Exploring the Best of Sri Lanka

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Climb Pidurangala to see the sunrise over the jungle​

No trip to Sri Lanka is complete without visiting the Sigiriya, a massive rock fortress with ruins of an ancient palace, water gardens, and frescos near the giant rock Pidurangala. Early birds should buckle up their hiking shoes and climb up Pidurangala at 5am for sunrise, but if you are not a morning person, head here for sunset before the ticket office closes at 6pm.
The entrance fee is around US$3 for this 45-minute climb. The summit overlooks the majestic lion-shaped Sigiriya rock surrounded by tropical jungles and artificial lakes. To reach the top you’ll pass through a Buddhist temple, so carry a shawl or a sarong to cover up.

Best thing to do in Galle

Southern Sri Lanka produces some of the world's best cinnamon, a lighter, more sweeter variety than is found in Indonesia and Vietnam. Travelers can learn about the highly-prized Ceylon cinnamon by visiting Ganduwa Island on Koggala Lake, just south of Galle, by boat.
Generational peelers spend their days here masterfully shaving thin layers of the tree’s inner bark to create quills of cinnamon. You can buy them alongside small packets of cinnamon powder and cinnamon oil at a cost of about US$2. The boat then takes passengers to some of the other islands. Grab a glass of fresh kirala (mangrove apple) juice from a local vendor on the jetty as you leave.

Try kottu roti

No other meal captures Sri Lanka quite like kottu roti. This popular street food is a carb-heavy mishmash of fresh vegetables, leftover roti (flatbread), and eggs, plus a choice of meat or seafood. Thrown together onto a metal griddle and chopped into tiny slices using two metal blades, you can often hear the distinct clink-clink-clink of metal on metal from a few hundred feet away.

Kottu roti is available across the island, but try it in Colombo from Hotel de Pilawoos or Hotel de Plaza (note: some Sri Lankan restaurants are often named "hotels"). Don’t get deceived by any Pilawoos or Hotel de Plaza, though – there are numerous holes-in-the-wall with the same name – the originals are on Galle Road in Colombo 03. Order yours with a glass of iced Milo (a popular chocolate malt drink), which goes perfectly with a sizzling hot kottu.

A man stands on a peak looking towards another distinctive hill in a lush green region

Reach the top of Little Adam's Peak after a gentle one-hour hike © Michael Roberts / Getty Images

Watch sunrise over Little Adam’s Peak​

Not to be confused with Adam’s Peak, the sacred mountain near Hatton that involves an arduous 5000-step climb, Little Adam’s Peak is a popular, easy-to-do hike for those visiting the tourist hub of Ella. Start your one-hour hike early in the morning when it’s dark outside so you don't miss the sunrise from the summit. Hikers wanting more can then trek Ella Rock and follow a path leading to Nine Arch Bridge.

Ella itself is a laid-back place. Many stay outside the town, but travelers should immerse themselves in the cafe scene at Cafe Chill and Art Cafe Umbrella. Adventure buffs can go ziplining. While Ella deserves the hype, there are other quaint mountain towns that are also worth visiting: Ohiya, Idalgashinna, Haputale, and Wellawaya.

Go kitesurfing on the remote Kalpitiya Peninsula​

With numerous flatwater lagoons and plenty of steady wind, Sri Lanka’s northwestern coast offers some of the best kitesurfing in the world. A 3.5-hour drive north of Colombo is the lesser-explored Kalpitiya Peninsula, which is still relatively new to many overseas tourists. The region is home to sandy beaches and small fishing hamlets with droves of wild donkeys strolling around large grasslands.

Stop in Kappalady on the Indian Ocean for kitesurfing lessons with local instructors at Kite Center Sri Lanka. The kite school can arrange kitesurfing safaris (tours) to nearby spots such as Donkey Point, Dutch Bay, and Vella Island for more experienced kiteboarders. Other activities in Kappalady include exploring the lagoons by kayak and ethical dolphin-watching tours where large pods of spinner dolphins swim in their hundreds. Good operators will only charter small boats, keep their distance from the pods, and avoid feeding the animals. There are also a few accommodation options by the beach in Kappalady.

