Sri Lanka Itinerary for March: Perfect 7-14 Day Routes & Weather Guide

Let us tell you why March is one of the best times to visit Sri Lanka. 

You know how some places have that awkward in-between season. Where it’s either too hot, too rainy, or just plain unpredictable? 

Well, visiting Sri Lanka in March hits that sweet spot. 

Whereas the monsoon rainy showers have typically moved on from the popular southern and western coasts. By leaving behind perfect beach weather conditions. 

Meanwhile, the cultural area in the country isn’t under the intense summer heat yet.

In fact, March offers a wonderful magical balance where you can enjoy morning temple visits without melting in the heat. Then hit the beaches in the afternoon when those are still pleasantly warm. 

Anyway, what makes March particularly special is how it sits perfectly between peak tourist seasons. 

Where you would get all the good weather conditions of the high season without the craziness of the December-January crowd vibes. 

To be honest, it’s like that nature decided to give travelers a break with just-right conditions across the island.

Sri Lanka’s Weather in March: What to Expect

Now, let’s break down how March treats different parts of this leaf-shaped island. 

On the west and south coasts – as in Colombo, Galle, and Mirissa – you can expect classic tropical beach weather conditions. 

In fact, these areas see fewer periods of rainfall, with bright blue skies most days. 

Whereas early mornings bring refreshing windy vibes that are perfect for beach walks. While afternoons might get slightly humid but never unbearable.

Heading up to the Cultural Triangle – Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Anuradhapura – March brings warmer days than other months, but it’s still quite manageable over there. 

Speaking of which, mornings are absolutely gorgeous for climbing ancient ruins, though by noon, you’ll want to find a good shelter spot. 

Anyway, the good news is that these sites usually have plenty of natural cover from surrounding trees by making mid-day exploration more comfortable than you’d expect.

Moving on, up in the hill part of the country around Nuwara Eliya and Ella, March turns these already cool regions into something truly special. 

As in you’ll find daytime temperature figures that go around a pleasant 20°C by making tea plantation tours delightful. 

On the other hand, the East Coast tells a different story in March. 

Whereas areas like Trincomalee and Arugam Bay start transitioning into their dry season, but occasional showers can still happen. 

While it is not ideal for beach activities, these regions offer excellent value for accommodation by making these spots perfect for those who prefer quieter explorations. 

7-Day Sri Lanka Itinerary for March

Alright, let’s talk about the week-long adventure along Sri Lanka’s stunning west and south coasts. 

In this case, we always recommend starting in Colombo, even if it’s just for a quick overnight stay. 

The reason for that is it gives you time to adjust and maybe catch a sunset at Galle Face Green before heading out early the next morning. 

Trust us, starting your trip with some beach vibes sets the perfect tone for the week ahead.

With that being said, day two should be all about hitting the road to Galle. 

Anyway, make sure to stop at the Kalutara Bodhiya, which is a massive sacred bo tree that’s absolutely breathtaking. 

So, once in Galle, spend your afternoon by exploring the fort walls and checking out the boutique shops nearby. 

Then, stay overnight here because waking up inside the fort is an experience in itself. 

Half Way

Afterwards, on the next morning, take a tuk-tuk ride to Unawatuna Beach for some proper relaxation time.

Moving on, by day four, head south to Mirissa. 

Whereas this beach town is where you’ll want to spend the next couple of days. 

So, take your pick from beachfront cafes that serve fresh coconut water, or book a whale-watching tour as March is a prime time for spotting blue whales. 

Once you’ve got that experience, on day six, make your way to Bentota. 

Trust us, this area has some amazing turtle conservation projects worth visiting. 

Anyway, to get some action, spend your afternoon by floating down the Bentota River on a boat safari, where it’s especially peaceful in March when the water waves are calm and clear. 

Then, finally, wrap up your trip with a final night back in Colombo by treating yourself to some street food at the Pettah Market before catching your flight back to your home. 

10-Day Sri Lanka Itinerary for March

If you’ve got ten days to spare, let’s mix things up with a perfect blend of culture and beach time. 

So, in this case, start your journey in Kandy, which is the cultural spot of Sri Lanka. 

Where you can spend your first couple of days by exploring the Temple of the Tooth and having a peaceful walk around the Kandy Lake. 

Trust us, since March often brings cooler evenings here, it is quite perfect for enjoying traditional Kandyan dance performances. 

Plus, don’t miss the local markets as these are full of fresh vegetables, fruits and fascinating handmade crafts.

Then, from Kandy, head north to Sigiriya and Dambulla. 

Speaking of which, wake up early on your third day to climb Sigiriya Rock – trust us, doing it in the morning means you will have the opportunity to feel the cool weather with fewer tourists around. 

Afterwards, visit the Golden Temple of Dambulla, where ancient cave paintings and Buddha statues may take you to another world. 

So, once you are here, spend your fourth night in Habarana, where you can arrange an evening jeep safari to Minneriya National Park. 

Believe us, March is fantastic for elephant sightings here as herds gather at the reservoir.

Half Way

Moving on, on day five, make your way to Polonnaruwa. 

With that, to make your journey adventurous, make sure to rent bicycles to explore these incredible ancient ruins by cycling between temples and palaces that gives you the Indiana Jones kind of vibe. 

Next, by day seven, head south to Nuwara Eliya for a complete change of scenery. 

As in you can spend a day by visiting tea plantations and learning about Ceylon tea production. Which we must add that Sri Lanka is most famous for. 

