Things to Do in Sri Lanka: Best Adventures for Tourists
Hey travelers! Are you dreaming of a tropical vacation with adventure, history, and relaxation? Well, Sri Lanka is your destination, and you can only dream of it! This amazing island will be remembered for its stunning landscapes. You won’t be bored; that’s a fact. Every traveler can find things to do in Sri Lanka. The first that comes to mind is exciting nature, warm water, ancient ruins, temples, and stunning beaches.
But if the title of this text has caught your interest, you’re probably close to packing your suitcases and booking tickets. Here is an idea: make a to-do list (we’ve already done that for you), check what you like, and mark it down. Don’t worry — Sri Lanka activities are different, so everyone will be satisfied.
Best Times to Visit Sri Lanka
So, you’re planning to go and have even booked your trip and hotel. But you haven’t thought about when to go yet. Big mistake. The travel season affects what you’ll do, what places you’ll visit, and how many tourists will be around you. After all, Sri Lanka is a tropical island, and as we know, tropical weather is very changeable and seasonal.
Now, let’s get into more detail:
- November to April: This is the peak time for the finest climate on the south and west coasts. You can visit the sands and explore some cultural things around. This energetic and lively time is the peak season, especially at the most popular tourist spots.
- May to September: The weather is perfect for coastal activities, and the coastline vibes are fairly uncrowded if you start on the East Coast.
- October to January: It’s the rainy season. Brrrr…And if you don’t mind this kind of weather, it’s the perfect time to go. Plus, there are no crowds of tourists. You can easily explore a temple without standing in line.
Now that you know when to visit, let’s talk about all the fun Sri Lanka things to do!
What to Do in Sri Lanka: 15 Must-See Attractions
Are you prepared for your journey through Sri Lanka? Perhaps it is far more complicated than you might think because the country has many secrets and interesting places. Here are the top 15 fantastic things to do in Sri Lanka that await you to visit at least a few.
Visit the Top of Sigiriya
What to see in Sri Lanka? The first place on the list and even in all tourist rankings. And if you love history, ancient sites, and, of course, beautiful nature, then Sigiriya is a MUST.
Can you see it? It’s a huge rock. At least, that’s how it looks now. But the rock has its history. Going back 1,500 years, we can see a massive and strong fortress. Now you will see what remains of it. Take a walk and climb up the slope. You don’t require any specific equipment for this. Just wear good, comfortable shoes and a water supply. But the view that opens up is simply mesmerizing. It’s one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka for history lovers and adventure seekers!
Tip: Don’t forget to stop and check out the ancient frescoes on your way up — they’re cool! And the Lion’s Gate? It’s seriously one of the coolest tourist attractions in Sri Lanka!
Watch Sunrise Over Little Adam’s Peak
Don’t feel like climbing mountains? Well, there’s no way around it because you’re in Sri Lanka, and you’ll have to walk a lot through jungles and slopes. Nevertheless, we invite you to a more relaxed adventure — watching the sun rise over Little Adam’s Peak in Ella!
Beginners, don’t worry, you can do it. This kind of climb (because only from a height can you fully see the sunrise in all its beauty) doesn’t take much time. But you will need to wake up a bit early.
Your reward? Once you reach the summit, the stunning view will leave your jaw on the floor! In front of you is a red sky, the sun rising, endless tea plantations, and the green hills stretching out. You won’t find a more beautiful place to start your day. It’s one of the most beautiful places in Sri Lanka and a top pick for nature lovers. Once you witness it, you’ll crave to visit again.
Meet the Elephants in a National Park
Nature lovers, this place is for you. Do you like enjoying beautiful views, wild jungles, and animals in their natural habitat? If so, we recommend visiting the elephant park with your whole family. The country has a few national parks. And in both, you’ll have the chance to see elephants up close.
Take note! The first and the biggest place is Minneriya or Udawalawe National Park. This is a true wilderness where, if you’re lucky, you can see or at least hear elephants. And we’re talking about wild elephants! So, a bit of caution is still necessary. But even if you don’t see elephants, the beautiful views of the wild jungle and other small creatures will be there for you — wow!
Tip for tourists: This is where you can find the largest population of elephants in Asia. They are not tamed; you can see wild animals in their natural habitat. There’s a difference between viewing a movie and experiencing one in person.
Explore Anuradhapura
Do you like films about Lara Croft and her wild exploits? Well, you can travel back in time and see an ancient lost town. Anuradhapura is a hallmark of Sri Lanka. The town is already 2,000 years old! Imagine that! By the way, it does not resemble a town but more like ruins with beautiful nature around it, the remains of columns, and statues. Look at the Buddha statue! It looks quite good for its age.
You can’t miss the Sri Maha Bodhi tree — the world’s most ancient tree still alive! It’s like walking through an ancient wonderland! Take a walk, relax, and look around carefully. Try to feel this place and learn many local legends about it. No wonder it’s one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka. It’s like walking through an ancient wonderland!
Experience Polonnaruwa Vatadage
Do you like lost cities? Polonnaruwa is another ancient city that should be on your list! It’s filled with temples, statues, and old ruins. One of the highlights is the Vatadage, an ancient circular structure that once protected sacred relics. The craftsmanship and details are amazing, making it among the most extraordinary tourist sights. The entire area gives you a sense of how advanced ancient Sri Lankan architecture was.
Ride the Rails to Ella
Do you love scenic train rides? Then get ready for one of the most famous activities — the train ride to Ella! The journey is stunning. As you pass by lush green hills, tea plantations, and little villages, you’ll feel like you’re in a postcard. It’s one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka and one of the most scenic train rides in the world. Perfect for relaxation and amazing photos!
