The Emerald Season in Sri Lanka, spanning from April to November, offers a unique blend of cultural festivities, wildlife spectacles, and serene escapes. Lush greenery blankets the countryside, wildlife thrives, and cultural celebrations abound following a rainfall period that rejuvenates the landscape, transforming it into a vibrant oasis.
This is the perfect time to explore Sri Lanka’s rich traditions – from the Sinhala & Tamil New Year to colourful harvest festivals – while enjoying quiet game drives, peaceful beaches and cool highland escapes. This season invites visitors to immerse themselves in the authentic charm of the island, together with its great sense of peace and tranquillity. During the Emerald Season, our Resplendent Ceylon resorts come alive with a range of unique cultural and wildlife experiences for guests of all ages.
Reasons to visit Sri Lanka during the Emerald Season
April
Every April, Sri Lanka celebrates the Sinhala & Tamil New Year with vibrant festivities. It’s a time for Sri Lankans to relive traditions, gather with loved ones, wear colourful attire, and enjoy traditional food, games, and more.
At Ceylon Tea Trails, Wild Coast Tented Lodge, Cape Weligama, Kayaam House, and Ahu Bay, experience the joy of traditional Avurudu (New Year) games this festive season.
April to October
Sri Lanka is a year-round surf destination with waves for every season. While the south coast, including Weligama, offers ideal conditions throughout the year, the east coast, featuring destinations like Arugam Bay, takes centre stage from May to October.
May
In May, Sri Lanka celebrates Vesak, honouring Lord Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and the attainment of nirvana. The island lights up with vibrant lanterns and decorations, embodying the spirit of Vesak.
At Ceylon Tea Trails, from 3 May until the end of the month, join us to celebrate World Leopard Day with special awareness programmes, highlighting the hill country leopard along with the Peak Ridge Forest Corridor.
At Wild Coast Tented Lodge, add eco-friendly touches to your Vesak lanterns, thereby creating a unique, sustainable flair. Celebrate World Leopard Day with awareness programmes focusing on Yala’s leopards.
At Cape Weligama, Ahu Bay and Kayaam House, take part in the festivities by crafting your own vibrant lantern to bring even more colour to our Vesak pavilion.
June
Poson, celebrated in June, marks the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka in the third century. Throughout the month, the island unites to offer free food and essentials from a range of roadside stalls.
At Ceylon Tea Trails, Wild Coast Tented Lodge, Cape Weligama, Ahu Bay, and Kayaam House, meaningful items are distributed to local communities – and you’re welcome to join us or bring your own donations for those in need.
July
From May to July, Sri Lanka’s ‘Palu’ Season draws Sloth Bears to feast on the island’s ripe fruit, often leading to amusing, intoxicated behaviour.
At Wild Coast Tented Lodge, celebrate the Sri Lankan Sloth Bear with daily educational programmes and themed decor.
August
Celebrate the holiday season in August with specially curated kids’ activities at all our Resplendent Ceylon resorts. At Ceylon Tea Trails, Wild Coast Tented Lodge, Cape Weligama, Ahu Bay, and Kayaam House, tailored activities are designed to create lasting memories for your children.
September
From July to September, witness one of the largest Asian elephant congregations, “The Gathering,” at the Minneriya National Park.
At Ceylon Tea Trails, Wild Coast Tented Lodge and Cape Weligama, in celebration of World Elephant Day on 12 August, daily educational programmes feature throughout the months of August and into September to honour these majestic creatures. Additionally, Cape Weligama, Ahu Bay, and Kayaam House offer private game drives at Udawalawe National Park, via a special supplement.
Further east, in Gal Oya National Park, you’re encouraged to take a lake cruise between the months of July and September, for the opportunity it provides to witness elephants and other wildlife swimming around the lake beds.
October
The month of October is known as Diwali, or the festival of lights, which symbolises the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. It is a time for families to come together to light oil lamps, and decorate their homes with colourful rangolis.
At Ceylon Tea Trails, Wild Coast Tented Lodge, Cape Weligama, Ahu Bay, and Kayaam House, join us each evening to light oil lamps and enjoy delightful sweets in celebration of Diwali.
November
November marks the start of the migratory bird season, with a variety of species flocking to the island to nest. Experience exceptional bird-watching opportunities across Sri Lanka.
At Ceylon Tea Trails, enjoy bird watching while hiking or kayaking on the Castlereagh Lake.
At Wild Coast Tented Lodge, the included game drive presents an excellent viewing opportunity for birders. Otherwise, go on either an optional excursion to Bundala National Park, or take a guided nature walk to observe the local wildlife.
At Cape Weligama, Ahu Bay, and Kayaam House, the resort offers bird-watching excursions and hiking adventures for guests who are keenly into nature.
To find out more, email reservations@resplendentceylon.com
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