Sri Lanka, located in the Indian Ocean, is an island that never stops surprising you. From vast tea plantations in the hills of Nuwara Eliya to dense jungles and national parks where you can spot elephants and leopards. You will find golden beaches on both the east and west coast, interesting cities such as Colombo and Kandy, and ancient temples and ruins that take you deep into the country’s rich history. Sri Lanka is a beautiful combination of nature and culture. In this travel guide, I take you along the best things to do in Sri Lanka, the most beautiful sights and highlights the country has to offer and share tips for activities, tours and hotels in different regions of the country.
Sri Lanka is one of those destinations where you constantly feel like you are entering a different country. While in the south and east you enjoy long tropical beaches, small fishing villages and a relaxed surf vibe, just a few hours later you find yourself driving through green valleys, past waterfalls and endless tea fields. The interior is rugged and mountainous, with misty mornings and stunning viewpoints. Along the way, you will encounter ancient temples, Buddha statues and royal cities, and you can spot plenty of wildlife in the various national parks.
Sri Lanka is a versatile country and belongs to the most beautiful destinations in Asia. Thanks to its compact size, travel in Sri Lanka is ideal for a round trip, as you can see and do a lot in a relatively short amount of time. In this article, I share the most beautiful things to do in Sri Lanka, including tips for sights, the highlights and tours, so you know exactly where to do in Sri Lanka. Enjoy my tips for discovering Sri Lanka.
One of the places I was most looking forward to during my trip through Sri Lanka was Nuwara Eliya, a town located in the cool highlands of Sri Lanka. This town, also known as Little England, is famous for its vast rows of bright green tea bushes stretching across the hills.
At Labookellie Tea Estate, owned by Mackwoods, you can experience the world of Ceylon tea up close. During a tea safari, you travel by jeep through the plantations, see tea pickers working in colorful saris and even get the chance to pick tea yourself, which turns out to be surprisingly intensive. In the factory, you learn how the leaves are processed into tea, after which you end with a tasting while overlooking the fields.
Ceylon tea is not just a product; it is a national symbol. Everywhere in Sri Lanka, you see tea fields, small factories and stalls selling fresh tea. It is an essential part of the culture, and visiting a plantation, whether in Nuwara Eliya or Ella, definitely belongs on your itinerary and is one of the highlights Sri Lanka has to offer during a round trip.
The best way to explore Nuwara Eliya in Sri Lanka and its things to do is by joining a tour that combines waterfalls and tea plantations, perfect if you want to combine Sri Lanka sights. On this tour, you visit Labookellie Tea Estate and Ramboda Falls, and this tour also takes you past several waterfalls and two tea plantations in one day.
Yala National Park is one of the most famous national parks in the country and a must-visit if you want to spot wildlife during your travel in Sri Lanka. The park consists of a landscape of savannas, forests, wetlands and a coastline, home to a wide variety of animals, including leopards (one of the highest densities in the world), elephants, water buffalo, deer, crocodiles and hundreds of bird species.
The best way to visit Yala National Park is on a safari, traveling in a 4×4 jeep, preferably early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the animals are most active. A tour with many excellent reviews can be booked here. Around the park, especially near places like Tissamaharama and Kataragama, you will find luxury accommodations and lodges such as Uga Chena Huts, which combine safaris with overnight stays.
Curious? In the next tavel guide, you can read how good preparation helps you avoid the crowds and makes your safari an unforgettable experience.
Gal Oya National Park is one of the most unspoiled attractions and things to do in Sri Lanka and a fantastic place if you want to avoid the crowds. The park covers more than 25,000 hectares of forests, savannas and the vast Senanayake Samudraya lake, making it home to elephants, deer, crocodiles and more than 150 bird species.
What makes Gal Oya unique is that you can do not only land safaris but also boat safaris across the lake, where you may spot swimming elephants moving between the islands, something you cannot experience in any other park in Sri Lanka. Gal Oya is located in the east of Sri Lanka and requires some extra travel time, but the peace, space and diversity of nature make it absolutely worth it.
