Top Things to do

Pristine beaches, great surf and reef, ageless ruins, the largest mammal on earth – the Elephant and the largest of the ocean – the Blue Whale, abundant wildlife, rolling emerald hills, mesmerizing panoramas, amazing waterfalls, diverse cultures, endless smiles and plenty of tea!

Almost a whole world on a single island; wouldn’t that be every traveller’s dream?

If you are first time visitor and looking for an overall experience in Sri Lanka without specific interests, our top 10 things to do might be of help. For those who have already been to our paradise island and looking for more experiences, there are more top things to do which have been listed out for you to choose from, to make yours an epic holiday in Sri Lanka.

Our Top 50 Things to Do in Sri Lanka

1. Sigiriya Rock Fortress –  an engineering marvel of ancient times that offers some mesmerising views at the top.
2. Kandy Temple of the Tooth Relic – related to legacy of the tooth relic of Lord Buddha being enshrined in a golden chest.
3. Train from Kandy to Ella via Nanu Oya (Nuwara Eliya) – one of the most scenic train journeys in the world, passing through clouds, beautiful landscapes and tea covered hills.
4. Galle Fort Experience – that revolves around the jewel of the south, a UNESCO world heritage site.
5. Minneriya Park Safari – the home of the wildlife spectacle, the Elephant Gathering
6. Ella Nine-Arches Bridge – a colonial marvel, a 30 metre high viaduct that spans across stunning foliage and landscapes of the hill country
7. Sri Lanka Beaches – wonderful stretches of sun, sand and sea all around its coastline along the north west, south west, southern and east coasts
8. Whale Watching in Mirissa – The ultimate whale watching destination of Sri Lanka where one can be lucky to spot the elusive Blue Whale.
9. Visit the Stilt Fishermen of the South – a beautiful sight seeing fishermen perched on vertical poles with crossbars trying to catch small fish, an ancient fishing practice that still thrives in Koggala.
10. Visit a Tea Plantation and Factory – an amazing experience in learning the process in making the famous brand of ‘Ceylon Tea’, from the plucked shiny leaf into the brewed cup of tea.
11. Yala National Park Safari – the most popular safaris in Sri Lanka offering great camping experiences and jeep safaris to spot mysterious leopards and other wildlife.
12. Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage – A home for many orphaned elephants that enable them to live in a natural habitat, where one can feed them and watch them bathe in the river.
13. Turtle Hatchery – established for the preservation and protection of turtles from extinction, where Eggs and baby turtles are collected till mature to be released into the ocean.
14. Village Tour – Explore the rural life of Sri Lanka by strolling through the village, riding on a bullock cart or canoe via a local catamaran.
15. Colombo City Tour – A full day city tour covering all major attractions, old and new sights and sounds of the fast developing and colourful metropolis of Colombo.
16. Upper Diyaluma – the latest rave, an enthralling hike to the upper Diyaluma falls consisting of three natural pools where the daring can take a refreshing dip.
17. Madu River Safari & Fish Spa –  a popular excursion of a boat ride through mangrove forests along the Madu River ending with great foot therapy among fish.
18. Kandyan Dancing and Cultural Show – watch a cultural show and embrace the beauty of different forms of Kandyan dancing, the national dance of Sri Lanka.
19. Tuk Tuk Rides – the most enjoyable form of touring the city of Colombo like a true local which is a fun experience  while you see the sights of the city or go shopping in the busy streets.
20. Trekking in Horton Plains – an excursion of trekking along different landscapes from plains through forests, leading to World’s End passing by Baker’s Falls, encountering species of birds and wildlife.
21. Visit a Spice Garden – learn the growth and process of famous Sri Lankan spices, a representative of the country’s brand of curry.
22. Gem shopping in Kandy – a journey of Sri Lanka would not be complete if one has not seen the gems of Sri Lanka, especially the Royal blue sapphire.
23. Kandy Botanical Garden – the Botanical Garden with renowned history was once a paradise used only by royal kings, now famous for its rich diversity of orchids, trees and other exceptional species of flora.
