The Right Time to Visit Sri Lanka: Weather and Travel Tips

Planning a trip to Sri Lanka involves considering the weather, making sure you travel during the peak season for a perfect experience. This article provides insights into the ideal times to visit different parts of the island, along with general tips and practicalities for travelers.

Weather and Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka

Generally, the best time to visit the west and south coasts, as well as the Cultural Triangle, is between December and April. The climate on the east coast is at its finest from May through to October.

Sri Lanka is renowned for its varied weather patterns, with different cities experiencing unique climatic conditions. The hill country and the west and south coasts are best visited from December to March, while the east coast is recommended to visit from April to September.

During the period from December to April, the majority of the island enjoys a magnificent hot and dry environment, offering a perfect setting for visitors. The abundance of sunshine, bright blue skies, and lush green scenery make this the finest time to visit Sri Lanka.

Practical Travel Tips for Sri Lanka

While the period from December to April is ideal for most visitors, it's important to note that power cuts can affect budget accommodations like hostels and guesthouses. However, for more upmarket tourists, the situation is better as they usually have accommodations with generators that can avoid disruptions caused by petrol or diesel shortages.

Considering the diverse weather patterns across the country, it's essential to plan accordingly. For example, Kedarnath, located in the Himalayas, is best visited in the summer months of April to June when the temperature is higher and more enjoyable than the usual freezing cold climate.

Weather and Travel to Kedarnath

Located in the state of Uttarakhand, Kedarnath is situated at an elevation of 11,755 feet above sea level. The doors of the temple open on Akshaya Tritriya, which typically falls in late April or early May, and remain open until late October or early November. So if you want to visit Kedarnath, that is the only time when you can.

The weather fluctuations in Kedarnath are quite extreme. While hills around the region will remain snow-capped throughout the year, the weather can be pleasant during the day, but when it rains, temperatures can drop to near zero degrees Celsius, even in May. Therefore, it's crucial to have appropriate clothing if you plan to visit during these times.

The government of India allows only 5000 pilgrims per day for the Kedarnath yatra, with registration needed. You can either register directly at the registration counters or through online registration, which are usually located in public places like railway stations, market places, and the Char Dham Yatra terminal in Rishikesh.

Kedarnath is a steep 16km trek from Gauri Kund, and ponies and palanquins are available for hire. Additionally, there are various aviation companies operating a helicopter service to Kedarnath from Gupt Kashi Phata and Sersi. Government approvals for aviation companies are made annually, so helicopter tickets usually become available for booking by the end of April or the first week of May. The cost of tickets varies between Rs 6500/- to Rs 9000/-, depending on the company.

Helicopters start their sorties at about 9:00 am and conclude by 6:00 pm, depending on weather conditions and light. There are also many hotels and guest houses in Phata as well as Gupt Kashi, but it's recommended to book rooms in advance to avoid last-minute hassles.

Conclusion

The best time to visit Sri Lanka and Kedarnath depends on your preferences and the activities you wish to engage in. Ensure you plan accordingly and prepare for the weather and practicalities involved to make the most out of your trip. For more updates and information, follow Twist and Tours.

Happy travels!

Keywords

Sri Lanka travel, best time to visit Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka weather