Written by

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 January and choose what are places are you going to cover on your vacation to this beautiful country.

Quick Links About Sri Lanka In January

Why Visit Sri Lanka In January

Why Visit Sri Lanka In January

Image Source

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

Festivals-to-Celebrate

Image Source

Sri Lanka is rich in history and culture and the people find a reason to celebrate. Sri Lanka in January 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 and its a custom to cook Pongal and distribute among neighbors and friends.


Sri Lanka Holiday Packages On TravelTriangle


5 Places To Visit In Sri Lanka In January 2024

While visiting Sri Lanka in January, there are some must-see places that you must not miss. Listed 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:

  • Yala National Park – Haven For Animal Lovers
  • Mirissa – Largest Fishing Port
  • Anuradhapura – Explore The Ruins
  • Nuwara Eliya – Visit Little England
  • Colombo – Capital Of Sri Lanka

1. Yala National Park - Haven For Animal Lovers

Yala National Park

Image Source

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

Must Read: 10 Places To Visit In Batticaloa For A True Sri Lankan Experience

2. Mirissa

Mirissa

Image Source

If you dream for a holiday amidst the swaying coconut palms, hamrocks, and golden sandy beaches, Mirissa is the just the answer to your dreams. Mirissa is the largest fishing port and is good time to dolphin watching and surfing in Sri Lanka in January.
Places to visit in Mirissa: Mirissa Beach, Weligama Bay, and Polhena Beach.

Suggested Read: Top 6 Honeymoon Places In Colombo For A Romantic Rendezvous

3. Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura

Image Source

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.

Suggested Read: Arugam Bay In Sri Lanka: A Guide To The Mesmerizing Beach On The Coast Of Sri Lanka

4. Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya

Image Source

Are you planning your Sri Lanka holidays in January, then January makes it the best time to visit Nuwara Eliya. Sri Lanka is famously known for its tea production and Nuwara Eliya the countrys tea production capital. Also nicknamed as Little England, tourists can take a tea plantation tour around Nuwara Eliya and see how tea is made. You must not miss on this destination as it is one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka in January.
Places to visit in Nuwara Eliya: Lover’s Leap Waterfall, Lake Gregory, and Pedro Tea Factory.

Suggested Read: 8 Things To Do In Negombo That A Traveler Must Experience On Their Sri Lankan Vacay

5. Colombo

Colombo

Image Source

Sri Lanka is famously known by the name of its capital, Colombo. If you are planning your visit to Sri Lanka in January, then you must surely visit this commercial capital. Some of the popular attractions in Colombo include Galle Face Green and Gangaramaya Temple.
Places to visit in Colombo: Gangaramaya Temple, National Museum of Colombo, and Beira Lake.

Suggested Read: 6 Best Restaurants In Dambulla Where You Must Dine On Your Next Sri Lankan Trip!

Where 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 traveler’s budget. Some of the most 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 offered at these places will sweep you off your feet.

  • Ayur Ayur Resort & Ayurveda Retreat
  • The Nature Park Villa
  • Negombo New Queen’s Palace
  • Aryana Boutique Hotel 
  • Marino Beach Colombo

1. Ayur Ayur Resort & Ayurveda Retreat

Ayur Ayur Resort & Ayurveda Retreat

Image Source
If you are looking for places to stay in Sri Lanka then your top priority should be Ayur Ayur Resort & Ayurveda Retreat that 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 are avail of car rental services too.

Location: No.14 Kattuwa Rd, Negombo, Sri Lanka

Suggested Read: 20 Honeymoon Places In Sri Lanka That Will Sweep You Off Your Feet

2. The Nature Park Villa

The Nature Park Villa

Image Source

This villa is located just a 20-minute walk away from Sigiriya Rock which makes it a perfect choice for guests who would like to explore at their own pace. The villa gives an opportunity to avail of services like free private parking, a garden, and a swimming pool. For the comfortability of guests, all the rooms are equipped with an air conditioner and an electric teapot. If you are looking for a cozy place to stay in then there cannot be a better choice than The Nature Park Villa.

Location: 103, Kalapuraya,, Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

3. Negombo New Queen’s Palace

Negombo New Queen's Palace

Image Source

Situated just 5 minutes away from one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka, Negombo Beach, this 4-star hotel offers free parking, an outdoor swimming pool along with a shared lounge. You can wake up to some amazing views of the garden that is offered by every room in this hotel. Apart from this, you will find a hairdryer, an electric pot, a flat-screen TV, and free toiletries.

Location: 60/01/01 Palangathure Road, Negombo, Sri Lanka

Suggested Read: Top National Parks For Safari In Sri Lanka: Island Nation’s Perfect Retreat

4. Aryana Boutique Hotel

Aryana Boutique Hotel

Image Source

You will find this hotel in Anuradhapura which offers some amazing services to its guests like private parking, outdoor swimming pool, and a garden. Moreover, the rooms of this hotel are equipped with a fridge, a hairdryer, an electric tea pot, and a flat-screen TV for the convenience of the guests. After exploring the tourist places in Sri Lanka when you will resort to this hotel, you will be amazed by the relaxing feeling and ambiance that this hotel has to offer.

Location: Bandaranaike Mawatha, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

5. Marino Beach Colombo

Marino Beach Colombo

Image Source

Considered one of the best places to stay in Sri Lanka for couples, Marino Beach Colombo offers some world-class amenities to the guests like an outdoor swimming pool, an in-house restaurant, a fitness center, and a bar. Moreover, the property is also equipped with a terrace and a garden where you can spend some time relaxing with your spouse. The hotel boasts of its facilities like Wi-Fi services and amenities in every room.

Location: 590 Marine Drive, Colombo 00300, Sri Lanka

Further Read: 12 Alluring Things To Do In Nuwara Eliya, The Heart Of Sri Lanka

For holidays to Sri Lanka in January 2024, make bookings for a trip to Sri Lanka in advance to avail exciting discounts. We highly suggest you to do so because Sri Lanka is a tourist hotspot and it is hard to find accomodations during any time of the year, in case you haven’t made reservations some while ago. Have a great time during your Sri lanka January holidays.

Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.

Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.

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 visiting 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.

Is it safe to go to Sri Lanka?

Yes, it is safe to go to Sri Lanka.

Can you drink the water in Sri Lanka?

Avoid drinking tap water in Sri Lanka.


Looking To Book An International Holiday?


People Also Read

Category: Places To Stay, Places To Visit, Sri Lanka

Best Places To Visit In India By Month

Best Places To Visit Outside India By Month