A tropical climate, beautiful beaches, lush forests, and exotic locations— all understatements when describing Sri Lanka. The country is endowed with a flourishing culture, delicious cuisine, diverse wildlife, and underwater wonders. Right from its offbeat beaches to those ones with raving parties, Sri Lanka is a destination for all. There is a long and fun list of things to do in Sri Lanka that suits different types of people.
Also read: Top 5 Places To Visit In Sri Lanka: Traveller’s Opinion
Table of Contents
Immerse Yourselves In These Things To Do In Sri Lanka
1. To The Peak: Hiking And trekking
Sri Lanka has hills, forests, and waterfalls that make the country ideal for hiking and trekking. Jungle trekking is famous in Sri Lanka with lush forests like Kitulgala Rainforest and Sinharaja Forest Reserve. The Kitulgala Rainforest is the wettest region in the country, thereby providing dense vegetation and scenic landscapes with ample opportunity for activities like waterfall trekking, rappelling, and swimming with fish. Sinharaja Forest Reserve is also described as a tropical wet evergreen forest and is home to 95 per cent of Sri Lanka’s endemic birds. The forest is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
When to visit? December to March and June to September is the best time to visit for trekking.
Address: You can visit forests like Kitulgala Rainforest, Sinharaja Forest Reserve and Sinharaja Forest Reserve.
Entry Fees: It varies from place to place typically starting around $15 per person.
Book Now: Sri Lanka Nature, Culture and Wild Tour
2. Into The Wild: Safari At The National Parks
With an abundance of green foliage, Sri Lanka has many forest reserves and national parks. It has more than 400 species of birds and 16 per cent of its wildlife and 23 per cent of its vegetation are unique. Spread across 5,734 square kilometres, there are 26 national parks owned by different states. All of this contributes towards amazing safari experiences with animals like elephants, flamingos, leopards, sloth bears, and different birds waiting to be spotted. Elephants dominate national parks like Minneriya National Park, Wasgamuwa National Park, and Uda Walawe National Park.
A wildlife safari falls under the best things to do in Sri Lanka due to the different experiences it offers. There are different types of safaris to choose from. A jeep safari is the most common one, while you can also go on a walking safari that includes a ranger and tracker, that gets you closer to the animals. Boat safaris are available at Gal Oya National Park where you can view crocodiles that live in the Senanayake Samudraya reservoir. Another unique way is a hot-air balloon safari that is available only from December to March and depends on climatic conditions.
When to visit? December to March is the best time to enjoy wildlife safari.
Address: Minneriya National Park, Wasgamuwa National Park, and Uda Walawe National Park, Gal Oya National Park are some of the best spots you can visit.
Entry Fees: Entry fees depends on which spot you are visiting and generally starts from LKR 60.
3. Captivating Culture: Visiting Heritage Sites
Sri Lanka has eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, of which six are cultural and two are natural. The sites are cities like Kandy, Sigiriya, Anuradhapura, Galle and Polonnaruwa, Dambulla Cave Temple, and forests like Sinharaja Forest Reserve and Central Highlands. Kandy has the famous Temple of Tooth, which is home to an alleged tooth of the Buddha, and from 1592 to 1815 hosted Sinhalese kings. Sigiriya has cultural sites like King Kassapa’s palace and Lion Rock. The first capital of the country, Anuradhapura is visited by Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world. Among the best places to visit Sri Lanka, Galle was built by the Dutch, so a lot of churches, buildings and remnants of the Dutch East India Company from the 17th and 18th centuries can be found here. Engaging in culture is a must among all things to do in Sri Lanka.
When to visit? The best time to explore these sites is from December to March during which the weather is pleasant.
Address: Kandy, Sigiriya, Anuradhapura, Galle and Polonnaruwa, Dambulla Cave Temple, and forests like Sinharaja Forest Reserve and Central Highlands are some of the most popular sites you can visit.
Entry Fees: Entry fees differs based on which spot you are visiting.
4. Ceylon’s Pride: Tea Plantations And Tours
Famous for centuries, Sri Lanka’s tea plantations have a rich taste that is loved all around the world. Sri Lanka’s biggest tea-producing region is Sabaragauwa in the Uva province. Lush tea plantations are located on the hills of Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, Dimbula, Uda Pussellawa, and more. The central region of Sri Lanka has some of the best tea plantations and estates and is one of the best places to visit Sri Lanka. Some of the famous tea plantations are Mackwoods Labukele Factory, Handunugoda Estate, Blue Field Tea Factory, and Pedro Tea Factory. Some of the plantations also offer tours and are also tea plantation hotels where you can stay and breathe in the fresh air.
