April

April marks the beginning of Sri Lanka’s traditional New Year celebrations and the onset of the inter-monsoon season. With pleasant weather across much of the island, this month offers a fantastic mix of wildlife exploration, adventure sports, and cultural experiences.

National Park Private Safaris

April is still a good time to explore Sri Lanka’s national parks, although the first rains may begin to transform the landscape, creating lush, green vistas. Safaris in the following parks offer excellent wildlife viewing:

  • Wilpattu National Park: Known for its scenic lakes and quiet atmosphere, April offers a chance to spot leopards, deer, and birds.
  • Yala National Park: The dry weather continues, and animals can still be seen gathering around waterholes.
  • Udawalawe National Park: Elephants are easily spotted in large numbers, along with a variety of bird species.
  • Hurulu Eco Park: A great alternative to the larger parks, known for elephants and rich biodiversity.

Discovery Kitesurfing Course (Kalpitiya)

April is a transition period for kitesurfing in Kalpitiya as the winds may start to calm down. However, early in the month, conditions can still be good for beginners and those looking to refine their skills in the lagoons.

Deep Sea Fishing Boat Tour

April is an excellent time for deep-sea fishing, especially off the coasts of Trincomalee and Negombo. As the sea remains relatively calm, this month provides prime conditions to catch fish like tuna, marlin, and barracuda. The northern and eastern coasts, in particular, offer great opportunities as the fishing season peaks.

Scuba Diving

Scuba diving conditions remain excellent in April, particularly in areas like Hikkaduwa, Trincomalee, and Bentota. The waters are still clear, offering stunning visibility of coral reefs, underwater wildlife, and shipwrecks. As the season shifts, divers can enjoy a variety of vibrant marine life.

Snorkeling

April continues to provide ideal conditions for snorkeling in locations such as Kalpitiya, Hikkaduwa, and Trincomalee. Calm seas and good visibility make for relaxing underwater exploration, with opportunities to see turtles, tropical fish, and coral reefs.

Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

Dolphin watching remains a popular activity in Kalpitiya and Trincomalee during April. Guests can watch pods of dolphins playing and swimming near the boats, with the calm seas offering great visibility and a peaceful experience.

Whale Watching Boat Tour

April is a transitional month for whale watching on the southern coast. While the peak season winds down, it’s still possible to spot blue whales and sperm whales off the coast of Mirissa and Trincomalee as they migrate northward. Tours offer a thrilling chance to see these majestic creatures up close.

Hot Air Ballooning (Dambulla, Kandalama, Habarana, Sigiriya)

Early April is an excellent time for hot air ballooning over Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle before the inter-monsoon rains set in. Soar above the ancient landscapes of Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Habarana, taking in views of temples, rock formations, and dense forests from a unique perspective.

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