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.
21 Things to do in Sri Lanka
It broke our hearts to hear of the attacks on the people of Sri Lanka. They are the kindest, warmest and most open people we have ever met in our travels.
While visiting this beautiful island located off the southern coast of India, we met inspiring people, saw magnificent sites and enjoyed awesome adventures. You will too when you visit Sri Lanka.
Now more than ever is the time to visit Sri Lanka.
What to do in Sri Lanka
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. Surfing
Sri Lanka is a beginner surfers paradise. Hikkaduwa on Sri Lanka’s southwest 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.
On the west coast, there is a popular beach that offers bigger and better waves called Aragum Bay. This is where you’ll find a lot of surfers hanging out waiting to catch a wave.
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 favorite 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.
One of the best places to sip tea is in Nuwara Eliya and Kandy.
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
Read about our mountain biking adventure in Ella
4. Adam’s Peak Pilgrimage
In my opinion, the top attraction of Sri Lanka is Adams Peak. Our climb to the top was one of the best experiences we’ve ever had in the country.
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 workout. 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 visit Sri Lanka.
We saw the Adam’s Peak Pilgrimage on Pilot Guides many years ago on TV 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.
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.
A top train journey in Sri Lanka is to Ella.
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 and making new friends was part of the fun!
Where to Stay in Yala National Park: Cinnamon Wild
Yala is an incredible park filled with wildlife. Elephants, peacocks, monkeys, jackals, 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.
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.
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.
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 Rock Fortress
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.
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 Sigiriya. It is a great sunset hike that takes you up a mountain adjacent to Sigiriya, offering amazing views of the giant rock.
11. Huluru Eco Park
Huluru Eco Park is another excellent place to view wildlife.
We saw elephants and monkeys and what makes this park special, is that you can get out of the jeep and hike up to a high lookout.
Designated a biosphere reserve in 1977, Huluru is an important habitat for Sri Lanka’s Elephants.
12. Farm Visit
Cinnamon Wild hosts a farm visit to help keep farm animals safe from leopards, which in turn saves the leopards of Sri Lanka.
They provide fences and safety for the cattle so that leopards do not snatch the calves.
In the past when leopards killed the livestock, farmers would retaliate and kill the leopards. Now that they have fences and are secure from the leopards, they can thrive and co-exist in the wild.
A farm visit is a wonderful way to learn and understand what it is like to live in rural Sri Lanka.
13. Hike to Ella
One of the best hikes in Sri Lanka is the hike to Ella Rock.
The town of Ella feels like an English Country village complete with red phone booths, a horse track and even fine white glove dining.
The popular trek here is to Ella Rock located 5km outside of town.
It offers great panoramic views of the hill country and tea terraces and is a good day trip if you are up for a steep and challenging hike.
14. Polonnaruwa
The ancient city of Polonnaruwa is Sri Lanka’s second oldest kingdom dating back to 1070.
It is a World Heritage Site and people still inhabit the land all around it.
It’s in great shape with many monuments still standing. It’s not as large as many of the other ruins we visited around Asia, but it is a fascinating walk through time.
15. Anuradhapura Sri Lanka
What I love about visiting Sri Lanka is how modern civilization lives in harmony with its ancient past.
Anuradhapura is the capital fo the North Central Province, but also the capital of the ancient cities of Sri Lanka.
Its ruins are well- preserved and a good way to learn about ancient Sri Lanka civilization.
16. See the Cliff Divers of Galle
Galle is located on the southern tip of Sri Lanka. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Galle is a picturesque city surrounded by a wall built by the Dutch in the 17th Century.
Take a walk around the city to explore the colonial buildings.
Colonial customs are still strong in Galle and you can have afternoon tea at one of the high-end hotels.
If you are lucky, you may see some locals cliff diving from the high walls.
17. Royal Palace of Kandy
Kandy was the former capital of Sri Lanka and was the residence of Sri Lankan Monarchy until 1815.
Take a tour of the complex to see the king and queen’s palace, the temple of the tooth and the royal court.
18. Una Watuna
Una Watuna is a beach town in the south of Sri Lanka.
What makes it special is the fact that the highway bypasses the town making walking through the narrow lanes easy and free from traffic.
There are picturesque beaches and it is here that you can see fishermen still fishing from stilts.
19. Get to know the locals
Nothing feels better than being invited to someone’s 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.
20. 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.
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.
21. Spend Time in Colombo
Colombo is a bustling city filled with luxury hotels.
We stayed at the Cinnamon Grand. A luxurious hotel in the heart of downtown.
