Things to do in Sri Lanka

Things to do

There are many things you must do on Sri Lanka. The island is a combination of hidden gems and rich experiences. Including pristine beaches, jungle safaris, white water rafting, mouthwatering street food, spiritual temples this is one less-explored country that’s quickly become a hotspot amongst travelers. Here’s a list of just some of the many things to do in Sri Lanka.

Top Things To Do

Discover the reefs of Bentota

The beaches of Bentota might have seen better days, but this is still one of the top places in the country to enjoy diving and snorkelling. Glimpse the country’s thriving coral reefs and their myriad multi-hued inhabitants, explore underwater caves and lose yourself among barnacled shipwrecks. Kite-surfing, water-skiing and a host of other water sports are also available here.

Go Diving around Pigeon Island

Off the northeastern shore of Sri Lanka, this island is surrounded by a limestone reef which harbours 100 species of coral and more than 300 different types of fish. Declared a marine sanctuary in 1963, it’s a prime destination for divers… and pigeons.

Have a cuppa in Ella

This delightful colonial village in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Hill Country is a focus for the tea trade. Inhale the fragrant aromas of Victorian-era tea factories, drink their finest and roam the lush tea plantations that extend for miles around. The Nuwara Eliya hill station is also a popular destination.

Marvel at Dambulla Cave Temples

These impressively conserved temples are a unique insight into Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage. Tucked away beneath a massive rocky outcrop, they shelter an extensive collection of religious murals and exquisite Buddhas in a variety of positions. The views are fabulous too.

Take a hike in Knuckles Range

Shaped like a giant fist, this rugged mountain range in the central south of Sri Lanka experiences much cooler temperatures than the rest of the country, making it perfect for hiking. Don your all-terrain boots and head for the hidden village of Meemure, where the villagers will happily lend beds to visitors for a modest fee.

Walk atop Galle Fort

Ramble around coastal ramparts, colonial villas and atmospheric streets in the striking Dutch fort of Galle, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Perhaps the most atmospheric of Sri Lankan towns, cobbled streets are lined with colonial villas and hotels. Its literary festival is one of the best in Asia. Galle is also a centre for crafts that include lace making, ebony carving and gem polishing.

Watch Whales off Mirissa

This southern port town would be just another tropical beach resort – were it not for the pod of blue whales recently discovered living just offshore. Now Mirissa is rightly famous as one of the best places in the world to spot the biggest mammal of them all. Whale watchers often see sperm whales, dolphins, flying fish and even orcas too.

Get active in Kitulgala

Sri Lanka’s adventure capital is tucked away amid the ravines of the hill country. It offers an array of activities for adrenaline junkies, including kayaking, mountain biking and rain forest trekking. For a real rush, book yourself onto a beginner level or advanced white-water rafting experience on the wild Kelani River.

Climb Adam’s Peak

Sri Lanka’s highest mountain is deeply ingrained in Sri Lankan folklore. Also known as the Sacred Footprint – because of an indentation at the summit said to belong to Adam (of Adam and Eve fame) – Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Christians all consider it a holy place and a popular pilgrimage site, with 4,800 steps to the top.

Bask on Sri Lanka’s many Beaches

Sri Lanka has roughly 1,600km (1,000 miles) of beautiful palm-shaded beaches, and Negombo – conveniently close to the airport – boasts one of the best. Other popular resorts include Beruwela, Bentota, Mount Lavinia Negombo and Hikkaduwa. Meanwhile Unawatuna near Galle claims to be among the top 15 beaches in the world. The beaches of the south are less populated and often more beautiful, but be aware that swimming can be dangerous in many areas.