The culture, wildlife and beach route in July and August

The south-west monsoon continues on the south and west coasts and in the western hills, with showers and rough seas, though often with dry spells. The east coast, the north and the Cultural Triangle are dry, hot and often windy, which keeps the heat bearable.

Trincomalee, Nilaveli and Pasikudah are at their best, with calm seas and sunshine. Kandy is warm with occasional showers.

The winds that blow across the dry zone in these months, known locally as the kachchan, can be strong and dusty but take the edge off the heat. On the east coast they usually blow offshore, which helps keep the sea flat and clear for swimming and snorkelling.

The Gathering is one of the great wildlife spectacles of Asia. As the dry season advances, the Minneriya reservoir shrinks and fresh grass grows on its exposed bed, drawing elephants from the surrounding forests. Herds of a hundred or more can be seen together, with calves, bulls and family groups mingling in the late afternoon.

The timing depends on rainfall, but numbers usually build through July and peak in August and September. Nearby Kaudulla also hosts large numbers. Afternoon safaris from Sigiriya or Habarana are best, and drivers choose the park on the day.

The popularity of the Gathering means many jeeps, so choose a driver who keeps a respectful distance.

The Esala Perahera is a series of night processions honouring the Sacred Tooth Relic, held over about ten days, usually in July or August. Dancers, drummers, whip-crackers, fire performers and dozens of decorated elephants parade through Kandy's streets, building to the grand final nights. It is one of the most spectacular festivals in Asia.

Dates shift each year with the lunar calendar, so check before booking. Hotels in Kandy fill and raise prices, and good seats along the route sell out. The route's two nights in Kandy at the end of the trip can be timed to coincide with the final processions.

Lankan Stays & Trails can arrange reserved seating and plan the route so that Kandy falls on the best nights.

The east coast is the summer beach destination. Nilaveli and Uppuveli near Trincomalee have long, calm beaches, and Pigeon Island's reef is good for snorkelling. Whale watching off Trincomalee usually runs until around September. Pasikudah's shallow bay is perfect for families and weak swimmers.

Arugam Bay, further south, is in its surf season and lively in July and August, an alternative to Pasikudah for surfers.

July and August are busy, with European summer holidays and domestic travel. The Perahera period is especially busy in Kandy. Book hotels three to six months ahead, and Perahera seats as early as possible.

The Kataragama festival, usually in July or August, draws large crowds to the south-east. It is a powerful sight, though Kataragama is not on the summer version of the route.

School holidays in many countries fall in these months, so family rooms and villas on the east coast go first. Families should book early and look for hotels close to safe, shallow beaches such as Pasikudah or the calmer stretches of Nilaveli.