Finally, wrap up your trip with three nights on the south coast. 

In fact, you can stay at Unawatuna or Mirissa, where you can change your interest between beach days and cultural excursions. 

On top of that, you can also visit Galle Fort for its colonial charm, try surfing lessons in Weligama, or simply watch the sunset with a cold Lion beer in hand to end your trip in a unique way.

14-Day Sri Lanka Itinerary for March

For those who are lucky enough to have two weeks, let’s make an itinerary that includes adventure and island exploration that’ll leave you with memories for a lifetime. 

So, as in most cases, start your journey in Colombo by spending a day or two in order to get the real vibe of the city in Sri Lanka. 

On the other hand, be sure to visit the Gangaramaya Temple in the morning to learn about the country’s cultural aspects.

Next, head straight to the Cultural Triangle. 

Where you can spend three full days by exploring Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Polonnaruwa at a leisurely pace. 

Then, use Dambulla as your base and take day trips to each site. 

Trust us, the weather here in March is perfect for those ancient adventures.

Speaking of which, it is warm enough to feel the tropical heat but not scorching hot as in Middle Eastern countries. 

Plus, don’t forget to visit Anuradhapura too. This is because its sacred Bodhi tree and ancient stupas are worth every minute.

Half Way

Next, after soaking up the history, head to Kandy for two nights. 

Meanwhile, time your visit to catch the evening puja ceremonies at the Temple of the Tooth. 

Afterwards, from Kandy, make your way to Nuwara Eliya via a scenic train ride. 

In fact, spend three days here by splitting your time between Nuwara Eliya and Ella. 

Also, don’t forget to go for a hike at Little Adam’s Peak, as the weather conditions in March make it pure joy.

With all that, finally, finish strong with four nights on the south coast. 

Whereas make sure to split your time between Mirissa and Galle by using those as the main areas to explore nearby beaches and attractions. 

Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka in March

Colombo

Colombo might surprise you with its urban charm. Whereas the city comes alive in the evenings when the humidity drops by making it perfect for rooftop dining and sunset walks along Galle Face Green. 

Kandy

Kandy takes center stage in March with its cultural festivals. Speaking of which, the highlight is definitely the Maha Sivarathri, even though Esela perehara is still an event that takes place in July or August. 

Sigiriya and Dambulla 

Sigiriya and Dambulla showcase Sri Lanka’s ancient wonders beautifully in March. In fact, the frescoes at Sigiriya look particularly fascinating against clear blue skies, while Dambulla’s cave temples stay refreshingly cool throughout the day. 

Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya becomes a magical cool-climate paradise in March. Speaking of which, the tea fields look impossibly green after the winter rainy showers, and the weather’s perfect for long walks through the plantations. 

Yala National Park

Yala National Park offers some wildlife spotting opportunities in March. In fact, the dry season means you will get the opportunity to see animals that gather around watering holes by increasing your chances of seeing leopards, elephants, and sloth bears. 

Mirissa and Unawatuna

Down south, Mirissa and Unawatuna compete for the title of “best beach” in March. As a matter of fact, both offer calm water waves that are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding. Plus, Mirissa’s known for its whale watching tours, while Unawatuna provides a more relaxed vibe with excellent restaurants lining its crescent-shaped bay. 

March Travel Tips for Sri Lanka

Let’s talk about practical stuff to make your March trip much more enjoyable. 

So, first of all, avoid the crowded areas. 

Here’s a little secret: Weekdays are your best option, especially when visiting popular places like Sigiriya or Galle Fort. This is because most tour groups stick to weekends, so plan your major sightseeing for Tuesday through Thursday. 

In addition to that, early mornings are another scheduling strategy, as it not only allows you to avoid people, but you also get that soft morning light, which is perfect for photos.

When it comes to packing, always think of lightweight clothing, but don’t forget some overcoats for the hill part of the country. 

Plus, a good sun hat and sunglasses are essential, especially for those beach days. 

Moreover, pack a compact rain jacket too – while March is generally dry, quick showers can still surprise you. 

With that, comfortable walking shoes are a must, even if you’re mostly hitting beaches. Trust us, temple floors and ancient ruins aren’t exactly flip-flop friendly.

Speaking of temples, remember to pack clothing that covers shoulders and knees. 

For instance, a sarong or a large scarf works perfectly for covering up when needed. 

Finally, keep an eye on festival dates because Sri Lanka loves its celebrations. 

Whereas these colorful events feature dancers, drummers, and elaborately decorated elephants as well. 

Well, there you go. A perfect itinerary that is specifically suitable for the month of March.

Speaking of which, March truly gives you the best of Sri Lanka without the extremes, as in no monsoon downpours, no scorching summer heat, and none of the overwhelming holiday crowd. 

It’s like the island is rolling out the red carpet just for you.

Therefore, whether you’re sipping Ceylon tea in Nuwara Eliya, hiking at Sigiriya’s ancient rock fortress, or watching the sunset at Mirissa, every moment feels special. 

And let’s not forget the little things that make Sri Lanka unforgettable—the warm smiles from locals, the irresistible smell of street food wafting through Colombo’s streets, and the sound of waves lapping against the shore as you relax after a day of exploring.

So go ahead, pack that bag with sunscreen, a sarong, and an open mind. Trust us, by the time you leave, you’ll already be dreaming of your next visit. 

After all, once you experience the magic of this island in March, it’s hard not to fall in love all over again.

Contact Travelco Leisure to get Sri Lanka itinerary for March.

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