Is Sri Lanka Safe to Travel Now?

Is Sri Lanka Safe to Travel Now? The Honest Truth About Cyclone Ditwah

If you are planning a trip to Sri Lanka in December 2025, you have likely seen the news. Cyclone Ditwah has brought heavy rains, flooding, and landslides to parts of our island.

You are probably asking one question: "Is Sri Lanka safe to travel to right now?"

The short answer is: Yes, but you must know where to go.

Sri Lanka is an island with diverse climate zones. While the central hills and river basins are currently facing challenges, the southern and western coasts remain largely unaffected and open for business.

Here is the on-the-ground breakdown of what is happening, which areas are safe, and how to travel responsibly right now.

The Current Situation (December 2025)

Cyclone Ditwah made landfall in late November, impacting the Central, Uva, and Sabaragamuwa provinces most heavily. The resulting heavy rains have caused:

• Flooding in low-lying areas near the Kelani River (near Colombo).
• Landslides in the hill country, specifically Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Badulla.
• Disruptions to train services and some highland roads.

However, the Bandaranaike International Airport is fully operational. If you land today, you can safely exit the airport using the Colombo-Katunayake Expressway, which bypasses flood-affected local roads.

✅ The "Green Zones": Where You Can Travel Safely

According to the latest updates from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) and local experts, the following areas are functioning normally and are ready for tourists:

1. The South Coast (Beach Season is On!) Towns like Galle, Unawatuna, Mirissa, Weligama, and Tangalle are operating as usual. The seas are calming down, and hotels are open. This is the best region to visit right now for sun and safety.
2. The West Coast Bentota, Kalutara, and Negombo are largely unaffected and are excellent bases for your arrival or departure.
3. The Cultural Triangle (North Central) Sites like Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Polonnaruwa are generally open. While some access roads may have detours, the sites themselves are welcoming visitors.

⚠️ The "Caution Zones": Areas to Monitor

We recommend avoiding or strictly monitoring travel to these regions until the weather stabilizes:

• Nuwara Eliya & Ella: The roads to these hill stations are prone to landslides right now. Access routes may be blocked.
• Kandy: While the city is functioning, transfers in and out through the hills require extreme caution.
• Kelani River Banks: Avoid suburbs of Colombo that border the river due to flood risks.

How to Travel Safely Right Now

If you are visiting Sri Lanka this season, don't cancel—adapt.

• Use the Expressway: Avoid local roads in flood-prone areas.
• Trust Local Drivers: GPS apps don't know which roads are flooded; local drivers do.
• Stay Flexible: Be willing to swap a mountain hike for a beach day.

The Smartest Way to Travel? With a Safety Partner.

In times like this, booking a rigid itinerary online can be risky. You need a partner who watches the weather for you.

At TheTourify.com, we are currently managing travel for hundreds of guests across the island with a 100% safety record during this cyclone season.

• Real-Time Rerouting: If a road closes, we know the safe alternative instantly.
• Verified Safe Hotels: We only book you in properties we know are secure and fully operational.
• 24/7 Support: You are never alone. We are always one call away.

Don't let the weather ruin your dream holiday. Let us navigate it for you.

👉 [Plan Your Safe Sri Lanka Trip with TheTourify Today] https://www.thetourify.com/help/contact