25 Amazing Things to Do in Sri Lanka

For such a small country on the grand scale of the planet, Sri Lanka has so much to offer travellers. It really punches above its weight considering its size, with an amazing variety of places to see and things to do in Sri Lanka that suits almost anyone’s interests.

From tea plantations and rolling hills around Ella to the ancient ruins scattered across the central plains, and the stunning surf breaks and curved sandy bays of the south coast, Sri Lanka has a little bit of everything. It can be overwhelming to try and plan a trip to this island nation with so much to cover in a short time.

If you’re looking for the absolute best things to do in Sri Lanka, this blog is going to round up what I consider the must see places and must do activities when planning your itinerary. After spending three months in Sri Lanka, I’ve got you covered with the most amazing things to do below!

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Why Visit Sri Lanka

For a relatively small island off the coast of India in South Asia, Sri Lanka surprised me with the variety that it has to offer. With so much to see and do, you’ll undoubtedly be extending your trip or planning a return within a few days of arriving. It’s that good!

In recent years, several places have captured the attention of photographers, from the train ride between Kandy to Ella to the soaring Lion Rock Fortress in Sigiriya. It really is a dream for nature lovers, with a variety of colours, landscapes, wildlife, and terrain. From the tea plantations around Ella to the central plains around Sigiriya all the way to the swaying palm trees tracing the picturesque coastline. It bottles up some of the best parts of Asia all in a small island in the Indian Ocean.

Sri Lanka has something for everyone. This list of the amazing things to do in Sri Lanka aims to cover this incredible variety, with an ultimate bucket list to plan your trip around.

Amazing Things to Do in Sri Lanka

This is a complete list of the most incredible things to do in Sri Lanka, from the south to the north. If you’re looking for everything you need to add to your itinerary, then this covers a wide variety of places and activities.

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Watch Sunrise from Little Adam’s Peak

This short and sweet hike is the best way to soak up the incredible views surrounding Ella and the hills. A popular little climb, this peak sits just outside of Ella town near the 98 Acres Resort and Ravana Zipline. The vantage point from the top offers a full panorama of Ella, including Ella Rock, and the surrounding valleys and tea plantations.

Most people try to hike up Little Adam’s Peak at either sunset or sunrise for an incredible view of the mountains with the golden light of the sun. I highly recommend sunrise though, for better guarantee of a clear sky.

It only takes about 15-20 minutes to climb to the top from the official trailhead on a well-formed path, including some concrete stairs. Allow enough time to explore the summit though, with various vantage points to sit and watch the sun rise above the ridgelines.

My complete guide to the hike details everything you’ll need to know, including how to get to the trailhead and where to get the best photos.

Read more: Complete Guide to Little Adam’s Peak Hike in Sri Lanka

Admire the Nine Arch Bridge

The iconic landmark bridge in Ella, the Nine Arches Bridge, is definitely an Instagram fuelled attraction that has garnered a lot of attention. However, it’s still a very unique sight in Sri Lanka and is worth stopping by during your time in Ella.

Completed in 1921, the large stone bridge spans 91 metres long and 25 metres high, and is also called the Bridge in the Sky, for its often moody setting amongst the foggy tea plantations. It’s definitely a photographers dream location, especially when you also catch the train travelling over the bridge (which happens several times a day).

There are many places to view the bridge from and several trails leading to the bridge. So, it’s best to allow a bit of time to explore on foot the different angles and perspectives from the valley surrounding the train tracks. I highly recommend going early in the morning though, because the bridge does get packed full of people from 9am onwards.

Find more things to do in Ella: 10 Best Things to Do in Ella

Take the Ella to Kandy Train Ride

Considered one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world, the Kandy to Ella train has become an absolute must do experience in Sri Lanka. With the hype also comes the crowds, so be prepared to push and shove your way onto the carriages and book your train ticket weeks in advance.

However, it’s still possible to jump on the train last minute with a third class unreserved ticket and stand for hours as you gaze out of the windows at the incredible views passing by. The trains are pretty slow and often delayed, so it’s quite a long journey at around 8 hours. I recommend breaking the journey up with a night or two in other hill towns like Nuwara Eliya or Haputale, to explore more of the tea region and hop on earlier trains that are quieter.

While you might have to wait for an open door for your photo opportunity, it’s still worth taking the train and enjoying one of the most iconic rides in the world. Before you plan your trip, make sure to read all my tips on the Kandy to Ella train so you know what to expect.