It has come a long way since we first visited in 2010 with fine dining, night clubs, rooftop patios, and cafes.
Our favourite rooftop bar was at the Cinnamon Red Boutique Hotel.
Where to Stay in Sri Lanka
Cinnamon Wild is an amazing place to stay within Yala National Park.
You are escorted to and from your room as you are surrounded by wildlife. Listen to the sounds of the jungle as you sleep in tree houses.
Cinnamon has hotels throughout Sri Lanka from Colombo to Hikkaduwa. We enjoyed each and every one of their hotels.
Check TripAdvisor for reviews and Booking.com for price comparisons.
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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Do you have some other suggestions of things to do in Sri Lanka? We’d love to hear in the comments below.
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Sharonmary says
Sri Lanka, a beautiful place to visit and explore. Nice article. It will be very useful for those who are planning to visit Sri Lanka.
Qnet says
What a beautiful and magical place! If these people are as kind and warm as you say, they deserve all the best, especially for making Sri Lanka such a wonder!
BARAKATALAN says
Arugam Bay in Srilanka is not a destination to be overlooked.Its a Surfer’s Paradise.
Much obliged for sharing such an useful information specially for those who love to travel.
DNN says
the one thing I love about the beauty of traveling is the grand opportunity to open your mind to see different unique parts of the United States or the world. Looking forward to being in Santa Barbara, California again within the next three years or less. 🙂
loveyouplanet says
I never heard before about Pidurangala.. Sounds like interesting option!
kkday says
Yeah! that’s a beautiful country to make your trip fantastic with family. The greenery attracts you most. I loved this place, will visit soon. Thanks Dave And Deb, When did you visit here.
DNN says
Sri Lanka sounds like a place a person never wants to leave.
HARMEET KAUR says
We need to visit in the month of May with our 6 year old child. Is it a good time to visit during May.hows the climate during that time. Can you help please on that. Do rains start there in month of May
Chamara Lasantha says
Hello
I was read the blog and it’s most important traveler who hope to be visit here one day. As a Sri Lankan I appreciate to showing my country to the world. Wish you all the best to explore more things..
Thank you
Kimi Soni says
Really Thanks a lot for this informative Post with images. Sri Lanka is a nice place and I have no any idea about these places but after reading this post and see images I feel wow it’s the amazing place. And really I will go there in these places with my family
arun das says
Thanks for the beautiful blog. It will be very useful for the person who is going for the Sri Lankan trip. Maybe next time I will plan for the trip with this information.
Markus Kampl says
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.
Xavier Kaczka says
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 ?
Meraj says
Need to buy some gifts for wife kids. What are the best thing in SL
Mendis says
Amazing post…thanks for sharing…the pictures look stunning. Especially that Adam’s Peak pic is breathe taking.
Farill says
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!
debndave says
Thanks Farill, I’ll send you an email.
Carmen Johnson says
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>.
Santos Camara says
A thing to keep in mind!
Kaushalya .s. Degaldoruwa says
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.
Sri Lanka Touroperator says
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.
Loka Sithiyama says
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.
Tour Operators Sri Lanka says
This truly is a treasure Island Come visit Sri Lanka
chamara says
best places in srilanka are bandarawela,anuradapura,hatton thalawakale,kithulgala,trincomalee,yala,unawatuna,nuwaraeliya,kandy,jaffna.
Sri Lanka Holiday Ideas says
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.
Colin says
If going the Sri Lanka, don’t forget pinewella the elephant orphanage, and the esala perahera in July August.
mohd nazahim says
well come to sri lanka.we can give the real value of the money
mohd nazahim says
nice pcs.
Kanchana says
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
Sid says
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.
deepti ahuja says
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!!!
debndave says
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!
Prema says
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.
debndave says
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.
Dexan Low says
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?
davendeb says
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.
KASUN says
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.
davendeb says
We are happy to see Sri Lanka is going strong and growing in tourism.
Kate says
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 [email protected]
Crishantha perera says
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 [email protected]
Web site http://www.srilankanaturetravels.com
Mobile +94 777 572 275
Adventurous Kate says
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 =-.
davendeb says
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.
https://theplanetd.com/tuk-tuk-driver-makes-a-difference
https://theplanetd.com/unawatuna-sri-lanka-it-could-be-paradise
thush says
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!!!
Mihidu Travels says
Also you cannot miss ancient cities like ‘Anuradhapura’ and ‘Polonnaruwa’ that where built thousands of years ago.
Levinson & Axelrod says
Great photos. Enjoyed this post very much.
Trisha Miller says
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.
Ranga says
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…..