Sri Lankan Delight – Standard

All Sri Lanka packages would include stays at the island-nation’s beach getaways. You need to select the ones you prefer after doing your own research. Close to its capital Colombo is the quaint fishing village of Negombo, now a plush seaside resort. It has a stunning stretch of coastline, palm groves crowding them and the beaches clean and well-maintained. It is a great idea to stay at a beach resort and enjoy the setting of its atmospheric private beach. Bentota is another popular beach getaway in Sri Lanka visited predominantly for its water sports scene. The beach is otherwise a silken stretch of sand lying on the west coast, with the sands running south from the Bentota lagoon, a few atmospheric hotels speckled on its fringes. The waters of the Bentota Beach are ideal for jet-skiing, with kayaking opportunities abounding on the lagoon. You can even take a boat ride among the mangrove wilderness. Bentota lies mid-way between Colombo and Galle. Head to the Arugam Bay on the east coast made famous by wave surfers. The area is still quaint and have a few guesthouses dotting the coast. For some off-beat beach getaways, visit Hiriketiya on the south coast, a horseshoe- shaped stretch of unspoilt sand that is slowly climbing up the popularity charts.

Most Sri Lanka tour packages would have Galle in the itinerary. Here is why. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Galle is a old-world historical town that is best explored on foot. An erstwhile trading port, Galle’s clutch of Dutch-colonial structures, age-old churches, mosques, museums and elaborate mansions, several in disuse, is the reason tourists regularly find their way to this Sri Lankan gem. Soak up the atmosphere as you saunter down its narrow lanes lined with cosy cafes, quaint boutiques, souvenir shops and a handful heritage hotels and, not to mention, an interesting milieu of people comprising artists, painters, writers, musicians, designers, photographers and amusing locals. It was the Dutch that built this port city in the 17 th century, especially its most iconic structure, the Galle Fort which is at the heart of Galle, an imposing walled enclave surrounded by the sea on three sides. Stay at a quaint heritage property in Galle and take in its special aura and all its maritime history related at several of its museums and places of sightsee. Saying nothing of its stunning seaside setting.

Prior to booking one of the Sri Lanka holiday packages, you need to first decide on the season in which you plan to visit and whether it would be conducive to your travels. The island-nation has a diverse topography made of tropical forests, beaches, rich ethnic heritage and an eclectic biodiversity. Sri Lanka has both dry and wet seasons. May to November are the monsoon months affecting predominantly Sri Lanka’s south western part. But come December and the dry spell begins lasting till April. But monsoon comes to Sri Lanka in phases. The north eastern monsoon, for instance, brings thunder and rains to the northern and eastern coastal region from October to January, the dry spell beginning from May and going on till September. For the lover of sunshine, the December to April window is ideal. A dry period with ample sun in the day and a pleasant breeze coming in from the sea at nights, this is the best time to visit its churches, archaeological ruins, tea gardens and hill stations. Avoid travelling to Sri Lanka from May to August as it remains very hot and muggy during the day, hampering your travels.

If you are planning to book one of the Sri Lanka packages, you must first consider the best time to visit the island nation. Tropical jungles, sparkling beaches, azure waters, rich history, a vibrant culture, spirituality and biodiversity symbolise Sri Lanka, and owing to its diverse topography it remains a top destination on the list of holidaymakers. The country experiences distinct dry and wet seasons. The south western monsoon brings rain to Sri Lanka’s south western region between May and November and keeping it dry between December and April. The north eastern monsoon on the other hand brings rain to the eastern and northern coastal regions between October and January, keeping it dry between May and September. For a culture connoisseur and sunshine lover, the December to April window is the best to visit Sri Lanka as this is generally the dry period and a great time to visit its historical ruins, elaborate temples, old-world churches and its hill stations. The shoulder season, however, remains between September and November. But you need to avoid Sri Lanka between May and August because of the heat and humidity making it impossible to travel around.