Travelling Sri Lanka during the monsoon — which parts of the island are fine and which should I avoid?

The monsoon question is the most misunderstood topic in Sri Lanka travel. Here is the clear breakdown:

Two different monsoons affect Sri Lanka:
1. Southwest monsoon (Yala): May–September → affects the southwest (Colombo, Galle, Mirissa, Ella, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya)
2. Northeast monsoon (Maha): October–January → affects the northeast (Trincomalee, Jaffna, east coast)

For June–August specifically:
- South coast beaches (Mirissa, Unawatuna, Hikkaduwa): Rough sea, heavy rain, not recommended
- Hill country (Ella, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya): Mist and afternoon rain but not closed — still perfectly visitable, often beautiful in the mist. Ella in June is lush and green.
- Cultural Triangle (Sigiriya, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura): In the dry zone — June–August is actually DRY and hot here. Excellent time to visit.
- East coast (Trincomalee, Nilaveli, Arugam Bay): June–August is peak dry season on the east coast. Best time to visit.
- Jaffna: Relatively dry in this period

Off-peak advantages: 20–40% lower accommodation prices, far fewer tourists at major sites, lush green landscapes. The Cultural Triangle at 30°C with minimal queues is actually a better experience than December with crowds.

Recommended June–August itinerary: Colombo → Cultural Triangle → Kandy (brief) → East coast (Trincomalee + Nilaveli) → Arugam Bay → Yala/Udawalawe (dry zone, fine) → return.