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Things to Do in Sri Lanka | Must-Experience Activities on Your Trip

The sight of Kingfisher waiting for its prey and monkeys nibbling fruits happily while sitting on the branches of the tree is not to be missed. Madu Ganga is the only pristine mangrove forest in Sri Lanka after Bentota. A boat trip to this wonderful place will let you see different variety of plants and animals. 

You will spot 64 island in total in the river and the lagoon. Meanwhile you can also relish the food cooked on cinnamon woods. The boat trip will take you to an island which has housed a Buddhist monastery Kothduwa where the young monks will show you a 150 year old book made of palm leaves.

Best Time: Sometime late in the afternoon when it is not so hot is the best time to opt for the activity.

Price: Approximate price starts from 2300 LKR. 

Turtle Hatchery was started by the Sri Lankans with a view to protect the turtles from extinction. Earlier, people usually fishermen used to collect the turtle’s eggs and sold it to whoever would pay the higher price. With the commencement of the Turtle Hatchery these eggs were fed and cared for until they were 2 to 4 years old. 

You can find different species of turtles such as Green Turtle, Leatherback and Olive Ridley. Despite their extinction turtles are still caught by the fishermen for fish and shells which is indeed a very lucrative market.

Location: 10 to 15 minutes tuk tuk ride south from Bentota

Highlights: You should visit the Kasgoda Turtle Hatchery where you can spend an interesting time watching the baby turtles grow.

Things to keep in mind: Avoid disturbing the nesting turtles with light.

If you would like to kite in heaven then the Kite Surfing experience in Kalpitiya will leave you with an amazing experience. The Kalpitiya Lagoon is the best place for freestylers and beginners and Kite Surfing in Kalpitiya is one of the best water sports in Sri Lanka. It is one of the most popular things to do in Sri Lanka.

If you want some training then there are several schools where trained professionals can teach you the art of Kite Surfing. You will find several accommodations in the nearby area which makes it easier for everybody to try this adventure sport.

Location: Kalpitiya is approximately 3 hours from Colombo.

Highlights: Afternoon is the best time to try kite surfing as there are strong winds that are blowing.

Best Time: May to October and December to March.

Price: Approximate price starts from 45 USD

Bathing in warm Indian Ocean currents is an experience of a lifetime. You will find a wide variety of marine creatures in Sri Lankan waters. From the mighty Blue Whale to the tiny nudibranch, Sri Lanka has it all. 

The friendly locals of the place well complemented with an amazing food make the experience even better. This reef is located off the coast of Mount Lavinia which will never disappoint you. It is home to some of the most beautiful aquatic creatures such as Lionfish, rays, and nudibranch.

Best Time: If you want to dive in the west and south-west coast then October to May is the best time. However, May to October is the ideal time for the northeast coast.

Must Book: Sri Lanka Couple Packages

If you are a lover of the mountains then there is another place which is a must visit for you in Sri Lanka. Ritigala is an antiquated Buddhist monastery and mountain in Sri Lanka. 

The remains and shake engravings of the cloister go back to first century BCE. The mountain comprises of four pinnacles of which the principle and the most astounding crest at the south of the range is named Ritigala Kanda.

Highlights: At a stature of 766 m over the ocean level is the most noteworthy mountain in the north-focal dry fields of Sri Lanka. The Ritigala Mountain has been declared as a Strict Natural Reserve keeping in mind the end goal to keep up its unblemished surroundings. Ritigala is home to 70 rock caves that were accepted to have been inhabited since the main century BC. Mahavamsa.

Location: It is located 43 km away from the ancient monastic city of Anuradhapura.

Price: The entry is free of cost.

Let your dream come true with a trip on Catamaran cruise which will let you collect some fond memories of Sri Lanka. Take a morning trip with our cruise which will allow you to soak yourself completely in the warm sun rays and relax. 

You can also get a chance to have a delicious barbeque on board of catamaran.Once on the cruise you can sit back and enjoy the beaches while listening to some good music. Don’t forget to carry a hat and sunglasses on your trip.

