Sri Lanka, known as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean,” is a stunning island with breathtaking beauty, ancient history, and a diverse culture. Sri Lanka offers enough to offer for anyone interested in adventure travel, history, or simply resting on a peaceful beach. In this guide, we will discuss the 20 things to do in Sri Lanka. From historic temples to verdant tea fields, there is always something fresh to discover on this little island. So, while studying this country’s local culture, we can recommend Sri Lanka as a must-see destination for travelers from all over the world who want to appreciate the natural beauty as well as the great native food and drinks.
Must 10 Things To Do In Sri Lanka
1. Explore the Cultural triangle
If you want to understand Sri Lanka better, you must visit the cultural triangle. First of all, you can start this journey from Anuradhapura, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The well-preserved urban ruins of this ancient city give you a fair idea of what ancient Sri Lankan society was like. Also, as you wander around this sacred city you will see many structures including stupas, temples, and ancient irrigation techniques. Also, don’t forget to see the Sri Maha Bodhi tree, which is considered one of the oldest trees in the world. The Bo tree is considered to be the tree on which Gautama Buddha, the founder of the Buddha philosophy, who is considered to be one of the world’s greatest sages, reclined when he became a Buddha about 2000 years ago.
After this, the next one will go to Polonnaruwa. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can learn invaluable things about the country’s history. There is no doubt that the sculptures and ruins in the stone temple and other ruins will amaze you. After that, you have to explore Sigiriya or Lion Rock. You all know this place, right? Because it is famous all over the world. It has been named the 8th wonder of the world for a while. When you climb to the top of this rock, the surrounding environment is so beautiful that words cannot describe it. Similarly, it is said that the ancient murals here belong to the 5th century AD.
If you want to have this kind of experience without the crowds, you can also go to Pidurangala Rock. The best thing to do there is to watch the sunrise in the morning and enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Sigiriya Rock. Before the end, but as important, don’t forget to visit the Dambulla Cave Temple. You will be amazed by the beautiful Buddha statues and ancient paintings in the caves. At the end of all this, make sure to go to see the gathering of Asian elephants in Minneriya National Park.
2. Kandy City Tour
Kandy is known as the last royal capital of Sri Lanka. This city is a wonderful place where natural beauty and cultural heritage blend seamlessly. The city of Kandy is nestled amidst scenic mountains, and Kandy Lake adds a special charm to the city. As one of the top things to do in Sri Lanka, one of the places you should visit is the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy, a sacred site revered by Buddhists all over the world. This holy place, where the left tooth relic of the Buddha is enshrined, has also been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll be amazed when you see the beautiful buildings in the temple.
You’ll also feel the devotion of the devotees who come there. The Kandy Esala Perahera, held in July and August, is a festival that has captured the attention of the world. If you visit Kandy during this time, you can also have this experience. As well as don’t forget to watch the Kandy cultural dances in the evening. It’s a very beautiful dance and music performance.
If you’re interested in seeing a unique architectural marvel, go to the Ambuluwawa Tower near Gampola town. From there, you can see a very beautiful view of the surrounding countryside. Also, you can visit the Nelligala Temple where can see a quieter meditative monastery located on a mountaintop. There you can experience a very beautiful environment and a peaceful atmosphere. Finally, You should visit the world-famous Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya to see various plant species and relax some time with nature.
Suggested Read – Things To Do In Kandy
3. Experience the Wildlife at Yala National Park
Yala National Park is a paradise for wildlife lovers. That’s because Yala Park is the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka and home to a wide variety of wildlife. A jeep safari to the park is a must thing to do cause it gives you the best chance to spot the elusive leopard which is one of the rarest sightings in the world.
Yala is one of the national parks with the highest leopard density in the world, so getting a glimpse of a leopard is a great stroke of luck. Not only that, Yala is also known as a haven for sloth bears. If you go early in the morning, you can see these bears searching for food. We can’t forget about the elephants either. In Yala, you can see these massive animals in their natural habitat. You can also commonly see crocodiles, herds of deer, and various bird species.
Yala National Park is located on the border of both the Uva and Southern provinces, so it can also be described as a place where geographically diverse ecosystems meet. That’s why you can see such a variety of animals in Yala. The park is divided into five blocks, of which only zones one and two are currently open to tourists. So if you’re going to Yala, keep these facts in mind.
4. Wander Through the Tea Plantations and tea factories visiting Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya is a very beautiful city that many people also call “Little England.” The reason for this is its lush tea plantations and cool climate. If you go to Sri Lanka, Visiting a tea plantation is one of the quintessential things to do in Sri Lanka. Because then you can see the whole process from picking tea leaves to making a cup of tea. Not only that, if you go to a tea factory, you can learn for free how world-famous Ceylon Tea is made.