Must read: 18 Tips for the Kandy to Ella Train Ride

Observe Worshippers at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy

Kandy is the culture capital for a reason; you come here for the history, food and religious sites. The most famous (and important) attraction in Kandy is Sri Dalada Maligawa or Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. It’s UNESCO World Heritage Listed and a pilgrimage site that draws Buddhists from all over the country.

The temple houses the tooth of Buddha (yes, literally a tooth). According to Buddhist legend, Buddha’s tooth was retrieved after he was cremated and it was believed that whoever possessed the tooth relic had divine right to rule over the land.

The temple lies between Kandy Lake and the royal palace complex. The main shrine and temple is a spiritual place, but it’s open to everyone as long as you ensure you’re modestly covered. While you won’t actually see the tooth, because it’s held in a jewell covered casket under guard, you can witness the casket being paraded around the city during the Festival of the Tooth in July-August every year.

Read more: 10 Best Things to Do in Kandy

Swim in Diyaluma Falls Near Ella

As the second tallest falls in Sri Lanka, this impressive long drop of water stands at 220 metres high with several tiers and natural swimming pools. It’s located 40km south of Ella via Wellawaya, with the drive to Diyaluma Falls taking around 2 hours from Ella, so it’s ideal as a day trip.

There’s no direct public transport to reach the waterfall, so you’ll have to arrange a tuk tuk or tour operator to get you there. I paid 10,000 LKR (US$35) for the day to my homestay owner’s son who had a tuk tuk, which included stops at Diyaluma Falls, Ravana Waterfall and Secret Waterfall from Ella.

While you can admire the falls from below, the real highlight is hiking to the upper pools for a dip. It takes about 15-20 minutes to hike on a dirt trail to access the top of the falls, from where you can explore the multiple tiers. This is a really unique experience in Sri Lanka, especially being able to swim in freshwater pools (although keep an eye out for leeches!).

Climb Ambuluwawa Tower Near Kandy

One of the most incredible things to do in Sri Lanka that is still off the radar amongst international travellers, Ambuluwawa Tower is a standout landmark near Kandy. It’s worth taking half a day from the city to visit this whimsical, spiral tower with panoramic views in Gampola.

This 54 metre high tower sits on top of a mountain peak standing 3,567 metres above sea level. The tower is actually inside a multi-religious complex that is home to a Buddhist Temple, Hindu Temple, a Christian Church, and a Muslim Mosque. But it is the tower that most come for.

The white cone shaped tower features a spiral staircase that clings to the outside of the roof and winds its way to the very pointed tip. From the top, you can see a long way over the valley and to the mountains in the distance. If you’re not keen on heights, then I’d say give this one a miss though, because the staircase is a little hairy. But it’s a fun excursion that you can easily do independently on public transport. Read my guide below on how to get there and what to expect.

Read more: How to Visit Ambuluwawa Tower From Kandy

Spot Leopards on Safari in Yala National Park

For a small country, the island is home to several national parks and plenty of incredible wildlife. A safari is often on top of many traveller’s bucket lists and Sri Lanka is a surprisingly affordable place to see some of the world’s most impressive animals.

Yala National Park is the most popular national park, particularly because it’s considered the best place to spot leopards. However, you’ll still have a chance to also see elephants, buffalo, snakes, sloths, jackals, and more.

You can either get yourself to Yala National Park and arrange a safari drive through a tour operator or pay for a day trip from a nearby city like Galle. Check out one of these tour options below:

Learn to Surf in Weligama (or Do a Surf Camp)

Sri Lanka has burst onto the scene as one of the best places to learn to surf in the world. The island’s south coast is littered with bays filled with mellow waves and year-round warm water, perfect for beginners to gain confidence and catch their first waves.

Whether you’re searching for your very first surf lesson or hoping to sign up for an intensive surf camp, Sri Lanka has plenty of options for learning to surf. While there are several towns known for their surfing, including Arugam Bay and Ahangama, Weligama definitely takes the cake for beginners. This long beach break has consistent small waves with plenty of surf schools found just back from the sand.

For those serious about learning to surf though, joining a surf camp program for a week will really get you hooked. I recommend checking out Layback Surf Camp in Weligama, one of the few locally owned and run camps with a great team of surf instructors.

Read more: Learning to Surf in Sri Lanka: A Guide for Beginner Surfers

Watch Sunset from Galle Fort Walls

Galle is the dreamy, storied city on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast. Famed for its picturesque lighthouse, swaying palm trees, and cobblestone streets reminiscent of European islands, Galle draws the crowds. The small but charming Galle Fort is where you’ll spend most of your time, checking out the boutiques, upscale wine bars, and pretty colonial buildings.

