Sri Lanka has sunny, eye-catching wide sandy beaches where tourist from across the world visit usually during winter seasons. In Sri Lanka, the winter season runs from September to December, however there are some many Places to Visit in Sri Lanka by Month. Therefore, January is the ideal month for you if you enjoy the beach or the waves. The Rock Spot is one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka in January.
Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka in January
In Sri Lanka, one can classify tourist attractions as natural and anthropogenic. Colombo city is the main center for business activities, conferences and sport events in the country which serves as both a gateway and stopover point for international tourists. It is an anthropogenic destination. Along Western coast Negombo, Mt. Lavinia, Kalutara, Bantota, Beruwela upto Galle are sub points of the tourist attraction. These are natural attractions. In the Southern region extending from Galle to Hambantota- Yala sanctuary, in the Eastern region from Kumana birds reserve to Arugambay – Nilaveli are important in tourism.
Weather Conditions of Sri Lanka in January
- Rainfall: 90mm
- Rain Days: 7 Days per/month
- Air Temperature: 22°
- Air Temperature: 31°
Usually, January is considered as the best month to spend in Sri Lanka. As this month is warm and the weather is pleasant as compared to other months in most of the regions such as in Colombo and Kandy City. Between Colombo and Galle, there is a beach region called south coast located in the south west of Sri Lanka. Here are some itinerary ideas and the best places to visit in Sri Lanka in January:
● Galle City
The South is even more tempting and attractive than the famous photos of its palm-fringed coastline suggest. A beautiful coastline with curved golden sand beaches, with vibrant green paddy and coconut trees and peaceful settlements dominating the interior and coast. There are many interesting places to visit to discover in the area, and no two beaches are alike. The South’s cultural and historical highlight is unquestionably Galle Fort, a fascinating walled town with a highly cosmopolitan air, trendy shops and restaurants, and some exquisitely restored Dutch-era homes that are now home to private villas and luxury hotels. These coexist with the fort’s original occupants, who have been traders there for many centuries. The Fort is home to the excellent annual Galle Literature Festival, which attracts both local and foreign poets and writers. The beaches get less crowded and touristy the further south you travel.
● Balapitiya
Eighty kilometers south of Colombo is the well-known fishing village of Balapitiya. Near Balapitya, where the Madu River empties into the Indian Ocean, there are some unusual mangroves. There are several additional water sport possibilities nearby, and canoeing and paddle boarding in the lagoon are excellent activities.
While Balapitiya isn’t quite as large as some of the other, busier beach spots on the island, it’s quickly becoming a favorite among visitors looking for the seclusion of a seaside fishing community. Locals consider the Madu River to be one of Sri Lanka’s most pure rivers, making it the ideal place for a peaceful swim. The serene atmosphere provided by the river and its environs has been widely featured in local popular culture, and one can spend hours canoeing on these immaculately quiet waters.
● Bentota
Water sports fans love Bentota. All season long, PADI-certified diving trainers are on standby at the beach. Diving enthusiasts who want to explore the coral reefs in this area frequently visit Canoe Rock, which is close to the Bay. For the more daring among you, night diving is another fantastic activity in Bentota. There are boat trips to explore the Bentara River’s mangroves and lagoon. Bentota’s expansive golden sandy beach is bordered by smaller luxury hotels and 4-5 star resorts owned by major local hotel brands.
● GALLE
The old port city of Galle is located inside the Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site that was first constructed by the Portuguese in the sixteenth century and then reinforced by the Dutch in the middle of the seventeenth century. The Galle Fort is the epitome of romance with its cobblestone walkways, charming small cottage-like homes, and boutique hotels—not to mention its formidable ramparts overlooking the Indian Ocean. This is the location of the globally recognized Galle Literary Festival, which draws well-known writers from around the globe each year. There are many upscale and moderately priced dining options at the Galle Fort, and there are several luxury and low-cost lodging options nearby. One of the rampart corners has an antique lighthouse that provides a stunning backdrop for pictures. History lovers should visit the National Maritime History Museum, which is situated inside the Fort.
In addition to the Fort, Galle is well-known for its natural harbor and the breathtaking beaches that surround it, namely Unawatuna and Jungle Beach. The legendary origins of Rumassala Hill, which dominates Jungle Beach, may be found in the Indian epic the Ramayana. The hill is home to a historic temple. Galle is 119 kilometers away from Colombo.
● Koggala
Koggala is a seaside town with a stunning beach that is protected by a reef, but its lagoon and lake are what make it most famous. The rain-fed Koggala Lagoon, which has a surface area of more than 7 square kilometers and a water depth of 1 to 3.7 meters, is a paddle boarding haven. The lagoon is home to eight biologically significant islets, one of which, the well-known Madol Doowa, is the focus of a well-known Sri Lankan book of the same name. Koggala was the birthplace of pioneering literary giant Martin Wickramasinghe around 1890. Travelers who care about the environment come to Koggala because of its lush mangrove wetlands and abundant wildlife. This area is home to at least ten indigenous species of mangroves. You can get to seven of the eight islands via kayak or boat. The 13th-century Katuluva Purvarama Viharaya is an exceptional place of worship located approximately five kilometers from the town. The representations of various European luminaries, including Queen Victoria herself, interspersed among the predominantly Kandyan-style frescos that grace the walls of this temple are what differentiate it from others.