Camp in the Haputale mountains​

An hour by bus from Ella are the misty mountains of Haputale, a region dotted with tea plantations and icy-cold streams. Stay in a local family-run campsite, such as the Eco Lodge Haputale run by the Dias family. After a few cups of sugary milk tea at their home, they will walk you through a tea garden to their campground made up of several tents with a small kitchen and a dining area that opens up to the Haputale mountains. Wake up to the sound of birdsong and enjoy the sunrise – it’s the highlight of a stay here.

Go bird-watching in Bundala National Park​

Home to nearly 200 species of native and migratory birds, Bundala National Park is a Ramsar-recognized wetland in the south of the country. Birdwatching tours start at 6am and run for 3–4 hours as the park comes alive with brahminy kites, hundreds of storks, families of whistling wild ducks, Asian green bee-eaters, dancing peacocks, and resting crocodiles.

Come the afternoon, wild Asian elephants, spotted deer, and wild boar roam amongst the Weera, Neem, and Palu trees. To try and spot them, arrange a 4WD safari with a tour operator such as Bundala Safari with Srimal, which has an office just outside the park in Bundala Junction.

Smiling woman looks out from a train window as it travels through a hillside location covered in greenery

Travel through some of Sri Lanka's most beautiful scenery by train © Solovyova / Getty Images

Take a train ride from Colombo​

When it comes to experiences in Sri Lanka, taking a train journey is a must. For mountain views coupled with tea gardens, British colonial-era railway stations, and gushing water bodies, take the Colombo to Ella train journey, which also passes through the Instagram-famous Nine Arch Bridge. There are several trains that pass through the route, but since it’s quite popular among travelers, make sure you reserve your tickets beforehand.

But don't just stop there. Hop on a coastal train heading south towards Galle from Colombo for the views of the Indian Ocean and swaying palms. Next, board a train riding up north to Jaffna – you will notice changing landscapes as you go past Anuradhapura when green rice fields and coconut trees are replaced by palmyra palms, shrubs, and barren soil. Other than local families, travelers, and daily commuters, you'll find plenty of vendors on the trains selling cups of tea, instant coffee, chili-sprinkled fresh fruits, roasted peanuts, yogurt, and even mobile top-up cards.

Feast on Sri Lankan crabs​

Sri Lankan crabs sell fast in Singapore’s fine-dining restaurants, and rarely make it to the menu back home. But that’s starting to change: for an upmarket taster in Colombo, head to the Ministry of Crab inside the Dutch Hospital Complex or The Fat Crab on Marine Drive. For something more local, you can’t beat the Mayura Hotel in Pettah Market.
If you’re in the north of the country, you must try the Jaffna crab curry from Cosy Restaurant near the Jaffna Railway Station, which comes with a punchy, spicy kick.

Try to spot the elusive Sri Lankan leopard at Wilpattu National Park​

Most visitors to Yala National Park want to see the endangered Sri Lankan leopard. However, overcrowding is common and safari 4WDs have been known to scare the animals away.
For a better and more conscientious safari experience, head to Wilpattu National Park in the northwest of the island and book with a responsible operator like Leopard Trails. Their guides don't chase after possible sightings, but they do turn off their vehicle engines near animals. They will also whisper near any sighting so as not to disturb the animals. As well as leopards, the park is also home to Asian elephants, sloth bears, and bark deer all in their natural habitats.

Alternatively, Kumana National Park, in the eastern part of Yala, is a good place for bird-watchers. If luck prevails, you may just come across a leopard napping on a rugged boulder too.

