Top Things to do in Sri Lanka: Best Activities & Must-Sees

Sri Lanka continues to be very popular with UK travellers. Not only can visitors expect exceptional beaches, ancient temples, tropical rainforests, and glorious sunshine, but they also won't feel too far from home. English is widely used as a link language, especially in cities and tourism. You'll find cricket played throughout the island, and fresh tea grown and ready to drink. If you're looking for adventure with a little bit of familiarity, definitely add Sri Lanka to your travel bucket list.

However, if you're a first-time visitor, you might feel a little daunted about where to start planning your trip. There is, after all, a whole island to explore! Here at Trip.com, we're ready to help. We've pulled together a guide to what to see, what to do, and how to save a little money on your upcoming trip to Sri Lanka. Let's go!

Popular Activities in Sri Lanka at the Best Prices 🎫

• 🌳 Yala National Park ⭐ From £29.56 - Observe wild leopards at Sri Lanka's famous wildlife reserve
• 🌺 Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya ⭐ From £7.55 - Soak in nature as you stroll around these stunning gardens
• 🦁 Sigiriya Lion Rock ⭐ Tours from £81 - Explore this ancient rock fortress that's thousands of years old
• 🐘 Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage ⭐ Tours from £183 - See orphaned elephants being cared for at this popular tourist destination

💡 Did you know? Sri Lanka is home to the oldest-living human-planted tree! The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi (sacred fig tree) was planted in 288 BCE, making it over 2,300 years old! This tree, found in Anuradhapura, is believed to be a descendant of the Bodhi Tree, under which the Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment. It's a site of spiritual pilgrimage for many Buddhists across the world.

What to Do in Sri Lanka Based on Your Stay

Although Sri Lanka is smaller than Scotland in size, there's a huge amount to do here. This diverse island is covered in beaches, rainforests, mountains, and cities, and it can take multiple hours to travel from one end to the other. Here are our recommendations on how to spend your time, depending on how long you're in the country and the needs of those you're travelling with.

Must-Visit Cities in Sri Lanka

When visiting Sri Lanka, you won't find major metropolises, but rather bustling urban centres and towns. This doesn't mean you can't enjoy the exciting energy of busier destinations like Colombo, Galle and Kandy. For folks looking for a slower pace on their holiday, there are plenty of slower-paced towns, rural villages and resorts to pick from. Here are our suggestions on where to add to your itinerary.

Galle:

Take in Sri Lanka's history, a stone's throw from the sea, with a visit to the coastal city of Galle. This atmospheric destination is best known for its well-preserved colonial architecture; think cobbled streets and the Galle Fort UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Galle is the perfect destination for history buffs, with plenty of museums and historical buildings to explore. Put a pause on sightseeing and spend time relaxing on Unawatuna's beaches, which are a perfect place to take in a sunset.

📌 The Trip.com tip: Wait until the evening to explore the city's fort walls. Not only will it be quieter, but you'll miss the midday heat. Plus, you won't want to miss the views of the sun setting across the Indian Ocean.

Colombo:

Sri Lanka's largest city, Colombo, is located on the west coast of the island and is the destination for shopping and dining. It might also be where you get your first impression of the country, since a major airport is located here.

So, what is there to do in Colombo? So much! Take a gentle walk along Galle Face Green to wind down in the evening, visit the unique Gangaramaya Temple, immerse yourself in the country's history at the National Museum of Colombo, and, of course, head to Wander Pettah Market to try out the local street food!

Kandy:

Let's head inland and to the misty, central hills to discover the city of Kandy. This green destination is a little more laidback than Colombo. Here, the focus is on tradition and history, with plenty of cultural and spiritual sites to explore.

Built around a lake, Kandy is the perfect spot for scenic walks and taking in nature. The famous Royal Botanic Gardens are based here, as is the spiritually important Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, home to what is believed to be the Buddha's tooth. Kandy is also the hub for train journeys through the nearby mountains and tea plantations.

