10 things to do in Sri Lanka

If you’re planning your next tour and are looking for a destination that combines adventure, culture, nature and relaxation, look no further.

In this blog post, we’ll guide you through 10 things to experience in Sri Lanka that you simply cannot miss! What’s more, Sri Lanka is also a very family-friendly destination, making it the obvious holiday destination for those travelling with children.

1. Visit the iconic Lion Rock, Sigiriya

Take a trip to the impressive Lion Rock (Sigiriya), which rises from the ground like a giant stone monolith. The name of the 200-metre-high Lion Rock is a tribute to the two impressive lion paws, carved out of stone, located at the entrance to the royal palace on the way to the top. The name Sigiriya comes from the word Sihagri, which means lion rock.

In its original form, an entire lion was carved into the rock, with visitors passing through the lion’s jaw to reach the stairs leading to the top of Lion Rock. Today, only the lion’s paws remain.

This UNESCO World Heritage site offers stunning views. However, you have to climb 1,200 steps before you can view the beautiful gardens and water pools surrounding the rock.

2. Travel back in time in the historic cities

Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, two ancient cities, testify to a magnificent past.

Their stunning ruins and magnificent stupas provide an insight into Sri Lanka’s historical richness and cultural heritage.

Go for a bike ride through Polonnaruwa and experience the ruins of the royal palace as well as Gal Vihara temple with its many Buddha statues. Delve into the history of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s sacred ancient capital, founded in the 5th century BC. The city offers impressive ruins and monuments such as Thuparamaya, Lovamahapaya, Isurumuniya and the Bodhi Tree.

3. The beaches in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has an impressive 1,340 km of coastline, which offers a wealth of enchanting beaches.

Drift away to the soothing sound of waves as you stroll on the warm, honey-coloured sand.

Visit, for example, Negombo Beach, known for its beauty, calm atmosphere and fishing community. The golden sandy beach and clear waters make it a popular place for relaxation and water sports activities. The beach promenade offers restaurants, bars and shops. The area also has historical gems such as the Dutch Fort and St. Mary’s Church.

4. Go on safari in the beautiful national parks

Think safaris are the reserve of Africa? Then think again!

Sri Lanka has been named by Forbes Magazine as a top destination for experiencing wildlife outside of Africa.

Sri Lanka has one of the world’s densest populations of majestic elephants, elusive leopards and colourful peacocks. The wonderful wildlife you can experience in Sri Lanka’s national parks includes curious monkeys as well as large water buffaloes. Sri Lanka is also one of the only places where you can spot the world’s largest living creature, the blue whale.

5. A taste of Sri Lanka

One of the most authentic ways to experience Sri Lankan culture is through its street cuisine.

Don’t miss the chance to sample local favourites such as kottu roti (minced bread with vegetables and meat), samosas, hoppers (rice pancakes) and tasty curries. Explore the colourful cuisine and let your taste buds discover a world of spicy, exotic flavours.

Sri Lanka is also known for its abundance of juicy fruit. Stop at one of the many roadside stalls to sample delicious tropical fruit such as mango, pineapple, papaya and coconuts.

6. Visit the sacred temple in Kandy

The Sri Dalada Maligawa Cave Temple in Kandy, also known as the Temple of the Tooth, is one of the holiest sites in Buddhism and is an important pilgrimage destination.

Inside the cave, you will find no fewer than 153 Buddha statues, along with statues of past Sri Lankan kings as well as gods and goddesses. Aside from the many statues, impressive murals can be found here, spread over an impressive 2,100 m². The cave was established by King Valagamba in the first century BC and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.

7. Explore the tea plantations

Prioritise a visit to a tea plantation and a tea factory, where you will learn about Sri Lanka’s largest agricultural export. Visit Nuwara Eliya, for example, which offers beautiful hilly landscapes and endless rows of green tea bushes.

You will have the chance to immerse yourself in Sri Lanka’s unique heritage as a leading tea producer.  You will wander through the green plantations of tea bushes, learn about the picking process and participate in tea brewing. The lush nature and mountain scenery form a magical backdrop to your experience as you gain a deeper understanding of the island’s culture and history.

8. Take a train ride to Ella

Sri Lanka is known for its beautiful scenery. And what is a different way to experience the scenery?

By train.

Originally used to transport spices and tea, today the old train carriages set the scene for wonderful experiences for the young and old alike.

On a train ride through parts of Sri Lanka, you will discover the wonderful highlands, the characteristic tea plantations, the green mountains, small waterfalls and the local people.

It is an unforgettable journey through some of Sri Lanka’s most scenic landscapes.

So all that remains to say is: Sit back and enjoy the view!

9. Nine Arches Bridge

Situated at the heart of this mountainous scenery, surrounded by lush tea plantations and tall, skinny trees, stands Nine Arch Bridge, known in Sinhalese (the Sri Lankan language) as “Ahas Namaye Palama”, meaning Nine Heavens Bridge. This is because, when you stand under the bridge and look up, you can actually see “9 heavens” through its nine arches.

The bridge was built during the British colonial period. Rising 30 metres into the air, it is constructed exclusively of bricks, stone and cement – without the use of steel.

The journey here is a unique, beautiful experience. Along the railway lines, you’ll see lizards nesting in the grass, as well as squirrels and different bird species hiding in the tree tops. If you’re lucky, you’ll witness the passing trains, an experience worth capturing on camera.

10. Visit Galle

Galle is a beautiful, historic city on the south-west coast of Sri Lanka. It is full of charming streets, art galleries and cafés. The city’s fort, Galle Fort, is a testament to Sri Lanka’s colonial past. The fort exudes culture and, at the same time, the city stands out as a place full of contrasts and a lively colour palette.

The city is divided into a modern section and a historical section. The modern section houses electronics stores, markets and a vibrant atmosphere, while the older part, home to Galle Fort, presents narrow lanes, colonial architecture and cosy eateries within the sturdy ancient walls. Unlike similar cities in Sri Lanka, these two areas unite in an amazingly harmonious way.

TourCompass – From tourist to traveller