Two tourists take photos of elephants in the distance out the top of a safari van

Kaudulla and Minneriya National Parks are home to many wild Asian elephants © Oliver Foerstner / Shutterstock.com

Witness the largest wild Asian elephant gathering in the world​

Sri Lanka is home to an estimated 4000 wild Asian elephants, best seen in their natural habitats, the country’s national parks. During the dry months from July to September, the large reservoirs in Kaudulla and Minneriya National Parks draw herds of wild Asian elephants where they graze on grass, bathe, and play with each other. Hot afternoons see elephants sheltering in the nearby jungles, but in the afternoon, around 4pm, they slowly emerge. This is your chance to see hundreds of the creatures hanging out by the lakes, the largest gathering of wild elephants in the world.

Skip places where elephants are held in captivity – except for the Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe. Run by the government wildlife department, with support from the Born Free Foundation, this halfway house takes in abandoned and injured elephant calves and returns them to the wild once they have recuperated.

Try traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry in Unawatuna​

Sri Lankans enjoy curry and rice for at least one meal a day – sometimes for all three – and while there are plenty of great places to try the national dish, Mettha's Home Cooked Meals, sandwiched between the cafes and souvenir shops of Unawatuna, in the south of Sri Lanka is among the best. Freshly prepared onsite by Aunty Mettha herself (with a little support from her family), the creamy Sri Lankan dal in coconut milk is a must.

If you fancy learning how to cook curry dishes, head over to the family-run Sea Waves Restaurant in Unawatuna, but don’t leave without trying their whole butterfish cooked in a secret umami-rich homemade sauce.

Learn the life of Sri Lanka's indigenous people​

The Vedda are the indigenous people of Sri Lanka. Originally forest-dwellers, their numbers have dwindled over the years due to migration, habitat loss, and assimilation into the nation's dominant Sinhala-Buddhist culture. Now scattered across the island in small numbers, some Vedda families still preserve their native language, cuisines, and rituals in places like Dambana, an indigenous village and museum in the southern part of Maduru Oya National Park.

For a more immersive experience, head east to Gal Oya where you can take tours with the Vedda to see their ancient caves and hunting grounds. Wild Glamping Gal Oya works closely with the Vedda community to organize ethical encounters.

Explore the quirky lanes of Galle Fort​

Galle Fort is an eccentric mix of Portuguese, Dutch, and British architectural influences surrounded by spas, luxury hotels, souvenir shops, ice cream parlors, and gem boutiques. Come in the morning hours when the Fort lanes slowly open up. First, eat a hearty Sri Lankan breakfast at National Tea Rooms, which is the oldest existing cafe in Galle Fort run by a friendly Sri Lankan family since 1932.

Shop for postcards and wall posters with funky Sri Lankan graphics, tuk tuks, and vintage maps at Stick No Bills. For lunch, don’t miss the peppery black pork curry at Church Street Social. The view from the ramparts is a must-see, especially during sunset.

Chase the waves with Sri Lanka’s first local female-run surf club​

Surfers of all levels head to Arugam Bay on the east coast. During the season from April to August, this curl of soft, ocher-sand comes alive at night with parties, booze, and live music. It also has a laid-back surf scene, including the Arugam Bay Girls Surf Club, the first all-women club in Sri Lanka, which holds swimming, surfing, and yoga lessons for the community. The beach shacks that dot the shoreline serve delicious Sri Lankan roti stuffed with chocolate, banana, chicken, cheese, and vegetables for a post-surf pick-me-up.

Cycle through an ancient kingdom​

Following the fall of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa became the second capital of Sri Lanka from 1070 to 1232, and the ruins of this ancient city are now a Unesco World Heritage Site. Arrive early in the morning to beat the sweltering sun and get the best of this wonderful archaeological park to yourself. The Polonnaruwa ruins are crowded during weekends, school holidays, and on the full moon.

Don't miss the Vatadage, a circular relic house with a large Buddha statue. Beyond that, cycle through the ancient city and pay a visit to the ancient Royal Palace. Other impressive archaeological relics, including the standing Buddha in Lankatilaka Vihara and a series of Buddha statues carved out of granite in Gal Vihara. You can see the South Indian influence in some of the remains – this is because the ancient kingdom faced several South Indian invasions back then.