However, it’s the sunset from the ramparts within the fort that really captures the vibe of the city. Most people head up to the Galle Fort walls at golden hour to find a spot overlooking the ocean where you can see the sun sink below the horizon.

Flag Rock Bastion seems to be the favourite, with a perfect view of the lighthouse and local cliff jumpers wowing everyone by diving into the rocky depths below. However, for the best direct view of the sunset, Triton Bastion was definitely the better spot, with room on the grassy walls offering front row seats.

Read more: How to Spend 2 Days in Galle

Visit Coconut Tree Hill in Mirissa

Another spot to take in the beautiful coastal views, Coconut Tree Hill is located just outside of Mirissa on the south coast. The now iconic hilltop lookout is peppered with picturesque palm trees and an incredible view of the ocean.

Despite being located on private land, it’s accessible for all via a short 10 minute walk. It’s ideal as a sunset spot, when you can capture the golden light. However, be aware that it gets incredibly busy and you’ll likely have to wait in line for a photo.

Relax at Hiriketiya Beach 

Hiriketiya Beach has emerged as the place to relax and spend time at the beach on the south coast. The small curved bay and local village outside of Dikwella known as Hiriketiya or Hiri for short was easily my favourite place to spend time.

The bay is home to a great surf spot for all levels, from beginners to expert surfers. While the beach still offers places to relax on the sand and sit back in a beachfront cafe or bar. Hiri has a vibe that is worthy staying for, plus it draws a pretty cool crowd of surfers, photographers, digital nomads and backpackers.

It’s also pretty easy to find affordable accommodation just back from the beach and a good mix of cheap local eats and upscale restaurants to choose from. A trip along the south coast wouldn’t be complete with a stop in Hiri, in my opinion.

Read more: Hiriketiya Beach: A Guide to Sri Lanka’s Coastal Paradise

Hike to Pidurangala Rock for Sunset

The view from Pidurangala Rock has become synonymous with Sri Lanka. With a direct view of the impressive Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the carpet of lush trees in the valley below, it’s become a right of passage for backpackers to head up to Pidurangala Rock at sunset.

It’s a steep, rugged hike up to the rocky escarpment taking from 25-40 minutes depending on fitness and crowds. The final scramble is a bit of an effort, but you’ll be rewarded with this jaw dropping view.

Sunset is definitely a popular but worthwhile time to make the hike up, although be prepared to climb back down in the dark. The colours of the setting sun reflecting against the landscape makes for incredible photographs. It’s located just 4.5km from Sigiriya town, so it’s an easy excursion even for those short on time.

Explore the Rock Fortress of Sigiriya

Certainly one of the historical highlights of Sri Lanka, Sigiriya Rock Fortress is on par with Machu Picchu or the Pyramids of Giza for its fascinating humanmade construction from centuries ago. Built by King Kashyapa in the 5th century, the fortified palace and fortress is perched on the imposing Sigiriya Rock seen from miles around.

While the entrance ticket is a bit pricey, it’s worthwhile spending a few hours admiring the ancient complex and climbing up the rickety steel staircase to the top of the rock. Those with a reasonable level of fitness who are also stopping to look at things along the way should be able to complete the hike to the top of Sigiriya Rock in an hour.

Most people time their visit with either sunrise or sunset to again take advantage of the golden light of the sun. This is also ideal to beat the strong heat of the middle of the day and avoid the day trip crowds too.

Read more: Ultimate Guide to Sigiriya and Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle

Be Amazed by the Dambulla Rock Cave Temples

While it doesn’t get the attention of Sigiriya, these amazing rock cave temples are just less than hour down the road. Dambulla is home to the largest and best preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. It has been a sacred pilgrimage site for 22 centuries, with Buddhist monks inhabiting the area since the 3rd century.

The cave temples are filled with buddha statues built in the 12th century as well as impressive wall paintings completed over the 18th century. It’s worth a quick trip to explore Dambulla from Sigiriya, with both public transport and tuk tuks available to get you to the temples. Read my Sigiriya Guide for more info.

Explore the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa

An often missed archaeological site in Sri Lanka, Polonnaruwa absolutely blew me away. What was once the second capital of Sri Lanka after the destruction of Anuradhapura, it was the centre of the Sinhalese kingdom that expanded from 1070 until 1232.

It’s nearly a 1.5 hour drive from Sigiriya, but it’s worth the day trip if you have the time. The historical complex is huge, and I’d recommend hiring a tuk tuk to get you around rather than trying to cover it all on foot in the harsh midday sun. The UNESCO World Heritage Listed site is filled with vast ruins of temples, palaces, and religious buildings which you can explore at your leisure (although ensure you take your shoes off when entering the temples and stupas).