Negombo:

Another destination close to an international airport, Negombo, is a relaxed city on Sri Lanka's west coast. A great place to acclimate after a long flight, the vibe here is calm and chilled-out; exactly what you need when adjusting to the time zone.

The main attraction here is the long, sandy beach and lagoon, with lots of restaurants and cafes lining the way. And as these are right by the sea, there is plenty of seafood to enjoy, from crab curries, fish ambul thiyal, and devilled prawns. Delicious!

Yala National Park:

Not a city, but an absolute must-visit destination for your Sri Lanka holiday, Yala National Park is the country's most famous wildlife reserve. While it is slightly smaller than Greater London, it is still very large, covering around 979 to 1,300 km² compared with Greater London's roughly 1,572 km². You'll find a wide range of native animal species, plant life and birds here, including leopards, elephants and peacocks. The landscape is also very varied, with beaches, lagoons and scrubland.

Excitingly, you can stay in the park, with safari lodges and camps ready to book! There are also nearby hotels available. Handy to know - no independent camping is allowed, and note that not all of the park is accessible to guests.

Top 5 Activities and Landmarks in Sri Lanka

Now that you have an overview of the main cities and destinations in Sri Lanka, it's time to dig into what activities to do and what landmarks and attractions to visit. From natural wonders to ancient landmarks, here are our top five recommendations.

Kandy Lake:

Also known as "Kiri Muhuda," meaning "Sea of Milk," Kandy Lake is a wonderful place for an evening stroll to unwind after a busy day. This ornamental lake dates back to the early 1800s, and is easy to find, located right in the middle of Kandy.

Take the walking path around the artificial lake to take in the peaceful atmosphere, and enjoy the birds, verdant trees and, if you're lucky, a glimpse of a monkey.

Sigiriya Lion Rock:

Surrounded by dense jungle, Sigiriya Lion Rock is an ancient fortress that rises 200 meters (about 660 feet) above the surrounding jungle plain. A dramatic sight to behold, this preserved city complex offers a unique glimpse into Sri Lanka's long-gone past.

Be sure not to miss the 1,500-year-old frescos, giant stone lion paw, and incredible views across the rainforest. We promise you the 1,200 steps to the top are worth it!

📌 The Trip.com tip: As we mentioned, the climb to the top here is pretty intense! To ensure you don't overdo it, we recommend starting your climb as early in the day as possible, before the afternoon sun hits. It'll also be a lot quieter!

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage:

Founded in 1975, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage looks after orphaned and injured elephants and participates in breeding programmes. Here, you can see these beautiful creatures up close, with the opportunity to see them splashing around in their daily river bath, as well as baby elephants being bottle-fed.

Dambulla Cave:

The Dambulla Cave, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, is one of Sri Lanka's most important ancient Buddhist cave temple complexes. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this incredible destination is home to 153 Buddha statues and intricate wall art, some of which dates back over 2,000 years.

Although it's located up a 400-step staircase, the stairway isn't too steep, with plenty of rest points along the way. What's more, you might even spot a monkey or two on the way up!

📌 The Trip.com tip: Dambulla Cave is located in what's known as the ‘cultural triangle', and is only a short distance from Sigiriya Lion Rock and Minneriya National Park. It can easily be added to an itinerary of these destinations for a unique and insightful day out.

Minneriya National Park:

Best known for its ‘gathering of elephants', Minneriya National Park boasts diverse wildlife across 34 square miles. Known for its open, flat layout, with grassland and scrub forest, it's ideal for seeing the animals that call it home.

Although not as big as other national parks in Sri Lanka, the amount of animals and wildlife here is pretty dense, making it far more likely that you'll see elephants, mugger crocodiles, deer, water buffalo and monkeys.

Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka

With warm temperatures year-round, Sri Lanka can be visited at any time. However, this tropical country does have its fair share of rain, and when you plan to visit, as well as where you want to visit, can dramatically affect what type of activities you'll want to do.

