What is the approximate cost for activities in Sri Lanka during January?

Travelers can expect to pay between USD 50-100 for safaris at Yala National Park which includes transportation and guide services. Entry to the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress costs USD 30 while whale watching excursions from Mirissa run USD 45-60 per person. Most temple visits and cultural sites have modest entrance fees of USD 10-20. Being peak season prices for guided tours and activities tend to run slightly higher in January compared to other months.

What are the best regions to visit in Sri Lanka during January?

The Cultural Triangle which includes Sigiriya Dambulla and Polonnaruwa offers clear dry weather perfect for exploring ancient sites. The hill country around Nuwara Eliya and Ella provides comfortable temperatures for hiking and tea plantation visits. The southern coastal areas of Mirissa and Galle see minimal rainfall making them ideal for beach activities. The River Edge Nature Resort in Kandy serves as a central base for reaching multiple destinations.

What type of accommodation is available in Sri Lanka during January?

Peak season accommodations range from international luxury properties to local boutique hotels. Popular options include the Lavish Resort near Sigiriya's ancient fortress Thilanka Hotel in central Kandy and beachfront Jaga Bay Resort in Mirissa. As noted by a TourRadar traveler: "The Amba Estate in Ella was particularly memorable in January offering stunning mountain views and perfect weather for outdoor dining."

Are there any special festivals or events in Sri Lanka during January?

The month brings significant cultural celebrations including the Duruthu Perahera festival at Kelaniya Temple near Colombo featuring traditional dancers and decorated elephants. The Thai Pongal harvest festival fills central regions with colorful celebrations. Literary enthusiasts gather for the Galle Literary Festival making the historic fort area especially vibrant. Most beachfront hotels like The Long Beach Resort in Mirissa provide easy access to these cultural events.

What are the best beach destinations to visit in Sri Lanka during January?

The south and west coasts see their best weather in January. The Ekho Surf Hotel in Bentota and Coral Rock Resort in Hikkaduwa put visitors right on pristine beaches. Waters around Mirissa and Unawatuna remain calm and clear perfect for water activities. A recent TourRadar review noted: "The January weather made for perfect beach conditions in Bentota with clear waters and beautiful sunsets."

What wildlife can I see in Sri Lanka during January?

National parks across the country offer rich wildlife viewing opportunities. Yala National Park provides regular sightings of leopards elephants and diverse bird species. Elephant herds gather at Minneriya National Park while the waters near Mirissa host blue whale populations. According to a TourRadar visitor: "Our January safari at Yala let us see amazing wildlife including a leopard!"