The must-see attractions within the complex include the Royal Palace and surrounding temples, Sacred Quadrangle Temple, the huge stupa of Rankot Vihara, the nearly 17m high buddha statue of Lankatilaka Temple and the carved buddha figures of Gal Vihara.

Take a Snorkelling Trip to Pigeon Island in Trincomalee

While surfing is often the main water activity people think of in Sri Lanka, it’s also a great place for snorkelling and diving. Trincomalee on the northeast coast of the island is considered the best place to get into the ocean and see some of the incredible marine life on display.

Just a 20 minute boat ride off the coast of Trincomalee, Pigeon Island National Park is one of the most accessible spots for snorkelling with sea turtles and reef sharks. While the increased park fees have put some travellers off, it’s still a worthwhile half day excursion.

There’s plenty of tour operators on Uppuveli Beach or Nilaveli Beach that will take you out to the island for a couple of hours of snorkelling with the right gear. You can also try diving, and head to other spots off the coast. However, snorkelling provides the best chance to swim with turtles and sharks in the shallow waters.

Read more: Day Trip to Trincomalee: Best Snorkelling in Sri Lanka

Taste Delicious Local Food in Jaffna

Few people have time to head north to Jaffna, but the Tamil capital in northern Sri Lanka is home to some unique and delicious food that makes it worthwhile. With everything from the typical rice and curry to South Indian snacks like dosa and idli, Jaffna is home to so many great little restaurants to try during your visit.

The Malayan Cafe has been a longstanding local spot for some of the most affordable and best tasting food in the city. You’ll find this unassuming place amongst the main market area and filled with locals eating lunch with their hands from a banana leaf for just over a dollar.

Read more: 10 Best Things to Do in Jaffna

Stay a Night on Delft Island

For adventurous travellers looking for something a little different, taking a ferry out to Delft Island off the coast of Jaffna is one of the most unique things to do in Sri Lanka. As the remotest inhabited island in the north, Delft Island is like taking a step back in time with old colonial ruins, wooden fishing boats, empty beaches, and quiet streets devoid of vehicles.

The island is rarely visited by tourists, although there’s a ferry service that runs from Kurikadduwan, an hour away from Jaffna, a few times per day for free. The hour long crossing can be rough, so I recommend spending a night on the island rather than just visiting for the day.

You can stay the night at a rustic “glamping” style accommodation run by a local family, which makes the experience even more special. Delft Village Stay is the perfect base to explore the island, with bicycles available for you to get around to some of the sights. My guide below details everything you need to know about heading to Delft Island.

Read more: How to Visit Delft Island from Jaffna

Visit the Red Mosque in Colombo

While most travellers try to avoid spending any time in Colombo, if you end up exploring the capital city for a day or two, then you shouldn’t miss visiting the Red Mosque. It’s easily the most iconic building in the city, located right in the heart of the main bazaar known as Pettah Market.

Jami Ul-Alfar Masjid is a fantastical red and white striped mosque that was built in 1909 for the local Muslim community as a central daily prayer setting. The entrance for foreigners is located on 2nd Cross Street. You’ll have to check the ever-changing opening hours, but generally they work around prayer times. There are free 30 minute tours of the mosque operating all day, with gowns given for women to wear and men if they’re not appropriately covered.

Read more: Best Things to Do in Colombo in 24 Hours

Explore the Ancient Stupas of Anuradhapura

Another city that is often skipped on a Sri Lanka itinerary, Anuradhapura is an important historical and cultural place and was once a Ceylonese capital. The UNESCO World Heritage Listed Sacred City is the main attraction, covering a huge area filled with several temples and large stupas.

For the most famous parts of the complex, you’ll need to obtain a pricey ticket of US$25 per foreigner. However, you can also explore some of the smaller yet still impressive stupas for free or a fraction of the cost. Most tuk tuk drivers will help you get around to what you want to see.

Visiting some of the large stupas is the main highlight, with some of them almost devoid of tourists while others are crowded with pilgrims. It’s worth spending just a day around the city, but you’ll need a tuk tuk to make the most of your time.

Watch the Sunset from Mihintale

A little side excursion from Anuradhapura that is totally worth a trip if you’re spending a night in the city, Mihintale is a holy mountain peak and temple complex. Just a 30 minute drive out of Anuradhapura, this tall mountain is said to be where the Buddhist monk Mahinda met King Devanampiyatissa and established Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

You’ll need to be prepared for lots of stairs to get you to the top and plenty of pilgrims crowding the rocky summit. However, it’s a really special way to admire the devotion of Sri Lankans and watch an incredible sunset. Allow enough time before sunset to explore the temples, stupas, and statues at the summit, with the skinny staircase to the rocky top the real highlight (pictured above).

