Sri Lanka is an exotic travel destination and is an island located south of India in the Indian Ocean. Previously known as Ceylon, Sri Lanka boasts of an ancient civilization, rubber and tea plantation, golden sandy beaches, Buddhist temples, and swaying coconut palms. The wildlife sanctuaries, colonial architecture, and local festivals of Sri Lanka in January is something worth experiencing on your vacation to this exotic island. Have a look at the best things to do in Sri Lanka in Januaryand choose what are places are you going to cover on your vacation to this beautiful country.
Why Visit Sri Lanka In January
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The best time to visit Sri Lanka is in January, soon after the new year. Sri Lanka weather in January offers the ideal temperature conditions. January to March is the best time to visit as tourists can expect dry and sunny days with very little rain. The month of April marks the beginning of the monsoon season in this region. The average Sri Lanka temperature in January would be around 20 to 30 degrees Celsius.
Festivals To Celebrate In Sri Lanka In January
Sri Lanka is rich in history and culture, and the people find a reason to celebrate. In January, Sri Lanka is more special as the Thai Pongal Festival is celebrated on the 14th of January. The houses are decorated with kolam and special pujas are conducted to worship the Sun God. The Hindu devotees celebrate this festival with grandeur, customarily cook Pongal, and distribute it among neighbours and friends.
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5 Places To Visit In Sri Lanka In January
While visiting Sri Lanka in January, there are some must-see places that you must not miss. Below are 5 places to visit in Sri Lanka in January to make the most of your time. Have a look at the best things to do in Sri Lanka in January at these places:
1. Yala National Park
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One of the best things to do in Sri Lanka in January is visiting wildlife sanctuaries. The most famous among them is the Yala National Park. At the Yala National Park, you can take a wildlife safari to see elephants, Magul Maha Viharaya, and Sithulpawwa, an ancient rock temple.
Address: Hambantota, Sri Lanka
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2. Mirissa
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If you dream of a holiday amidst the swaying coconut palms, hammocks, and golden sandy beaches, Mirissa is the answer to your dreams. Mirissa is the largest fishing port, and January is a good time for dolphin watching and surfing in Sri Lanka.
Places to visit in Mirissa: Mirissa Beach, Weligama Bay, and Polhena Beach.
3. Anuradhapura
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If you are a religious traveller, then you just visit this ancient and sacred city in Sri Lanka. The city of Anuradhapura was established around Buddha’s Fig Tree. It was once a magnificent city of palaces, temples, and monuments. It was then invaded in the late 10th century and remained as ruins. These ruins have been excavated and are made accessible for tourists to visit.
Places to visit: Sigiriya, Mihintale, and Isurumuniya.
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4. Nuwara Eliya
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Are you planning your Sri Lanka holidays in January? January is the best time to visit Nuwara Eliya. Sri Lanka is famously known for its tea production, and Nuwara Eliya is the country's tea production capital. Also nicknamed Little England, tourists can take a tea plantation tour around Nuwara Eliya and see how tea is made. You must not miss this destination as it is one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka in January.
Places to visit: Lover’s Leap Waterfall, Lake Gregory, and Pedro Tea Factory.
5. Colombo
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Sri Lanka is famously known by the name of its capital, Colombo. If you plan your visit to Sri Lanka in January, you must surely visit this commercial capital. Some popular attractions in Colombo include Galle Face Green and Gangaramaya Temple.
Places to visit: Gangaramaya Temple, National Museum of Colombo, and Beira Lake.
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Places To Stay In Sri Lanka In January
There are many boutique resorts, five-star hotels, budget lodges, and homestays in Sri Lanka to meet every traveller’s budget. Some popular resorts and hotels include the Aliya Resort & Spa, Sigiriya Village Hotel, Cinnamon Lodge Habarana, Paradise Resorts, and Gimanhala. These are some of the best places to stay in Sri Lanka in January. The luxury services and hospitality these places offer will sweep you off your feet.
1. Ayur Ayur Resort And Ayurveda Retreat
If you are looking for places to stay in Sri Lanka, your top priority should be Ayur Ayur Resort & Ayurveda Retreat, which features an outdoor swimming pool, an in-house restaurant, and a garden. Every room is well-equipped with a flat-screen TV, hairdryer, and air conditioner for the comfortability of the guests. The resort also offers a buffet breakfast, and the guests can avail themselves of car rental services.
Location: No.14 Kattuwa Rd, Negombo, Sri Lanka
2. The Nature Park Villa
This villa is just a 20-minute walk from Sigiriya Rock, making it a perfect choice for guests who want to explore at their own pace. The villa provides free private parking, a garden, and a swimming pool. All the rooms have an air conditioner and an electric teapot for guests’ comfort. If you are looking for a cosy place to stay, there is no better choice than The Nature Park Villa.
Location: 103, Kalapuraya,, Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
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3. Negombo New Queen’s Palace
Situated just 5 minutes from one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka, Negombo Beach, this 4-star hotel offers free parking, an outdoor swimming pool, and a shared lounge. You can wake up to some fantastic views of the garden provided by every room in this hotel. You will also find a hairdryer, an electric pot, a flat-screen TV, and complimentary toiletries.
Location: 60/01/01 Palangathure Road, Negombo, Sri Lanka
4. Aryana Boutique Hotel
This hotel in Anuradhapura offers some fantastic services to its guests, like private parking, an outdoor swimming pool, and a garden. Moreover, the rooms of this hotel are equipped with a fridge, a hairdryer, an electric teapot, and a flat-screen TV for the guests’ convenience. After exploring the tourist places in Sri Lanka, when you resort to this hotel, you will be amazed by the relaxing feeling and ambience that this hotel has to offer.
Location: Bandaranaike Mawatha, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
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5. Marino Beach Colombo
Considered one of the best places for couples to stay in Sri Lanka, Marino Beach Colombo offers some world-class amenities to guests, like an outdoor swimming pool, an in-house restaurant, a fitness centre, and a bar. Moreover, the property also has a terrace and a garden where you can relax with your spouse. The hotel boasts facilities like Wi-Fi services and amenities in every room.
Location: 590 Marine Drive, Colombo 00300, Sri Lanka
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For holidays in Sri Lanka in January, make bookings for a trip to Sri Lanka in advance to avail yourself of exciting discounts. Have a great time during your Sri Lanka January holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sri Lanka In January
Which is the best time to visit Sri Lanka?
The best time to visit Sri Lanka depends on which place one is staying in the country as the best time to visit the west and south coast of Sri Lanka is from December to March while April to September is a good time to head to the east coast.
When is the rainy season in Sri Lanka?
One can experience the south-west monsoon from May to July and north-east monsoon from October to January.
Is Sri Lanka expensive to visit?
Sri Lanka is one of those countries which can be covered on a backpacker’s budget.
What are the best things to do in Sri Lanka?
From historical and outdoor to beach things, one can do many things as per interests. Some of the best places include Hikkaduwa Beach and Udawalawe National Park.
Is 5 days enough for Sri Lanka?
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