Planning a trip to Sri Lanka in March? You’ve picked a fantastic time! With warm sunshine, low rainfall, and pleasant conditions across most of the island, March is perfect for exploring Sri Lanka’s beaches, cultural gems, and lush hills. At Mahaweli Tours & Holidays, we’ve been curating unforgettable journeys since 2009, and we’re excited to share our expertly designed ‘Sri Lanka March Itinerary’ for 7 days. Based in Kandy and backed by over 15 years of experience, we’ve crafted this itinerary to showcase the best of Sri Lanka while aligning with March’s ideal weather patterns. Let’s dive into your week-long adventure!
Why March is Perfect for This Itinerary
March brings dry, sunny days to the southwest coast (30°C-33°C), crisp hill country air (20°C-25°C), and minimal rain in the Cultural Triangle (30°C-34°C), making it a prime time for a diverse tour. The east coast is still winding down its wet season, so we’ll focus on the southwest, central hills, and north—regions where Mahaweli’s local knowledge shines.
Sri Lanka March Itinerary: 7 Days at a Glance
This 7-day itinerary balances relaxation, culture, and nature, with comfortable travel times and Mahaweli’s signature personalized service. Here’s your plan:
Day 1: Arrival in Colombo & Transfer to Galle
– Where: Land at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) and head to Galle (3-hour drive).
– Why: The southwest coast is dry and sunny in March, with temperatures around 30°C-33°C and humidity at 70%-85%. Galle’s historic charm and beaches are irresistible this month.
– What to Do: Explore Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and unwind at Unawatuna Beach.
– Stay: A cozy guesthouse or beachfront hotel in Galle.
– Mahaweli Tip: Our air-conditioned vehicles make the airport transfer a breeze—book with us for a smooth start!
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Day 2: Galle to Mirissa – Whale Watching & Beach Time
– Where: Drive to Mirissa (1-hour drive).
– Why: March’s calm seas and low rainfall (50-80 mm) make it peak season for whale watching on the south coast.
– What to Do: Join a morning whale-watching tour to spot blue whales and dolphins, then relax on Mirissa Beach.
– Stay: Overnight in Mirissa.
– Mahaweli Tip: We’ll arrange your boat trip and recommend the best beachside spots for sunset.
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Day 3: Mirissa to Yala National Park – Wildlife Safari
– Where: Travel to Yala (2.5-hour drive).
– Why: Dry weather (30-60 mm rainfall) in the southeast boosts wildlife visibility in Yala, one of Sri Lanka’s top national parks. Temperatures hit 30°C-34°C, perfect for an afternoon safari.
– What to Do: Embark on a 4×4 safari to see leopards, elephants, and crocodiles.
– Stay: A safari lodge or hotel near Yala.
– Mahaweli Tip: Our expert guides know the best safari routes—trust us for an unforgettable experience.
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Day 4: Yala to Ella – Scenic Hill Country
– Where: Drive to Ella (3-hour drive).
– Why: The hill country in March offers cooler temperatures (20°C-25°C daytime, 14°C-17°C at night) and short showers (100-150 mm) that keep the tea estates vibrant.
– What to Do: Visit Nine Arches Bridge and hike Little Adam’s Peak for stunning views.
– Stay: A charming guesthouse in Ella.
– Mahaweli Tip: Pack a light jacket for the chilly evenings—we’ll handle the logistics.
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Day 5: Ella to Kandy – Train Ride & Cultural Heart
– Where: Take the scenic train to Kandy (6-7 hours, included in our packages).
– Why: The Kandy-Ella train ride is a bucket-list experience, and March’s weather (20°C-25°C, light showers) enhances the misty hill views. Kandy, our home base, is a cultural gem.
– What to Do: Visit the Temple of the Tooth and stroll around Kandy Lake.
– Stay: A hotel or homestay in Kandy.
– Mahaweli Tip: We’ll secure your train tickets and meet you at Kandy station.
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Day 6: Kandy to Sigiriya – Ancient Wonders
– Where: Drive to Sigiriya (2.5-hour drive).
– Why: The Cultural Triangle is hot (31°C-34°C) but dry in March (30-60 mm rainfall), ideal for exploring ancient sites.
– What to Do: Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress and visit Dambulla Cave Temples (1-hour drive from Sigiriya).
– Stay: Overnight in Sigiriya or Habarana.
– Mahaweli Tip: Start early to avoid the midday heat—our guides will share the sites’ rich history.
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Day 7: Sigiriya to Colombo – Departure
– Where: Return to Colombo (4-hour drive).
– Why: Wrap up your trip with a quick city stop before your flight.
– What to Do: Shop for souvenirs in Pettah Market or relax at Galle Face Green.
– Mahaweli Tip: We’ll time your transfer to CMB perfectly, ensuring a stress-free departure.
Why Choose This Sri Lanka March Itinerary?
This itinerary maximizes March’s weather advantages:
– Southwest Coast: Dry and sunny for beaches and whale watching.
– Hill Country: Cool and lush for scenic escapes.
– Cultural Triangle: Dry and warm for historical exploration.
– Avoids: The east coast (e.g., Trincomalee), where March’s lingering rain (100-120 mm) and choppy seas make it less ideal.
With 8-10 hours of daily sunshine and light winds (10-15 km/h), you’ll enjoy comfortable travel conditions throughout.
Packing Essentials for Your Sri Lanka March Itinerary
– Lightweight clothing for the coast and plains.
– A sweater for Ella and Kandy’s cool nights.
– Sunscreen and a hat—UV levels are high.
– Comfortable shoes for Sigiriya and Ella hikes.
– A small umbrella for brief hill country showers.
Book Your Sri Lanka March Itinerary with Mahaweli Tours & Holidays
Ready to experience this expertly crafted ‘Sri Lanka March Itinerary’? With over 15 years of trusted service, Mahaweli Tours & Holidays offers personalized tours, a fleet of air-conditioned vehicles, and knowledgeable guides to bring this 7-day adventure to life. From airport pickups to hotel bookings, we’ve got every detail covered.
Contact us at info@mahaweli.lk or WhatsApp +94 777 111 553 to customize and book your March 2025 trip today. Let’s make your Sri Lankan holiday a masterpiece!