We loved Sri Lanka. It was one of those countries that we actually felt sad leaving. There are so many things to do in Sri Lanka and during our four different visits there, we've managed to see a lot.
12 Awesome Things to do in Sri Lanka
So, we know a thing or two of what you should do the next time you go to this beautiful Island nation off the southern tip of India.
Top things to do in Sri Lanka
We met inspiring people, saw magnificent sites and enjoyed awesome adventures. You will to when you visit Sri Lanka. Enjoy!
Try Surfing
If you are planning on going to Sri Lanka in the future here is a list of things that you should make sure not to miss.
Want a resource for things to do in Sri Lanka? Buy your Lonely Planet Travel Guide
1. Try Surfing
Sri Lanka is a beginner surfers paradise. Hikkaduwa on Sri Lanka's south west coast is the popular spot where we tried surfing.
The sandy break cushions your fall and the waves are not the gigantic intimidating pipes seen in Hawaii or Australia. Even expert surfers can enjoy themselves in Sri Lanka though. In the west coast there is a popular beach that offers bigger and better waves.
Give surfing a try
The season is different than Hikkaduwa's however, so make sure to check when surfing on the west coast is popular.
#2 Aragum Bay
Aragum Bay was one of our favourite places to chill out in Sri Lanka. It has that old time backpackers feel where you can chill on a hammock, drink cheap whiskey and get to know the locals.
It's also a surfing mecca. Hikkaduwa was where we learned, but Aragum Bay is where the serious surfers stop.
If you have never surfed before Sri Lanka is the place to do it. It is very easy to learn here and the conditions are perfect for the first timer. So if you are looking for something to do in Sri Lanka, give surfing a try!
3. Sip Tea and explore the hill country.
Sri Lanka is one of the most important tea producers in the world and its hill country is stunning. Colonial towns dot the landscape surrounded by tea plantations.
Don't miss the tea terraces
The vegetation is lush and green and the rolling hills make for an awesome site. Pretend you are in jolly old England for a few days. Stay in old plantation homes, drink tea and eat baked goods.
It doesn't get any more civilized than this. Don't miss going to Ella and Nuwara Eliya to see the tea plantations of Sri Lanka. Exploring the scenery of the hills is a must do when visit visiting Sri Lanka. It's absolutely beautiful and you feel as if you are in another world.
Note: The Hiking Trail to Ella is a must do when visiting the area
4. Adam's Peak Pilgrimage.
In my opinion, the top attraction of Sri Lanka is Adams Peak and while there, you must climb to the top.
Adams Peak is Sri Lanka's most sacred site and you can join thousands of pilgrims for 2 months of the year as they pay homage to the first place that Adam stepped foot on earth when he was cast down from Heaven.
Adam's Peak Pilgrimage
It is a climb that doesn't require any technical skill, but it is a work out. You will feel a great sense of accomplishment taking part in this spiritual journey.
This is by far our top recommendation of things that you should make sure to do when visiting the country. This climb is what drew us to visiting Sri Lanka.
See our time hiking to Adam's Peak
We saw the Adam's Peak Pilgrimage on Pilot Guides and new that one day we wanted to do it ourselves.
5. Ride the Train.
One of the things you must things to do in Sri Lanka is to ride the trains. Sri Lanka's trains are like stepping back in time.
They chug slowly along through hills and valleys. It is the slow journey that makes it special.
Take the train
Looking out over the mountains and tea plantations rival any view in the world and the people that you meet on the train will be remembered forever.
So if you are planning a trip to Sri Lanka make sure this makes your to do list and take the time to travel by train. It will be an experience you will remember and cherish forever.
6. Yala National Park.
Yala National Park is one of the few places in the world that you can spot a leopard. I put Yala up there as one of our top things to do in Sri Lanka.
We had so much fun looking at all the wildlife and four wheeling through the park in our safari truck. Hanging out an making new friends was part of the fun!
Where to Stay in Yala National Park: Cinnamon Wild
Leopard at Yala National park
Yala is an incredible park filled with wildlife. Elephants, peacocks, monkeys, jackles, crocodiles and monitor lizards to name a few.
You won't be disappointed on a jeep safari here even if you don't see a leopard, you will see a beautiful landscape and an abundance of wild animals.
However, chances are pretty good that you will see a leopard and prices are so reasonable, that even if you don't, you can try to see one again on another safari.