Curious? In the next travel guide, you can read more about visiting Gal Oya.
When reading about Sri Lanka, chances are high that you will come across this enormous rock formation: Sigiriya, also known as Lion Rock, is one of the most iconic sights and things to do in Sri Lanka. This impressive rock rises nearly 200 meters above the surrounding landscape and is home to the ruins of an ancient royal palace, complete with frescoes, gardens and centuries-old staircases.
The climb to the top is challenging, but along the way you are rewarded with remarkable wall paintings, and the view from the plateau over the jungle of Sri Lanka’s cultural heart is truly stunning. Sigiriya once served as a strategic fortress and later as a Buddhist monastery, making it a fascinating place to visit if you are interested in the history of the country.
A nice way to visit Sigiriya during your travel in Sri Lanka is by joining a tour that also includes a visit to a local village nearby. Sigiriya can also be visited by tuk tuk tour in combination with the Dambulla Cave Temple.
Pidurangala Rock is an alternative climb next to the famous Sigiriya and, for me, one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Sri Lanka. Opinions on the difficulty of this hike vary. It officially takes about 30 to 45 minutes to reach the top, but we managed it in 20 minutes ourselves. The climb is definitely demanding, as it is steep and the final section requires some scrambling. But once you reach the top, you instantly forget all the effort. What awaits you is a panoramic view over the jungle and the iconic Sigiriya rock.
You can walk around on top of the wide rock and enjoy the 360-degree views for hours. And to complete the picture, with a bit of luck a cheeky monkey might appear in front of your lens. Pidurangala has become one of the most popular activities in Sri Lanka during sunrise and sunset, so timing your visit well is essential.
Would you like to do this hike with a guide? Then you can book a tour here.
Floating in a hot air balloon above Sigiriya is one of the most extraordinary things to do in Sri Lanka. Early in the morning, just before sunrise, you take off while mist still hangs over the fields. From the air, you have views of the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, surrounded by jungle, rice fields and small villages slowly waking up. The tranquility, the colors of the rising sun and the feeling of drifting through the air make this experience unforgettable.
Hot air balloon rides usually depart from Dambulla and only operate during the dry season, from November to April. You can book the flight here.
You may have seen the images before. Hidden among the green hills of Ella lies one of the most photogenic places in Sri Lanka: the Nine Arch Bridge, also known as the Bridge in the Sky. This famous bridge spans a deep valley and is surrounded by tea plantations and lush greenery, creating iconic images often associated with travel in Sri Lanka.
The bridge was built in the early 20th century during the British colonial period, largely using stone and cement without steel, which makes the structure even more remarkable. Today, it is not only a major attraction because of its beautiful location, but also because one of the country’s most famous train routes passes here: the Kandy–Ella line.
Several times a day, people gather to watch the train pass by. Patience is key, as delays are more common than not. But whether or not you see the train, this is a place you definitely want to visit. You can walk along the tracks, find a higher spot for a great viewpoint, or carefully walk into the tea plantations to view the bridge from below.
You can easily visit the Nine Arch Bridge independently from Ella. Prefer a guided option? Then you can find a tour here that includes multiple things to do in and around Ella Sri Lanka, including Little Adam’s Peak and the Ravana Waterfalls.
Have you ever heard of the loris? Lorises are slender and rare nocturnal animals with large eyes that move very slowly and silently through the treetops of the jungle. And there is nothing more special than spotting these animals in Sri Lanka. From Sigiriya, you can book a tour and head into the jungle of Pidurangala at dusk with a nature guide. As you walk under the soft moonlight, you hear the sounds of the night and learn more from your guide about the ecosystem in which this unique creature lives. Another place where you have a high chance of seeing lorises is around Gal Oya Lodge.
The Dambulla Cave Temple is one of the most impressive spiritual things to do in Sri Lanka. Hidden within a massive rock formation halfway up a mountain are five caves containing more than 150 Buddha statues in all shapes and sizes, ranging from enormous reclining Buddhas to countless golden figures.