Royal Baths at Polonnaruwa
Another cool spot in Polonnaruwa is the Royal Baths. These ancient pools, beautifully preserved, once belonged to kings and queens. The whole area feels peaceful and is a great place to relax after exploring the ruins. Take a moment to enjoy the calm atmosphere and imagine what it would’ve been like in the royal days.
Relax on the Beaches of Arugam Bay
Who’s ready to hit the beach? Well, probably everyone. After all, beach vacations are what most tourists seek when visiting tropical countries. Of course, you can go for more than just that. But it’s nice to relax on the beach in between mountain hikes, park visits, exploring ruins, and checking out little churches. And if we tell you that the water is perfectly clear and a beautiful turquoise? Now it sounds even better!
In addition to the sunshine and soft sand, tourists and anyone interested can enjoy swimming underwater and exploring the reefs. Do you love surfing? The locals will show you a few spots. Overall, Arugam Bay is peaceful, beautiful, and the perfect spot to unwind.
Close Encounter with Whales
What to see in Sri Lanka if you are an animal-addicted person? Have you ever seen a whale up close? Sri Lanka is one of the best places in the world to go whale-watching, especially in Mirissa! You can go on a boat trip and get close to blue whales, sperm whales, and even dolphins. It’s a magical moment you’ll cherish for a lifetime, and it’s one of the best wildlife experiences in Sri Lanka.
Galle’s Colonial Charms
The next place in our recommendations is Galle. This is a city — thank goodness, not ruins — but it carries features of different cultures. Yes, there is a certain charm in how colonial history intertwines with modern life. But this diversity makes Galle one of the most beautiful places in Sri Lanka.
So, what can you see in the city? Well, you can just walk and stumble upon all the interesting spots. But if you’re short on time, head to Galle Fort, which, by the way, is protected by UNESCO. It’s cool here! Cobblestone streets (the stones are old, ancient), old houses of that style, cute cafés, and shops. And of course, there are shops — it’s not ruins, after all. Many people come here to shop for authentic items.
On the way to this wonderful place, you can also stop by a turtle farm and take photos with turtles. Plus, don’t miss the gem mine. Mostly, they mine moonstones there, but you might also come across others like garnets, rubies, and sapphires. You see for yourself how interesting this place can be!
Look for Sri Lankan Leopards at Wilpattu National Park
Leopards! Wilpattu National Park is one of the best places to see these majestic animals if you love wildlife. The park is more peaceful than other nature reserves, so you can enjoy a peaceful safari experience. It’s also home to many other wildlife, including elephants, sloth bears, and birds! Wilpattu is one of the best tourist attractions in Sri Lanka for nature enthusiasts and animal lovers.
See the History of Galle & Stilt Fishing
Another Galle? Yes, of course! You’ll find interesting things in one city suitable for tourists of all tastes. So, fishing enthusiasts, this place is for you. This is the place if you want to see and experience how people fished in ancient times. These fishermen sit on tall wooden poles in the ocean, fishing the old-fashioned way. It’s a tradition that’s worth trying now that you’re here. You can take photos, watch the fishermen at work, and learn about their techniques.
See the Temples in Beruwala
Beruwala is a peaceful town by the sea. Another one? you might ask. Yes, another one, and just as beautiful. This town is for those who want to learn more about culture and religion. Visit beautiful temples, like the Kechimalai Mosque. And also just admire the ocean. It’s mesmerizing! Chat with the locals; they will tell you a few quiet spots worth seeing in Beruwala.
Experience Kandy
The very first place tourists are invited to visit is the capital. Meet the incredibly beautiful city of Kandy. It is located in the island’s center at an altitude of no less than 500 meters. The view is amazing if you look at it from the plane or the top of a mountain. The city is surrounded by high peaks (well, “high” — for Sri Lanka, they are high, but in reality, the local mountains aren’t that tall, which tourists really like).
Many sightseeing tours in Sri Lanka start with a visit to Kandy, especially if they focus on cultural tourism. However, some travelers come here simply to satisfy their curiosity.
Located in the heart of Sri Lanka, what can you see here? There are beautiful sights at every step! Start your list of places with the Temple of the Tooth or the Royal Botanical Gardens. The city and its surroundings are simply packed with interesting places.
Eat Traditional Sri Lankan Dishes
Last but not least: food! Sri Lankan food blends flavors that will make your taste buds dance. Try rice and curry, hoppers (a type of pancake), and fresh and delicious seafood dishes. The food is so good that you might return for seconds (or thirds!). Eating Sri Lankan food is one of the most enjoyable activities you can experience in Sri Lanka.
Conclusion
So, let’s sum it up. Sri Lanka is an island that tourists fall in love with. There are so many things to do in Sri Lanka that you will never find yourself yawning in boredom. From where to start? Well, how about coming into the capital, getting the feel of the local culture, planning your way, and stocking up on supplies?
Remember that you will have to walk a lot and explore. Everything is interesting: ruins in Galle or Polonnaruwa, wild animals in the parks, and the turtle farm! And even if you just came to relax on the beach with your family, take one day to climb a nearby hill to catch the sunrise!
You may travel alone, with friends, or with family. Either way, you will undoubtedly have an unforgettable time.
FAQ
What is the famous thing in Sri Lanka?
There are beautiful beaches, ancient ruins like Sigiriya, and a rich cultural history. And don’t forget about the elephants and incredible wildlife!
What do people go to Sri Lanka for?
Natural beauty, places of historical interest, wild safaris, and delicious food. It’s the perfect place for daredevils searching for thrills and for people who just want a nice quiet holiday.
What activities are done in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka offers many activities, including hiking, safaris, whale watching, visiting ancient temples, and simply relaxing on the beach. It offers an apt balance of adventure, culture, and relaxation!
