Sri Lanka is becoming more and more popular with travelers. And we get why! Between the beautiful beaches of the south, the mountains and tea plantations of the center and the cultural sites around Sigiriya, this Indian Ocean island has so much to offer. So, what is there to do in Sri Lanka? Which places and activities should you prioritize? Here’s our list of 15 must-do experiences!
And if you’re planning to spend two weeks there, check out our full Sri Lanka road trip itinerary.
1. Go on a safari in Udawalawe or Yala
Sri Lanka is a very wild island, with more than 20 national parks! Even though you’ll come across animals naturally during your trip, a safari to see them up close in their natural habitat is an absolute must.
We recommend Udawalawe National Park, famous for its many elephants, or Yala National Park if you’d like to try your luck spotting leopards. Both are in the south of the island.
Which animals can you hope to see? Elephants, crocodiles, hornbills, monkeys, deer, mongooses, water buffalo and even leopards!
Learn more: our Udawalawe safari experience.
2. Surf at Hiriketiya Beach
Sri Lanka is a favorite with surfers. The dreamy beaches of the south coast have a lot going for them: gorgeous scenery, the warm water of the Indian Ocean and waves for both beginners and experienced surfers.
We’re total beginners and wanted to take on Sri Lanka’s waves with a private lesson. We loved it and highly recommend it, especially at Hiriketiya, Weligama or Mirissa.
3. Watch the sunset from Pidurangala Rock
In our opinion, this is simply the most beautiful viewpoint in Sri Lanka. It was the first thing we did when we arrived on the island, and wow!
From the top of this rock, you look out over the jungle of the Cultural Triangle, with a direct view of the famous Lion Rock, in the company of little toque macaques. We watched the sunset from the top, and it’s one of our best memories of the trip.
Find all our tips for climbing Pidurangala Rock.
4. Ride the blue train from Kandy
If there’s one public transportation ride we’d recommend in Sri Lanka, it’s the train between Kandy and Ella.
The blue train runs through one-of-a-kind scenery: tea plantations, waterfalls and forests. It’s pure nature for the 6.5-hour ride from Kandy to Ella (or the other way around). What makes the experience even more special is traveling alongside the locals who take this train every day.
Read our guide to riding the blue train!
5. Watch the train cross the Nine Arch Bridge
After riding the train, head to the Nine Arch Bridge in Ella, which the famous blue train runs across.
This majestic stone bridge from the British colonial era is surrounded by jungle. It looks almost as if it was dropped there by chance, and it’s a timeless spot you have to see when you’re in Ella.
For the best view of the bridge, head to Café Soul Ella, where you can wait for the train and take your best shots!
Learn more: our ultimate Ella guide.
6. Try traditional Sri Lankan food
A great trip is also one where you discover the local food. We already love Asian cuisine, but in Sri Lanka we truly feasted the whole time. Vegetarians will be happy too, as there are lots of vegetarian options on menus.
On the menu:
- delicious kottu roti: a flatbread (roti) chopped into thin strips and stir-fried with vegetables, egg or meat
- comforting dhal: red lentils cooked with spices and coconut milk, served with rice
- generous rice and curry: rice served with several small dishes like dhal, spiced vegetables, meat and fresh herbs
- coconut sambol: grated coconut with lime and spices. Delicious!
- coconut roti: served at breakfast (and every breakfast we had was delicious), these little coconut flatbreads are perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth.
And don’t worry, these local dishes aren’t as spicy as you might think! You can wash it all down with delicious fresh fruit juice, ginger beer (sometimes homemade) or one of Sri Lanka’s many beers, like Lion.
7. Explore Galle Fort
Galle is a small town in southern Sri Lanka, about 78 miles (126 km) from Colombo. It bears the marks of every wave of colonization Sri Lanka went through, especially inside its old walled town: Galle Fort. It’s a place that reflects the country’s rich and turbulent history.
In the evening, head to the western ramparts to watch a stunning sunset over the sea and see local families flying their kites.
Learn more: our tips for visiting Galle in one day.
8. Climb Lion Rock in Sigiriya
Located in Sigiriya, in the Cultural Triangle, Lion Rock is an ancient fortress that once held a royal palace. It’s probably Sri Lanka’s best-known cultural site, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This fortress, perched about 650 feet (200 m) up, was built in the 5th century by King Kashyapa I.
Climbing the roughly 1,200 steps can be tough, but the reward is worth the effort. At the top, the panoramic view over the surrounding jungle is breathtaking. Don’t miss the historical details along the way, like the huge carved lion’s paws and the frescoes of the Sigiriya maidens, 5th-century wall paintings of women believed to be from King Kashyapa’s court.