This place was inhabited thousands of years ago, long before it became a religious center. Archaeological findings show that prehistoric people already lived here between the 7th and 3rd century BC. The caves became famous when King Valagamba took refuge here in the 1st century BC during a South Indian invasion. After reclaiming his throne, he transformed the caves into a Buddhist sanctuary as an act of gratitude, a place that still serves as an important pilgrimage site today.
When entering the first cave, you can hardly believe your eyes. The statues and the serene atmosphere made a deep impression on me. From the temple, you also have a beautiful view over the surrounding landscape, with dozens of monkeys that have made this place their home.
The Dambulla Cave Temple can easily be visited by tuk tuk tour in combination with Sigiriya, making it a logical stop during a round trip along the highlights Sri Lanka has to offer.
One of the highlights when it comes to waterfalls in Sri Lanka is Ramboda Falls, located in the heart of the tea region between Nuwara Eliya and Kandy. With a height of around 100 meters, the water cascades down the rock faces, idyllically surrounded by green hills. The waterfall consists of multiple tiers and can be admired both from the road and via short walking trails. The easiest way to get close to the waterfall is via a short path from the Ramboda Falls Hotel. You can also visit the waterfalls as part of a day tour from Nuwara Eliya.
One of the most special cultural experiences in Sri Lanka is meeting the Vedda, the original inhabitants of the island. During a special Vedda walk organized by Gal Oya Lodge, you are guided by a member of the community. You learn about their way of life, rituals and deep connection with nature. From medicinal plants to reading animal tracks, the knowledge shared is centuries old. It is a unique and respectful way to connect with an almost disappearing culture and adds a valuable cultural layer to your travel in Sri Lanka. You can also visit the Vedda during a tour through Gal Oya National Park.
Colombo is often the starting or ending point of a round trip through Sri Lanka, but it is certainly worth a visit. You will find an interesting mix of modern and cultural sights in this vibrant capital of Sri Lanka. It is fun to stroll through the historic Fort District, visit the colorful Gangaramaya Temple, or wander past boutiques and coffee bars in the Colombo 07 district while soaking up everyday life. In the evening, the city comes alive around Galle Face Green, where you can enjoy delicious snacks with a sea view.
Colombo is a great place to experience the modern side of Sri Lanka, go shopping, enjoy excellent food and observe daily life up close. A fun way to discover Colombo is by tuk tuk, which is one of the popular activities Sri Lanka offers.
Polonnaruwa is one of the impressive historical sights and things to do in Sri Lanka and, together with Anuradhapura, forms the heart of the ancient kingdoms. Spread across a vast archaeological park, you will find temple ruins, stupas, palaces and sculptures that recall a glorious period in the 11th and 12th centuries. Highlights of the former city include Gal Vihara, a group of perfectly carved granite Buddha statues, and the royal palace of King Parakramabahu.
It is so nice to wander around and explore the various sites, surrounded by monkeys, palm trees and ancient stone walls. Polonnaruwa is an absolute must if you want to better understand the rich history and culture of the country and belongs to the true highlights Sri Lanka has to offer. The best way to explore the complex is on foot or by bicycle.
Polonnaruwa can easily be visited on a tour combined with a visit to Minneriya National Park.
Do you want to learn more about daily rural life in Sri Lanka? Then booking a village tour is a great idea. One of the villages offering this experience is Hiriwadunna, located by the lake of the same name near Sigiriya. From the main road, you travel by ox cart toward the village, which is always a fun experience, and then take a boat ride across the lake, where you can spot countless birds. Afterwards, you meet a local family who shows you more about their way of life. You get a look into their kitchen, learn about traditions and enjoy a delicious freshly prepared lunch.
It is an accessible way to connect with the local population and get a glimpse into a world far removed from our own. It also forms a wonderful addition to a visit to cultural highlights Sri Lanka such as Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa.
Curious? You can book a visit to the village here. You can also visit Sigiriya in combination with a village experience.
