East Sri Lanka in August with baby

Hi. We%26#39;re thinking about going to Sri Lanka for 3 weeks in August with a 19 month baby. I%26#39;ve heard that the east coast isn%26#39;t affected by the monsoon in August. We want a simple family beach cabana under some palms, no resorts, local vibe and swimming in the sea has to be suitable for a baby so no surf. We like to taste local food with the locals and stay in fairly low key locations with no traffic or pollution. Any suggestions?

East Sri Lanka in August with baby

Hi Squeel

Actually, the weather in Sri Lanka in August is pretty good .. it%26#39;s the next best time to the peak Dec - March season to visit.

Don%26#39;t feel restricted to the east coast .. beaches on the south coast would suit your requirements very well. There are lots of nice cabana type places to stay at in this area .. look at Tangalle for example. Palm Paradise Cabanas springs to mind, but there are others aswell. Can%26#39;t guarantee that there will be no waves because much of the sea surrounding Sri Lanka can be lively at times and conditions from day to day varies as much as the weather! Better to find a place with a small pool if this is a major consideration for you.

Are you only interested in a beach holiday for three weeks? Some of my favourite places are inland, well away from major roads and are very beautiful indeed. I can give you details if you want a two centre holiday maybe ..?

Sue

East Sri Lanka in August with baby

Hi,

Did you read UK FCO travel advice for Sri Lanka?

fco.gov.uk/en/鈥ri-lanka

Does this leave the only places with some infrastructure for tourism in the East, Pottuvil and Arugam Bay in the clear? Not sure. They both south of A4.

Before you decide to go there better consult whether your travel insurance will you going there.

I agree with Sue regarding weather and beaches on the south coast, but Hikkaduwa also has a beach protected by a coral reef.

Hans

Hans

Hi again

I wanted to mention Hikkaduwa because I also liked it there very much .. swimming with the turtles on that reef protected bit of beach was a great experience. I just thought the close proximity of the busy Galle Road might make it a no-go for your family ...

Thanks for your reply. So the south is ok to travel in August. I would prefer to stay near Tangalle if weather permits. I would hate to be rained in though. I would love to visit some places inland if you have some recommendations. My partner has severe arachnophobia which is always an issue when we travel inland to lush areas.

If you choose South, you%26#39;re only 3-4 hours away from a magnificent area: the Ella-Haputale mountain ridge. Not lush as it%26#39;s upto 1500 m altitude, so probably also okay for your partner%26#39;s disease. Quite nice vistas and waterfalls, and tea plantations. Better make an overnight journey to it with a stay in a local guesthouse, like all travels in Lanka this one too can be tiring. The road climb from sea level upto the mountains (at either Ella or Haputale), with tons of S-curves, is wonderful as are the vistas up there.

Have fun,

%26lt;Erik%26gt; %26amp; [Sandya]

Oh dear .. cannot guarantee no spiders I%26#39;m afraid. But that%26#39;s the same anywhere. And cabanas tend to have a few creepy crawlies wandering in from time to time, mainly a few ants! We find they seem to take the hint when you move in and most of them move out (MOST of them ...!)

You will not be rained out in August. You might get the occasional downpour .. you might not, but most of the time you will have hot sunshine. Well, I hope you do because we will be back in Sri Lanka right then as well!

If you can overcome it, look at places like Tulip of Ceylon near Mawanella (assuming it is up and running again fairly soon). It is an idyllic jungle oasis with a lovely pool, miles from a busy road, some of the best local cooking you will ever experience and fabulous walks and scenery! The accommodation is fairly simple, but well thought out and comfortable .. the sort of thing you are looking for I reckon. Take a look at my review and see the photos.

Don%26#39;t forget the hillcountry either with some amazing places and views to die for. As far from a ';resort'; as you are ever likely to get.

Sue

Try Mirissa - one of the nicest beaches on the island. Will be very quiet at that time of year but still lovely.