The southwest monsoon typically begins in late April or early May, bringing showers to Colombo, Galle, and most of the tea country. Rainfall often comes in short, intense bursts, particularly in the afternoons or at night. Mornings can still be clear and pleasant, especially in the hills. From August to October, the rain may ease slightly, although intermittent showers are still common in the southwest.

The green season is a great time to explore Sri Lanka’s ancient cities, including Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Sigiriya. These UNESCO World Heritage Sites are steeped in history and offer a fascinating glimpse into the island’s rich past. The towering dagobas, intricately carved stone temples, and ancient reservoirs feel like a scene out of Indiana Jones, and the surrounding countryside offers plenty of fringe experiences. The kids will love racing up Sigiriya Rock Fortress or ‘Lion Rock,’ fishermen’s canoe rides, cycling along village trails, and past emerald-green paddy fields.

No visit to Sri Lanka is complete without experiencing its famed tea plantations. Sri Lanka’s first long-distance hiking route, The Pekoe Trail, links an existing network of footpaths created when the British established a tea-growing industry here during colonial rule in the 19th century. Named after a well-known Sri Lankan tea variety, this family-friendly series of trails criss-crosses railway lines and centuries old train stations, bringing together the history, culture, and biodiversity of its offbeat regions on over 300km of trails. From the breathtaking vistas of Ella Rock to the mystical beauty of Horton Plains National Park, there are plenty of trails to suit all ages and fitness levels. Teardrop Hotels' three tea bungalows, Camellia Hills in Dickoya, Goatfell in Nuwara Eliya, and Nine Skies in Ella provide luxurious family-friendly retreats amidst tea estates, offering panoramic views of the surrounding hills. The kids will love the chance sightings of sambar deer in the hills, fishermen’s canoe rides along the Castlereagh Reservoir, train rides in the hills, ziplining in Ella, and family picnics at secret viewpoints.