To appreciate life, try new adventures and enjoy nature, people often choose to travel. Some people think that traveling is an escape from a boring daily routine. While some people travel for business meetings and professional work.

Located between 60 and 100 North and 800 and 820 East, near the southernmost point of India, is the stunning tropical island of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean. There are countless best places to visit in Sri Lanka in December. From the rugged hill region that makes up the majority of the island’s southern half, to the sizable plain that makes up its northern half. Along its south western and southeast coasts are stunning beaches lined with palm trees.

Because of its strategic location, Sri Lanka is able to successfully provide tough competition to other travel destinations. The country’s advantageous location in the Indian Ocean along the main air and sea routes connecting Europe and the Far East contributes to its status as a worldwide hub for logistics. It was pointed out by American aviator O’Hare that “The Island “controls” (as in colonial times) routes to the Far East as well as to other destinations in the Indian Ocean, the Middle East, Africa, and Australasia”. So it can be interpreted that the reason for colonization in Sri Lanka was its geographic location.

Apart from its exceptionally strategic geographic location, Sri Lanka provides tourists with many natural attraction points, including beach resorts, a pleasant climate, a rich cultural legacy, national parks, and wildlife. With 1,585 kilometers of coastline, Hikkaduwa and Unawatuna are renowned for having world-class scuba diving. While Tangalle is being marketed as a diving destination, Mirissa has gained notoriety for its whale and dolphin watching. In the meantime, Trincomalee boasts two comparatively undiscovered beaches and a renowned natural harbor.

If you are a history freak, then you will be delighted to know that It offers a plethora of information based on culture and tradition. It has 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including numerous Buddhist and Hindu temples. Sri Lanka is fortunate to have 49 sites designated as unique attractions, 91 as rare attractions, 7 world heritage sites, and 6 of the world’s 300 ancient monuments, according to the World Tourism Organization.  These include the central highlands area encompassing the Horton Plains National Park and Knuckles Conservation Forest, the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, the Dutch Fort in Galle, the Golden Temple of Dambulla, the Temple of Tooth in Kandy, and the Nallur Kandaswamy Temple in Jaffna.

Its civilization dates back more than 2,500 years which make it more appealing for EEAS EU tourists, who are fascinated by the history of this country. Its ruins include nine former kingdoms and Buddhist temples. Five out of the seven world heritage sites are part of the Cultural Triangle that has been designated for heritage tourism (containing the ancient cities of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Kandy, and Sigiriya, a magnificent stronghold built by King Kasyapa in the 5th century AD). Because of its distinctive blend of golden beaches, a plethora of animals, a rich cultural legacy, and varied landscapes, Sri Lanka is among the most popular tourist attractions.

Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka in December

  • Midigama beach, Mirissa
  • Horton Plains
  • Colombo
  • Negombo
  • Yala National Park
  • Ceylon and Nuwara Eliya Plantation Areas
  • Rail Route between Nanu Oya and Colombo
  • Kandy City

Weather in Sri Lanka in December

The average temperature of Sri Lanka in December usually remains 30°C which drops to 25 °C in coastal lines and to 18°C in hilly areas. In simple terms the weather of Sri Lanka becomes more pleasant when Christmas is near. According to the reviews, the best time to spend in Sri Lanka is from December to March.

To-do List for Tourists

Here is a list of fun activities, that you should must add in your travel itinerary:

  1. Surfing or Kite-Surfing:

First thing first,  it is difficult to overcome Sri Lanka’s deep blue ocean waves’ allure. Surfers from all over the world are attracted. Because of its fun waves, aesthetic surroundings, and, of course, the fact that it accepts surfers of all skill levels, either you are a  beginner, intermediate, or expert. It is considered one of the greatest places to go surfing. December is a great time to surf in Sri Lanka because of the mild waves and ideal sunshine. Since the tourist season is still young and not too busy, this is a great time to learn how to surf!

Now the question arises, where to go surfing?

I would recommend Meddawatta, Weligama Beach, Hikkaduwa to beginners and Midigama, Mirissa to intermediate and expert level surfers.

  1. Trekking:

Doing trekking in Sri Lanka’s mountains has the potential to strengthen your bond with nature, help you forget what a comfort zone is, and teach you how to live in the wild. December in Sri Lanka is a lovely month with nice weather. Therefore, you can genuinely stroll for miles in comfort. In addition to its pleasant weather, the area is becoming greener, especially the highlands. So, if you are an experienced trekker, or even if this is your first time, Sri Lanka will leave you wanting more and insatiably satisfied. But keep it in mind that trekking can be dangerous in the rainy season. So make sure to do it once the monsoon season ends. When you reach your desired location, take pictures to save the moments or if you are an artist, enjoy painting and drawing.

For a moment, just imagine you are sitting in your tent in the middle of a forest, looking at the sky and feeling the aroma of soil in the air. What a beautiful feeling!

Don’t worry!

If you don’t know where to go for trekking in Sri Lanka, then here are some points you can take from me-Adams Peak, Ella Rock, and Horton Plains.

  1. New Year Celebration in Colombo:

Colombo is basically the capital city of Sri Lanka. Since you have decided or you are planning to visit Sri Lanka in December. It means that you will get the chance to celebrate your new year in Sri Lanka. I would suggest that to make your new year eve more exciting and dazzling, go to Colombo. This city has numerous pubs and an extraordinary buzzing energy. When the new year comes around the corner, the city celebrates it with several concerts and parties that are memorable.

