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Best Things to Do
Top 50 Best Things to Do in Sri Lanka [2025]
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Sigiriya Lion Rock
4.8
/5
546 reviews
6.9
9.4 km from downtown
Phone +94-72-1773006
Address: Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Highlights:
City views & endless jungle vistas
360° observation deck & cityscape
175 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
Verified User Reviews
if at all possible hike both this one as well as the other mountain across so you get to see the rock palace from afar. i do suggest getting acquainted with the historical context by doing the museum outside as well. this one and Dambullah cave shd fit nicely into a one day plan. the only snag is that monkeys on top of the palace will snatch food just be mindful of that. they do enforce rules so when they say no pictures no drones they do mean it please try to be respectful
Sigiriya is an awe-inspiring historical site, offering breathtaking views and a fascinating climb to the top. The ancient rock fortress, with its well-preserved frescoes and ruins, makes for a truly unforgettable experience. A must-visit for history and nature lovers like!
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Sri Dalada Maligawa
4.5
/5
605 reviews
6.3
Based on 12,235 reviews
Kandy Lake Front | 66 km from downtown
Phone +94-812-234226
Address: Kandy, Sri Lanka
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-1.5 hours
No.1 of Night Attractions in Sri Lanka
Highlights:
Parade of elephants & celebration
Two-story hall & moat
163 positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
Sri Dalada Maligawa, or the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, is a must-visit spiritual and cultural landmark in Kandy. The temple’s stunning architecture, intricate carvings, and serene atmosphere create a truly divine experience. The daily rituals and historical significance of the sacred tooth relic add to its charm. However, it can get quite crowded, especially during ceremonies. Dress modestly and be prepared for security.
“The Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy is a sacred Buddhist site with beautiful architecture and deep cultural significance. It houses the relic of Lord Buddha’s tooth and offers a peaceful, spiritual experience. The evening prayer ceremony is a highlight. A must-visit for those interested in history and culture.”
Horton Plains National Park
4.6
/5
209 reviews
6.2
Based on 1,099 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +94 112 426 900
Address: Sri Lanka
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-5 hours
No.1 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Sri Lanka
Highlights:
Spot monkeys & nightingales
Breathtaking cliffs & rolling hills
26% positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
Horton Plains National Park is a breathtaking natural wonder in Sri Lanka, perfect for nature lovers and hikers. The scenic trails lead to stunning viewpoints like World's End and Baker’s Falls, offering incredible panoramic views. The park is home to diverse wildlife, including sambar deer and unique bird species. The cool climate and misty landscapes create a magical atmosphere. An early morning visit is best to catch clear views. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring water.
Horton Plains National Park offers stunning landscapes, from rolling hills to lush forests. The famous World’s End viewpoint provides breathtaking views of the valley below. The trails are well-maintained, and the biodiversity is remarkable, making it a must-visit for nature lovers.
No.
4
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Yala National Park
4.8
/5
244 reviews
6.1
>100 km from downtown
Phone +94-112-888 585
Address: Sri Lanka
Recommended sightseeing time: 5-8 hours
No.2 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Sri Lanka
Highlights:
Explore ancient ruins at Sithulpahuwa
Jeep safari for wildlife exploration
34% positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
Yala National Park, located in southeastern Sri Lanka, is the country's most visited and second-largest national park. Renowned for its rich biodiversity, Yala is home to elephants, leopards, sloth bears, and a variety of bird species. The park's diverse landscapes include dry forests, grasslands, and wetlands, creating ideal habitats for wildlife. Yala is especially famous for having one of the world’s highest densities of leopards.
the wildlife is stunning but was told by other members of my tour group it is still not as jaw dropping as the safaris of Africa. the panther in particular is what the park is most proud of and they advertise them aggressively but do note that there’s like 33 of them in the park. so walk in with the expectation you don’t see it. the rest of the key animals you should be able to spot them
No.
5
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Stilt Fisherman
4.5
/5
90 reviews
6.0
>100 km from downtown
Phone +94 77 342 8674
Address: X8PH+3M9, Koggala, Sri Lanka
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
Stilt fishing for sardines
Stilt fishermen's unique fishing skills
25% positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
Watching the stilt fishermen of Sri Lanka is like witnessing a living painting—grace, balance, and tradition suspended above the sea. Perched on slender poles as the sun dips low, these silent silhouettes tell a timeless story of resilience and harmony with nature. It’s not just fishing—it’s an art form passed down through generations, standing tall against tides and time. A truly humbling and poetic glimpse into coastal life that stays with you long after the waves fade.
Watching the Stilt Fisherman in Sri Lanka is a fascinating cultural experience. Their unique fishing technique on stilts above the waves is mesmerising, especially with the stunning beaches and turquoise waters as the backdrop. It’s a perfect blend of traditional and natural beauty-definitely a must-see!
No.
6
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Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
4.7
/5
256 reviews
6.0
76.4 km from downtown
Phone +94 352 266 641
Address: Rambukkana, Sri Lanka
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-5 hours
No.3 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Sri Lanka
Highlights:
Adopt elephants & buy dung paper
Elephants parade to river bathing
25% positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage offers a unique chance to see rescued elephants up close. Watching them bath in the river was a highlight. Arrive early to avoid crowds and get the best views from nearby cafés. Such a memorable experience!
Visiting Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage was a unique experience. Watching the elephants bathe in the river was unforgettable. It’s clear the staff care deeply for the elephants, and the whole visit was both educational and heartwarming. A great stop for animal lovers!
No.