Galle is the most important coastal city in the south of Sri Lanka, known for its well-preserved colonial heritage and sights, including the iconic Galle Fort, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Within the thick fortress walls, you wander through narrow streets filled with colorful houses, art galleries and cafés. Dutch, Portuguese and British influences are visible everywhere, from the architecture to the cobblestone streets. Be sure to watch the sunset from the fort walls and visit the lighthouse.
Do you want to learn more about the history of Galle? Then this is an interesting tour to join.
Together with Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya, Anuradhapura forms the cultural heart of Sri Lanka. It is one of the oldest cities and one of the most important things to do in Sri Lanka, as well as a sacred place within Buddhism. Here you will find impressive stupas such as the Ruwanwelisaya and the Jetavanaramaya, which are still visited daily by pilgrims dressed in white. One of the highlights is the Sri Maha Bodhi, a sacred tree believed to have grown from a cutting of the original tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment.
The best way to explore Anuradhapura is with a local guide and transport, who will take you past the centuries-old ruins, temples and bathing pools spread across a vast and green area. From Uga Ulagalla, you can also book a cycling tour through Anuradhapura.
Perhaps not for everyone, but if you are just as interested in art and culture as I am, then a visit to the Āriyapāla Mask Museum in Ambalangoda is a fun stop during your trip and a unique addition to your list with things to do in Sri Lanka. In this small-scale museum, you are introduced to the various traditional masks found across the island.
The museum offers a small but interesting collection, with explanations in each room about the meaning behind the colorful faces, ranging from demonic figures to protective deities and healing dance masks. Each mask tells a story and is used in rituals to ward off evil spirits or cure illnesses. You can also take a look at the adjacent Āriyapāla workshop, where masks have been crafted in a traditional way for generations.
Ella is a charming mountain village in the south of Sri Lanka, surrounded by tea plantations, green hills and waterfalls. Its relaxed atmosphere, fresh mountain air and beautiful nature make it a popular destination. You can enjoy scenic hikes here, such as Little Adam’s Peak or Ella Rock, both offering views over the valley. The famous Nine Arch Bridge is also nearby and is best visited when a train crosses the bridge.
A great way to see more of Ella and its surroundings is by booking a tour that covers the main things to do in Sri Lanka in this region and lets you experience the top activities.
Along the south coast of Sri Lanka, especially around places such as Koggala, Ahangama and Weligama, you can still see them: the famous stilt fishermen, balancing on wooden poles in the sea. This unique fishing technique originated out of necessity during food shortages after World War II, when fishermen looked for a way to fish close to shore without using boats. Sitting on a crossbar attached to a single pole, with only a fishing rod and some bait, they patiently wait for their catch.
Although this traditional fishing method officially no longer exists, you can still watch fishermen demonstrate it for a small fee and capture one of the most iconic images associated with the things to do in Sri Lanka. The fishermen are most active at sunrise and sunset in the locations mentioned above. The stilt fishermen are also easy to visit from Galle with a tour.
One of the absolute highlights and perhaps the most beautiful experience of a Sri Lanka round trip is the train journey between Kandy and Ella. This route takes you past vast tea plantations, misty mountain peaks, waterfalls and small villages where children enthusiastically wave as the train passes. The train slowly winds through the hilly landscape, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the views. This journey is not just a way to get from A to B, but an experience in itself and is often considered one of the most beautiful train rides in the world. Whether you choose a seat or stand in the open doorway, this is one of the most unforgettable things to do in Sri Lanka.
Please note: it is important to book your train journey well in advance, as seats fill up quickly. If the famous route is fully booked, you can find an alternative route to Ella here.
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, is one of the holiest places and one of the most meaningful things to do in Sri Lanka. The Buddhist complex, located in the former royal palace beside the serene Kandy Lake, attracts countless pilgrims and visitors every day. According to tradition, a tooth of Buddha is kept here, making it a spiritual center of great importance. As soon as you enter the temple grounds, you step into another world, one filled with incense, white garments, flower offerings and chanting.
Walk through the richly decorated halls, attend a ceremony, visit the Buddhist museum and, above all, take your time. There is so much to see, feel and understand here. Make sure you come prepared and cover your shoulders and legs when entering the temple.