Sri Lanka Tours in January 2027

10 best Sri Lanka trips in January 2027

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Handpicked adventures loved by our team
TourRadar Curated
Nature & Wildlife
Sri Lanka Winter Escape: Refreshingly Different 9-Day Comfort Journey
4.6 (7 reviews)
"ShowLanka organized the perfect trip for us. We enjoyed every bit of our time in Sri Lanka and can't wait to go back."
Djani, traveled in February
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Colombo, Negombo, Pinnawala, Peradeniya, Kandy,Knuckles Forest Reserve,Kitulgala,Adam's Peak/ Sri Pada,Hatton,Nanu Oya,Ella,Udawalawe National Park,Mirissa,Galle,Balapitiya+10 more
Age Range
Ages 20-50
Operated in
English
Operator
showlanka tours
24% Off
From $884
US$672per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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1 Jan, 2027
6 spaces left
2 Jan, 2027
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Nature & Wildlife
Sri Lanka Winter Explorer – Economy | 09 Days
5.0 (2 reviews)
"My driver was so tentative and caring. He took me everywhere I wanted to go, and even made a few personal recommendations regarding food & events."
Zali, traveled in March
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Colombo, Negombo, Pinnawala, Sigiriya, Hiriwadunna,Dambulla,Kandy,Peradeniya,Ramboda,Nuwara Eliya,Horton Plains National Park,Ella,Nanu Oya,Udawalawe National Park,Mirissa,Galle+11 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
showlanka tours
26% Off
From $860
US$636per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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1 Jan, 2027
6 spaces left
2 Jan, 2027
6 spaces left
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Ancient Wonders
Splendours of Sri Lanka
4.6 (73 reviews)
"We had an unforgettable time on a safari in Minneriya National Park. Hotels were comfortable and the guides were very informative."
Colin, traveled in December
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Colombo, Negombo, Pinnawala, Peradeniya, Sigiriya,Anuradhapura,Polonnaruwa,Dambulla,Matale,Kandy,Nuwara Eliya,Bandarawela,Kataragama,Galle,Bentota+10 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, German,Italian,Portuguese,French,Spanish,Dutch,Russian+6 more
Operator
Passage Holidays
50% Off
From $3,174
US$1,587per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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1 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
2 Jan, 2027
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Safari
8-Day Safe & Comfortable Sri Lanka Tour for Female Travelers (Winter Edition)
5.0 (1 review)
"Our Showlanka tour has been nothing but brilliant and we have enjoyed every location, every trek and every waterfall visited!"
Ayondip, traveled in February
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Colombo, Negombo, Pinnawala, Dambulla, Sigiriya,Pidurangala,Hiriwadunna,Kandy,Peradeniya,Ramboda,Nuwara Eliya,Horton Plains National Park,Nanu Oya,Ella,Udawalawe National Park,Mirissa,Galle,Balapitiya+13 more
Age Range
Ages 18-50
Operated in
English
Operator
showlanka tours
20% Off
From $566
US$453per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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1 Jan, 2027
6 spaces left
2 Jan, 2027
6 spaces left
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Nature & Wildlife
The Royal Route – Winter Heritage & Nature Expedition|15 days
4.3 (3 reviews)
"Sri Lanka is amazing, a little must-see jewel. And this tour with showlanka is a really convenient way of seeing the best places and hidden gems."
Johanna, traveled in January
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Colombo, Negombo, Yapahuwa, Anuradhapura, Mihintale,Ritigala Strict Natural Reserve,Sigiriya,Polonnaruwa,Hiriwadunna,Dambulla,Kandy,Peradeniya,Nuwara Eliya,Horton Plains National Park,Nanu Oya,Ella,Yala National Park,Mirissa,Galle,Balapitiya,Kosgoda+16 more
Age Range
Ages 6+
Operated in
English
Operator
showlanka tours
22% Off
From $1,248
US$973per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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1 Jan, 2027
6 spaces left
2 Jan, 2027
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City & Culture
Wonderland Highlights 12 Days [Budget] Winter
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Colombo, Negombo, Pinnawala, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa,Hiriwadunna,Dambulla,Kandy,Peradeniya,Kitulgala,Adam's Peak/ Sri Pada,Nuwara Eliya,Horton Plains National Park,Ella,Yala,Yala National Park,Dikwella,Mirissa,Galle,Balapitiya+15 more
Age Range
Ages 6+
Operated in
English, Italian
Operator
showlanka tours
23% Off
From $1,055
US$812per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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1 Jan, 2027
6 spaces left
2 Jan, 2027
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Ancient Wonders
Semi-Luxury Travel Sri Lanka
4.8 (41 reviews)
"Awesome job both made our trip exceptional."
Angela, traveled in March
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Negombo, Kurunegala, Dambulla, Pasikuda, Polonnaruwa,Sigiriya,Mahiyanganaya,Kandy,Nuwara Eliya,Ella,Yala National Park,Hambantota,Mirissa,Galle,Bentota,Colombo+11 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, German,Italian,Spanish,Dutch+3 more
Operator
BH Lanka Tours
23% Off
From
US$1,000per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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1 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
2 Jan, 2027
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Safari
Glamour Of Sri Lanka - Deluxe
4.6 (23 reviews)
"Fantastic tour. We had the best time."
Ann, traveled in November
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Colombo, Pasikuda, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella,Mirissa+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, German,Italian,Spanish,Dutch+3 more
Operator
BH Lanka Tours