The climate here can essentially be split into dry-ish and rainy. Sri Lanka has two monsoon seasons: May-September for the Southwest of the island, and October-January for the Northeast of the island.

💡 The Trip.com recommendation: The best time to visit Sri Lanka is generally considered to be between December and April. The weather is warm and more reliably dry across the island, ideal for anything from swimming to doing a spot of sightseeing.

Day Trips from Sri Lanka

Since Sri Lanka isn't that big, planning day trips is as easy as pie, especially if your base is one of the cities. Things get a little trickier if you're staying in a rural area, as the transportation options aren't as plentiful. We've put together three-day trip ideas to inspire your Sri Lanka holiday itinerary, which are easily accessible from major cities and coastal towns.

Galle and South Coast: History and sea (from Colombo)

Balance sightseeing with beachtime with a day trip that combines Galle and your choice of Unawatuna or Hikkaduwa. Take your time soaking in the history at Galle, including the fort, and even stop for a coffee and a morning snack. Then, head to the sea for swimming, relaxation, and perhaps a spot of snorkelling.

Essential information:

• Average travel time: between 1.5 and 4 hours from Colombo
• Transport: Private taxi, shuttle bus, or train
• Must-sees: Galle Fort, the lighthouse area, and the Old Dutch Hospital for shopping

Kandy and Pinnawala: Combine sightseeing with wildlife (from Colombo)

For travellers looking for a longer day out, consider combining a visit to Kandy with a visit to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. This itinerary hits a wide range of attractions, from watching elephants bathe in the river to taking in the majesty of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and the peaceful atmosphere of Kandy Lake.

Essential information:

• Average travel time: between 2 and 3 hours from Colombo
• Transport: Private taxi, combination of train and tuk-tuk, or tour transfer service
• Must-sees: Baby elephant feeding, ancient temples, mountain views, and lunch with a view

Sigiriya Rock Fortress: A journey into the jungle (from Colombo)

A priority on many travellers' Sri Lanka bucket list, a day trip to Sigiriya may involve quite a lot of travel, but it is well worth it. Take in the ancient, landscaped water gardens, breathe in the jungle air, take in your reflection at the mirror wall, and enjoy a spot of lunch at a cafe with a rainforest view.

Essential information:

• Average travel time: between 3.5 and 6 hours from Colombo
• Transport: Private taxi, bus, or tour transfer service
• Must-sees: The ruins of King Kashyapa's palace, the Sigiriya Maidens, and panoramic views of the rainforest (after a substantial climb to the top!)

Sri Lanka, an island bursting with history and nature 🌴🛕

Sri Lanka is the perfect destination for enjoying both incredible nature and rich history and tradition. From golden beaches with warm, bath-temperature waters, to sacred Buddhist sites, colonial cities, to local fishing villages, there is just so much to discover. It'll take more than one trip to truly immerse yourself in the country's culture.

Must-do local experiences for your trip:

Although the top tourist destinations in Sri Lanka are definitely worth visiting, don't forget to balance these with local experiences to get a true, authentic feel for the island. You won't want to miss out on these.

• Take part in a cookery class and learn how to make a local dish. Not only is this a fantastic, hands-on way to delve into Sri Lanka's culinary heritage, but you can also recreate what you make back at home! Think curry, dahl, or coconut sambol.
• Hop on a train through tea country and take in the lush tea plantations from your seat. This is a great way to slow down the pace, with optional stops for exploration.
• Visiting a tea plantation is the next logical step after a train ride. Learn about the whole process, get a chance to drink freshly-brewed green tea, and gain a deeper appreciation for one of the UK's favourite beverages.
• Go whale watching in Mirissa. Board a local boat, and enjoy the fresh ocean breeze as you look out for blue whales, sperm whales and dolphins.

Explore Sri Lanka & beyond 🧩