Things to do in

Sri Lanka

Climb the ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress (Lion Rock), a UNESCO World Heritage site built in the 5th century CE. The climb takes visitors through landscaped water gardens, terraced gardens, frescoes and a dramatic final ascent via metal stairways and the iconic lion’s paws to panoramic views from the summit containing palace ruins and massive rock reservoirs.

Golden Temple of Dambulla — a UNESCO World Heritage rock temple complex featuring five main caves filled with statues and vibrant murals spanning over 2,000 years of Sri Lankan Buddhist art. Perched on a low rock outcrop, the site offers both spiritual insight and panoramic views of the surrounding plains.

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) in Kandy is one of Sri Lanka's most venerated Buddhist shrines. The temple complex houses what is believed to be a tooth relic of the Buddha and sits within the historic royal palace complex. Visitors experience ornate Kandyan architecture, daily puja (worship) ceremonies, and a small museum that explains the relic's history and the temple's role in Sri Lankan culture.

Experience one of the world’s most beautiful railway journeys through Sri Lanka’s central highlands. The Kandy–Ella train winds through emerald tea plantations, misty mountains, cascading waterfalls, and deep jungle valleys, offering spectacular photo opportunities and an immersive local travel experience. The full journey covers roughly 130 km and showcases the island’s colonial-era hill country charm.

A popular half-day excursion in Ella combining an easy-to-moderate hike up Little Adam’s Peak with a visit to the iconic Nine Arch Bridge. The trail offers sweeping views over tea plantations, mountains and valleys; Nine Arch Bridge provides dramatic photo opportunities and a chance to watch the scenic train pass over the colonial-era viaduct.

Pilgrimage ascent to Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak) from the village of Nallathanniya. This is the most popular route for pilgrims and hikers who aim to reach the sacred footprint at the summit and watch the spectacular sunrise. The climb combines steep stone steps, forested trails and teahouse-rest stops, with a deeply spiritual atmosphere during pilgrimage season.

Experience wildlife in one of Sri Lanka's most famous national parks. Yala National Park is renowned for its high density of leopards and diverse wildlife including elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and over 200 bird species. Safaris are typically conducted in open-top jeeps with experienced naturalist guides who navigate the park's diverse habitats — dry plains, lakes, scrub, and coastal zones. Expect a combination of thrilling animal sightings and scenic landscapes by the Indian Ocean.

Udawalawe National Park Safari offers an accessible, wildlife-rich experience in southern Sri Lanka, famed for large herds of Asian elephants, diverse birdlife and dramatic dry-zone landscapes. Safaris run in open jeeps with experienced naturalist guides who track animals across grasslands, marshes and forest patches. The park is also close to the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home — an excellent add-on for those interested in elephant conservation and baby-elephant viewing.

Wilpattu National Park safari offers a classic Sri Lankan dry-zone wildlife experience across its unique 'villus' (natural lakes). Expect sightings of elusive leopards, elephants, sloth bears, spotted deer, water buffalo and a rich variety of water and raptor birdlife, set in an open-canopy dry evergreen forest dotted with sandy tracks and large lagoons.

Horton Plains National Park trek to World's End is a high-altitude, easy-to-moderate nature walk across a montane grassland and cloud forest plateau. The trail offers dramatic views at the sheer cliff known as World's End, wetlands, Baker's Falls, abundant endemic flora and fauna, and a memorable sunrise when clouds spill over the escarpment.

Trek Sinharaja Rainforest is a guided forest trek through the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Sri Lanka’s last viable area of primary tropical rainforest and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The activity focuses on wildlife and birdwatching, endemic flora and fauna, and experiencing dense primary rainforest trails, streams, and small waterfalls. Suitable for nature lovers, photographers and moderately fit hikers.

Mirissa Whale Watching is a half-day boat excursion off the southern coast of Sri Lanka focusing on sightings of blue whales, sperm whales and playful dolphin pods. Trips depart at dawn when whales are most active and visibility is best. Tours combine wildlife watching with scenic coastal views and local boatmen experienced in finding marine mammals.

Pigeon Island National Park, a short boat ride off Nilaveli beach in Trincomalee on Sri Lanka’s northeast coast, is one of the country’s best spots for snorkeling and diving. The park comprises two small islands with fringing coral reefs that shelter abundant reef fish, turtles, and colorful hard and soft corals. Visibility is generally good in the dry months, and waters are shallow around the main snorkeling sites, making it ideal for snorkelers and beginner divers, while a few deeper sites offshore suit certified divers.

Experience world-class right-hand point breaks at Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka’s premier surf destination. Suitable for intermediate to advanced surfers at the main breaks, with beginner-friendly spots and lessons available. Expect long peeling waves, warm water, and a relaxed surf-village atmosphere.

Kite surfing on the Kalpitiya Lagoon is a world-class watersports experience on Sri Lanka’s northwest coast. The lagoon offers warm, shallow, and protected flat water with consistent steady winds during the main season — ideal for beginners learning to kite as well as for freeriders and foilers seeking smooth, fast runs. Local schools provide equipment, certified instruction and guided sessions that can be combined with dolphin watching, island visits, and beach relaxation.

A leisurely beach experience combining the sheltered crescent bay of Unawatuna and the lively, coral-rich shores of Hikkaduwa. Ideal for sunbathing, swimming (season permitting), swimming with turtles, snorkeling over reefs, and enjoying beachside cafés and seafood.

Experience the layered history, architecture and coastal atmosphere of Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site on Sri Lanka's southwest coast. This guided walking tour explores Dutch colonial ramparts, centuries-old churches, narrow streets lined with boutiques and cafés, and panoramic ocean views — all within the fortified old town.

Cycle through the UNESCO World Heritage site of Polonnaruwa — a relaxed, rideable route that links the archaeological highlights, rural villages and lakes around Sri Lanka's medieval capital. This activity combines light exercise, cultural discovery and excellent photo opportunities among stupas, Buddha statues and palace ruins.

Anuradhapura — one of Sri Lanka’s ancient capitals and a UNESCO World Heritage Site — is a sprawling complex of stupas, monasteries, ancient reservoirs and the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi (the Bo tree), grown from a sapling of the Buddha’s original tree. This activity is a culturally rich sightseeing experience that combines archaeology, Buddhist heritage, serene landscapes and a sense of pilgrimage. Perfect for history lovers, photographers and spiritual travelers.

Climb Mihintale is a short-to-moderate pilgrimage and heritage climb to the ancient Buddhist complex of Mihintale, overlooking the plains around Anuradhapura. The site combines religious significance, well-preserved archaeological ruins and panoramic viewpoints reached by a dramatic stone stairway and series of terraces.