Discover the Heart of Sri Lanka During the Most Joyful Time of Year
Every April, Sri Lanka transforms. The air is filled with the scent of sweet kavum, the streets echo with the laughter of traditional games, and homes glow with the warmth of shared rituals (April New Year Holidays). The Sinhala and Tamil New Year—Avurudu and Puthandu—is more than a celebration; it is a soulful pause in the year to reflect, reconnect, and rejoice.
This special season is not just about family and festivity—it’s also the perfect opportunity to explore the beauty of Sri Lanka. Whether you are a local planning a domestic escape or a traveler visiting during this unique time, here’s your guide to a 10-day peaceful and meaningful New Year holiday trip around the island.
Day 1: Colombo – A Gentle Beginning
Begin your journey in Colombo, the vibrant capital that offers a soft landing into the holiday mood. As most residents head to their hometowns, the city becomes calm and easy to explore.
Things to do:
- Walk along Galle Face Green at sunset.
- Visit the Independence Square and Arcade for some quiet shopping.
- Enjoy a local dinner with Sri Lankan rice and curry.
Colombo sets the tone—urban but relaxed, festive but not overwhelming.
Day 2: Sigiriya – Ancient Wonder and Village Vibes
Travel to Sigiriya, home to the iconic Lion Rock. It’s more than a climb—it’s a journey through ancient engineering and art.
Must-do:
- Climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress in the early morning.
- Explore the Dambulla Cave Temple, filled with serene Buddha statues and colorful murals.
- Enjoy a village lunch or a bullock cart ride through Hiriwadunna.
This part of your journey connects you to Sri Lanka’s ancient heart.
Day 3: Kandy – Spiritual Energy and Avurudu Traditions
Next, head to the hill capital, Kandy, just in time for the Avurudu celebrations. Kandy’s spiritual atmosphere adds depth to the festivities.
Top activities:
- Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of Buddhism’s holiest sites.
- Join locals in celebrating Avurudu: watch or take part in games like kotta pora (pillow fighting) and onchillawa (swings).
- Try festive food like kiribath (milk rice), kokis, and mung kavum.
Staying at a local homestay or cultural hotel can provide a front-row seat to traditional rituals and blessings.
Day 4–5: Nuwara Eliya – April Blooms in “Little England”
During April, Nuwara Eliya is in full bloom—literally and figuratively. With its cool weather, flower gardens, and colonial charm, it’s the perfect setting to slow down and embrace the beauty of the season.
Top experiences:
- Stroll through Victoria Park during the April flower festival.
- Take a boat ride on Gregory Lake.
- Tour a tea factory and sip freshly brewed Ceylon tea.
- Visit Hakgala Botanical Gardens for stunning flora.
April is peak season in Nuwara Eliya, so expect joyful crowds, horse races, and evening fairs.
Day 6: Train to Ella – A Scenic Journey to Simplicity
Board the scenic train from Nanu Oya to Ella, one of the world’s most beautiful train rides. The slow journey through tea plantations, bridges, and tunnels offers uninterrupted views and serenity.
In Ella, check in to a hilltop guesthouse and watch the sun dip behind the mountains.
Day 7: Ella – Breathe in the Mountain Air
Ella is the epitome of chilled-out travel. It’s ideal for hiking, coffee, and stillness.
Explore:
- Hike Little Adam’s Peak or Ella Rock.
- Watch the Nine Arches Bridge as the train crosses.
- Visit Ravana Falls for a refreshing break.
The vibe here is youthful and laid-back, a great contrast to the high-energy Avurudu days.
Day 8–9: Mirissa or Hiriketiya – Ocean Escape
Head down south to the coast to end your trip with some sun and sea. Choose between:
- Mirissa: Ideal for a vibrant beach with nightlife, whale watching, and ocean breeze.
- Hiriketiya: A hidden gem, calmer and more suited for yoga, surfing, and long conversations by the shore.
What to do:
- Join a whale watching cruise in Mirissa (early morning).
- Surf or paddleboard in Hiriketiya’s protected bay.
- Enjoy a seafood dinner by candlelight.
After days of hiking and cultural immersion, the coast gives you space to rest and recharge.
Day 10: Return to Colombo – Farewell with Gratitude
Make your way back to Colombo—refreshed, inspired, and with a heart full of memories.
Before your departure:
- Grab some last-minute local treats like jaggery, kithul treacle, or spices.
- Visit a quiet temple to offer a final prayer for the year ahead.
Why Travel During Avurudu?
Many hesitate to travel during New Year thinking the country slows down—and while it does, that’s exactly the charm. Roads are quieter. Locals are more open. You’re invited into homes, into hearts, and into a tradition that celebrates simplicity, time, and community.
Travel Tips
- Book early: April is a holiday month and popular for local travel.
- Pack modest clothes for temples and layers for the hill country.
- Try local New Year foods: sweet meats like aluwa, aasmi, and unduwal are only available this season.
- Respect customs: Remove shoes at temples, dress appropriately, and be open to new experiences.
Route Summary – April New Year Holidays
- Colombo – Arrival and gentle start
- Sigiriya / Dambulla – Culture and ancient marvels
- Kandy – New Year celebrations and spiritual energy
- Nuwara Eliya – April season, flowers, and tea country
- Ella – Relaxation, hikes, and mountains
- Mirissa or Hiriketiya – Beach, ocean, and peace
- Colombo – Return and reflection
Final Thoughts – A New Year That Feels Different
Traveling during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year isn’t just a vacation—it’s a reconnection. To your roots, to the land, to the people. Sri Lanka, during Avurudu, is not about ticking off tourist boxes. It’s about living slower, eating sweeter, and smiling more.
From misty mountains to golden beaches, from ancient rituals to roaring waterfalls—let this 10-day journey welcome you into 2025 with meaning and peace.