Want to discover more of Kandy? Here you can find a fun tuk tuk tour.
Minneriya National Park, located in the north of Sri Lanka, is best known for The Gathering. This natural phenomenon takes place during the dry months, when hundreds of Asian elephants gather around the Minneriya Lake to drink, feed and cool off. During this period, the park is considered one of the best places in Asia to observe elephants in the wild, making it one of the true highlights Sri Lanka has to offer. In addition to elephants, the park is home to deer, crocodiles, monkeys and countless bird species. The best way to visit Minneriya is on a jeep safari, during which local guides take you along dusty tracks, past waterholes and scenic viewpoints.
Minneriya National Park is located close to Sigiriya ans Polonnaruwa and is best visited between July and September. You can find a combined tour here.
One of the more relaxing activities in Sri Lanka offers on the west coast is a boat trip along the Madu Ganga. In this mangrove ecosystem, you cruise past dozens of small islands, see traditional fishing villages and can visit a cinnamon plantation or a small temple located on one of the islands. Along the way, you have a good chance of spotting birds, monitor lizards and monkeys. The slow pace, gently flowing water and lush green surroundings make this a pleasant change, especially if you are looking for things to do in Sri Lanka beyond the well-known routes.
Udawalawe National Park is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see elephants throughout the year. The park is located in the south of the island and consists of open grasslands, shrubland and a large reservoir, creating an ideal habitat for wildlife. During a safari, you are almost guaranteed to see herds of elephants, sometimes from very close range, as well as water buffalo, crocodiles, peacocks and, with some luck, even a leopard. Because the vegetation is less dense than in other parks such as Yala, animals are often easier to spot. Udawalawe is also less crowded, which makes the experience feel more authentic and special.
Udawalawe is easy to visit as a stop between Ella, the interior of the island or the south coast, or by joining a half-day or full-day tour.
Whale watching remains one of the most extraordinary things to do in Sri Lanka, and the island offers excellent opportunities to spot these impressive marine mammals. Especially from Mirissa, on the south coast, boats depart daily into the ocean in search of blue whales, sperm whales and sometimes even orcas. Tours usually leave early in the morning, and there is also a good chance of seeing dolphins swimming alongside the boat. The whale-watching season runs from November to April. You can book a tour from Mirissa here.
There is nothing better than visiting a local market while traveling, and in Sri Lanka, the fish market of Negombo is not to be missed. Early in the morning, this coastal town comes alive as fishermen bring their nightly catch ashore. People are busy with boats, unloading fish and cleaning their catch, while cheeky birds try to steal their share.
On the beach, you will be amazed by the thousands of fish laid out to dry in the sun, while on the market lively negotiations take place over large tuna, shrimp and crabs. The atmosphere is raw and authentic, making this one of the activities in Sri Lanka where you experience daily life up close.
Sri Lanka has countless beaches, each with its own atmosphere, and they rank among the best in Asia. Along the southwest coast, you will find Mirissa, a beach town with golden sand and calm bays, where you have a good chance of spotting blue whales and other whales in the wild between November and April. The sea here is calm, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Slightly further east, near Hiriketiya, you will find a laid-back vibe with excellent surfing opportunities. Tangalle is more secluded and offers wide, quiet beaches where you can walk, relax in the sun and enjoy the rugged coastline.
The east coast, with beaches such as Arugam Bay and Nilaveli, is especially popular with surfers from May to September, when the ocean is at its wildest. Pasikuda is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful beach destinations on the east coast of Sri Lanka. The beach is known for its calm, shallow turquoise water that stretches hundreds of meters into the sea. You will find stylish resorts, white sandy beaches and countless palm trees. Pasikuda is at its best between May and September, during the dry season in the east, when the sea is at its clearest.