When to visit? The best time to visit tea plantations in Sri Lanka is between February and May.
Address: Sabaragauwa in the Uva province, hills of Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, Dimbula, Uda Pussellawa, Mackwoods Labukele Factory, Handunugoda Estate, Blue Field Tea Factory, and Pedro Tea Factory have some of the best tea plantations.
Entry Fees: The entry fees depends on the plantation you are visiting and the type of tour you are taking.
5. Let The Waves Lead You: Water Activities
The electric blue and turquoise waters allow for a wide range of water activities like snorkelling, scuba diving, windsurfing, whitewater rafting, kayaking, deep-sea fishing, canoeing, water skiing, and more. Water sports are one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka. Places like Hikkaduwa, Kalpitiya Beach, Pigeon Island, and Arugam Bay are prime destinations for snorkelling, scuba diving, and surfing. Poseidon Diving organises good dives and also offers certifications. Kitesurfing is most famous in Kalpitiya where you can visit Kitesurfing Lanka which has certified instructors that help you navigate. Kelani River provides rapid currents for whitewater rafting and you can try kayaking in Kalu Ganga.
When to visit? To participate in water activities, it’s best to visit during December to March.
Address: You can visit places like Hikkaduwa, Kalpitiya Beach, Pigeon Island, and Arugam Bay to enjoy water sports.
Entry Fees: Fees depends on what water sports you are indulging in.
6. Journey To Remember: Train Rides
Train rides bring out the real beauty of the landscapes and amplify it. While the trains are old and not in great condition, the picturesque scenery you can see from the window is satisfying. Train journeys in East Sri Lanka with views of forests and tea plantations are experiences you must not miss. Train rides we recommend are from Kandy to Nanu Oya, Hill Country to Ella, and Ella to Badulla.
When to visit? When to visit depends on the train route you are taking. It’s better to properly research these things beforehand.
Address: You can take train rides from Kandy to Ella, Nuwara Eliya from Kandy, Adisham Bungalow visit with a scenic train journey etc.
Entry Fees: Train rides in Sri Lanka are affordable. Their prices vary depending on the train ride you are taking.
Book Now: Sri Lanka Round Tour
7. Take That Wallet Out: Shopping Places
Cities like Kandy and Colombo have an array of shopping markets that sell everything from jewels to handicrafts. Sri Lanka is also famous for sapphires, moonstones, and handicrafts. If you want to shop for souvenirs like handloom saris and sarongs (traditional clothes for men) you can head to Barefoot and Selyn Fair Trade in Colombo. Laksala is the best place to buy handicrafts that sell figurines of the Buddha, elephants, and Sri Lankan artefacts made out of wood and marble. Tea and spices are best bought at Pettah or Kandy’s street markets. Traditional Sri Lankan black tea can be bought at stores like Dilmah and TeaEli. Shopping is definitely among the best things to do in Sri Lanka, and other famous markets include Odel, Majestic City, Paradise Road, and Ratnapura.
8. Rest From Being A Tourist: Visit Ayurvedic Spas
If you want to unwind, then an Ayurvedic spa experience is a must. Many wellness resorts in Sri Lanka are centred around Ayurveda. These resorts concentrate on aromatherapy, healing yoga, meditation, detox rituals, and treatments that help you rejuvenate your body and soul. Include this in your list of things to do in Sri Lanka for a rejuvenating experience.
When to visit? You can visit any time after checking the timing of the spas you wish to visit.
Address: Some of the most popular spas are situated beside lakes like Tri and Santani Wellness Resort and some are amidst the lush green hills like Kandy Samadhi Center and Kalundewa Retreat, so you feel one with nature.
Entry Fees: Entry fees depends on the spa you are visiting and the services you avail.
9. Spot The Blue Whale: Dolphin And Whale Watching
The whale watching season in Sri Lanka starts in November and ends in either April or May. The quaint town of Mirissa is perfect for whale and dolphin watching. While a lot of tour companies offer packages for the activity, not many are ethical and care about animals. So pick a company that avoids going too close and induces stress in the whales and dolphins. There is a certain criterion set for whale watching by the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, so make sure your tour company adheres to it.
When to visit? From November to April or May
Address: Mirissa, Sri Lanka
Entry Fees: For adults and children of more than 12 years of age, fees is $50. For children of 5-12 years, charges are $35. For children of up to 5 years of age, the charges are free.
