30 Best Things to Do in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a country of extraordinary variety. You can climb a 5th-century rock fortress at sunrise, watch blue whales by lunchtime, and end the day with a high tea in the misty tea plantations. Here are the 30 best things to do.

Cultural & Historical

1. Climb Sigiriya Lion Rock
2. Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple
3. Cycle through Polonnaruwa
4. Explore Anuradhapura at sunrise
5. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth in Kandy
6. Watch a traditional Kandyan dance show
7. Wander through the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort
8. Take a cooking class in Galle or Colombo
9. Visit Adam's Peak at sunrise (December to May)
10. Tour a tea factory in Nuwara Eliya

Wildlife & Nature

1. Safari in Yala National Park (leopards)
2. See elephants at Udawalawe
3. Witness the elephant Gathering at Minneriya
4. Snorkel at Pigeon Island
5. Hike through Sinharaja rainforest
6. Spot blue whales off Mirissa
7. Climb Ella Rock at sunrise
8. Hike to World's End in Horton Plains
9. Walk across the Nine Arches Bridge
10. Soak in the Kanniya hot springs

Beaches & Coast

1. Beach time in Mirissa or Tangalle
2. Learn to surf in Weligama or Arugam Bay
3. Sunset at Coconut Tree Hill
4. Stilt fishermen at Weligama
5. Beach-hop along the south coast

Adventure & Unique

1. Hot air balloon over the Cultural Triangle
2. Take a seaplane from Colombo to Kandy
3. Take the scenic Kandy–Ella train
4. Stay in a luxury safari camp
5. Take a private sunset cruise off Galle

Use this list as the backbone of your Sri Lanka itinerary. We can tailor any of these into a private tour — just ask.