More than leopards at Yala National Park
7. Go to Udawalawe National Park.
Sri Lanka is filled with national parks and trekking through Uda Walawe is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the towns.
What is special about this park however is the Elephant Transfer Home an orphanage and rehabilitation centre for orphaned and injured elephants supported by the Born Free Foundation.
Several places to see elephants in Sri Lanka
You can watch elephants being fed, but unlike the Pinawale Orphanage, the ETH cares only for the elephants well being.
They have as little interaction with humans as possible. So far 65 elephants have been rehabilitated and let back into the wild. If you have your heart set on seeing and helping elephants, we suggest going to Udawalwe over the other Elephant Rehabilitation Centres. They are doing a great job.
Care about Wildlife Conservation? Read Things to do in Chiang Mai besides Elephant Trekking
8. Visit a Turtle Hatchery.
Our next suggestion for things to do in Sri Lana is to visit a Turtle hatchery. Turtles are under great threat due to fishing, pollution, habitat loss and hunting.
Help save the turtles
Turtle Hatcheries are doing their best to keep the turtle numbers alive and well. One of the best is The Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery. He loves turtles and lets them into the ocean nightly.
You can even take part in their release if you go at sunset. A person can't go to Sri Lanka without visiting a turtle hatchery. It is a right of passage of visiting the country.
9. Visit Sigiriya
Visiting Sigiriya is probably the most famous thing to do in Sri Lanka. The important archeological site is very impressive.
Gracing the covers of many Sri Lankan Guide books, hanging in the office of tour companies and standing proud on the cover of several coffee table books, it just may be Sri Lanka's most recognizable site.
It is also set in a beautiful location. Surrounded by jungle, villages and farmland, Sigiriya is a location set back in time.
Sigiriya
Monkeys play on the trails and crocodiles dwell in its moat. The entry price is steep, but it is a beautiful view with an impressive museum as well.
If you love history and archeology, Sigiriya is for you.
10. Hike Pidurangalu
We liked hiking Pidurangala more than visiting Sigiraya. It is a great sunset hike that takes you up a mountain adjacent to Sigyraya, offering amazing views of the giant rock.
Check out our video for the full experience.
11. Get to know the locals
Nothing feels better than being invited to someones house for dinner. The Sri Lankan people are a giving bunch. They are the friendliest people we have met in all our travels and we made great friends with our Tuk Tuk driver Ajith and his family.
What a wonderful experience getting a glimpse of local life in the country. If you are privileged enough to be invited to dinner, take it. It is a heartwarming evening filled with genuine hospitality.
12. Laze on the Beach.
A trip to Sri Lanka wouldn't be complete without visiting a beach! Sri Lanka has some great beach life.
Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna and Kosgoda are some popular beaches, but you can still find secluded beaches all along Sri Lanka's coast.
Relax at the beach
Some are eroding away, but others are pristine. Rent a bicycle or motorbike and get out there to explore the island. The beaches are the number one reason why people come to Sri Lanka and once you see them, you can understand why.
Sri Lanka has everything that a traveler could possibly want. Adventure, spirituality, fine beaches and nightlife. A vacation to this destination will never disappoint.
Do you have some other suggestions of things to do in Sri Lanka? We'd love to hear in the comments below.
Where to Stay in Sri Lanka
Cinnamon Wild in Yala National Park
Cinnamon Hotels has resorts throughout the country that are close to several of the tops sights. To find their locations and prices visit CinnamonHotels.com
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By Markus Kampl June 5, 2018 - 5:07 am
Hi Dave and Deb. Recently returned from a trip to Sri Lanka and what an awesome place to visit. The north – in particular the Jaffna region – is becoming more accessible by the day with more tourist infrastructure in place. Of course, this will eventually mean more tourism so it’s certainly worth a visit sooner rather than later should you have time.
By Xavier Kaczka January 19, 2018 - 6:58 am
Hi Dave and Deb,
thanks for having such a wonderful blog. It really helps us in traveling, You. I was to Sri Lanka last year with my girl, and it was really wonderful. A must do Activity is WATER RAFTING in Kitulgala, never forget that time. Actually I m into adventure so I loved it. We booked through a tour company which is Travelasia Vcations..and our driver was Chinthaka, he treated us really nice, and we weren’t lost in Sri Lanka coz of him lol. Id I am gonna travel Sri Lanka and Thailand this year, hopefully its gonna be great ?
