Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
December
Sri Lanka's second annual monsoon season, the Maha, brings huge rains to
the northeast part of the island.
Adam's Peak
The pilgrimage season, when pilgrims of all faiths (and the odd tourist) climb Adam's
Peak near Ella, starts in December and lasts until mid-April. The trek begins shortly after
midnight so that everyone can be in place for sunrise.
Unduvap Poya
This full-moon day commemorates Sangamitta, who brought a cutting from the sacred
Bodhi Tree in India in 288 BC to Anuradhapura. The resulting tree, the Sri Maha Bodhi, is
considered the oldest living human-planted tree in the world. The ceremonies attract thou-
sands in their finest.
Christmas
Outside of Sri Lanka's Christian communities - mostly around Colombo - this day has be-
come a popular secularised holiday. Ersatz versions of Western Christmas traditions can be
found across the nation, from bone-thin Santas in strange masks to garish artificial trees.
POYA
Everypoya(full-moon) day is a holiday.Poyacauses buses, trains and accommodation to
fill up, especially if it falls on a Friday or Monday. No alcohol is supposed to be sold on
poyadays, and some establishments close. Some hotels and guesthouses discreetly
provide thirsty guests with a cold beer 'under the table'.
Note that the official full-moon day forpoyadoes not always coincide with the same des-
ignated full-moon day in Western calendars. Because of the religious time used to calcu-
late the exact moment of full moon, thepoyaday may be a day earlier or later than that
shown on regular calendars.
