A Summer holiday in Sri Lanka

Summer in Sri Lanka is surprisingly pleasant. While the south sees the monsoon, the north and east are at their best. Better still, the rain rarely makes it over the high hills. So you can work your way north, enjoying wildlife and culture, before reaching the eastern beaches. August is especially popular, thanks to the famous Perahera festival in Kandy. As ever, the whole journey is private and tailored to you.

Why Summer Works

The trick to a summer trip is simply heading north. So you avoid the south coast, which catches the monsoon. Meanwhile, the eastern beaches are at their finest. The Cultural Triangle, too, sees its famous Elephant Gathering. As a result, summer can be one of the most rewarding times to visit.

Kandy and the Perahera

From a gentle first night near Colombo, make your way to Kandy. If you travel in August, you may catch the Perahera. During this spectacle, the Buddha’s tooth is paraded through the city on a ceremonial elephant. It is one of Asia’s great festivals. So it is well worth timing your visit around it.

The Cultural Triangle and Elephant Gathering

Next, drive north to the Cultural Triangle. In the afternoon, climb the spectacular Sigiriya rock. The following day, explore ancient Polonnaruwa, ideally by bicycle. Then head to Minneriya National Park. Here, in August and September, the famous Elephant Gathering takes place. Remarkably, up to 200 elephants gather around the lake.

Wilpattu: Leopards and More

Continuing the wildlife theme, drive to Wilpattu National Park for two nights. It is a beautiful park, famed for leopard and sloth bear. You will also see deer, buffalo and perhaps boar. So set off on an afternoon game drive. Better still, sleep under canvas in a luxury tented camp.

Trincomalee: An Eastern Beach

Finally, cross to the east coast and the delightful Jungle Beach hotel, just north of Trincomalee. En route, pause at Anuradhapura and Mihintale. Then settle in for some proper beach time. After such a varied trip, it is the perfect close. Direct flights, meanwhile, whisk you back to Colombo at the end.

Where You Stay

Naturally, the hotels are chosen with care. First, Horathapola Estate eases you in near Colombo. Then Bougainvillea Retreat brings comfort near Kandy. In the Cultural Triangle, Wildgrass is a lovely base. Finally, Jungle Beach delivers the eastern coast.

How You Travel

Throughout, you travel privately with your own driver-guide. So the pace bends to you. Meanwhile, the drives are broken up with stops along the way. Then a direct flight saves the long haul back. As a result, the route feels easy from start to finish.

Best Time to Travel

Crucially, this is a summer route, ideal from around May to September. By then, the north and east are at their best. The Elephant Gathering, too, peaks in August and September. So we plan the trip within that window. Either way, we advise on the ideal timing.

More Wildlife

Wildlife runs right through this summer route. At Minneriya, for example, the Elephant Gathering is unforgettable. At Wilpattu, meanwhile, you look for leopard and sloth bear. You may also see deer, buffalo and boar. So the game drives become real highlights. Either way, the parks feel wonderfully wild.

Ancient Cities Along the Way

Culture, too, threads through the journey. On the way east, for example, you pause at Anuradhapura. Nearby stands Mihintale, the birthplace of Buddhism on the island. Meanwhile, Polonnaruwa rewards a leisurely cycle. So history and wildlife sit side by side. In short, the route balances both beautifully.

Who It Suits

Above all, this suits summer travellers, including families. For example, it is ideal for the long school holidays. Equally, it rewards anyone wanting festivals and wildlife. Couples and small groups enjoy it too.

Easy to Tailor

Finally, the route flexes around you. For example, time your trip for the Perahera. Equally, add nights on the eastern beaches. As ever, every detail is shaped to suit your plans.

Where the Crowds Aren’t

Above all, summer means space. While others crowd the winter south, you head north. So the parks and beaches feel wonderfully uncrowded. Meanwhile, the festivals add real colour. As a result, it is a rewarding time to travel.

A Relaxed Finale

The east coast brings a gentle close. After the wildlife and culture, you simply slow down. So spend your days on the sand at Trincomalee. If you wish, dip into the town for a quick look. Then a direct flight whisks you back to Colombo.

Designed Around You

As ever, this route is only a starting point. So we tailor the timing, the parks and the beaches to suit. Above all, we can build the trip around the Perahera. In the end, it is shaped entirely around you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why travel in summer?

Simply put, the north and east are at their finest then. Meanwhile, the famous Perahera and Elephant Gathering both fall in this window. So summer is far better than its reputation suggests.

Is it good for the school holidays?

Very much so. It is designed for summer travel, including August. As a result, it suits families and couples alike.

When exactly is best?

Broadly, May to September works well, with August ideal for the festivals. We will advise on timing for your dates.

Can it be tailored?

Entirely. The pace, hotels and stops are all shaped around you. Simply share your dates and interests, and we will craft the rest.