenic walks that offer stunning views at every turn.

Visit the Halpewatta Tea Factory in Ella and witness the entire tea production process firsthand. 

Experience the excitement of the Swing at Ravana Pool Club This popular attraction in Ella offers an adrenaline-filled adventure, perfectly set against the stunning backdrop of Sri Lanka’s hill country. Known for its lush greenery and breathtaking views, Ella’s Swing ride lets you soar through the air while taking in the serene landscapes. 

Day 7 & 8: Ella to Bentota


Whale Watching in Mirissa
The waters off Mirissa are home to several whale species, including the magnificent blue whale. Along with blue whales, visitors might also catch glimpses of sperm whales, humpback whales, and Bryde's whales.

Evening Visit to Galle Dutch Fort
Galle is the best-preserved example of a fortified city in South and Southeast Asia. The Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is Asia's largest remaining European-built fortress. Galle is also known for its cottage industries, particularly lace-making. A visit to a lace-making centre and a mask-making workshop where intricately carved wooden masks are crafted for various ceremonies and festivals offers a glimpse into the region's rich artisanal heritage.

Day 9: BENTOTA – KOSGODA - BALAPITIYA

Visit Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery
The Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery is dedicated to the conservation of various species of sea turtles including Olive Ridley, Green, Hawksbill, and Loggerhead turtles. The facility also rehabilitates injured turtles before releasing them back into the ocean, contributing to vital conservation efforts.

Evening Mangrove River Ride in Balapitiya
The Madu River Boat Safari in Balapitiya offers a peaceful journey through the lush mangrove forests, showcasing the area's rich biodiversity. Visitors can spot bird species, reptiles, and aquatic life. Keep an eye out for kingfishers, water monitors, and sunbathing crocodiles!

If you'd like to find out more about this tour or would like a special itinerary tailor made, speak to your personal Travel Counsellor.

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