Things To Do

Sri Lanka, a land of immense cultural and natural wealth, is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These sites reflect the island’s glorious past and remarkable biodiversity. Among them, Sigiriya Rock Fortress stands as an engineering marvel with its frescoes and landscaped gardens. The Sacred City of Anuradhapura, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, boasts ancient stupas and sacred Buddhist relics. Polonnaruwa, another ancient capital, is renowned for its well-preserved temples and statues.

The Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists. The Dambulla Cave Temple, with over 150 Buddha statues and intricate murals, showcases artistic excellence. The Galle Fort, built by the Portuguese and expanded by the Dutch, presents a blend of European and local influences.

Sri Lanka’s natural wonders are also recognized as heritage sites. The Sinharaja Forest Reserve, a tropical rainforest, shelters rare flora and fauna, while the Central Highlands, including Horton Plains and the Knuckles Range, offer breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity. These World Heritage sites make Sri Lanka a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts, cultural explorers, and nature lovers alike.

Sri Lanka is a premier destination for wildlife safaris, offering a chance to witness diverse animals in their natural habitats. The country’s national parks are home to elephants, leopards, sloth bears, and a variety of bird species.

Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks are best known for the spectacular "Elephant Gathering", where hundreds of elephants congregate around the water reservoirs. These parks also house deer, crocodiles, and a variety of birds. Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka’s largest and one of the least crowded, is famous for its natural lakes, where leopards and sloth bears roam freely. Yala National Park, the most visited, has the world’s highest leopard density, along with elephants and crocodiles.

For elephant lovers, Udawalawe National Park offers guaranteed sightings, while Kumana National Park is a haven for migratory birds and wetlands teeming with wildlife. Whether spotting big cats, herds of elephants, or exotic birds, Sri Lanka’s wildlife safaris provide an unforgettable adventure in the heart of nature.

Minneriya National Park, located in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, is world-famous for the Elephant Gathering, one of the largest wildlife spectacles in Asia. Every year, from July to October, hundreds of elephants migrate to the Minneriya Tank in search of food and water. This breathtaking event is considered one of the best opportunities to observe wild elephants in their natural habitat.

During the dry season, water sources inside the dense forests shrink, prompting elephants from surrounding areas to gather around the Minneriya reservoir. Visitors on safari can witness herds of up to 300 elephants, including playful calves, engaging in social interactions, feeding, and bathing. The park also supports other wildlife, such as sambar deer, crocodiles, and various bird species.

A jeep safari through Minneriya National Park provides an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and wildlife photographers. The sight of majestic elephants against the backdrop of the setting sun makes this event a must-see for anyone visiting Sri Lanka.

A local village tour in Sri Lanka offers a unique opportunity to experience the peaceful and simple lifestyle of rural communities. This enriching journey takes visitors through lush greenery, vast paddy fields, and serene lakes, making it a refreshing escape from urban life.

Guests start their journey with a bullock cart ride, a traditional mode of transport that provides an authentic feel of the countryside. A canoe boat ride across a beautiful lake allows visitors to enjoy scenic views and observe local wildlife. Upon arrival at the village, guests are warmly welcomed into a traditional home, where they can take part in a Sri Lankan cooking session, preparing local dishes using fresh ingredients.

The tour also includes pottery-making, farming activities, and exploring handloom weaving, giving travelers insight into the daily lives of the villagers. Interacting with the locals and learning about their customs make this experience truly special.

A Sri Lankan village tour is not just about sightseeing—it’s about connecting with people, understanding their traditions, and enjoying the natural beauty of rural life. This tour is perfect for those looking to experience authentic Sri Lankan culture.

Sri Lanka’s sandy beaches are among the most breathtaking in the world, offering a paradise for travelers seeking sun, sea, and adventure. The island’s diverse coastline ensures there’s a perfect beach for everyone.

The south coast, with famous beaches like Unawatuna, Mirissa, and Weligama, is ideal for relaxation, surfing, and whale watching. The east coast, home to Arugam Bay and Pasikudah, is a hotspot for surfing and water sports, with calm, shallow waters perfect for swimming. The west coast features Bentota and Negombo, known for luxury beach resorts and thrilling boat rides.