23% Off
From
US$2,210per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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1 Jan, 2027
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2 Jan, 2027
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Safari
Sri Lanka Deluxe Travels
4.8 (31 reviews)
"A fantastic trip of 14 days travelling across Sri Lanka in our group of 10. Highly Recommend."
Jeff, traveled in January
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Negombo, Sigiriya, Dambulla, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella,Udawalawe National Park,Matara,Mirissa,Galle,Colombo+5 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, German,Italian,Spanish+2 more
Operator
BH Lanka Tours
23% Off
From
US$1,440per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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1 Jan, 2027
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2 Jan, 2027
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City & Culture
Sri Lanka Backpacker Adventure – 12 Days Budget Small Group Tour
4.6 (183 reviews)
"We appreciated the reliable schedules and the professionalism of the drivers, even on a budget tour."
Eva, traveled in November
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Negombo, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Pidurangala, Habarana, Kandy,Nanu Oya,Ella,Udawalawe National Park,Mirissa,Weligama,Galle,Colombo+7 more
Age Range
Ages 18-50
Operated in
English, German,Italian,French,Spanish+3 more
Operator
Panoramic Tour & Travels
20% Off
From $2,217
US$1,773per person
Price based on Shared Room
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2 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
9 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
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Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
Safari
Splendour of Sri Lanka - (8 Days and 7 Nights tour in Sri Lanka)
4.8 (329 reviews)
"We saw mountains, lion rock , safaris, aruvedic massages, train trips , lovely temples."
Marise, traveled in April
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Colombo, Negombo, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya,Ella,Yala National Park,Tissamaharama,Mirissa,Galle,Bentota,Hikkaduwa+7 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Operated in
English, German
Operator
Beauty Lanka Travels
23% Off
From $558
US$430per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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8 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
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Safari
Splendour Of Sri Lanka (7 Days) Upgrade to Private Tour Available
4.8 (146 reviews)
"Followed the itinerary well and adjusted to our needs."
Joy, traveled in June
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Colombo, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Kaudulla National Park,Matale,Kandy,Peradeniya,Ramboda,Nuwara Eliya,Nanu Oya,Ella,Tissamaharama,Yala National Park,Udawalawe National Park,Mirissa,Galle,Negombo+13 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Operated in
English
Operator
Beauty Lanka Travels
10% Off
From $495
US$446per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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1 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
2 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
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Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
Safari
Lifetime Experience In Sri Lanka
4.8 (224 reviews)
"The variety of culture, wildlife and adventure was perfect for our family. It was a true lifetime experience."
Chris, traveled in April
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Negombo, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Yala, Matara,Galle,Bentota,Colombo+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, German,Italian,Spanish+2 more
Operator
BH Lanka Tours
10% Off
From
US$1,505per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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1 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
2 Jan, 2027
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City & Culture
Best Touch Of Sri Lanka
4.7 (67 reviews)
"Sri Lanka provided many great experiences, such vast array of landscapes and views. The food including a cooking demonstration, wildlife from small colourful birds to huge elephants, and the friendly helpful people gave us an experience we will never forg"
Markus, traveled in February
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Negombo, Anuradhapura, Dambulla, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella,Yala,Mirissa,Hikkaduwa,Bentota,Colombo+5 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, German,Italian,Spanish+2 more
Operator
Capital Lanka Tours
25% Off
From $1,670
US$1,253per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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1 Jan, 2027
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2 Jan, 2027
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Safari
Sri Lanka 14 Days All in one Classic Tour
4.6 (95 reviews)
"We saw many of the country's most important cultural, scenic and recreational highlights and gained a very good impression of the island's diversity."
Dirk, traveled in February
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Colombo, Pinnawala, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa,Anuradhapura,Kandy,Nuwara Eliya,Ella,Tissamaharama,Tangalle,Mirissa,Galle,Bentota+9 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, German,Italian,French+2 more
Operator
Mango Vacations
15% Off
From $1,220
US$1,037per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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1 Jan, 2027
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2 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
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