Top 5 ways to spend Christmas in Sri Lanka
Spend Christmas in Sri Lanka. December is perfect for central, western and southern regions so with that in mind, take a look at our top Sri Lanka experiences for Christmas this year.
1. Climb Sigiriya at Christmas in Sri Lanka
Ascend the Lion Rock in Sri Lanka. This sheer-sided rock outcrop, known officially as Sigiriya, is 200m high and topped by the remains of a medieval royal palace.
It overlooks extensive plains so the views from the summit are stunning. However, it's a steep climb to get there using staircases fixed to the rock, so fully exploring this Sri Lankan World Heritage site is not an experience for the faint hearted.
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Climb Sigiriya rock-citadel at Christmas in Sri Lanka. Photo: Ryszard Stelmachowicz/Shutterstock
2. Kandy and the Temple of the Tooth
Kandy is the Sri Lankan heartland of living Buddhist traditions and the bastion of Sinhalese culture. It's also home to the Temple of the Tooth, which alone makes the city a major pilgrimage site.
The Tooth is a relic of Buddha, and considered by many Buddhists to be the most sacred of all precious artefacts. While you're here, leave time to explore the temple grounds. The buildings are set around a lake and backed by Udawatte Kele Sanctuary.
Quaint tea shops, colourful markets and a stunning mountain setting are a few more reasons to visit Kandy. Try to also catch a performance of traditional Kandayan dancing and think about staying at 36 Bed & Breakfast in the city's historic heart.
Buddha statues at the Temple of the Tooth, Kandy, Sri Lanka. Photo: DISHNI Rajapakse/Shutterstock
3. Elephant-spotting in Sri Lanka's national parks
Sri Lankan elephants are a sub-species of Asian elephants. They're smaller than their African counterparts and have less prominent ears. There are currently around 3,000 wild elephants in Sri Lanka and they live in herds of about 15 members, led by the oldest female.
The country's famous elephant corridors are routes along which these herds migrate in search of food and water. One of the best known corridors links Minneriya, Kaudulla and Wasgomuwa National Parks in the north of Sri Lanka. If you want close to guaranteed sightings, book a Culture and Coast trip in winter.
Baby elephant at Minneriya National Park, Sri Lanka. Photo: Marek Velechovsky/Shutterstock
4. Geragama Tea Factory in hill country
When you want to explore historic tea plantations in Sri Lanka, hill country is where to find them. They may be a colonial legacy, but it's one that Sri Lanka has made its own and the country is now the world's fourth largest tea producer.
For a full flavour of the industry, estate tours are essential Sri Lankan experiences. Head west of Kandy to visit Geragama Tea Factory and not only do you learn about the growing and production process, you get tea and cake too.
Then consider sticking to that charming tradition with a stay at Ceylon Breeze near the Tea Museum in Kandy.
Geragama Tea estate store, Sri Lanka. Photo: Olesia_O/Shutterstock
5. Whale watching at Mirissa (Thalpe)
Whale watch for Christmas in Sri Lanka and discover one of the world's top destinations for seeing both blue and sperm whales at the same time. Killer whales and spinner dolphins are also regular visitors to Sri Lanka's waters.
Head to Mirissa on the south coast, it's the country's whale watching capital. The season runs between December and January, then again in April. Sightings are practically guaranteed then and D Canal House is a good base in either period.
Whale watching is a Christmas adventure, Mirissa, Sri Lanka. Photo: Shalom Rufeisen/Shutterstock
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