10. Traverse Through The National Museum Of Colombo
If you are an ardent history lover then you can pay a visit to Colombo which is the commercial capital of Sri Lanka. It has the very popular national museum of Colombo that is a must visit for all the history buffs. What makes this place more special is that it has some of the most unique collections of the ancient Kandyan dynasty rulers.
When to Visit? You can visit all days from 9 am to 6 pm except Fridays and public holidays.
Address: WV56+X9R, Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha, Colombo 00700, Sri Lanka
Entry Fees: 200 LKR per person, 100 LKR for children for locals; 1000 LKR for foreigners.
11. Picnic At The Viharamadevi Park
If you are visiting Sri Lanka with family then picnicking at the Viharamadevi Park would be an absolute delight. An interesting fact about this place is that it was formerly known as Victoria Park and was later named after Queen
Viharamadevi. It’s next to the National Museum of Sri Lanka. Enjoying some quality time with family in the serene environment of this Park is definitely one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka. What makes this place more suitable for families is that it has a dedicated play area for kids, a lot of space for cycling and jogging tracks as well.
When to visit? You can go to this spot all days from 7 am to 6 pm except on Fridays and public holidays.
Address: Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Entry Fees: No entry fees.
12. Discover The Fortress Of Sigiriya
This is the site that has the ruins of the ancient fort and is often called the eighth wonder of the world. The magnificent view of the ruins is something unique and interesting that makes it worth witnessing. Sigiriya Lion Rock, one of the best places to visit in this country, is a popular trekking spot with beautiful landscapes. As you reach the top you can view the ruins of an ancient fortress. As you hike up the rock, paintings of elegant women of Sri Lanka adorn the stones. Other places like Ella Rock, Adam’s Peak, Pidurangala Rock, and Knuckles Ranges offer good trekking opportunities too.
When to visit? You can visit this site all days from 7 am to 5:30 pm.
Address: Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
Entry Fees: Entry fee structure is as follows:
| Non-SAARC foreign adult | US$36 |
|---|---|
| SAARC foreign children | US$18 |
| Local adults | Rs.120 |
| Local children | Rs.60 |
| All infant and toddler | 0 |
13. Sight Animals At The Yala National Park
Wildlife and nature lovers can treat themselves by visiting the Yala National Park and sighting some animals. It’s the second largest and the most visited national park in Sri Lanka. You can go on a group tour or safari to have a convenient trip in this national park.
When to visit? You can visit this park from June to September from 6 am to 6 pm.
Address: Hambantota, Sri Lanka, Galle
Entry Fees: The entrance fee is approximately USD 28 (LKR 3,688) for a foreign adult and USD8 (LKR 1037. 52) for a foreign child.
14. Pet Elephants in Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
If you are an animal lover, then this is another great place for you. Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a place where you get an opportunity to have close interactions with elephants. What’s interesting about this place is that the animals here are very friendly and are always happy to play with the visitors. To have a unique experience, you can pet them and even bathe them. You can also lend a helping hand to the locals here to make recycle paper from elephant’s waste products.
When to visit? You can visit this place anytime as it’s open throughout the year.
Address: B199, Rambukkana 71100, Sri Lanka, Pinnawala
Entry Fees: The entry fees for SAARc adults and children is 700 and 350 LKR respectively. For other countries, entry fees for adults and children is 2500 and 1250 LKR. For the locals of Sri Lanka entry fee starts at 50 LKR.
15. Drench In The Water Of Ravana Falls
Ravana Falls are the widest waterfalls in the country and are absolutely magical. The waterfalls resemble the shape of an Areca Flower with withering petals and it has historical significance as well. As per the legend, Ravana, the mythical king had brought Sita here.
When to visit? The best time to visit this spot is after the rainy season between May and September.
Address: Ella-Wellawaya Road, Ella 90090 Sri Lanka
Entry Fees: Free
Book Now: Sri Lanka Sight Seeing Tour
16. Feed Turtles in Bentota
When you think of Bentota, pristine waters and golden beaches come to your mind. Just a mere thought of this place is enough to relax you out! One of the best beaches in Sri Lanka, Bentota is a place where you can enjoy some of the most exciting water sports or just behold the magnificent site of the serene landscapes. Going to the famous Kosgoda turtle hatchery where you can feed new born turtles in huge water tanks is a very interesting activity to indulge in.
When to visit? The best time to visit this place is from October to April.
Address: Pitaramba, Bentota, Sri Lanka.