Arrange a tuk tuk driver to take you there and wait for you to return after sunset.

Attend a Cooking Class

Sri Lankan cuisine was truly a highlight of my time in the country. It really took me by surprise after coming from India, but the variety of Sri Lanka’s curries were delicious and incredibly impressive, especially for vegetarians. I would really encourage you to do a cooking class during your trip, with so many restaurants now offering classes in places like Sigiriya, Hiriketiya, and Ella.

We learnt how to make up to 20 curries during a 4 hour cooking class in Hiriketiya, with a vibrant host that made the entire experience very entertaining. It’s a great way to interact with locals and learn how they put together such tasty meals using lots of spices and fresh produce. Check out some of these other cooking classes:

Stay in a Local Homestay

There’s plenty of variety in accommodation in Sri Lanka, with everything from budget hostels to high end resorts. However, some of my favourite experiences in the country came from staying at local homestays. It was such a joy to interact with local families, who were incredibly friendly, accommodating, and helpful.

Often times, local homestays had good connections with tuk tuk drivers or even a family member who offered affordable day trips. I also had free pick ups from bus stations, some of the best breakfasts I had during my trip, and fresh coconuts picked from the backyard, all from local hosts.

However, homestays are usually pretty basic and budget-friendly accommodation, but what you might miss out on with facilities or comfort, you gain with their unmatched hospitality and friendliness.

I was able to find almost all of the homestays I stayed at by just browsing Booking.com. Plenty of local accommodations are now listed on there, so it makes it easy to book ahead and you can message them through the app to arrange pickups etc. Some of my favourite homestays from my three months in Sri Lanka were:

• Freedom Homestay (Sigiriya)
• Quiet Rest Inn (Ella)
• Tony’s Garden House (Jaffna)
• Lake House Homestay (Anuradhapura)
• 4ty Two Homestay (Galle)

Hop on a Local Bus

Only those with strong nerves should hop on a local bus in Sri Lanka, but in my opinion it is a quintessential experience. The iconic local buses zip around corners with little concern for anyone else on the road, sometimes at hurtling, terrifying speed with an overflow of passengers.

However, for budget travellers looking to get efficiently between places, the buses are in my opinion the most reliable. They are more direct and less delayed than the trains, so they are generally the best transport option outside of private transfers and tuk tuks.

While you can opt for A/C minibuses between some destinations, I would say it’s still worth climbing onto a real local bus at least once during your trip. It really is an experience, just don’t opt for the front seat where you can see what’s happening on the road out the windscreen (or close your eyes)!

Try Rice and Curry

Rice and curry has become the national dish of Sri Lanka. This delicious and ever-changing plate of goodness usually consists of rice and up to four curries (usually vegetarian). It’s generally pretty cheap and incredibly filling, so it’s your go-to if you’re on a budget (and even if you’re not).

The flavours and ingredients used in Sri Lankan curries varies a bit, with plenty of local produce offering some differences from city to city. You won’t get bored of rice and curry, trust me. Highlights include, dahl curry, pumpkin curry, eggplant curry, and coconut sambol.

Some of the best places to go for rice and curry in Sri Lanka that you’ll want to add to your restaurant list include:

• Lemongrass Cafe (Hiriketiya Beach)
• Kenoli Restaurant (Sigiriya)
• Matey Hut (Ella)
• Dulnetha Restaurant (Weligama)
• Veda Cafe (Ahangama)
• Malayan Cafe (Jaffna)

How Long to Spend in Sri Lanka

Now, with so many incredible things to do and see in Sri Lanka, it can be difficult to know how long you need to spend in the country. In all honesty, you’ll need at least a month to really tick off everything on this list in both north and south Sri Lanka. However, if you don’t have a month or more then you can stick to exploring either the north or the south on separate trips.

This will really come down to the time of year that you’re visiting, as the monsoon moves from south to north, providing completely opposite climates from top to bottom. The southwest monsoon runs from May – October, so this is when you’ll want to head to the north and east of the country. Then, from November until April, the northeast gets hits by monsoon and the south experiences clear, warm weather.

If you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka, then you can really see the best of the south in two weeks or less. Otherwise, the north of Sri Lanka can be seen in 10 days or so. Here’s my suggested itineraries to help you plan:

• Ultimate 2 Week South Sri Lanka Itinerary
• Essential 10 Day North Sri Lanka Itinerary

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