Get close to nature with a stay in a treehouse​

Nature lovers will enjoy the experience of sleeping in a treehouse. Surrounded by the nearby jungle, these houses are built on a wooden platform up the tree. Book one of the treehouses at Back of Beyond in Sigiriya if you don’t mind visiting lizards and monkeys.

For those who are in the far south of Sri Lanka, Tangalle is a mix of rugged sandy beaches, lagoons, and shrublands. Here, Jaywa Lanka has a treehouse next to the mangroves; you’ll only hear the faint hum of crashing waves and twittering of birds. Occasional visitors include wild peacocks trying to charm their peahens.

Snack on hoppers​

If there’s one thing to try before you leave Sri Lanka, it’s hoppers (aappa in Sinhala; appam in Tamil), bowl-like pancakes made from rice flour batter. With crispy edges and fluffy centers, plain hoppers are eaten with curries or a spicy sambal (chili paste) called lunu miris made with onions and dried red chili.

Walk into a street joint in the evenings and you’ll often find plain hoppers topped with an egg. If you are in Colombo, head to Palmyrah Restaurant for some Sri Lankan fine dining; the dinner menu includes both savory and sweet hoppers with milk or jaggery. Or, if you don’t mind long lines, try some hoppers from Aunty Radhika in the Wellawatta neighborhood. Walk past the bank on WA Silva Mawatha to find this small, but popular, hopper stall.
 
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Great article. I would also like to add that Sri Lanka is an incredible tourist destination that offers a diverse range of experiences for travelers. The warm and welcoming locals, known for their hospitality, add to the charm of this destination.

One of the highlights of Sri Lanka is its rich cultural heritage. The ancient cities of Sigiriya and Anuradhapura showcase the country's fascinating history, while the sacred city of Kandy is home to the iconic Temple of the Tooth Relic. I would definitely suggest visiting Kandy. If you ever plan a visit this location, we also have a hotel with a rich history and stunning views https://www.dendrobiumhouse.lk/ a luxury hotel in Kandy . It would be a pleasure to have you as our guest!
 
Very insightful. Sri Lanka is truly one of the most pristine places to visit to have an enchanting experience. It has so many things to offer for new experiences, as it is rich in culture and filled with natural beauty. Its serene landscapes and beauty will leave you mesmerized. Person who is inclined too know more about different cultures will love to visit this place. There are many temples to visit in Sri Lanka where each one of them has a different historical story to be known of. Would totally recommend to visit once this explored country and you would love it.
 
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Sri Lanka is a treasure trove of diverse experiences, and among its many attractions are some incredible surfing spots. If you're a surfing enthusiast or looking to catch your first wave, Sri Lanka offers a surfing paradise with its top 10 surfing places:

  1. Arugam Bay: Known as one of the best surf spots in the world, offering consistent waves and a laid-back atmosphere.
  2. Mirissa: Ideal for both beginners and experienced surfers, with powerful swells and stunning beaches.
  3. Weligama: Perfect for beginners to learn surfing with its gentle waves and surf schools.
  4. Hikkaduwa: A vibrant coastal town with fantastic surf breaks and vibrant underwater life for snorkeling.
  5. Unawatuna: Famous for its picturesque beach and suitable waves for all levels of surfers.
  6. Midigama: A hidden gem with less crowded waves and a great spot to improve your surfing skills.
  7. Matara: Offers a mix of reef breaks and beach breaks, catering to different surfing preferences.
  8. Pottuvil Point: Known for its right-hand point break, attracting surfers looking for a challenging ride.
  9. Peanut Farm: A lesser-known spot with consistent waves, perfect for those seeking a quieter surfing experience.
  10. Whiskey Point: Located in the east, known for its powerful and fast-breaking waves, suited for experienced surfers.
Whether you're chasing waves, exploring ancient temples, indulging in delicious cuisine, or discovering lush tea plantations, Sri Lanka truly has something for everyone. So, when planning your Sri Lankan adventure, don't forget to include these top 10 surfing places for an unforgettable experience on the waves.
 