Many factories offer free guided tours and after the tour, you also allow tasting several world-famous types of tea. Because there are different flavors of tea in Nuwara Eliya, It can be described as the best place in Sri Lanka to taste tea. There are also many places worth seeing in the city of Nuwara Eliya. Places like Gregory Lake, Victoria Park, Horton Plains, and World’s End will add more beauty to your Nuwara Eliya tour. It is also a good idea to take some warm clothes with you due to the cold climate.
5. Adam’s Peak Hiking
Sri Pada, also known as Adam’s Peak, is a very important pilgrimage site for people of various faiths in Sri Lanka. This mountain is famous for the sacred footprint at its summit. Buddhists believe it belongs to the Buddha, Hindus believe it belongs to Shiva, Muslims believe it belongs to Adam, and Christians believe it belongs to St. Thomas. So, for this reason, this mountain is a sacred place for almost everyone.
Many people start climbing the mountain at night. Then they can reach the summit by dawn. Watching the sunrise from there is a truly beautiful experience. Climbing the mountain is a bit challenging, but the experience you get when you reach the top is worth it. Both pilgrims and tourists can experience spiritual joy and see beautiful scenery from this journey. Anyone who likes thrilling things and wants to have a spiritual experience should climb this holy mountain.
6. Train Journey to Ella from Nanu Oya
The train journey from Nanu Oya to Ella is often described as one of the most scenic train journeys in the world as well as one of the must things to do in Sri Lanka for every traveller. And it’s true! As the train travels through lush green tea plantations, misty mountains, and cascading waterfalls, the views you’ll see are simply breathtaking. This journey takes you through small villages and beautiful tea estates, giving you a real taste of the beauty of Sri Lanka’s hill country. This is a journey that any traveler should experience and It’s the perfect opportunity to relax and soak in the natural beauty.
The train travels at a leisurely pace, giving you plenty of chances to take great photos. So keep your camera handy! This train journey usually takes about three hours. But the time flies by! You won’t even notice how quickly it passes because you’ll be so busy seeing the stunning scenery.
7. Ella City Tour
Ella is a really beautiful town nestled in Sri Lanka. It’s not just beautiful, though; Ella is very popular with tourists because of its stunning scenery and relaxed, peaceful atmosphere. When you go to Ella, don’t forget to climb Little Adam’s Peak first. It’s only “little” in the name; the view from the top is absolutely breathtaking. The climb is also easy, and the path is well-marked, so anyone can go up easily. The next place you should visit is the Nine Arch Bridge. This bridge was constructed when Sri Lanka was a colony of Britain. Its form is very similar to Scotland’s Griffin Viaduct.
In the evening, Ella’s nightlife is also very vibrant. You can enjoy delicious food and drinks and listen to music in cozy cafes, bars, and restaurants. Ella’s relaxed atmosphere and beautiful surroundings are why this city has become so popular with tourists. Also, if you go to Ella, don’t forget to visit places like Ravana Falls, Ravana Cave, Demodara Loop, and Lipton’s Seat. Ella also has many hiking trails around it, making it a great place for those who like hiking.
8. Relax on the Pristine Beaches of Mirissa
Mirissa is a tropical paradise known for its pristine beaches and vibrant marine life. Spend your days lounging on the golden sands, swimming in the crystal-clear waters, or exploring the coral reefs. For a truly unforgettable experience, embark on a whale-watching tour to see these majestic creatures up close. Mirissa is one of the best places in the world to spot blue whales, as well as dolphins and other marine life. Don’t miss a visit to Coconut Tree Hill, a picturesque spot with a stunning view of the ocean, perfect for sunset photos. Additionally, you can visit turtle hatcheries and witness the conservation efforts to protect these endangered creatures.
9. Galle Dutch Fort
Galle Dutch Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a living testimony of Sri Lanka’s colonial past. Walking along the cobblestone streets lined with charming Dutch-era buildings is a truly wonderful experience, and as you walk through the fort, you’ll see many interesting sights, including the old lighthouse and clock tower. The fort’s combination of European design with South Asian culture is quite amazing, and a stroll around the fort walls, with breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean as a gorgeous background, is extremely calming.
A variety of shops, cafés, and museums can be found inside the fort, while historic churches and temples representing the different religious histories of the area make the fort the ideal site to spend a day in history and culture. The Galle Fort area also has many beautiful beaches and hotels nearby, which will make your Galle trip even more unforgettable. Especially walking along the Galle Fort ramparts in the evening is a truly lovely experience. Watching the sunset from there is simply magical.
Conclusion
Sri Lanka is truly a remarkable island. With its incredible diversity, there’s something for everyone to experience. With the things we’ve discussed, you should now have a good idea of what are the best things to do in Sri Lanka. These are just the best of the best things which we did during our tour. Sri Lanka is a beautiful island filled with much more. So now you can create your travel plan. We sincerely wish you a successful vacation to Sri Lanka! One more thing to remember: wherever you go, don’t forget to protect the environment. Because this beauty needs to be passed on to future generations as well.