7
Kandy Lake
4.7
/5
182 reviews
5.9
Kandy Lake Front | 66.3 km from downtown
Phone +94-70-3333234
Address: Kandy, Sri Lanka
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
No.2 of Night Attractions in Sri Lanka
Highlights:
Lakefront Sri Lankan dance show
Morning lakeside walk & birdsong
40% positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
Kandy Lake, nestled in the heart of Kandy, Sri Lanka, is a serene and picturesque destination perfect for a leisurely stroll. Surrounded by lush greenery and historic sites, the lake offers breathtaking views, especially at sunrise and sunset. The peaceful atmosphere, diverse birdlife, and charming lakeside benches make it an ideal spot to relax. While the walk around the lake is pleasant, occasional traffic noise can be a minor drawback. Overall, it’s a must-visit for nature lovers.
Kandy is the second largest city in Sri Lanka and a holy place for Buddhism. Kandy Lake is located in the city center. It is a huge artificial lake dug from a rice field and is also one of the most famous tourist attractions in the city. The scenery on Kandy Lake is beautiful, with a small island in the center, which is said to be where the queen lived. Various tropical flowers, plants and trees are lush and green by the lake, blooming in a riot of color. Next to a road around the lake is the Temple of the Tooth Relic, a national treasure of Sri Lanka. Kandy Lake sets off the Temple of the Tooth Relic, and the Temple of the Tooth Relic is dotted with Kandy Lake. The two complement each other in perfect harmony, forming the most beautiful scenery of the ancient city of Kandy. There are many British-style buildings dotted between the mountains and forests on the distant mountains. Tourists from all over the world and local residents walk along the lake and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the lake and mountains.
No.
8
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Whale watching Mirissa with Geeth
4.7
/5
28 reviews
5.8
>100 km from downtown
Phone +94 77 637 6714
Address: Harbour Road, Mirissa, Sri Lanka
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-4 hours
No.4 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Sri Lanka
Highlights:
Whale & dolphin migration viewing
Over 95% chance of seeing
55% positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
"Had an amazing whale watching experience in Mirissa with Geeth! His expertise and passion for marine life made the trip unforgettable. We were fortunate enough to see majestic blue whales and playful dolphins up close. Geeth's knowledge and commitment to sustainability made us feel comfortable and informed throughout the tour. The entire experience was well-organized, and the stunning views of the ocean were just the cherry on top. Highly recommend this tour if you're ever in Mirissa – a must-d
I went there expecting to see nothing, because it felt like looking for a needle in a haystack. In the end, I was especially grateful to the captain for his perseverance. I saw hundreds of dolphins returning. The crew kept looking for whales in the vast ocean. Everyone thought there was no hope today, but they found a group of whales and the ethereal sound of whales that can only be seen in documentaries. It was a pity that I didn't take a photo. It was an amazing day! It was worth it!
No.
9
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Dambulla Royal Cave Temple and Golden Temple
4.7
/5
191 reviews
5.6
Based on 5,875 reviews
13.5 km from downtown
Phone +94 662 283 605
Address: Kandy - Jaffna Hwy, Dambulla, Sri Lanka
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-5 hours
Highlights:
See the 46-foot reclining Buddha
Giant Buddha & 49 feet
30% positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
While Dambulla Cave Temple has historical significance and some impressive Buddha statues, it didn’t feel particularly remarkable. The cave interiors are interesting, but compared to other cultural sites in Sri Lanka, it may not stand out. It’s an okay visit if you’re in the area, but not a must-see.
The Dambulla Caves, a world cultural heritage, is the largest, most famous and best-preserved cave temple in Sri Lanka.
A half-day tour of the caves was arranged, and 4 impressions are still fresh in my memory.
1. The antiquity of the caves. The Dambulla Caves were built in 89 BC (some say 1st-2nd century AD), earlier than the Mogao Caves built in 366 AD in my country. After more than a thousand years of unremitting efforts, a spectacular pattern of 5 caves connected to each other was formed between the rock walls on the hillside of the giant stone (186 meters high).
2. The beauty of the statues. The 2,100 square meters of murals and 157 Buddha statues in the caves are all treasures of Buddhist art.
The most beautiful murals. The Buddha murals in Cave No. 2-Great King Cave, from the cave ceiling to the cave wall, are completed in one go, and are magnificent.
The most beautiful statues. The 14-meter-long reclining Buddha in Cave No. 1-Heavenly King Cave is huge in size, peaceful in expression, and graceful in lines.
3. Fun of monkeys. It takes more than 20 minutes to walk up the mountain road with more than 400 steps from the foot of the mountain to the cave.
All the way up, the view is wide, the air is fresh, and monkeys can be seen everywhere in groups, playing, being coy, or exercising, which are very cute. The locals told us: the reason for depositing shoes is not to prevent people from stealing, but to prevent monkeys from snatching them.
4. Pain in feet. You can only enter the cave after taking off your shoes to show your piety. The hot sand and the stones hurt your feet. My feet hurt so much... No one ever reminded me to wear thick socks.
No.
10
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Colombo National Museum
4.5
/5
211 reviews
5.6
Based on 1,363 reviews
Cinnamon Gardens | >100 km from downtown
Phone +94 112 695 366
Address: WV56+X9R, Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha, Colombo 00700, Sri Lanka
Recommended sightseeing time: 2 hours
Highlights:
Rich cultural & historical heritage
Sri Lanka's diverse religious sculptures
34% positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
If you want to learn about the history of Sri Lanka this is a great place to start. The museum shows pre-historic finds and the earliest civilization of Sri Lanka as well as the Colonial era and the history or resistance to those colonial powers. As a history teacher I really enjoyed the museum.
Its a nice place to know about the history of Sri Lanka. The place is usually not packed with people, so its easy to roam around. The weather could be humid, so better check ahead. It was sunny when I was here so it looks good on the outside. I came during a national holiday so it was close, but the view outside is already good.
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