Is It Safe to Travel to Sri Lanka After Cyclone Ditwah? (December 2025)

If you have a trip booked to Sri Lanka, or you’re planning to travel in late 2025 or early 2026, you may have seen recent news about Cyclone Ditwah.

We understand the concern. Natural disasters are serious, and our thoughts are with the communities that were affected. That said, news coverage often paints a much broader picture than what travelers actually experience on the ground.

So let’s be clear and honest.

Yes, it is safe to travel to Sri Lanka right now.

While some areas are still completing repairs, most of the country’s key tourist regions are open, operating normally, and welcoming visitors. Below is a simple, region-by-region update to help you plan with confidence.

South Coast: Unaffected and Beautiful

Status: Fully Operational

If your Sri Lanka plans include beaches, you can relax. The southern coast was not impacted by Cyclone Ditwah and continues as normal.

Expect sunny days, clear blue water, and lively beach towns.

Popular destinations open as usual:

• Galle Fort
• Unawatuna
• Mirissa
• Weligama
• Tangalle

Hotels, surf schools, restaurants, and nightlife are all running without disruption.

Cultural Triangle: Open for History Lovers

Status: Good to Travel

Sri Lanka’s ancient cities and cultural landmarks are fully accessible.

• Sigiriya: Lion Rock is safe to climb and remains one of the island’s highlights.
• Anuradhapura: The sacred city is open and welcoming pilgrims and travelers.
• Dambulla & Polonnaruwa: Both sites are operating normally.

If history and heritage are on your itinerary, nothing needs to change.

Kandy and Ella: Open for Visitors

Status: Good to Travel

There were rumors that parts of the hill country were cut off. For tourists, this is not the case.

• Kandy: The city is active, hotels are open, and the Temple of the Tooth continues to receive visitors daily.
• Ella: Life is buzzing as usual. Cafes are open, viewpoints are accessible, and hikes like Little Adam’s Peak are clear and safe.

Nuwara Eliya: Recovering Quickly

Status: Good, With Minor Repairs Ongoing

Nuwara Eliya experienced some impact, but recovery has been fast.

Most hotels, parks, and attractions are already back to normal. You may notice cleanup work or road repairs in certain areas, but these do not affect the overall travel experience.

The cool climate, tea estates, and colonial charm are very much intact.

Important Update: Kandy to Ella Train

Status: Temporarily Suspended

This is the one significant change travelers should be aware of.

The scenic train route between Kandy and Ella suffered damage during the cyclone and is currently suspended for safety reasons. Repairs are underway, but reopening will take time.

What this means for you:

• There’s no need to cancel your visit to Ella.
• The road journey from Kandy to Ella is a fantastic alternative.

Traveling by private car or van allows you to pass through tea plantations, waterfalls, and hill-country villages, with the freedom to stop for photos whenever you like.

Many travelers end up preferring this option.

The Bottom Line

Sri Lanka is resilient, and tourism plays a vital role in helping communities recover.

By keeping your travel plans, you’re supporting local drivers, guides, hotel teams, and small business owners who depend on visitors. Most of the country is operating as normal, and the warmth of Sri Lankan hospitality hasn’t changed.

The beaches are calm, the tea is fresh, and you’ll still be greeted with the same genuine smiles.

If you’ve been dreaming of Sri Lanka, now is still a great time to come. We’re ready to welcome you.