By visiting three cities, Colombo, Sigiriya and Nuwara Eliya, you can enjoy the top 10 best places to visit in Sri Lanka in September. The weather shift in September is normal, so don’t worry about anything and pack your bags and explore Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka.
See also: What are the Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka by Month
Sri Lanka’s capital, Colombo, is a thriving metropolis that skillfully combines modernity and tradition. September is a great month to visit the city’s colorful streets, colonial architecture, and cultural sites because of the pleasant weather and sporadic rains.
A well-liked urban park beside the sea where you may take a leisurely stroll, eat some street cuisine, and observe the sunset. Traditionally, this large open area fronted the sea and a little beach. The Dutch originally cleared it to provide an unobstructed line of fire for Fort’s cannons. These days, its wide open spaces and waterfront promenade are a well-liked gathering place. Families, couples, kite flyers, and bubble blowers can be seen there most days, and on Sunday evenings in particular, food vendors at the southern end near the surf serve a variety of salty and deep-fried snacks.
In Pettah Market, life is abundant. I am a market nut, especially when it comes to food variety, as you may have observed if you’ve read any of my earlier writings on Migrationology. I believe that whenever you travel, you should make time to visit a local fresh food market.
People live their lives, earn a living, and buy basics in markets. The Pettah open-air fresh market features a diverse array of items such as trinkets, clothes bails, an extensive fresh fruit area, gadgets, DVDs, and large crowds of people.
Discover Sri Lanka’s rich past and culture by perusing the vast array of relics, which includes manuscripts, artwork, and historical weaponry.The most renowned museum in Sri Lanka is the Colombo National Museum, which tells you about the fascinating history and rich legacy of this island nation by showcasing a plethora of antique and cultural artifacts of great significance. Alternatively referred to as the Sri Lanka National Museum, it was constructed in 1877 using an Italian architectural style. In this two-story edifice, thousands of antiquities, paintings, statues, and regal items, such as thrones and crowns, are on display. Situated in the same area and somewhat closer to this national museum is the nation’s sole natural history museum.
There are now 10,000 exhibits at the National Museum of Colombo, ranging from historical and religious treasures to remnants of the royal family and local relics. Arriving at this magnificent Italianate museum, which has been well maintained with a lawn and gardens, you will be greeted by a historic stone Buddha figure that has been there since the fourth or fifth century. While the upper level is devoted to antiquities and other entertainment, the bottom floor showcases a variety of historical items. Among its riches are thrones and royal crowns, to name just a couple. There’s also the nation’s sole natural history museum nearby.
The Colombo National Museum was established on January 1, 1877, thanks to the kind consent of Sir William Henry Gregory, the British governor of Ceylon at the time. The Royal Asiatic Society had approached Gregory in 1872 to persuade him of the importance of a public museum. Previously, the museum was closed on Fridays at the request of Wapchi Markar, the primary constructor. During P. E. P. During Deraniyagala’s reign, the Colombo Museum was designated as the national museum, and branch museums were established around the nation.
Sigiriya, often referred to as Lion Rock, is among the most recognizable sites in Sri Lanka. With its commanding views of the surrounding plains, this old rock castle rises approximately 200 meters above them. September is a great month to visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its lower temperatures.
Admire the well-known murals on the rock walls, referred to as the “Heavenly Maidens.” Once covering the whole western face of Sigiriya Rock in central Sri Lanka, the Sigiriya Frescoes date back to 480 AD. These paintings, which numbered over 500, were the centerpiece of a vast palace complex constructed by King Kashyapa around 1500 years ago. A small number of these historic paintings still stand today, tucked away in a protected alcove some 100 meters above the surface. Claiming to be celestial nymphs, they carry flowers to bestow upon the humans and kings below. Some people assume that these are the concubines and queens of King Kashyapa’s harem. For almost a millennium, there has been conjecture surrounding these women shown in the paintings. However, for more than fifty thousand days, they have stayed silent, grinning enigmaticly, keeping their secret safe—a monument to the artistry of their designers and the monarch who ordered them. These women are not nude, despite what the general public believes. As was the fashion at the time, they are all dressed in elegant gossamer attire.
