We independently assess all our recommendations. Purchases through our links may earn us a commission.
The best time to visit the Southeast Asian nation of Sri Lanka is right now, and an even better time was yesterday. Most of this island country off the coast of India has a gorgeous hot, sunny climate between December and April. With picturesque beaches, fantastic cuisine, and amazing wildlife, what’s not to love?
Some people are worried about the stability of Sri Lanka after their recent civil unrest in early March, but the country has quieted down and is safer than most South American destinations. Now that that’s said, you better be planning your trip there as we speak and plugging these ten best things to do while in Sri Lanka into your itinerary. You don’t have to do everything on this list, but hopefully, it gives you some good ideas of where to start your travel plans.
1. Visit Sigiriya, the Lion Rock
Okay, contrary to the name, there are no lions on this rock– or any in Sri Lanka, for that matter. Still, you do not want to miss Sigiriya on your trip to Sri Lanka. Sigirya is a massively significant historical and archaeological fortress built on top of a column of rock that juts nearly 600 feet (185 meters) into the air.
Legend has it that King Kashyapa from the late 400s decided to build his new capital atop this rock. The sides were decorated in colorful frescos, and a large gate with a statue of an enormous lion greeted any visitors to the new capital. Eventually, the king died, and the fortress would become a Buddhist monastery until its abandonment in the 14th century.
Sigiriya is just a three-hour drive from the capital Colombo. You can get there by train, bus, or by hiring a tuk-tuk.
2. See Wild Elephants on a Safari Tour in Kaudulla National Park
Sri Lanka doesn’t have lions but lots of elephants. Not as many as they used to, thanks to humanity, but they still have groups of wild elephants roaming the large island to this day. If you’d like to see wild elephants, head on over to Kaudulla National Park and take a safari ride. You’re almost guaranteed to see a herd from the 100 to 400 elephants that gather in the park every year.
Besides wild elephants, you’ll also have the chance to see peacocks, eagles, pelicans, parrots, owls, monkeys, deer, rabbits, boar, and foxes. There’s an early morning safari and a midday safari, so be sure to plan at least one of them into your itinerary.
A bonus Sri Lanka travel tip is to make it to at least one national park. Sri Lanka has an absolute treasure trove of gorgeous nature that many don’t explore. So many tourists hit the beautiful beaches but ignore the national parks, which are some of the best things to do in Sri Lanka.
3. The Golden Temple of Dambulla
Sometimes called the Dambulla Cave Temple, this World Heritage Site is found in the center of the country near Sigiriya and other attractions. The complex is a series of five caves in varying sizes with different statues, carvings, and more. It’s definitely a must-see if you’re interested in the cultural and religious history of Sri Lanka and Buddhism. There are also frescos and other old murals and paintings.
The easiest way to get to The Golden Temple of Dambulla is by booking a flight from Colombo, riding a bus, taking the train, or hiring your own personal driver.
4. The Nine Arch Bridge
The Nine Arch Bridge is easily one of the most picturesque viaducts in the country. It’s part of the railway between Ella and Demodara, two bustling cities that are seeing a rise in tourism. You can easily book a train across it on your way to this part of the country or stop and do some sightseeing and hiking in the nearby area.
5. The Gal Vihara
This next destination on our list of the best things to do in Sri Lanka literally translates to “rock monastery.” The Gal Vihara was completed in the 12th century at the order of an ancient king. The main part of the Gal Vihara that everyone comes to see is the four poses of Budha carved out of stone: sitting, standing, reclining, and the Vidyadhara Guha. The Vidyadhara Guha is a statue of Buddha that’s been carved into an artificial cave that was hallowed out almost a thousand years ago.
If you’re spending a few nights in the center of the island to see Sigiriya, Dambulla, and everything else, you might as well add Gal Vihara to your list since it’s fairly close by.
6. Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project
As you might be aware, the world is running into a huge problem, and sea turtles are becoming more and more endangered as time passes on. Construction on beachfront, along with the destruction of their habitat, has led to six of the seven species of sea turtles being endangered, possibly extinct in our lifetime.
Take a moment while on you’re trip and visit the Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation project south of Colombo. Here, you’ll be able to see live eggs, various aged sea turtles and possibly even help release baby sea turtles back into the wild. Kosgoda or any other conservation project on the island would love to help educate you about their mission and sea turtles.
7. The Old Galle Dutch Fort
In the south of Sri Lanka, among the pristine beaches, is a town and fortress called Galle. Galle was, and still is, a vital port bustling with trade. While it isn’t quite as popular as it was during the Dutch and British rule, the fortress is still there today and has been taken over by the bustling city. You can walk around the ancient city and grab a bite to eat or head on over to one of the nearby beaches. Either way, it’s definitely a stop to add if you’re going to be in the area.
8. The Royal Botanical Garden
Another scenic location in the center of the country, the Royal Botanical Garden is a great stop for anyone who loves flowers, scenic gardens, and different plant life. These gardens are over six hundred and fifty years old and contain over four thousand different species of plant life. For just 1500 Sri Lankan Rupees (~$4), you can view the garden in all its glory. We definitely recommend spending a minimum of two hours here, but you can quickly breeze through some sections of it in a smaller amount of time if you’re trying to squeeze it in.
9. Pidurangala
Pidurangala is definitely one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka. Pidurangala is a rock that juts out of the surrounding terrain and is fairly close to Sigiarya. If you already plan on visiting that rock, you might as well visit this one just a few kilometers away. Besides being a scenic hiking destination for the more adventurous, there is also the ruins of an old temple here, as well as a Buddhist stone statue. Definitely add Pidurangala to your list if you like scenic views, hiking, and ancient history.
10. Sri Dalada Maligawa
Last but not least on our list of the best things to do in Sri Lanka is Sri Dalada Maligawa, also known as The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Sri Dalada Maligawa holds the most sacred relic of Buddhism. Yes, it is actually the tooth of the Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, who died in 543 BC. You might be able to attend one of the daily worships held here or witness the symbolic bathing of the tooth. If you are unaware of Buddhism or what it means to be a Buddhist, you stand to gain a lot of insightful knowledge by visiting this World Heritage Site on your visit to Sri Lanka.
Wrap Up
It’s impossible to include every attraction you should hit up on your visit, but this list definitely helps point out some of the “essentials.” At the very least, you hopefully got some good pointers from this list about what to do on your vacation in Sri Lanka. Either way, remember, the best things to do in Sri Lanka are the things that interest you!