This stop absolutely belongs on your itinerary. It brings together history, culture, religion and a dazzling 360° view!
Everything you need to know about Sigiriya and Lion Rock.
Bonus: About 30 minutes from Sigiriya is the Golden Cave Temple of Dambulla, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is made up of several caves, each filled with Buddha statues.
9. Wander through Pettah to the Red Mosque
Pettah is one of the many neighborhoods of Sri Lanka’s energetic capital, Colombo. Travelers often skip the city, but we loved it, especially the bustling Pettah neighborhood.
Pettah is a giant open-air market where locals, tuk-tuks and vendors jostle for space. If you’re looking for an authentic side of Sri Lanka, you’ll love it. The neighborhood is also home to the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, aka the Red Mosque. This impressive building alone is worth the trip to Pettah.
Learn more about visiting Colombo: One Day in Colombo: Our Itinerary for Sri Lanka’s Buzzing Capital
10. Rent a scooter
Exploring Sri Lanka by scooter was a highlight for both of us! Even though the bus network is very extensive, being able to get from point A to point B via point C, without worrying about schedules, was a real treat.
Renting a scooter in Sri Lanka is very easy: many guesthouses have their own or know someone who rents them. One memory we’ll never forget: riding through the rice paddies of the Cultural Triangle, with the soft, sweet smell of rice in the air. If there are more than two of you, you can also rent a tuk-tuk! Note that you’ll need an International Driving Permit, plus a local endorsement, to drive legally.
Learn more: How to get around Sri Lanka
11. Relax on the south coast beaches
If you love dreamy beaches, you’ll be in heaven in Sri Lanka, especially on the south coast, which is one wild beach after another.
For now (and hopefully for a long time), the seafront has been spared from concrete and big resorts. We loved relaxing here with a book in the shade of the coconut trees. Special mentions go to Hiriketiya, Secret Beach and Silent Beach, which look like postcards from the end of the world.
Learn more: Tangalle Travel Guide: Beaches, Safaris and Surfing in Southern Sri Lanka
12. Discover the Jaffna Peninsula
At the island’s far northern tip, just across the Palk Strait from India, the Jaffna peninsula is the heart of Sri Lanka’s Tamil culture.
The Tamil community, mostly Hindu, lives alongside the mostly Buddhist Sinhalese majority. A trip to Jaffna is a chance to see a different side of Sri Lanka and learn more about Hinduism by visiting its impressive Hindu temples.
13. Explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa, a former capital of Sri Lanka, was one of the largest cities in South Asia in the 12th century. Today, a vast ruined city remains, which you can explore by bike or tuk-tuk, with lots of highlights to discover.
You’ll see the Lankatilaka, a temple sheltering a huge standing Buddha (now headless), and the Gal Vihara, a rock face carved with four Buddha statues, a bit like a local Mount Rushmore. You’ll also find enormous stupas, Kiri Vehera and Rankoth Vehera, as well as the Tivanka Image House, with its well-preserved frescoes.
It’s one of the pillars of the Cultural Triangle and will instantly transport you to a fascinating era.
Bonus: If places like Polonnaruwa appeal to you, don’t miss Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s first capital. This ancient city still has many highlights that will take you back centuries.
14. Watch the kites dance at Galle Face Green
Kite flying is a favorite family pastime in Sri Lanka, especially from July to September, when the winds are strongest. At Galle Face Green, Colombo’s big seafront park, you’ll probably see more kites than anywhere else (and there are plenty of vendors if you want to join in).
Colorful and in every shape imaginable, they put on a beautiful show at sunset. You’ll also see lots of them in Galle, on the town ramparts. And if you look up, you’ll notice that many of them have ended up tangled in trees and power lines!
15. Climb Adam’s Peak
Adam’s Peak, also called Sri Pada, is one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic mountains. Rising to 7,359 feet (2,243 m), it’s a must for any hiker visiting the island.
With around 5,500 steps to climb, it’s a real physical challenge, rewarded with a panoramic view over the green hills and valleys of the island’s center. The hike is usually done at night so you can watch the sunrise from the summit, 2.5 to 4 hours after you set off. The main pilgrimage season runs from December to May, when the path is lit and the weather is clearest.
The mountain is also an important pilgrimage site. At the summit is a footprint-shaped hollow about 6 feet (1.8 m) long in the rock, which Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims believe to be the footprint of the Buddha, Shiva and Adam, respectively.
What are your must-dos in Sri Lanka? Tell us in the comments! And to plan your trip, check out our itinerary for two weeks in Sri Lanka.
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