● Mirissa
Though Mirissa isn’t the quiet seaside town it used to be, it still feels that way in many aspects. It attracts hundreds of visitors during the busiest months of November through January. In particular, the New Year’s Eve festivities here may get extremely rowdy. About a kilometer long, the beach is sufficiently broad to play football on a nice day. There’s a little cove on the left side of the bay that’s perfect for a brief swim because it’s sheltered by a reef.
For amateur and intermediate surfers, Mirissa is another highly recommended spot, although it’s no Arugam Bay. There is a lengthy row of eateries beside the shore, serving tourists who are thirsty and hungry. Despite all of this, Mirissa remains one of the greatest places to holiday on Sri Lanka’s south coast and hasn’t lost its ancient, “undiscovered” charm. With an active population of dolphins and blue whales, it serves as the base for the majority of whale watching operations on the south coast and is among the best spots in the world to witness these gentle giants.
● Talpe
A growing destination for tourists is Talpe. Beach lovers will find this exceptionally long stretch of beach with its sea basin that resembles a swimming pool to be the perfect getaway spot, complete with captivating sunsets. The beach is still somewhat undeveloped because it’s still being found by the industry. It’s a perfect place for a peaceful swim or a long, undisturbed relaxation on a deckchair outside Wijaya Beach, the area’s only (and highly acclaimed) beach restaurant. One of the most accessible beaches in the south, Talpe is only a short 15-minute tuk ride from Galle town and even less from the Southern Expressway exit. It is situated a few kilometers south of the more well-known Unawatuna Bay.
For those who want to engage in activities beyond simply strolling around the stunning waters, there are plenty to choose from. There’s kayaking, snorkeling (be careful of the enormous turtles that frequently make an appearance), and, best of all, swinging on a rope slung from a huge coconut tree bent over the ocean. Swinging across the branch and jumping into the enticing water below with your feet first is an incredible experience. Along this part of shore, look out for the distinctive stilt fisherman who are positioned perilously.
● Tangalle
Tangalle is a lifelike photo postcard. From the depths of the Indian Ocean, a soft and never-ending surf appears to kiss the golden sands that promise to go on forever. A huge coral reef that surrounds the bay and shields the beach from the seas all year round is located beneath the blue waters. The beach, which welcomes lots of visitors, is especially calm and beautiful from November through January. But because there are so many beaches in the vicinity, it’s seldom too crowded. Travelers from all over the world swarm Tangalle to soak up the sun since the town and the nearby towns have managed to hold onto their historic beauty. In addition to its breathtaking beaches, Tangalle is renowned for its past. Both domestic and foreign tourists like visiting the Dutch fort located in the town center. There are remnants of the nation’s colonial past, with Dutch architecture holding a prominent position.
● Yala National Park
Yala National Park is one of the largest wildlife attractions of Sri Lanka. It is a unique biodiversity hotspot, habitat to hundreds of rare and seasonal bird species, as well as the endangered Asian leopard, sloth bear, and elephant. Six of the 215 bird species that can be found here are native to the island. Yala is connected to at least two religious sites with roots in ancient Sri Lanka, in addition to its animal attractions.
Suggested Itinerary to Visit Sri Lanka in January
Here’s a proposed Sri Lanka itinerary January for traveling through the Southwest of the country:
Day 1: Arrival in Colombo
- Enter the Bandaranaike International Airport of Colombo
- Check into your hotel and take a little bit of rest.
- Visit Gangaramaya Temple, Independence square and Pettah Market.
- Take Lunch and Dinner at any local restaurant.
- Come back to your hotel.
Day 2 : Colombo to Bentota
- Take a two hour drive and move to Bentota.
- Check in any beach facing hotel.
- Visit the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery.
- Relax along the beach side and you may try jet skiing or surfing.
- Take Lunch and Dinner at any local restaurant.
- Come back to your hotel.
Day 3: Bentota to Galle
- Next Morning drive to Galle.
- Visit Hikkaduwa Beach..
- Visit Galle Fort.
- Take Lunch and Dinner at any local restaurant.
- Check-in at your hotel in Galle.
Day 4: Galle to Mirissa
- Move to Mirissa with one hour of drive.
- Check in to your hotel.
- Enjoy early morning whale watching or visit Parrot Rock.
- Take Lunch and Dinner at any local restaurant.
Day 5: Day Trip to Unawatuna and Jungle Beach
- On a 30 minute drive from Mirrisa, there is Unawatuna Beach.
- Relax beside the beach or do swimming.
- Hike into the Jungle Beach and explore the view of the Japanese Peace Pagoda.
- Take Lunch and Dinner at any local restaurant.
- Enjoy the night.
Day 6: Mirissa to Udawalawe National Park
- After breakfast, visit Udawalawe National Park.
- Take a Safari Ride.
- Take Lunch and Dinner at any local restaurant.
- Enjoy your evening.
Day 7: Udawalawe to Colombo
- Visit Elephant Transit Home.
- Move back to Colombo with a four hour drive.
- Check into your hotel in Colombo.
- Do shopping and buy gifts for your family.
- Take Lunch and Dinner at any local restaurant.
- Take your flight back home.
Conclusion
In conclusion, south west of Sri lanka has the most beautiful and peaceful places to visit. A large number of tour traffic comes from Europe to Sri lanka in January. Whether you are a beach lover or a naturalist, these beach sites are the best places to visit in Sri Lanka in January.