Let us find out the best 5 places to visit in Sri Lanka in March.
March marks the transition from the northeastern monsoon in Sri Lanka, making it an excellent time to explore both the cultural and coastal attractions of the island. With warm temperatures and sunny skies, you can enjoy beaches, wildlife, and the scenic beauty of Sri Lanka’s highlands. This article informs you about the best places in Sri Lanka that are ideal to explore in the month of March.
Arugam Bay
One of the world’s most famous surfing destinations, Arugam Bay is on the eastern coast of Sri Lanka. While the surf season here typically peaks between June and September, March is a great time for those looking to enjoy quieter waters and fewer crowds.
It is popular for its laid-back vibe. Arugam Bay is perfect for both beginner and experienced surfers. Apart from surfing, you can visit the nearby area, including Muhudu Maha Viharaya, an ancient Buddhist temple, and Kumana National Park, renowned for birdwatching.
The weather in March is warm and inviting. Thus, it will allow you to relax on the beach, swim, or take a scenic boat ride through the nearby lagoons. March is also the perfect month to be around water bodies to avoid heat but enjoy the sunny side of this island country.
Hikkaduwa
On Sri Lanka’s southern coast, Hikkaduwa is a vibrant beach town famous for its coral reefs and lively atmosphere. March is one of the best months to visit Hikkaduwa, as the seas are calm and the weather is perfect for beach activities.
Hikkaduwa is all about nature and the natural beauty. So, if you want to spend some good time relaxing or connecting to yourself, Hikkaduwa is your place. For a more serene experience, take a boat ride on the Hikkaduwa Lagoon or visit the nearby Tsunami Honganji Vihara, a memorial dedicated to those affected by the 2004 tsunami.
You can snorkel or dive in the Hikkaduwa National Park and spot colorful fish, sea turtles, and vibrant coral formations. The Hikkaduwa Beach Festival is another highlight for those who love music and socializing. The town also offers plenty of beachfront cafes, bars, and restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood.
Nuwara Eliya
Visiting Sri Lanka and not planning to visit Little England? Located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka is one of the most beautiful hill stations called Nuwara Eliya. This picturesque town is a refreshing escape from the heat of the coast, making March a perfect time to visit.
Tea plantations surround Nuwara Eliya, and you can tour tea factories such as Pedro Tea Estate to learn about the island’s renowned Ceylon tea. The town itself offers attractions like Victoria Park, Lake Gregory, and the Hakgala Botanical Garden.
Do you enjoy hiking? Then a visit to Horton Plains National Park, just outside Nuwara Eliya, provides opportunities to explore World’s End, a dramatic cliff with breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and plains.
The month of March offers all the ideal conditions to make sure you have the best time in Nuwara Eliya and enjoy the hill station in its truest form. When it comes to views, Nuwara Eliya never disappoints.
Yala National Park
Yala National Park is one of Sri Lanka’s most famous wildlife reserves and is known for its dense population of leopards, elephants, and other wildlife. March falls during the dry season in Yala, making it an excellent time for wildlife sightings as animals gather around water sources.
It is better to book a guided safari through the park to spot leopards, elephants, crocodiles, and an array of bird species. Block 1 of Yala is the most popular area for leopard sightings, but the park’s diverse habitats, including forests, lagoons, and beaches, provide a wide variety of landscapes to explore.
You can also take a break from the safari and visit Kumana National Park, which is known for its birdlife. A visit to Patanangala Beach, located within the park, offers a serene experience amidst the wilderness.
Visiting Yala National Park is like entering another world. You will be completely surrounded by the wildlife, birds, fauna, the smell of soil, and sounds of nature. Sometimes this is the kind of detachment you need from the world.
Galle
The historic city of Galle is a must-visit destination for travelers interested in Sri Lanka’s colonial past. The main attraction of the city is Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later expanded by the Dutch.
March has pleasant weather for walking through the fort’s cobbled streets, exploring its well-preserved ramparts, and visiting key landmarks like the Galle Lighthouse, Dutch Reformed Church, and National Maritime Museum.
The fort also has boutique shops, cafes, and art galleries, making it a great place to relax and soak in the atmosphere. Just outside the fort, Unawatuna Beach provides an opportunity to unwind and enjoy the southern coastline. For nature lovers, a visit to the nearby Hiyare Rainforest offers a chance to explore Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity.
All you have to do is just enter the Galle area. From the beginning till the end, you will find your path to some amazing sites here. Get ready for some super touristy and aesthetic pictures.
Conclusion
This was it about the 5 places to visit in Sri Lanka in March.
If you are planning to visit Sri Lanka in the month of March, then you will get a perfect blend of beach adventures, cultural exploration, and wildlife safaris. From surfing at the Arugam bay to diving into the coral reefs of Hikkaduwa, you can do these both.
Also, from exploring the charm of Galle and enjoying the cool climate of Nuwara Eliya, even this can be included in your itinerary. Though you can visit Sri Lanka across the year but if you are planning for March, we have got you covered. Consider this article as your planning guide.
Contact Sri Lanka Tour Guides to visit Sri Lanka in March.
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