By Meraj September 7, 2017 - 11:55 am
Need to buy some gifts for wife kids. What are the best thing in SL
By Mendis August 18, 2017 - 6:26 am
Amazing post…thanks for sharing…the pictures look stunning. Especially that Adam’s Peak pic is breathe taking.
By Farill August 6, 2013 - 7:17 am
Hello guys,
Really enjoyed your article. would like to obtain permission to reproduce this feature on our magazine Colombo Things to Do with full credits to you . Pls let us s know the possibilities ..cheers!
By debndave August 8, 2013 - 9:28 pm
Thanks Farill, I’ll send you an email.
By Sri Lanka - A Couples Odyssey June 22, 2013 - 6:06 am
[…] ” Adams Peak is Sri Lanka’s most sacred site and you can join thousands of pilgrims for 2 months of the year as they pay homage to the first place that Adam stepped foot on earth when he was cast down from Heaven. It is a climb that doesn’t require any technical skill, but it is a work out. ” — by theplanetd.com […]
By Carmen Johnson March 7, 2013 - 9:07 am
A Tourist Board approved tour guide with almost 20 years experience in providing a quality and a reliable service to thousands of tourists from all around the world. I previously worked in large government projects in the construction sector both here and abroad and then followed my passion to travel and show the beauty of this nation to others. So I followed a guide course and qualified myself as a tour guide.
<a href="http://www.srilankadriverguide.com">Srilanka Tours</a>.
By Santos Camara February 10, 2013 - 5:35 pm
A thing to keep in mind!
By Kaushalya .s. Degaldoruwa January 16, 2013 - 12:00 am
We invite you to enjoy the places you visit in Sri Lanka.We will guide you a better understanding of the social,culture and economy of the Sri Lanka and Sri Lankans.
By Sri Lanka Touroperator January 10, 2013 - 7:26 am
we offer transport Service , We specialize in tours , we give you best rates for vehicles and Hotel Bookings. contact us today and reserve your vehicle and hotels.
By Loka Sithiyama January 10, 2013 - 7:21 am
Sri Lanka; A Land Like No Other ! Mainly named as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka as a small island has many names which people call; Serendib, Ceylon, Teardrop of India, Resplendent Isle, Island of Dharma, Pearl of the Orient are some of those beautiful names. This colorful collection reveals its richness and beauty, and the intensity of affection which it has evoked in visitors.
By Tour Operators Sri Lanka November 14, 2012 - 3:37 am
This truly is a treasure Island Come visit Sri Lanka
By chamara November 13, 2012 - 6:06 am
best places in srilanka are bandarawela,anuradapura,hatton thalawakale,kithulgala,trincomalee,yala,unawatuna,nuwaraeliya,kandy,jaffna.
By Sri Lanka Holiday Ideas May 30, 2012 - 11:26 pm
Very good article about Sri Lanka that anyone should read.
I would also suggest visiting some of the historic places such as Anuradhapura & Polonnaruwa.
See http://www.srilankaholidayideas.com/places-to-visit-in-srilanka/ for some places to visit in Sri Lanka.
By Colin April 21, 2012 - 5:12 am
If going the Sri Lanka, don’t forget pinewella the elephant orphanage, and the esala perahera in July August.
By mohd nazahim April 18, 2012 - 3:00 pm
well come to sri lanka.we can give the real value of the money
By mohd nazahim April 18, 2012 - 2:58 pm
nice pcs.
By Kanchana February 5, 2012 - 12:50 pm
Hi!
Great post and good to see someone not Sri Lankan taking an interest and writing about the Island, I too did some travelling in Sri Lanka in Dec 2011 – Jan 2012 visit my blog for my feedback on the trip and more information! I did a series of Articles here they are, plus when you visit the blog you will find articles on many of the places I visited, please bear with me as I update it with more information. I believe it will take me months to complete most of it!
http://kancando.blogspot.com/2012/01/my-top-10-must-dos-in-sri-lanka.html
http://kancando.blogspot.com/2012/01/my-top-10-points-of-interest-in-sri.html
http://kancando.blogspot.com/2012/01/my-top-10-towns-to-visit-in-sri-lanka.html
Many thanks
Kan
By Sid February 4, 2012 - 6:38 am
Hi,
For the people who were interested in dolphin & Whale watching, the Sri Lanka Navy takes out a ship early morning. You can check it out on their website :whalewatching.navy.lk
Other smaller places also take you, but the Navy takes very good care of you.
