December

December is in any norm considered a time for celebrations, and likewise many celebrations are in store for visitors to Sri Lanka.

In the run up to Christmas and the New Year, the population await with glee for that time of the month. Christmas is celebrated with traditional trappings, religious festivals, concerts and parties all around town.

As the New Year beckons, partake in the many New Year parties at any of the prestigious hotels in Sri Lanka and ensure a good time.

Another religious event would be the Sangamittha Perehera, which falls on Unduvap full moon Poya day and commemorates the day by which Venerable Sangamittha, the daughter of Emperor Ashoka brought a branch of the Sacred Bo Tree to Sri Lanka. The Perehera, which is organised by Handala Rajamaha Viharaya in Handala, is a colourful procession, with elephant parades, dancers and awe-inspiring performances.

IS THIS SOMETHING YOU WANT TO DO?

National Bird Watching Month 2014

The tropical climate and exotic landscape of the paradise isle of Sri Lanka make it a true haven for bird watching enthusiasts. Home to more than 400 bird species with around 23 endemics and 200 migratory from India, Siberia, Scandinavia and Western Europe, the best time for bird watching enthusiasts to visit the island is  towards the latter part of the year. In fact the month of December has been declared as the National Bird Month by the Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka, the national affiliate of Bird Life International. There are many bird sanctuaries spread throughout the island including the Kumana National Park, the Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary, the Biodhinagala Sanctuary and Udawatte Kele among many others and many activities are organized during the National Bird Month for the public, exposing them to the treasures of bird life.