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About Sri Lanka

For a small island, Sri Lanka has acquired a lot of names such as Serendib, Ceylon, Teardrop of India, Resplendent Isle, Island of Dharma, Pearl of the Orient - an accumulation which reveals its richness and beauty, and the intensity of affection which it has evoked in visitors. For centuries it has seduced its travelers, who returned home with enchanting images of a languorous tropical isle of such deep spirituality and serenity that it entered the Western imagination as a Tahiti of the East.

Sri Lanka is a typically tropical country with distinct dry and wet seasons. The picture is somewhat complicated by the fact that it is subject to two monsoons. Namely, the Yala season (May to August), when the south-west monsoon brings rain to the Southern, Western and Central regions; and the Maha season (October to January), when the North-East monsoon brings rain to the North and East parts of the island. The best time to visit the west, south coast and hill country is between December and March. May to September is best on the east coast.

Temperatures in the low-lying coastal regions are high year round but they rapidly fall with altitude and in the hill country, it feels like perpetual spring. The highest temperatures are from March through June while November to January are usually the coolest times of the year. Rainfall is heaviest in the South, South West and Central highlands, while on the other hand the Northern and North-Central regions are very dry. For a small island, Sri Lanka offers a truly amazing variety of attractions. The coasts are studded with sandy beaches, providing some world-class surfing opportunities. The Kandyan dances, Elephant-led festival processions are colourful and entertaining and can be looked forward much anticipation.

Venturing in to the hill country, you will experience its cool climate, and be mesmerized by its lush green hills and the tea plantations. A 4WD trek could also be taken through the well-preserved national parks inhabited by Elephants, Leopards, Monkeys, Crocodiles and rare birdlife. With welcoming people, mouth watering food that tickle your taste buds and amazing places to stay, truly make Sri Lanka a destination for the holidaymaker wanting the perfect getaway. All these pleasures and much more could be experienced at this beautiful paradise island.