Wilpattu National Park is the largest and one of the oldest national parks in Sri Lanka, consisting of wilderness, vast forests and landscapes dotted with natural lakes known as villus. What makes Wilpattu special is the opportunity to spot leopards in a peaceful setting, far away from the crowds found in other parks, although I must admit that I unfortunately did not see one myself. The park is also home to sloth bears, elephants, deer and a wide variety of bird species. Located in the northwest of the island, Wilpattu is best visited on an organized jeep safari. You can also book a safari from Anuradhapura or Kalpitiya
Along the south and west coast of Sri Lanka, you will find several turtle hatchery projects where sea turtles are protected from poachers, pollution and other threats. These conservation centers collect eggs laid on the beach and ensure that the hatchlings can safely emerge and be released back into the ocean. Many of these projects are also actively involved in education and awareness, both among locals and tourists.
Visiting a turtle hatchery gives you the opportunity to learn more about the different turtle species found in Sri Lanka and, in some cases, even to help release young hatchlings into the ocean. I found it a special experience to observe these animals up close. Several sea turtle conservation projects can also be visited as part of a tour from Galle.
Sri Lankan cuisine is a true celebration if you love Asian food. From dhal (lentil curry) to jackfruit and fish curries, you will find small local eateries all over the island where flavors surprise you with deep layers of spices, coconut, chili and fresh herbs. Food is therefore an essential part of the things to do in Sri Lanka and offers a wonderful insight into local culture and everyday life.
One of the most special culinary highlights Sri Lanka has to offer can be experienced at Kamatha Restaurant, part of Uga Ulagalla near Anuradhapura.This unique restaurant is set in the middle of rice fields and serves dishes based on centuries-old royal recipes. Upon arrival, the warm and welcoming local chefs, Diluka and Manem, explain traditional cooking techniques and kitchen tools that have been used for more than 2,000 years. You then take your seat at a romantically set table surrounded by greenery, where you enjoy no fewer than 25 different curries, all prepared in handmade clay pots over an open fire.
Travel in Sri Lanka can be done in many ways, depending on your budget and the distances you want to cover. The train is one of the most popular means of transport, with the absolute highlight being the route between Kandy and Ella. This journey is considered one of the most beautiful train rides in the world, offering breathtaking views of tea plantations, mountains and small villages. It is important to book this famous train journey well in advance. You can also search, compare and book tickets via Bookaway.
For shorter distances, tuk-tuks and taxis are ideal, especially in villages or for local trips. If you prefer more comfort or want to arrange transport in advance, platforms such as Bookaway make it easy to book transfers and bus journeys. Traveling with a private driver is also affordable in Sri Lanka, and I personally had very good experiences with this service. Finally, domestic flights with Cinnamon Air are available if you are short on time and want to cover longer distances quickly, for example from Colombo to the east or south of the island. That said, Sri Lanka is a compact country, and traveling by bus or train is often faster and more efficient.
Are you planning your trip to Sri Lanka or still doing research? In the next travel guide, you will find everything you need to know about how to travel in Sri Lanka. It includes practical information, useful tips to make your travel preparations run smoothly, and all my guides about destinations and sights in Sri Lanka. Hopefully my articles will inspire you to add Sri Lanka to your bucket list and help you get the most out of your trip.
Did you enjoy reading this travel guide about the best things to do and see in Sri Lanka? On Passport the World, I take you along to discover the most beautiful sights and destinations in Sri Lanka. Continue reading in the next articles:
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Are you interested in the world? Do you want to learn more about a country and its culture? Let me take you on a journey with Passport the World.
As a travel reporter, producer and tour guide, I have been traveling around the world for the last 20 years, looking for the most scenic places and stories that are worth sharing. In Passport the World, I am guiding you along scenic and cultural places, cities, art, viewpoints, hiking trails and unique experiences. To help you get the most out of your travels or to just get to know a country and culture better!
Are you interested in the world? Do you want to learn more about a country and its culture? Let me take you on a journey with Passport the World.
As a travel reporter, producer and tour guide, I have been traveling around the world for the last 20 years, looking for the most scenic places and stories that are worth sharing. In Passport the World, I am guiding you along scenic and cultural places, cities, art, viewpoints, hiking trails and unique experiences. To help you get the most out of your travels or to just get to know a country and culture better!
