This is the month where the focus really starts to shift from the resorts of the south and west to the beaches of the east. Swimming in the sea along the south and west coastlines is usually discouraged during this period as winds that accompany the monsoon can create large waves. The Vesak Full Moon Poya Day, or Festival of Lights, is celebrated in May.
The week-long Vesak festival celebration begins on full moon poya day of May. It celebrates birth, enlightenment and the demise of the Lord Buddha. Vesak festival celebration is one of the best opportunity for travellers to experience Sri Lankan traditional religious and cultural heritage.
| Activity/Event | Location/s and/or Remarks |
|---|---|
| Beach stay | Trincomalee, Pasikuda, Arugam Bay |
| Wildlife safari | Kumana, Galoya, Yala, Wilpattu, Minneriya and Udawalawe national parks |
| Bird watching | Kumana and Galoya national parkss |
| Cultural world heritage sites | Sacred city of Anuradhapura, Ancient city of Polonnaruwa, Dambulla cave temple, Sigiriya, Sacred city of Kandy, Old town of Galle |
| Whales & Dolphin watching | Trincomalee, Kalpitiya (Dolphin watching) |
| Tea plantation visit | Nuwara Eliya, Hatton, Ella (Rainy season for this areas) |
| Rafting & Abseiling | Kitulgala (Water level of Kelani river has increase and furious due to rainy season) |
| Sailing | Pasikuda, Trincomalee |
| Surfing | Arugam Bay |
| Kitesurfing | Kalpitiya & Mannar (Best season begins) |
| Scuba diving & Snorkelling | Trincomalee, Pasikuda |
