Sri Lanka is bouncing back quickly after Cyclone Ditwah. While some central and northern areas were badly affected, the south coast and Cultural Triangle (Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, Dambulla) are ready for tourists. The country is fully prepared for Christmas and New Year holidays.
Areas Hit by the Cyclone
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Central, North-Western, and Uva provinces were heavily damaged with landslides, floods, and infrastructure damage.
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South Coast (Bentota, Galle, Tangalle) was mostly unaffected, so it’s perfect for beach holidays.
Travel and Transport
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Roads and highways are mostly open, including Colombo to Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Sigiriya, and the South Coast.
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Southern Expressway links Colombo Airport to Galle, Mirissa, Tangalle, and Tissamaharama.
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Trains in central hills (like Kandy to Ella) are still disrupted. Coastal train routes (Colombo to Galle) are operational.
Weather in December
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Central highlands may have occasional rain and flood warnings.
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South Coast enjoys sunny weather with scattered light showers.
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North and East will continue experiencing monsoon rains until February.
Hotels and Accommodation
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Most hotels are open, some temporarily closed have now reopened.
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Resorts are offering Christmas menus, guided experiences, and special packages.
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Prices are competitive, with added value like upgrades and curated activities.
Where to Go
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South Coast: Bentota, Galle, Ahangama, Weligama, Mirissa, Hiriketiya. Perfect for beaches, surfing, whale watching, historic walks, and rainforest hikes.
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National Parks: Yala (leopards), Udawalawe (elephants), Bundala (migratory birds). Roads may be bumpy, so expect minor delays.
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Cultural Triangle: Sigiriya, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla – great for history and temples.
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Ella: Mountain town with hikes, waterfalls, and the Nine Arch Bridge; accessible from South Coast.
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Colombo: Life is back to normal; restaurants, bars, and markets are open for festive shopping.
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Jaffna: Northern heritage city with boutique hotels and colonial forts; flights from Chennai available.
Places to Avoid
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Central highlands: Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Horton Plains, Knuckles Mountain Range – still recovering from landslides and floods.
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North and East coasts: Arugam Bay, Nilaveli – heavy rains make beach activities less ideal.
Tips for Travelers
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Be flexible with plans, especially for safaris and hikes.
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Wear quick-dry clothes, waterproof shoes, and carry rain jackets and dry bags.
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Track official updates via Sri Lanka Tourism, Newswire, and road-lk.org.
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Indian tourists can currently travel with free ETA; visa-free travel will start in January 2026.