A New Zealand Family’s Trip to Sri Lanka & the Maldives

At 72, Michelle is anything but “the average senior.” A lifelong cyclist and hiker, she’s pedaled and trekked her way across countries for decades, and she’s not slowing down anytime soon. “I’m open to traveling to new places or returning to countries I enjoyed and will continue to do so as long as I can,” she says. Since 2023 alone, she’s ticked off three international trips with Bookmundi. First came a Bangkok-to-Saigon cycling holiday in February, followed by another biking adventure in Vietnam the very next month. And Sri Lanka? That one had been calling her name for years. So when the timing finally aligned, she hopped onto Bookmundi without hesitation and signed up for Cycle Sri Lanka, a group tour built for cyclists of every age and pace.

The Pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is home to beautiful rolling hills, lush tea plantations, national parks, golden beaches, and many archaeological sites. Whether it is exploring the ancient city of Anuradhapura, relaxing on the pristine beaches of Unawatuna, or going on a safari in the wildlife-rich Yala National Park, there are a lot of things to do in Sri Lanka. Here are some essential places you shouldn’t miss during your trip to Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka is a country brimming with a wealth of culture, history and natural beauty. Beyond its popular tourist destinations such as the historic city of Anuradhapura, the immaculate beaches of Mirissa and the verdant tea estates of Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka has much to offer to visitors. In this guide, we present a curated list of the top 10 places to visit in Sri Lanka, each promising a unique experience to ensure your trip to Sri Lanka is nothing short of extraordinary.

Known for its paradisiac beaches, unique fauna, and flavourful cuisine, Sri Lanka is one of the best countries to visit in Asia. With warm temperatures and low chances of precipitation compared to the monsoon season, Sri Lanka in March has plenty of activities to offer. From surfing classes in the south of the country to hiking adventures through the Knuckles mountain range and animal spotting in one of its many national parks, you will always have something on your to-do list in your Sri Lanka trip.

Treat yourself to a captivating and inspirational tropical getaway this holiday season. Weatherwise, December in Sri Lanka is a fuss-free season to visit the island nation. Freshly washed and watered by the southwestern monsoon, the most beautiful beaches of South and West are now dry, dreamy, and warm. Surf in Hikkaduwa, celebrate Christmas in Colombo, sunbathe in Unawatuna, or join the Pada pilgrims to climb Adam's Peak. Taking a trip to Sri Lanka in December will offer ample experiences to decorate your Christmas break with bragworthy moments.

Monsoon has largely subsided in Sri Lanka by August. Rains lose their ferocity and sunny days multiply in the country's south and west. With a consistent temperature throughout the island, Sri Lanka in August offers a rare treat of uninhibited access anywhere in the country. And with cultural events like Esala Perahera Festival in Kandy and gorgeous wildlife phenomena like the Minneriya Elephant gathering, traveling to Sri Lanka offers plenty of excursion opportunities in August.

Tourist crowds are sparse across Sri Lanka in May. Popular tourist hotspots are a little less busy during this time. But the monsoon weather does bring constant rain in most parts of the country. Still, a well-planned trip to Sri Lanka will open doors to many attractions, particularly in the Cultural Triangle of the north-central plains and the coastal areas in the northeast.

Home to ancient cultures, historical sites, tropical jungles, and beautiful beaches, Sri Lanka is an exotic travel destination. The island nation has a tropical climate with two monsoon seasons, and November is one of the inter-monsoon seasons. Sri Lanka in November is also a lot quieter and more relaxed. Not many travelers visit the country, on account of the weather characterized by strong winds and thunderstorms. But if you do not mind the rain, November is a great time to travel on a budget, as well as avoid crowds at popular tourist traps. Accommodation costs are lower around this time. If you travel to Sri Lanka in November, you will practically have all the attractions to yourself.

Exotic and alluring, Sri Lanka has been seducing travelers for centuries. Named ‘Serendib’ (the origin of the word ‘serendipity’) by early Arab traders, the endless beaches, timeless ruins, ancient cultures, diverse wildlife, and incredible cuisine have inspired almost magical regard for this tiny island country. April is the last month of the high season in Sri Lanka, making it one of the best times to visit. The weather is generally clear and dry all around, particularly in the central region of the country. This is also a perfect time to explore Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, where the country’s top-visited sites are concentrated. And for beach lovers, the summer weather in Sri Lanka in April is a perfect excuse to check out its many beach resorts.

Mist and abundant rain showers engulf the hills of Sri Lanka in July. But travelers can still explore the warm and dry regions, such as the eastern beaches of Passekudah and Trincomalee. July is also an ideal time for visiting the turquoise island off India’s southeastern coast. As the monsoon season generally sees fewer tourists in Sri Lanka, July is a great time to explore Sri Lanka’s pristine coastlines, deep jungles, exciting cities, and misty hills covered with viridian tea plantations.

Sri Lanka in June is in the firm grip of Yala, its annual southwesterly monsoon. As the name suggests, rainstorms soak the southern and western stretches of the country. But the northeastern territories are virtually untouched by the monsoon. The Cultural Triangle also sees minimal rainfall around this time. June is also a perfect time to head to the idyllic beaches of Niluveli or Uppuveli near Trincomalee for a relaxing holiday. The month also sees Sri Lankan Buddhists celebrating Poson Poya in the ancient capital of the country, Anuradhapura, a Unesco World Heritage site. Visitors will have no shortage of places to visit, as well as fun and festivity if they travel to Sri Lanka in June.

Sri Lanka is home to a rich trove of cultural heritage, spectacular landscapes, and culinary delights. Even the low season of October offers plenty of sightseeing activities across some of the most breathtaking locations. There is just one caveat if you are visiting Sri Lanka in October. The Maha monsoon starts making its way into this island country towards the end of the month, so we advise that you carry an umbrella, particularly when exploring the inland cities.