Beyond lounging on golden sands, visitors can enjoy snorkeling, diving, and fresh seafood by the shore. With tropical weather year-round, Sri Lanka’s beaches offer an idyllic getaway for honeymooners, adventure seekers, and families alike. Whether you want to surf the waves, explore coral reefs, or watch a spectacular sunset, Sri Lanka’s sandy beaches promise an unforgettable experience.

Bird watching and photography offer an exciting way to connect with nature, capturing the beauty of diverse bird species in their natural habitats. Sri Lanka, with its lush forests, wetlands, and coastal areas, is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, home to over 400 bird species, including many endemics.

Popular birdwatching destinations include Sinharaja Forest Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in rare species like the Sri Lanka Blue Magpie and the Sri Lanka Junglefowl. Bundala National Park is famous for its migratory waterbirds, including flamingos and pelicans, while Kumana National Park attracts large flocks of painted storks and egrets.

For photographers, early morning and late afternoon provide the best lighting to capture stunning images. Using a telephoto lens, bird lovers can document intricate feather patterns, unique behaviors, and birds in flight. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, Sri Lanka’s birdlife offers countless opportunities for breathtaking photography and unforgettable experiences in the wild.

Sri Lanka is a hiker’s paradise, offering a variety of trekking trails through lush forests, misty mountains, and scenic waterfalls. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced trekker, the island’s diverse landscapes provide an unforgettable adventure.

One of the most popular trekking destinations is Adam’s Peak, a sacred mountain with breathtaking sunrise views. The Horton Plains National Park trek leads to World’s End, a dramatic cliff with stunning panoramic views. For those looking for a rainforest adventure, Sinharaja Forest Reserve offers an opportunity to walk through dense tropical jungles, home to exotic wildlife and rare bird species.

For experienced trekkers, Knuckles Mountain Range provides challenging yet rewarding trails through thick forests, waterfalls, and remote villages. Meanwhile, Ella Rock and Little Adam’s Peak offer shorter hikes with spectacular valley views.

Hiking in Sri Lanka allows travelers to immerse themselves in nature, history, and breathtaking scenery. Whether trekking through tea plantations or scaling misty peaks, Sri Lanka’s trails promise adventure, beauty, and a true escape into the wild.

With warm tropical waters and consistent waves, Sri Lanka is a year-round surfing destination that attracts surfers from around the world. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, the island offers surf spots for every level.

The south coast, with Weligama, Mirissa, and Hikkaduwa, is perfect for beginners, offering gentle waves and surf schools. Advanced surfers head to Arugam Bay on the east coast, a world-renowned surf spot known for long right-hand point breaks like Main Point, Whiskey Point, and Peanut Farm.

The best surf conditions on the south coast are from November to April, while the east coast sees its peak season from May to September. Aside from surfing, visitors can enjoy beach bars, seafood restaurants, and yoga retreats.

With its laid-back atmosphere, stunning coastline, and perfect waves, Sri Lanka is one of the best surfing destinations in the world, offering an unforgettable experience for wave lovers.

Sri Lanka’s sea turtle hatcheries play a crucial role in conserving endangered turtle species along the island’s coastline. Located in places like Bentota, Kosgoda, and Hikkaduwa, these hatcheries provide a safe environment for turtle eggs to hatch and young turtles to be released into the ocean.

Visitors to these hatcheries can learn about the five species of sea turtles that nest on Sri Lanka’s shores, including the Green Turtle, Leatherback, and Hawksbill Turtle. The hatcheries protect eggs from predators and poachers, ensuring a higher survival rate for baby turtles.

Tourists can witness the hatching process, interact with rescued turtles, and even take part in releasing baby turtles into the sea. These conservation centers help raise awareness about the importance of protecting marine life. A visit to a sea turtle hatchery in Sri Lanka is not just educational but also a heartwarming experience that supports a vital conservation effort.

Sri Lanka is a fantastic destination for snorkeling and scuba diving, offering crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life. With both east and south coasts providing excellent dive sites, the island is perfect for underwater adventures.

Popular snorkeling spots include Hikkaduwa, Pigeon Island, and Mirissa, where visitors can swim alongside colorful reef fish, sea turtles, and even reef sharks. For scuba divers, locations like Unawatuna, Trincomalee, and Batticaloa offer wreck dives, coral gardens, and deep-sea exploration.