Entry Fees: No Entry Fees
17. Surf in Arugam Bay
If you are a water sport enthusiast, then you cannot miss indulging in this exciting activity. Arugam Bay is located in south east Sri Lanka close to the Indian Ocean and is the best surfing spot in Sri Lanka. The water and waves here are quite suitable to have an adventurous surfing experience.
When to visit? The best time to go here is between May and October.
Address: Main Street, Arugam Bay 32506 Sri Lanka
Entry Fees: For 1.5 hours, the fees is approximately $39.46.
18. Snorkel In Pigeon Island National Park
Pigeon Island is one of the great snorkelling and diving destination in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, this park also has mesmerising white beaches. It has shallow waters and boasts an abundance of underwater flora that attracts tourists.
When to visit? You can visit this place from Monday to Friday between 8 am to 5 pm. It remains closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Address: 32RP+WX9, Unnamed Road, Gros Islet, St Lucia
Entry Fees: Free
19. Enjoy A Hot Air Balloon Ride In Sigiriya
If you want to witness the magical land of beautiful sunrise from a whole new angle, then you can go on a hot air balloon ride in Sigiriya. As you soar high into the sky, you will have some of the most mesmerizing views of Sigiriya. It’s a very unique and incredible way to witness the breathtaking beauty of Sigiriya.
When to visit? You can visit this place for hot air balloon rides from November to April.
Address: Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
Entry Fees: Price starts from ₹5515.26 and may vary depending on certain factors.
20. Spend Moments of Serendipity At The Golden Temple
If you are seeking a soothing and religious experience, then you need to visit the Golden Temple in Sri Lanka. The attraction of this place is the collection of more than 2200 murals showcasing Buddha’s life and teachings. This place also has a 15 meter long reclining statue of Buddha that is absolutely magnificent.
When to visit? You can visit this place from 7 am to 7 pm daily.
Address: Kandy – Jaffna Hwy, Dambulla, Sri Lanka
Entry Fees: LKR 1500 which is around INR 590 and USD 8.35.
Experience The Pearl Of The Ocean
Sri Lanka has a wide range of things to do that help bring out the tourist in you and then nurse your body to health and out of fatigue. Sri Lanka is also famous for its cuisine is close to India with rice and curries, but uses different spices and a lot of coconut to bring a unique flavour. If you want a more authentic experience, stay in a homestay or a family guesthouse that allows you to interact with Sri Lankan tradition first-hand.
Book Now: Explore Sri Lanka in 8 Days
FAQs
When in Sri Lanka, you can try the local foods, witness sunrise over Little Adam’s Peak, bird watch in Bundala National Park, Climb Pidurangala to see the sunrise over the jungle and do a lot of other exciting activities that will leave you enthralled and amazed.
If you are visiting Colombo, you can visit the national museum, enjoy a delightful lunch at the Dutch Hospital Precinct, Visit Gangaramaya Temple, enjoy the serene environment of Beira Lake, go on a road trip from Colombo to Galle and to a lot more to create memories of a lifetime.
To spend some time filled with romance in Sri Lanka, you can visit the Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya, go to Kandy Lake, witness sunrise over Little Adam’s Peak, Climb Pidurangala to see the sunrise over the jungle, enjoy the delectable Sri Lankan Cuisine and do a lot of other romantic things.
If you are visiting Sri Lanka with family, then there are a plethora of activities that you can do to have a great time with family. Some of the best things to do in Sri Lanka with family include watching the sunset over Sigiriya, spotting the leopards in Wilpattu National Park, spend some time in Sri Lankan tea Plantation, cycle around the ruins of Polonnaruwa, spend some time in a paradise beach and many other things.
Generally, the best time to visit Sri Lanka is between December and mid-April. During this time, the island country has a pleasant hot and dry climate.
Yes, of course Sri Lanka is worth a visit. It has a myriad of tourist attractions that can suit the likes and preferences of all kinds of tourists. Apart from tourist spots, Sri Lanka also has delectable cuisines and shopping spots.
Some of the most beautiful places in Sri Lanka include Sigiriya, Galle Dutch Fort, Sri Dalada Maligawa, Yala National Park, Royal Botanic Gardens, Dambulla Royal Cave Temple and Golden Temple, Polonnaruwa, Horton Plains National Park etc.
Sri Lanka is famous for being a large tree producer and is also famous for its cinnamon. It has a lot of tourist attractions and is an amazing place for those who love exploring nature, history and cultural sites.
The number of days required to explore Sri Lanka might vary depending on certain factors like things you want to explore, the time of your visit, whether you are visiting with family, friends or are on a solo trip etc. However, generally, 13-15 days are the perfect amount of days to explore this island country.