Discover the exquisitely designed gardens with symmetrical ponds, fountains, and terraces at the foot of the cliff. Water Features Sigiriya, one of the few World Heritage Sites that make this ancient area such a must-visit location, is easily accessible from the opulent Cultural Triangle hotel. The hotel features a smart layout and style that honors Sigiriya’s well-known water gardens and appreciates its perspective of the 200-meter-high rock fortification. One of Sri Lanka’s most prominent architects, Channa Daswatta, skillfully designed this hotel in Sigiriya.
Though your gaze is pulled to the far-off vista of Sigiriya, a route from the free-standing reception area goes towards the rooms, spa, and communal areas. The spacious rooms are independent villas with a bedroom and living area, an en suite bathroom, and a deck that is equipped. There are four two-storey, two-bedroom family duplexes with pools, and many villas have private plunge pools. The spa and gym are perched above the wet grounds inhabited by birds, while the restaurant and bar are located next to the swimming pool.This lovely motel has bicycles available for exploring the local countryside. Although Sigiriya is the major attraction, staff members also organize picnics outside the hotel, give arrack pairing workshops and Sri Lankan cooking demonstrations, and take visitors on exciting ATV rides or peaceful nature hikes. The Wasgamuwa National Park and the cave temples of Dambulla are two other nearby sites.
The resort town of Nuwara Eliya, sometimes known as the “City of Lights,” is located in Sri Lanka’s Central Mountain Range. It’s difficult to believe that Nuwara Eliya, blessed with a healthy climate and stunning vistas of valleys, meadows, mountains, and flora, is just 180 kilometers away from the sweltering, humid city of Colombo.
Known as “Little England,” Nuwara Eliya was the preferred hill station of the British, who attempted to transform the resort into an English village. Reminiscent of Colonial British Ceylon include the ancient brick post office, the country house-like hill club with its hunting photographs, mounted hunting trophies and fish, and its stringent formal dining clothing; the 18-hole golf course, the racing track, etc.
Read our guide: Places to Visit in Nuwara Eliya
The 27-acre public park known as Victoria Park is located in the heart of Nuwara Eliya. To mark Queen Victoria’s 60 years on the reign, the park was given its current name in 1897. Few locations in Sri Lanka could match Victoria Park’s vast collection of blooming plants; the park’s vast breadth is home to everything from rare indigenous flora to more daring flowers.
The various gardens inside the park’s boundaries are meticulously maintained by the local municipal council, which is in charge of the area.
Although the park is open to the public year-round, it is strongly advised to visit between March and May and August and September, when flowering plants are in full splendor, in order to experience more.
A calm lake ideal for equestrian riding, fishing, and boating. Gregory Lake is a sizable artificial lake in the center of the Sri Lankan town of Nuwara Eliya, 2 kilometers from the Nuwara Eliya Bus Stand. As part of Sri Lanka Packages, it is one of the most well-liked destinations in Nuwara Eliya.
In 1873, British Governor Sir William Gregory oversaw the construction of Lake Gregory, often known as Gregory Lake or Gregory Reservoir. The lake’s waters were channeled into a tunnel in 1913 between the Nuwara Eliya and Nanu Oya, leading to a hydroelectric station at Blackpool. Even now, the village still receives electricity from the power plant. During the time of British colonization, it was utilized for water sports.
This popular lake is great for strolls and picnics since it offers a lot of leisure opportunities. Visitors may rush across the lake in a speed boat or rent small boats to go boating over it. Additionally, visitors may ride bicycles or take pony rides around the lake. The path in the park surrounding it is kept up nicely. Additionally, this location is ideal for family get-togethers where one may play with the kids or just sit and relax with them. There are also a few little eateries around the lake where one may grab some food to eat while wandering.
Day 1:
Day 2:
Day 3:
Day 4:
Day 5:
Day 6:
Day 7:
There is plenty to offer every kind of tourist in Sri Lanka. September is the perfect month to take in the varied beauty and culture of this island nation, whether you’re lounging on the beaches of Mirissa, trekking the picturesque trails of Ella, or exploring the busy streets of Colombo. You will have unforgettable recollections of your vacation to Sri Lanka from each of the locations included in this book. So prepare to explore the treasures of Sri Lanka in September by packing your baggage!
