Sri Lanka enters 2026 with renewed vitality. January marks the island’s peak season, offering glorious sunshine on the southwest coast and cool, misty mornings in the central highlands, perfect for sipping world-class tea. A major highlight is the triumphant return of the country’s scenic train routes following the recent “Ditwa” disaster, signaling a full recovery for the tourism sector.
Beyond restored infrastructure, the island celebrates prestigious international accolades that cement its status as a global leader in culinary excellence and sustainable luxury. Whether seeking serenity on the Pekoe Trail or cinematic indulgence at a coastal retreat, Sri Lanka in January stands as a compelling destination for the new year.
Highlights of Sri Lanka in January 2026
Products: Travel Sense Asia highlights two curated journeys: Classic Sri Lanka Holiday for a complete cultural and natural immersion, and Luxury Sri Lanka Honeymoon, designed exclusively for couples seeking absolute privacy and romance.
Destinations: The iconic Ella Odyssey train is back on track, restoring the vital tourism link between Badulla and Ambewela. The country celebrates multiple accolades, including top spots in Condé Nast Traveler and U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 lists.
Hotels: ÀNI Sri Lanka redefines the private resort concept on the coast, while Wild Coast Tented Lodge secures a prestigious Michelin Key for its excellence in safari luxury.
Sustainability: The Pekoe Trail takes center stage as a global model for slow travel, recognized by TIME Magazine as one of the “World’s Greatest Places.”
>> Discover now: Latest updates on how to get Sri Lanka visa for tourists
Product Updates
Classic Sri Lanka Holiday
This classic itinerary is the perfect answer to the question, “Where should I go in Sri Lanka?” The tour guides travelers through the “Cultural Triangle,” featuring the majestic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the sacred ancient capital of Kandy, and the tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya, affectionately known as “Little England.” The journey concludes perfectly with relaxing days on the beaches of Unawatuna and Mirissa, striking an ideal balance between exploration and leisure.
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Luxury Sri Lanka Honeymoon
Curated to indulge every sense, this honeymoon journey prioritizes privacy and exclusive experiences. Couples will stay in the most charming boutique hotels, enjoy wildlife-spotting opportunities at protected sanctuaries, watch the sunset together over endless green tea plantations and savor romantic dinners by the sea. This is not just a trip; it is a sweet beginning to a lifetime journey of happiness.
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Hill Country’s train: Ella Odyssey resumes its operations
In a major relief for travelers and the tourism industry, the popular ‘Ella Odyssey’ tourist train has officially resumed operations as of this morning. The Railway Department confirmed that the Badulla–Ambewela section of the Upcountry Railway Line is now fully functional after a suspension due to severe damage caused by the recent ‘Ditwa’ disaster.
Marking this restoration, a special Upcountry Menike train powered by Class S14 sets departed Badulla at 8:00 a.m., completing its maiden journey on the newly repaired tracks. The return of this service ensures that the world-famous “blue train” photos and the scenic ride through the misty tea plantations are once again a reality for visitors.
Awards season: Sri Lanka in January shines in “Best of the World” rankings
Sri Lanka continues to shine during awards season, earning global recognition across multiple prestigious rankings. In the Best Places to Visit in Asia for 2026 by U.S. News & World Report, announced in late December 2025, Sri Lanka proudly ranked 5th, alongside major destinations such as Tokyo, Seoul, and Palawan, thanks to its remarkable diversity of rainforests, beaches, and ancient ruins, without the heavy crowds.
At the same time, the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards 2026 (Best of the Best) highlighted Sri Lanka not only for its nature and culture, but also as an emerging culinary destination, with Colombo ranked 13th globally among Best Food Destinations, and Galle honored in the Top 5 Best Honeymoon Destinations worldwide.
New Sri Lanka’s visa policy: Free entry planned for 40 countries
To create a major boost for 2026 tourism, a visa-free program for citizens of 40 countries is currently being planned. The proposed list includes key markets such as the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Australia, China, India, Russia, Thailand, Japan, France, the US, Italy, Switzerland, and South Korea, among others. This initiative aims to make travel to the island more seamless than ever.
Aviation boom: More direct flights to Sri Lanka from Asia, Europe, and Australia
2026 marks a turning point for accessibility to Sri Lanka with a series of major announcements.
Singapore: Singapore Airlines has solidified its position as the primary transit hub by officially adding daytime flights from early January, with plans to increase frequency to 14 flights/week by May.
Australia: Great news for the Aussies as Jetstar Airways announced the first low-cost direct flight from Melbourne, expected to take off in August 2026, opening the door for travelers from Oceania.
Switzerland: Winter escapees are welcomed back with direct flights from Zurich via Edelweiss Air (2 flights/week).
Vietnam: Vietnam Airlines has revealed plans to operate direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City starting August 2026, promising to significantly shorten the journey for travelers from Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
Train to Ella
Yala National Park
Unawatuna Beach
Culinary Highlight of Sri Lanka in January
Kiribath: The dish of new beginnings
January in Sri Lanka is synonymous with Kiribath (Milk Rice). As the first solid food eaten in the New Year and a centerpiece of the Thai Pongal festival (celebrated this month by the Tamil community), this dish represents prosperity and luck. Made by cooking rice with thick coconut milk until it reaches a sticky, creamy consistency, it is cut into diamond shapes and traditionally served with Lunu Miris (a spicy onion and chili relish) or jaggery. It is the perfect cultural bite to start your 2026 journey.
Hotel Updates
Hidden gem by the beach: ÀNI Sri Lanka
If you are looking for a new definition of “absolute privacy,” ÀNI Sri Lanka is the answer. Rather than a traditional hotel, this is a Private Resort located on a coastal bluff in Dickwella, catering to only one group of guests at a time.
ÀNI offers an all-inclusive experience ranging from personalized dining menus and daily spa treatments to private cooking classes. It is the ultimate “hidden gem” for families or groups of friends who want to monopolize a stretch of the Indian Ocean for themselves, without sharing it with anyone else.
Safari glamping: Wild Coast Tented Lodge
Situated adjacent to Yala National Park, Wild Coast Tented Lodge continues to define the pinnacle of luxury camping. The resort’s “Cocoon” suites are designed to mimic massive rocks scattered between the jungle and the pristine beach.
The resort was also recently awarded a Michelin Key (for outstanding hotels) in late 2025, further validating its excellence. This is not merely accommodation but a 5-star safari experience where guests can observe leopards by day and enjoy a luxurious dinner under a star-studded sky by night.
Sustainability
The Pekoe Trail: TIME Magazine’s “World’s Greatest Places 2025”
Sri Lanka’s hiking scene has achieved global stardom with The Pekoe Trail being named one of TIME Magazine’s “World’s Greatest Places 2025.” This 300km walking trail, funded by the EU and USAID, winds through the central tea highlands, connecting 22 stages of tea estates, forests, and local villages.
Moreover, not just a hiking route, The Pekoe Trail is a lifeline for community tourism, encouraging travelers to walk from Haputale to Ella, stay in local homestays, and engage with the tea-plucking communities. It stands as a beacon of slow, sustainable tourism, ensuring that the beauty of the hill country is preserved for generations to come.
