Things to Do in Sri Lanka: Activities & Experiences You Can't Miss

Sri Lanka, the pearl of the Indian Ocean, is a must-visit destination for Indian travelers. From the golden sandy beaches and misty mountains to ancient temples and abundant wildlife safaris. Sri Lanka offers a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation.

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Tourist Activities in Sri Lanka

Here’s your ultimate guide to the top tourist activities and experiences in Sri Lanka that you simply could not miss!

Trek to Sigiriya Rock Fortress

sri lanka attractions — Hike to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

Sigiriya Lion Rock is one of the most iconic tourist activities in Sri Lanka. This ancient rock fortress, built in the 5^th century, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding forests. Sigiriya is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with stunning frescoes and ruins that will take you back in time. The Lion Rock is one of the best things to see in Sri Lanka.

Entry Fee: USD 35
Tip: Climb early in the morning to catch the sunrise to avoid crowds of people and midday heat.

Experience Wildlife at National Parks

sri lanka tourism places — Jungle Safari in Yala National Park, Sri Lanka.

If you are a wildlife enthusiast, a safari at Yala National Park is a must. Famous for its leopards, elephants, and diverse bird species. A jeep safari through the park guarantees close encounters with wildlife in their natural habitat.

To witness herds of elephants roaming freely, visit Udawalawe National Park. This park features large areas of grassland, scrub jungle, and is home to over 400 pachyderms. It is also among Sri Lanka’s top locations for birdwatching.

There are many other national parks in Sri Lanka offering a unique experience such as Gal Oya National Park where elephants commonly swim across the lake and you can take a boat safari to see them dipping a little closer. The best months to sight the migratory birds are between November and April.

Cost: LKR 17,000 (USD 57) per jeep, half-day for Yala. USD 43 per person, Maximum 6 people in a jeep

Read More: Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka

Discover the Sacred City of Anuradhapura

tourist activities in sri lanka — Monolith in Vessagiriya, Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura, one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, is a vast complex of ruins, temples, and stupas. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a deep dive into Sri Lanka’s history and is a must-visit for history lovers. This heritage city is home to the tallest Buddhist stupa (Dagoba) of the ancient world, Jetavanaramaya. It attracts thousands of Buddhist pilgrims. You can easily explore Anuradhapura by tuk-tuk, bicycle, or public transport.

Entry Fee: USD 25
Best Time: May to September, Early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat.

Whale Watching in Mirissa

things to see and do in sri lanka — Whales tails in Indian ocean water, Mirissa, Sri Lankac

Sri Lanka is one of the best places in the world to see blue whales. Head to Mirissa between for a chance to spot these gentle giants: the biggest animals in the world along with dolphins.

Cost: USD 50
Average Duration: 4 hours
Best Time: November to April

Recommended Read: Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka

Take a Rail Ride to Ella

things to do sri lanka — Women clicking pictures of the tea plantations on a train ride from Ella to Kandy.

The scenic train journey is often ranked among the most beautiful in the world. It winds through lush tea plantations, misty mountains, and charming villages. The trip from Kandy to Ella takes about 6-7 hours but offers spectacular views you won’t forget.

Ticket Price: INR 160
Average Duration: 8 hours
Pro Tip: Book the 2^nd class for open windows and an immersive experience.

Hike to World’s End at Horton Plains

things to see in sri lanka — A man looking at the views from Horton Plain National Park, view from _World’s End.

For adventurous seekers, Horton Plains National Park offers some excellent trekking opportunities. The highlight here is the “World’s End”, a cliff with a drop of 4,000 feet, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The park is also home to diverse flora and fauna.

Entry Fee: Around INR 5,000
Best Time: January to March
Hike Duration: 2-3 hours round trip

Know More: Reasons to Visit Sri Lanka

Unwind in the Hill Country: Nuwara Eliya

Sri Lanka is well-known for its tea, and a visit to a blanketed tea plantation in Nuwara Eliya is both experiential and scenic. Take a guided tour, taste fresh tea, and enjoy the misty early mornings of the cooler climate. All the Britishers make sure to visit Nuwara Eliya to enjoy the ‘home away from’ feeling, hence known as “Little England”.

The Haputale Mountains are a must-see for tea enthusiasts. This is where Sir Thomas Lipton built his tea empire. Haputale has slopes covered with tea plantations, and hills covered with clouds.

Best Time: April/ May
Travel Tip: If you are visiting Nuwara Eliya, make sure to pack warm clothes, as temperatures can drop significantly, especially at night.

Visit Galle Fort: Explore its Eccentric Lanes

The UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, a charming colonial fort built by the Portuguese in the 16^th century, is full of history and one of the major things to see in Sri Lanka. Today, the streets of Galle are a hub for quirky cafes, quaint boutique stores, and art galleries. Strolling around its cobbled streets is a delightful experience.

When everything starts to open up, visit the fort lanes in the morning. Devour a hearty Sri Lankan breakfast at National Tea Room, the oldest café existing in Galle Fort. Shop for souvenirs, postcards, and wall posters that reminisce about Sri Lanka.

Entry: Free
Best Time to Visit: Do not miss the sunsets over the outer wall, or from the top of the lighthouse.