The best spots in Colombo are Galle Face Hotel (Jubilee Ballroom), Harbour Court (Gala Dinner Buffet with live band) and Grand Marquee (The Masquerade Ball)

  1. Christmas in Negombo:  

One of the greatest locations to travel to in December to enjoy Christmas in Sri Lanka is a seaside city on the country’s western coast. There is a lot to see during this joyous time of year because of the city’s rich cultural heritage. On this day, people decorate their homes traditionally and perform ethnic dances and songs from the Kafirinha. The city’s churches are exquisitely illuminated, and dining establishments unveil special daily dishes. After partaking in the Christmas breakfast, people spend their day with family and friends, enjoying tasty dishes and singing carols.

  1. Visiting National Parks:

National parks are therapeutic because their existence makes us realize that there is more of a world yet to be discovered. There are 26 national parks in Sri Lanka, out of them all Yala National Park is the most famous in the region. It is located near the Indian Ocean. Almost all wildlife enthusiasts have this on their bucket list because Yala is home to about 44 mammal species, 215 bird species, and 18 amphibian species, to mention a few. The national park is reputed to have the greatest leopard population in the world.

Yala National Park is exceptionally beautiful in December, especially if you’re a bird watcher. This is the best time of year to see exotic birds because the weather isn’t too hot or chilly. Its entry ticket costs INR 3,500.

  1. Visit to Tea Plantation Area:

A visit to a tea plantation is an absolute must, whether you’re traveling to Sri Lanka in December or at any other time of year. But December might be the best month for this—the monsoon showers have made everything greener, the weather is ideal, and there aren’t many people around!

The estates that produce tea are thought to belong to the city of Kandy. There are waterfalls and green hills all around these plantation areas. Once you get the chance to visit the plantation areas, note down that Ceylon and Nuwara Eliya are the best places to visit in Sri Lanka in December.

  1. Sri Lankan Rail Route:

If you have been browsing about Sri Lanka and trying to find the best place in Sri Lanka to enjoy in december. Then I am sure you must have read about the Sri Lankan Rail Route. In simple words, this railway route is filled with mesmerizing countryside views, delightful aroma of plantation areas, giggling rivers and chirping of innocent birds and of course dark green trees.

Looking out of the window and witnessing the countryside beauty of Sri Lanka unfold before you is something to cherish throughout your life. Therefore, taking a train tour of Sri Lanka’s countryside should be at the top of your priority list, even if you are visiting in December (or any other month for that matter)!

Indeed! Naturally, I would like to suggest the finest rail route between Nanu Oya and Colombo.

  1. Ayurvedic Massage Session:

Common reasons for taking massage sessions are to relieve pain, release stress and reduce anxiety but ayurvedic massages are designed to remove toxins from your body. This detoxification boosts overall health and vitality.

Even in the field of Ayurveda, Sri Lanka is well-known worldwide. This ancient tradition has its origins in India and Sri Lanka. Even though Sri Lanka has adopted its own distinctive customs that are just as effective, you will still find elements of Indian Ayurvedic tradition in the routines.

Sri Lanka is the ideal destination for relaxing ayurvedic massages, whether you’re looking for a treatment or something more. Treat yourself to Ayurveda in a new environment; this will help all of your nerves to decompress. Your body, mind, and spirit will all be in harmony. The best locations for Ayurvedic treatments and massages in Sri Lanka include Ayurveda Wedagedara (Pvt) Ltd., Badora Spa, and Swastha Ayurveda.

Tips to Follow

Here are some important tips to follow:

  • Learn the main languages of Sri Lanka that are Sinhala and Tamil, but many people speak English. So, if you can speak English, you are good to go.
  • Make your Travel Itinerary beforehand so that you can enjoy your vacations more comfortably.
  • The weather is always hot and you can visit year round, but be aware of the monsoon seasons.
  • The main entry point is Bandaranaike International Airport which is 32 km north of Colombo.
  • Negombo is another option to stay at before/after your flight.
  • I recommend getting a local SIM card, because the Wi-Fi infrastructure is not great.
  • Tuk tuks and buses are the main forms of transportation.

My Favorite City in Sri Lanka8 Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka in December

Sri Lanka’s city Kandy is one of my favorite cities to visit in December. It has the most exquisite fusion of historical attractions, scenic natural areas, and cultural landmarks. Temple of the Tooth, Lankatilaka Temple, and Galmaduwa Raja Maha Viharaya Temple are the best places to visit for history enthusiasts. Peradeniya Botanical Garden, Udawattekele Sanctuary, Royal Botanical Gardens, Ramboda Falls and Horton Plains National Parks showcase diverse collections of flora and fauna in december. These places have panoramic views and reserve over 4000 botanical species and many wild animals. Sri Lanka has an old sanctuary specially built for orphaned elephants named as Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.

In December, when the new year comes around the corner this city arranges cultural performances. Citizens perform their traditional dance performances and sing songs.  This is the reason why Kandy is known as the cultural hub of Sri Lanka. There is a lake named as Kandy Lake, it is an artificial waterbody. People who are interested in history and culture, state that this city is the Statement of Sri Lanka’s rich heritage. There are two common Sri Lanka Holidays in December, one is on Unduvap Full Moon Poya Day and the second one is on Christmas.

Conclusion

Sri Lanka is the best place to spend your holidays in december. The activities you may partake in during your visit and create lasting experiences are included alongside all of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka in December, ranging from Kandy City to Midigama Beach. Make reservations for your travel and lodging before the first of December to experience the beauty and thrill of Sri Lanka’s popular tourist destinations, from Colombo to Kandy. Apply for your visa so that you won’t run into any problems with the application procedure.