24. Kandy City Tour – a full day tour covering all the main Kandy historical places and tourist attractions around the city which include the Temple of the Tooth and Kandy Lake.
25. Golden Cave Temple of Dambulla – a UNESCO world heritage site renowned for its preserved caves, statues and wall paintings reflecting the life and events of Lord Buddha.
26. Spa, Ayurveda and Yoga – Age old arts of holistic and wellness therapies and remedies for the mind, body and soul found all around the island.
27. Nuwara Eliya City tour – a full day tour covering all the main tourist attractions and points of interest around the city which include colonial buildings and Lake Gregory.
28. Day tour of Anuradhapura – a full day tour which covers all the historical places and main places to visit including well preserved stupas of the former ancient capital.
29. Day tour of Polonnaruwa – a full day tour covering all the major historical attractions of the former medieval capital including Gal Viharaya, Polonnaruwa Vatadage and Parakrama Samudraya.
30. Snorkelling in Pigeon Island – the Pigeon Island Marine Park has a lot of corals, coral fishes, blacktip reef sharks and turtles which make snorkelling a thrilling experience.
31. Surfing in Arugam Bay – Arugam Bay famed to be an international surf destination in Sri Lanka with major swells and many long consistent breaks.
32. Hiking & Trekking in Knuckles range – the Knuckles Range has some heavenly nature trails in Sri Lanka giving the best of hiking and trekking experiences surrounded by scenic beauty.
33. Victoria Golf and country resort – revered as one of the world’s most beautiful golf courses, constructed along rolling slopes surrounded by most picturesque scenery
34. White water rafting in Kitulagala – the most action packed experience of adventure along raging rapids, ideal for the daring and adrenaline junkies.
35. Diving and snorkelling in Unawatuna – the beaches at Unawatuna, bordered by a coral reef, has exotic corals and amazing species of marine life which offer an exciting experience of diving and snorkelling
36. Unawatuna beach swing – the ‘Insta-worthy swing that has brought fame to Sri Lanka, stretching out to sea with stunning views of sunrises and sunsets.
37. Surfing in Hiriketiya – the stunning secluded horseshoe bay with thrilling wave breaks makes it ideal for surfing
38. Adam’s Peak – Sri Lanka’s iconic site, a conical mountain which embraces an indentation of a footprint,sacred to all faiths, visited by pilgrims and tourists from across the globe, in all walks of life
39. Bahirawakanda Vihara – the crowning glory of Kandy, a colossal white statue of Lord Buddha that sits majestically 88 feet high on top of a hill.
40. Watersports in Bentota – blessed with a river and beach, Bentota, the water sports capital gives  adrenaline high adventure above the water
41. Kite Surfing in Kalpitiya – Kalpitiya is the leading spot for Kite surfing in Sri Lanka with its flat lagoon and beach
42. Jaffna City tour – a full day tour covering all best places to visit and major insights of the colourful rising city of Jaffna such as Nallur Kovil, Jaffna Fort, Point Pedro and more
43. Udawalawe Park Safari – well known for large herds of majestic elephants, Udawalawe gives wonderful safari experiences for wildlife.
44. Negombo fish market – this vibrant market it is the second largest fish market in Sri Lanka and gives tourists an insight into the fishing culture.
45. Streets of Pettah – experience chaos and vibrancy along the busy crowded streets, the hub of bazaars, street-food, commercial goods all wrapped in multi ethnic harmony.
46. Day tour to Delft Island – a full day tour of Delft Island exploring all the unique attractions of this once forgotten island, such as its baobab trees, banyan tree, wild horses, Dutch fort and more.
47. Pidurangala rock – an overlooked gem that gives 360 degree views of surrounding valleys and landscapes including the Sigiriya rock fortress from the top
48. Hummanaya (Blowhole) – a natural marvel formed by cliffs, this blowhole is the only natural blowhole in Sri Lanka and the 2nd tallest blowhole in the world
49. Mihintale – the birthplace of Buddhism and a key pilgrimage site for Buddhists in Sri Lanka and around the world.
50. Bird-watching in Bundala National Park – Bundala National Park has 200 species of birds, a winter home for migratory birds, especially the Greater Flamingo