I went a couple of weeks ago and the experience was amazing! We saw soooo many, and they told us that that was actually a slow day!
You can’t just climb onto the ship though, you need to book early. Plus,there are specific seasons for whale & dolphin watching. So make sure you time your trip around it.
Hope this helps!
TC.
By deepti ahuja October 14, 2011 - 8:02 am
Great write up! I have been here a few months back via yatra.com and I would like to add some more things here. If you are a nature lover, you must take a trip to a rain forest on hill country. you will be amazed to see lush green trees and silver streams. Seeing a water falls you can easily spend a month. You may enjoy wild life,mist,water falls and many more in this place. Spend a day in a village where farmers live. enjoy paddy fields and there evening breeze. village life and their customs will bring a new sense about simplicity to your life. enjoy Srilanka!!!
By debndave October 15, 2011 - 5:14 am
Hi Deepti, thanks for the additions. I agree with you, there are so many things to do in Sri Lanka that the list can go on and on. We loved it there and look forward to going back soon. We will make sure to follow your advice and do some of your tips above. Cheers!
By Prema November 1, 2011 - 9:10 pm
Hi Deepti
We are thinking of visiting Sri Lanka in December 2011. We are not sure about whether, we should join a tour there or do our own thing. Could you enlighten us please??
Thank you.
By debndave November 2, 2011 - 11:12 am
Hi Prema, We were in Sri Lanka in January and the weather was spectacular. It was very warm and comfortable. Actually it was hot, but the beach breeze made it all better. In the highlands it cools down a lot and there is some rain. I don’t think that you need to do a tour in Sri Lanka. It is a small island with a great bus system that is very affordable. We took local transport everywhere including buses and trains. It’s easy to grab the minivan buses and flag them down on the side of the road. Everyone is very helpful too. You should have no problem.
By Dexan Low September 12, 2011 - 12:25 am
I am very surprise that there have been not many write-ups and recommendations on whale and dolphin watching in Sri Lanka.
Coming from Malaysia, I have prioritize this experience for my January holiday.
Can someone please tell me more about this?
By davendeb September 12, 2011 - 2:47 am
I don’t know about the dolphin and whale watching in Sri Lanka, hopefully someone can help you out. Cheers and thanks for stopping by.
By KASUN June 7, 2011 - 2:55 am
WELCOME TO SRILANKA
We have the pleasure to let you know that we have now completed successful period of time giving you our at most servers in the tourist trade. To launch this superb service in the tourism we hope your kind attraction to visit even once to this resplendent Island in the Indian Ocean
We specialize in tours,we give you unbelievable rates for vehicles and Hotel Bookings. i do the tours my own vehicles
contact us today and reserve your vehicle and hotels.
By davendeb June 7, 2011 - 9:43 am
We are happy to see Sri Lanka is going strong and growing in tourism.
By Kate May 25, 2011 - 9:14 am
For anyone heading to the west coast you must check out a small local company called Malubanna. They did an excellent job for us and offer some unique activities not offered by other companies. We especially loved Beruwela Fish Harbour in the early morning (not on other tourist there) and Koggala Turtle Hatchery which I know is mentioned above. They took us in the vening though after the other tourists had left. We had a private tour, got to release some of the newborn turtles and then had a private candle lit dinner on the beach – PERFECT!! I couldn’t tell you how to find Malubanna, but their address is Malubanna, 15/3 River Avenue, Aluthgama. +94 (0)777117400 info@malubanna.com
By Our Favourite Photographs by Country 2010 | The Planet D: Around the World Adventure Couple December 20, 2010 - 12:18 pm
[…] that plume of smoke lies Mount Everest.Hikkaduwa Beach, Sri LankaIf there is one photo that sums up Sri Lanka it is this one. The perch of the fisherman standing strong against the setting sun as high tide […]
By Crishantha perera August 31, 2010 - 11:21 pm
A beautiful tropical island, cuddled by dazzling white beaches, golden yellow sunsets and crystal blue waters, Sri Lanka is a breath of Fresh Air. So Plan your next Dream Vacation to reincarnate all those fantasies in your mind and enjoy this gorgeous & exotic land …
Sri Lanka the Pearl of the Indian Ocean is truly Paradise….
A precious gift of nature, this stunning island has so much to offer. Exotic palm fringed shores, lush green forests, cool misty hills and its milky white waterfalls all complimented by a Rich Vibrant culture is sure to make your Holiday in Sri Lanka the best spent days of your life.
