Sri Lanka is a year-round destination full of everything you would want to experience; the exhilarating, the wild, the relaxing, the cultural and so much more. Sri Lanka in January is the perfect time to visit Sri Lanka as it offers the ideal weather conditions where you can expect sunny days with very little to no rain. The average Sri Lanka temperature during this period would vary from around 20 to 30 degrees.
Photo Credits: Raquel & Miguel
If you’re planning on visiting Sri Lanka, here’s a list of things to do in Sri Lanka:
1. Witness Cultural Events and Festivals
Sri Lanka being a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic country celebrates many religious and cultural festivals all through the year. Some of these festivals are very popular considering the spectacle they put up as well as their cultural significance. January holds not one but two such festivals;
a. Duruthu Maha Perahera at the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya
The Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya is an ancient Buddhist temple dating back to before 500 CE and situated approximately around 10km from Colombo. The Duruthu Perahera (Translated to mean ‘January Parade’) is an annual three-day event culminating with a colourful and vibrant procession which is a must-see parade with drummers, dancers, Elephants and all types of entertainers. So do visit this attraction which is not too far from our Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts city locations.
Photo Credits: Johanna Delroy
b. Thai Pongal Festival
The Thai Pongal Festival is celebrated by most Tamils, Hindus and even non-hindus. It falls in the month of Thai in the Tamil calendar (The tenth month in the Tamil calendar) and is held in honour of the Sun God, Earth, the Rain God, other natural elements and the cattle for blessing the farmers with a good harvest. While you’re celebrating Thai Pongal with the Sri Lankans, make sure you taste some of the special, sweet Pongal Rice, a local delicacy during this period.
2. Be a part of the Galle Literary Festival
The Galle Literary Festival was launched in 2007 and since then has gathered much popularity among both authors and readers. This annual event is one of the most anticipated literary events in South East Asia. During this period, many famous and much-loved authors, both local and foreign, make their way to Galle for an unmatchable experience. Book your stay at Cinnamon Bey Beruwala and make a day trip to Galle for this much-awaited literary festival.
3. Venture into the wilderness
January is also a good time to spot some wild animals at the wildlife sanctuaries in Sri Lanka. The dry weather before the downfall of the monsoon rains is the perfect time to catch a glimpse of the wildlife of Sri Lanka in its natural habitat. Cinnamon Wild Yala, Habarana Village by Cinnamon and Cinnamon Lodge Habarana offers specially curated packages by which you can enjoy the best wildlife excursions in Sri Lanka.
Photo Credits: yalasafari_
4. Water Sports for the adventurous soul
If you’ve been dreaming of a holiday by the beach, full of adventure or otherwise, visiting Sri Lanka in January is the best option for you! This is also a great time for water sports and dolphin watching. Have the best of the weather in Sri Lanka and head out into the sea and have yourself some good fun! The Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts by the beach are all equipped to ensure that your water sport needs are under control.
5. Explore, Enjoy and Relax in Colombo
Kick start the New year on the right foot. Get yourself some five-star comfort at Cinnamon Grand Colombo, Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo or Cinnamon Red Colombo and relax while you treat yourself to a wide array of delicious foods at our some of our signature restaurants such as Nuga Gama for Sri Lankan, Chutney’s for Indian, Royal Thai for Thai, Echo for Italian, Long Feng for Chinese and much much more!
While you’re in Sri Lanka, do make sure you explore the growing skyline of Colombo, with imposing Lotus Tower of Colombo as well as the upcoming integrated resort, Cinnamon Life.
Photo Credits: Cinnamon Grand
Visit Sri Lanka and get yourself a first-hand experience of the diversity the country has to offer. Entrust your comfort and well-being to us at Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts while you enjoy and explore Sri Lanka.
Author: Shenella Fonseka
