Just after winter season when the spring is calling your name and knocking on your door for a fantastic holiday getaway to Sri Lanka or the Maldives would be a perfect diversion to the tropical winter sun for you to get rid of your strain and relax.
April is a month of many festive seasons and celebrations take part in South Asia, specifically, in Sri Lanka and the Maldives because of its unique cultural offerings and landscape nature.
There are a variety of places to visit and enjoy in these two destinations. Here, below in this article, summarises some relevant information regarding each destination. Perhaps, it will be a smart choice to refer to this before booking a holiday trip in the month of April.
1. Sri Lanka
The teardrop-shaped island located in the Indian ocean greatly influenced by Eastern culture followed by Indian density. The island is relying on its detailed history, perhaps, not later than 125,000 BC. Sri Lanka diversified by many cultural backgrounds along with its historical artefacts. The colonial years of the country were starting from 16th century onwards, and the invaders of Portuguese, Dutch, and British conquered the island successfully. Nowadays, Sri Lanka stands as an independent nation since the 04th of February 1948 and officially announced as the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
Why you should visit Sri Lanka in April
Sri Lanka is a cultural destination to visit in the month of April because of its Sinhalese and Hindu new year festival. Although, the island’s weather is preparing for Southwest monsoon with thunderstorms in some parts of the land. Temperatures in Sri Lanka vary upon altitude, however somewhat of warm temperatures along the coast. Consider visiting below places to experience the whole journey.
Places to visit in Sri Lanka
● Yala National Park
Yala National Park is known as Ruhunu National Park is a dry area located in the southeast of the island. Two parks are adjourning smaller reserves and sanctuaries of over 1500 square kilometres which are of 2% of Sri Lanka’s land. Yala called as the premier national park and exceptional to Sri Lankan leopard— a subspecies endemic to Sri Lanka. Visitors might get a fair chance of seeing wild animals such as elephant, sambar, spotted deer, buffalo, wild pig, stripe-necked and ruddy mongoose, Hanuman langur, toque macaque, golden jackal, and Indian palm-civet.
Suggested Read: The Best Off the Beaten Paths in Sri Lanka
● Trincomalee
Trincomalee is an outstanding beach of Sri Lanka which is famous among water sports and underwater life. In this coastal town, the cliff of Trincomalee known as Lovers Leap located with many breath-taking landscapes. Apart from that, tourists will be able to experience Dutch-influenced historical monuments along with Hindu culture.
● Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura is a historically valued place for Sri Lankans, founded in the 5th century BC; carries artefacts as far back from 10th century BC. The Kuttam Pokuna along with Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanwelisaya, Thuparamaya, Lovamahapaya, Abhayagiri Dagaba, Jetavanarama, Mirisaveti Stupa, Lankarama are significant attractions from the prehistoric era, where tourist will be able to observe the constructional facts.
Where to stay in Sri Lanka
Jetwing Vil Uyana is a 5-star rated hotel located in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle where Sigiriya is. This hotel occupied with top-rated standards, including many complimentary services. The tourists will be able to participate in many activities while accommodated in the hotel. It is of 153km away from the Bandaranaike International Airport; nevertheless, on the way, tourist will be able to enjoy the road trip.
Famous Sri Lankan foods
● Milk Rice
Milk Rice is known as Kiribath in Native Language of Sri Lanka is a dish prepared by rice and coconut milk; served with a paste of onion and chilli mix.
● Rice and Curry
Rice-and-curry is the most typically followed dish in Sri Lanka served with Rice, Sour Fish, Chicken, or Crab curry, Potato Curry, Achcharu, along with vegetables.
● Koththu Roti
Koththu Roti is a famous instant dish in Sri Lanka made by Gothambara roti, vegetables, egg, meat, milk, spices, and cheese. This dish is a favourite dinner meal served anywhere in the country.
● Fruits
Karuthakolamban Mangoes and Rambutan are some famous fruits in Sri Lanka during the April season.
Things you should never do in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is an eastern-influenced country, though better be certain regarding its culture and ethnicities. Although, tourists must respect with dignity for its historical places and artefacts.
Temperature: Daytime temperature 32°C with very high heat and humidity, falling to 24°C at night.
Season: Monsoon Season
2. Maldives
The Maldives is a magnificently formed archipelago located in the Arabian Sea of the Indian ocean. The island obtained an old nation flows back to 2500 years in its history. Currently, in power of its majority — the ethnic group of Maldivians are following Islam as their religion. The colonization of the country falls back to the British reign, notwithstanding, achieved full political freedom on the 26th of July 1965— officially the Republic of Maldives.
Why you should visit the Maldives in April
The pristine beach tides will be tame during the month of April to dive into the depths of the ocean with a beauty of the sunshine showering from the blue sky. The Maldives archipelago located on the Chagos-Laccadive Ridge— a vast submarine mountain range in the Indian Ocean. Consider visiting below places to experience the whole journey.
Places to visit in the Maldives
● Bioluminescent Beach
The bioluminescent beach is glowing with blue illumination at night. The secret for the appearance transpired by the sea planktons in the beach— a living organism. Mudhdhoo Island is exclusive in the Maldives to experience this earthly beauty at night.
● HP Reef
The HP Reef located between Girifushi and Himmafushi; tourists can reach there in 10 minutes by a speedboat. The archipelago has an astonishing beach location to dive and explore the underwater glory of the Maldivian sea. This place certified as the soft coral capital of the world. The formations of the area formed by large blocks, 25m vertical caves, and a natural chimney to swim through. Divers will be able to explore the 30m of depth.
● National Museum
The National Museum is a three-story building located in the Sultan Park in Male which established in the National Day of the Maldives. This attraction is of a valued place to acquire a little knowledge about the historical artefacts of the Maldivian nation.
Where to stay in the Maldives
Thulhagiri Island Resort is a four-star rated hotel facing the ocean at its best. Surrounded by many sea-related activities offer tourists to experience their expected holiday stay with plenty of delicious foods. This hotel furnished with high standards and complementary facilities for tourists to deserve the rated quality. The hotel situated in North Male Atoll approximately about 10km away from the Male International Airport.
Suggested Read: Travellers’ Guide To Male
Famous Maldivian foods
● Boshi Mashuni (Banana Flower Salad)
Boshi Mashuni is a salsa-like dish also called as a salad mix with shredded crunchy banana flowers, fresh coconut, and spices. This dish served with lime, onion, and Maldivian chilli.
● Garudhiya (Fragrant Fish Soup)
Garudhiya is miso-like dish combined with many secret recipes of the Maldives. The traditional Maldivian fish soup made by fresh tuna which has the flavour of umami, curry leaves, onion, garlic, and chilli. This dish served with lime and other sauces.
● Huni Roshi (Chapati Bread)
Huni Roshi is a typical eastern flavoured dish made out of coconut and flour. These are flatbreads fried to feel the flavoured crisp.
● Saagu Bondi bai (Sago Pudding)
Saagu pudding made out of a unique recipe of the Maldivians following coconut milk, cardamom and rose, and laced with creamy condensed milk.
Things you should never do in the Maldives
The Maldives is a partially westernized country and limited to specific exposures such as wearing bikini is limited to resorts and bars. Also, it will be a smart choice not to show affection in the street. Other than that, following the general rules and regulations must be enough.
Temperature: Daytime temperature 31°C with regular heat, falling to 27°C at night.
Season: Dry season often showers in mid-month.
