There’s no guessing why Sri Lanka has risen to the top of Urban List's travel bucket list of late. From the sun-kissed beaches of the south to the ancient ruins of Anuradhapura in the north, this article is your guide to uncovering the very best things to do in Sri Lanka.
Even in the rainy season, the temperatures remain at a balmy 30 degrees, the people are always smiling and there’s plenty to see and do. Get booking—here are the best things to do in Sri Lanka.
Stop By Colombo
Your flights will most likely arrive in and depart from Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital city, so you should take some time out to explore this culture-rich destination. There’s plenty to do, like see the National Museum, ride on a tuk-tuk, check out Galle Face Green (a seaside promenade), get lost in the Pettah markets, admire colonial architecture (like the Old Dutch Hospital) and visit the Gangaramaya Temple.
Climb Adam’s Peak
Image credit: Adam's Peak | Sander Don
Adam’s Peak, or Sri Pada as it’s known to the locals, is a 2,243m miniature mountain and a place of worship for Buddhists in Sri Lanka—its natural geography is said to be the footprint of Buddha. The trip up the mountain in Dalhousie (about three hours) is best made in the early hours of the morning so you get to the peak in time for a spectacular sunrise. Remember to pack a lunch, or you can book a tour through Scenic Tours & Travel Sri Lanka who’ll take care of all that and more.
Up Your Adrenaline With Adventure Camping
Make for the jungles of Kitulgala and sign yourself up for adventure camping with Kitulgala Adventures. Set up camp for one to three nights in the jungle and take part in white water rafting, bird watching, jungle walks, river bathing and more. Waterfalls definitely included.
Get Wild On A Safari
From leopards and elephants to chipmunks and peacocks, there are many creatures to observe in their natural habitat in Sri Lanka. Leopard Safaris run an awesome two-day safari through the Yala and Wilpattu national parks which includes dinner under the stars, luxury tent lodgings and the chance to spot sloth bears, elephants, crocodiles, leopards, deer, tortoise and more!
Travel By Train
Image credit: Kandy To Ella Train | Jaromír Kavan
While flying takes significantly less time, there’s so much beautiful scenery to see on the ground in Sri Lanka that a visit is not complete without a train trip. The most scenic route is Kandy to Ella which takes around seven hours one way and passes through lush tea fields and stunning mountainsides. Tickets can be bought on the ground in key stations, or online here 30 days out from your trip.
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Catch Some Waves At Arugam Bay
Image credit: Sasha Set | Website
One of the best spots to catch some killer surf in Sri Lanka, Arugam Bay is a must for beach babes and bums, or anyone who likes the laid-back lifestyle. The crescent-shaped bay is absolutely stunning—stop by for a few days of rest and relaxation, sun, surf, sand and yoga!
Get The Tea On Ceylon Tea
Image credit: Tharaka Jayasuriya | Website
Resplendent Ceylon offers a variety of experiences getting you amongst the tea-growing trails of the region. Pick from a tea tasting experience meeting a grower, biking or trekking the trails of the Bogawantalawa Valley, or a tea-infused dinner in the heart of tea country.
Relax, Relax, Relax
An instrumental part of any good South-East Asian holiday, rest and relaxation is crucial. Depending on how much R&R is needed you can choose to laze by your hotel’s pool (which will no doubt be amazing) or for something a little more intensive you can book a serious yoga retreat at Talalla Retreat Sri Lanka. The seven-day retreat includes yoga classes, guided meditations and massage and will surely leave you blissed to the max.
Visit All Of The UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Image credit: Daniel Klein | Website
There are eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka, and if we’re being honest, it’s worth visiting all of them. If you can only make it to a few you’ll definitely want to check out the Golden Temple of Dambulla (part cave, part monastery), Lion’s Rock in the Ancient City of Sigiriya, the Sacred City of Kandy which is home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic and Ruwanwelisaya in the Sacred City of Anuradhapura.
Enjoy The Local Cuisine
A holiday isn’t a holiday without delicious food and Sri Lanka is home to some incredibly tasty dishes. There’s kottu roti (a deliciously greasy dish of stir-fried, shredded roti), wood apple (Sri Lanka’s answer to the durian, this time smelling of blue cheese), hoppers (Sri Lankan pancakes) and fish ambul thiyal (sour fish curry). Right by the Temple of the Tooth, The Empire Cafe is the perfect spot to stop by for coffee, refreshments, Sri Lankan curries and sweet treats.
Part of the top-notch Heritance Kandalama hotel, Kanchanalak Restaurant offers panoramic views and delicious Sri Lankan fare. You’ll need to make a booking for this one.
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Image credit: Farhath Firows | Website
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