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"Experience the magical allure of Sri Lanka's spring season as nature bursts into vibrant life. From the cascading waterfalls of Ravana to the blooming fields of Anuradhapura, immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of this tropical paradise. Don't miss the chance to visit ancient temples in Sri Lanka, where timeless spirituality adds a touch of mystique to your springtime adventure."
 
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If planning to visit Sri Lanka anytime soon. There are many things to do in Colombo which you can consider to do. It will surely make your trip worthwhile.
 
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Sri Lanka as a destination promises a mixture of culture, adventure, and beautiful landscapes. With its beautiful shores, ancient temples, and natural surroundings, the island offers everything a traveler needs. There are so many things to do in Sri Lanka.
  • Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, takes you on an adventure in the colorful, busy markets. You can enjoy the local cuisine, which combines flavors from Southeast Asia, India, and other regions.
  • Places like Kandy and Anuradhapura take you to the country's cultural core. You can explore ancient temples and beautiful tea plantations located in the countryside.
  • For a wildlife lover, Sri Lanka offers various natural parks where you can view a wide variety of birds, elephants, and leopards.
  • Sri Lanka offers plenty of beautiful shores where you can relax and enjoy your vacation. Arugam Bay offers world-class surfing and snorkeling.
  • You cannot miss the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, which lets you experience the rich history of the country.
All things considered, Sri Lanka offers an amazing experience for every traveler. From adventure, and relaxation, to cultural trips, everything is included.
 
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If you are planning to visit Sri Lanka and explore the places there, Kandy is also one of the great cities that you can experience. There are many things that you can do in Kandy as well.
 
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Exploring the best of Sri Lanka unveils a myriad of experiences. From visiting ancient Buddhist Temples in Sri Lanka and wandering through lush tea plantations to lounging on pristine beaches and encountering diverse wildlife, there's no shortage of things to do. Sri Lanka promises a rich tapestry of culture, nature, and adventure for every traveler.
 
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Sri Lanka is a destination that has something for everyone, whether you're seeking cultural immersion, outdoor adventures, or simply a relaxing beach getaway. From its ancient temples and lush landscapes to its warm hospitality and mouthwatering cuisine, Sri Lanka offers a travel experience like no other.

So, to all fellow travelers and adventurers, I urge you to take a trip to Sri Lanka and discover the magic of this enchanting island nation for yourself. Whether it's your first visit or a return trip, I guarantee that Sri Lanka will capture your heart and leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
 
Exploring the Best of Sri Lanka" is a captivating journey as the rich tapestry of Sri Lanka's tour offers cultural, historical, and natural wonders. From the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa to the serene beaches of Mirissa, this documentary immerses viewers in the diverse landscapes and vibrant traditions that define this enchanting island nation. Through stunning cinematography and insightful narration, it offers a window into the soul of Sri Lanka, inviting audiences to discover its hidden gems and timeless beauty. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or an armchair explorer, "Exploring the Best of Sri Lanka" promises an unforgettable odyssey that will leave you yearning to experience this captivating destination firsthand.
 
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Exploring the Best places of Sri Lanka enriching journey filled with vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality. From the historic wonders of Sigiriya to the idyllic beaches of Mirissa, each destination left an indelible mark. Sri Lanka's diverse beauty and charm truly captured my heart.
 
Embark on a sensory voyage through Sri Lanka, where ancient ruins whisper tales of dynasties past, lush tea plantations carpet rolling hills, and pristine beaches beckon with azure waters. From the sacred city of Kandy to the majestic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, every corner reveals a tapestry of history, nature, and culture. Explore and learn more about things to do in Kandy.
 
Wow, your trip to Sri Lanka sounds incredible! Climbing Pidurangala for the sunrise and exploring the ancient Sigiriya rock fortress must have been amazing. Learning about cinnamon production near Galle sounds so interesting too! Well I'm happy to share that this year I'm travelling to Goa. I'm so excited to try my luck in a casino hotel. It's awesome to hear about all the exciting adventures and experiences you can have in Sri Lanka! It just makes me thrilled picturing my future adventures in goa.
 
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