Experience Ayurveda Spa Treatments

Sri Lanka is a wellness haven, and Ayurveda treatments here are top-notch. After your explorations, treat yourself to a rejuvenating Ayurveda massage or herbal treatment in one of the many wellness centers in places like Colombo or Galle. It will heal your mind, body, and soul.

Cost: INR 7,000 for Luxury Treatment
Recommended Duration: 1-2 hours

Relax and Unwind: Romantic Getaways & Best Spots in Sri Lanka

Surfing in Arugam Bay

Arugam Bay on Sri Lanka’s east coast is a surfer’s paradise. It is a tiny place where everything is dotted along a single road paralleling to the coast. Whether you are a pro or a beginner, you can catch some great waves here. You can also visit Elephant Rock, Kumana National Park, and the lagoon for kayaking and canoeing. A water activity such as surfing must be in your bucket list of ‘things to do in Sri Lanka’.

The bay also offers relaxed beach vibes, making it perfect for unwinding. The shacks on the beach serve a Sri Lankan roti, stuffed with some bananas, chocolate, vegetables, or chicken, making it a perfect post-surf snack.

Surfboard Rental: USD 14 per day.
Best Time: May to October

Explore Jaffna’s Rich Culture

The northern city of Jaffna is often overlooked by tourists but offers a rich cultural experience with its unique Tamil culture, temples, and cuisine. Visit the Nallur Kandaswamy Temple and also try the famous Jaffna crab curry for a taste of local life. Do not miss the enormous towers of the temple gateway touching the sky.

Entry: Free for most temples and cultural sites.
Best Time to Visit: March to May for average temperatures.
Tip: You can pick some Palmyrah-wood souvenirs such as traditionally made cooking utensils.

Climb Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada)

Adam’s Peak is a sacred mountain for Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, and Muslims alike. It is well known as ‘Sri Pada’, the sacred footprint, resembling the print of a human print. The challenging climb of 55,000 steps, best done at night, rewards you with a stunning sunrise at the summit, where pilgrims perform their religious rites and leave offerings. It is an easy-to-do hike of around 5000 steps. The hikers who want to trek more can climb up to Ella Rock which also leads to Nine Arch Bridge.

Entry Fee: Free, but donations are welcome.
Climb Duration: 4-5 hours for a round trip.
Best Time: December to April

Indulge in Sri Lankan Cuisine

From spicy, homely rice and curry to fresh seafood, Sri Lankan cuisine is an explosion of flavors. Don’t miss trying ‘hoppers’ (a bowl-like pancake), kottu roti, and a wide variety of tropical fruits available.
The crabs from Sri Lanka are best-sellers in Singapore’s high-rated restaurants, and you can try some fresh and locally sourced crabs at the Ministry of Crab, Colombo. To try the best crabs relished in local spices, you must visit the Mayura Hotel in Pettah’s marketplace.

The best crab curry in the world is said to come from Jaffna, especially when it’s devoured at the source where chefs spend their time grinding the coconut, resulting in a thick and toasted paste. Try the Jaffna Crab Curry from Cosy Restaurant near the Jaffna Railway Station.
Look for Squid Curry in the South, which is swiftly cooked with fresh coconut cream and lime juice.

Average Cost: A local restaurant costs around INR 150-300 for a hearty Sri Lankan meal.

Sri Lanka offers an affordable world of adventure with its captivating beauty and diverse range of experiences. Your experience in Sri Lanka can be inexpensive and enlightening if you plan smartly, are willing to fully immerse yourself in the culture, and have an open mind and heart to embrace all that Sri Lankan tourism has to offer. Every aspect of this tropical paradise, from its breathtaking scenery to its friendly locals, is ready to make your vacation an unforgettable experience. Sri Lanka is not just a destination, it awaits you to discover and immerse in its experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I not miss in Sri Lanka?
Don’t miss the stunning Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the serene beaches of Mirissa, and the lush tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya. For wildlife lovers, Yala National Park is a must. Explore the sacred city of Kandy and the colonial charm of Galle Fort.

Is 7 days enough in Sri Lanka?
Yes, 7 days is enough to cover major highlights of Sri Lanka! You can visit cultural spots like Sigiriya and Kandy, relax at the beaches, and go on a wildlife safari at a national park. Want to plan a perfect itinerary? Plan with JustWravel!

Is Sri Lanka cheap or expensive?
Sri Lanka can be budget-friendly, especially for Indian travelers. Food, local transport, and mid-range accommodations are affordable, but luxury stays can be pricey. Sri Lanka is a wide tropical tapestry, you choose your season, budget, and type of vacation you need, and book a trip now!

How much money should I take to Sri Lanka?
For a comfortable trip, budget around INR 3,000 per day, covering food, transport, and activities. The budget would vary based on the places, the activities, and the type of accommodation you choose. Sri Lanka has everything for all kinds of people. From luxury vacations to adventurous backpacking, choose your deal with the Sri Lanka Packages we have to offer.

What are the things to do in Colombo?
In Colombo, visit the iconic Gangaramaya Temple, stroll around Galle Face Green, explore the National Museum, and enjoy shopping at Pettah Market. Colombo is a gateway to Sri Lanka, and you ought to start or end your trip with a day in Colombo.

Top 10 places to visit in Sri Lanka?