Feel free to contact us for Arrange your tour
Sri Lanka Nature Travels
Crishantha perera
Email info@srilankanaturetravels.com
Web site http://www.srilankanaturetravels.com
Mobile +94 777 572 275
By Adventurous Kate August 12, 2010 - 5:46 pm
I’m going to Sri Lanka this March — probably for about three weeks. Particularly looking forward to hill country and Unawatuna. Thanks for posting this great list! It’s always wonderful to hear from travelers who have been there!
.-= Adventurous Kate´s last blog ..Best Views of Florence =-.
By davendeb August 12, 2010 - 6:44 pm
Have a great time, hopefully you make it to Hikkaduwa as well. If you do, we know the number of an excellent tuk tuk driver that has a heart of gold!
Here are a couple of Sri Lanka posts that you might be interested in. Make sure to eat at the Hill Club in Nuwara Elya, it was a very cool experience.
http://theplanetd.com/tuk-tuk-driver-makes-a-difference
http://theplanetd.com/unawatuna-sri-lanka-it-could-be-paradise
By Fresh From Twitter August 12, 2010 - 5:44 pm
[…] #Photos #Travel #Greece RT Wanted to go there next year! @theplanetd Top Things to do in Sri Lanka http://bit.ly/91KRsJ #travel Hello hello to @iTravel who are following us from #Johannesburg. That’s quite a […]
By thush July 18, 2010 - 12:20 pm
wonderful roundup! I may add some other things you can do in sri lanka. specially if you are a nature lover you can have a trip to a rain forest on hill country.you will be amazed among lush green trees and silver streams.if you visit only to see water falls you can spend a month,trust me. enjoy a golden sunset in the west cost and a beautiful sun rise from the east cost. horten plains is a place you should never miss. it is an endless plain 2000 meters above sea level. you may enjoy wild life,mist,water falls and many more in this place. spend a day in a village where farmers live. enjoy paddy fields and there evening breeze. village life and their customs will bring a new sense about simplicity to your life. enjoy sri lanka!!!
By 50 Great Places to Visit Before You Die | PrivateJetCharter.net June 21, 2010 - 10:48 am
[…] Sri Lanka: There are many things to take in when visiting Sri Lanka. This blog post shares with readers 10 things they must-do during their visit. […]
By Mihidu Travels May 9, 2010 - 9:36 am
Also you cannot miss ancient cities like ‘Anuradhapura’ and ‘Polonnaruwa’ that where built thousands of years ago.
By Levinson & Axelrod March 25, 2010 - 4:21 pm
Great photos. Enjoyed this post very much.
By Trisha Miller March 25, 2010 - 1:57 pm
Wonderful roundup! Sri Lanka is now on my list of places I will be sure to visit, thanks to you two….hopefully sooner rather than later.
By Ranga June 16, 2010 - 3:38 am
No 01 from “The 31 Places to Go in 2010” by Times Magazine New York – 10/01/2010
Second best island to visit – National geographic Channel – 18/03/2010
Best Honeymoon destination in the world – Caxton-fx Europe – 24/02/2010 Recorded highest leopard density in the world ( Yala Park )
Best rain forest in Asia (Sinharaja)
47 Wild life sanctuaries / national parks / reserves
More than 382 recorded waterfalls
One of the top 20 bio diversity hotspots in the world
More than 3650 animal species & Close to 7300 plant species
Remarkable high proportion of endemic species among its flora and fauna (23% of the flowering plants and 16% of the mammals in the island are endemic)
A recorded history from 6th century BC and prehistoric traces
7 UNESCO World Heritage sites
Unique culture with Dance Acts originated 2500 years back
Golden beaches all around the island 1,340 km + long
One of the best destinations in the world for surfing
Hill country rising to an elevation of 2,524 m
Temperature zones ranging from a hot 34 c to cool of 4 c
Thats few only and you can descover more if you travel to this paradise…..
By Tweets that mention Top Things to do in Sri Lanka | The Planet D: Around the World Adventure Couple -- Topsy.com March 25, 2010 - 11:40 am
[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Keith Jenkins, Travelogged.com, Nellie Huang, TLWH, Route 66 Travels and others. Route 66 Travels said: RT @ShannonRTW: RT @theplanetd: Top Things to do in Sri Lanka http://ow.ly/16SWkb […]