The best time for diving on the south coast is from November to April, while the east coast is ideal from May to September. With warm waters and diverse marine ecosystems, Sri Lanka’s underwater world is breathtaking.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, snorkeling and scuba diving in Sri Lanka promise an unforgettable experience filled with marine beauty and adventure.

A hot air balloon ride in Sri Lanka is a magical way to witness the country’s stunning landscapes from above. Floating gently over lush jungles, ancient ruins, and misty mountains, this adventure offers a unique and peaceful experience.

The best location for hot air ballooning is Dambulla and Sigiriya, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, serene lakes, and wildlife below. The experience typically begins at sunrise, providing a golden view of the Sri Lankan countryside.

Operated by professional pilots, the ride lasts about an hour, offering a safe and unforgettable journey. As you soar through the sky, you may even spot elephants roaming the forests or birds gliding alongside the balloon.

A hot air balloon safari in Sri Lanka is perfect for adventure seekers and romantics alike, making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience that showcases the island’s beauty from a whole new perspective.

Kalpitiya, located on Sri Lanka’s northwestern coast, is a world-class kite surfing destination known for its strong winds and shallow lagoons. With consistent wind conditions from May to October and December to March, it attracts kite surfers of all skill levels.

The Kalpitiya Lagoon is perfect for beginners, offering flat waters and expert instructors, while experienced riders can enjoy wave riding in the Indian Ocean. Popular spots like Vella Island and Kappalady Lagoon provide thrilling conditions for advanced kite surfers.

With warm tropical waters, stunning sunsets, and a vibrant kitesurfing community, Kalpitiya is the ultimate destination for kite surfing in Sri Lanka. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, the strong winds and endless coastlines create the perfect playground for an unforgettable adventure.

Traditional cooking in Sri Lanka is an art form, combining vibrant spices, fresh ingredients, and centuries-old culinary traditions. At its core, Sri Lankan cuisine revolves around rice and curry, a staple dish featuring an assortment of flavorful curries, sambols, and pickles. Local chefs masterfully blend spices like turmeric, chili, and mustard seeds to create a symphony of tastes. Cooking classes in local villages offer hands-on experiences where visitors can learn to make dishes such as hoppers, string hoppers, and pol sambol. These classes also reveal the importance of coconut milk and tamarind in balancing flavors. With cooking techniques passed down through generations, every dish tells a story of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage. Participating in a traditional cooking session is not only educational but also a delightful way to connect with the heart of Sri Lankan hospitality, making it a must-try for food enthusiasts.

Sri Lanka’s mineral mines are a hidden treasure trove, attracting gem enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. The country, famous for its high-quality blue sapphires, cat’s eyes, and garnets, offers visitors a chance to witness the centuries-old mining traditions still practiced today.

In Ratnapura, the heart of Sri Lanka’s gem industry, visitors can explore open-pit and tunnel mines, where skilled miners carefully extract gemstones from the earth. A guided tour provides insight into the entire mining process, from excavation to cutting and polishing. Additionally, visitors can visit gem markets where these precious stones are sold in their raw and refined forms.

This experience is perfect for those interested in geology, history, or fine jewelry, offering a unique glimpse into one of Sri Lanka’s most significant industries. Whether you’re an investor or just an admirer, a visit to Sri Lanka’s mineral mines is a truly enriching adventure.

Sri Lanka’s woodcarving and rock carving traditions are a remarkable blend of skill, artistry, and history. These crafts have been an integral part of Sri Lankan culture for centuries, contributing to religious sites, traditional homes, and artistic heritage.

Woodcarving is widely practiced in Kandy, Ambalangoda, and Galle, where artisans create beautiful wooden masks, furniture, and temple carvings using ancient techniques. Rock carving, on the other hand, is visible in historic sites like Anuradhapura and Sigiriya, where giant stone Buddha statues and intricate carvings showcase the mastery of early craftsmen.

Visitors can take guided tours to workshops and historic monuments, experiencing firsthand the dedication and precision involved in these crafts. Whether admiring a hand-carved wooden souvenir or a magnificent rock sculpture, the legacy of Sri Lanka’s carving traditions continues to captivate art lovers and history enthusiasts alike.