Highlights: You can take a ride on Polonnaruwa Parakrama Sea which is one of Sri Lanka’s man-made lake or can also try water sport activities like snorkelling, swimming and other water sports.

Best Time: April to September and October to March.

Sri Lanka might just seem like a small droplet in the world map but it encompasses some of the world’s spectacular biodiversity hotspots. Sri Lankan Asian Elephants, Leopards, Sambar and Purple-faced Langur are something which is easy to spot here. Going on a safari is one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka has housed some of the best National Parks. You can check out the Yala West National Park which allows you to see some fairly bold leopards. The best time to visit Yala National Park would be from December to March. If you are an ardent elephant watcher then Minneriya National Park has housed approximately five hundred elephants in the park.

Some journeys should never end and the journey from Kandy to Ella train is one of them. The train takes you from Kandy to Ella is one of the most beautiful journey, the scenic beauty and the green landscape will surely take your breath away.

The train will take you through the tea plantations, waterfalls, mountains, clouds and mist which will make you feel as if it is a scene picked up from a beautiful movie. You can also enjoy delicious food from the local hawkers who sell freshly cut mangoes and pineapple pieces sprinkled with cinnamon, crispy papadums.

Location: The journey starts from Kandy railway station, which is 95 km from Colombo.

Price: The train ticket starts from 13 USD with tea and coffee included.

Wake up with the melodious chirping of birds all around at the Rainforest Camping in the Kitugala Forest Reserve. The camping in the forest reserve of Kitugala is an experience in itself and will let you have a blend of both adventure and leisure at the same time. 

Be close to the trails of nature and try out the all the adventure activities such as Jungle walks, Adventurous stream jumps, Mountain Biking and River Trips.All the meals are served to you at your comfort and a barbeque dinner is not to be missed.

Location: The camping base is approximately 2hrs 30 minutes’ drive from Colombo.

Best Time: Between February to April.

Price: Approximate price starts from 290 USD for two days and one night.

Also Checkout & Book: Sri Lanka Packages

You will find mischievous dolphins playing in the water and will put up a spectacular looking show. If you are lucky enough you can nonchalantly see the mighty blue whale too. 

Be a part of the exciting whale watching cruise from Galle to Mirissa fishery port. Dondra Point which is close to Mirissa is the main point to see the blue and sperm whales You can witness Blue Whale, Bryde’s Whale, Killer Whale and Pilot Whale. Whale watching is one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka.

Best Time: The best time to visit will be during the month of December, February and March. Mornings are the best time to witness dolphins and whales.

A visitor’s delight, Colombo is a place of many beautiful tourist attractions. When you are here, do not miss to visit the casinos of the place. These are perfect joints to keep you entertained with their world-class interiors and customised services. The four most attractive casinos in Colombo are Bally’s, Bellagio, MGM Colombo and Marina Colombo. 

Bally’s is located right in the heart of the city and is a popular Sri Lanka tourist place. Bellagio on the main Duplication Road, the highly-sought-after MGM, in close vicinity to Majestic City Shopping Mall and Marina, a high-profile casino on the Marine Drive.

Timings: The joints are opened 24/7 on all days of the week.

Price: Approximate price starts from just LKR 100 onwards at joints like Bally’s. That’s not all! You get to taste some awesome dishes as well, while you try your luck at these places.

If you have always dreamt of living like Robinson Crusoe, a plunge into the White Water Rafting in Kitugala is worth a shot. You will experience rafting in one of the wettest place in the country – Kitugala. 

This place is located 90 km from Colombo on the banks of the river Kelani River It offers grade three rapids making it an adventurous experience for both the beginners and intermediate rafters.The overall rafting experience will leave you completely thrilled.

Best Time: April to November is the best time to opt for this activity.

Also Checkout & Book: Sri Lanka Holiday Packages

Watch the world from a different perspective with our Hot Air Ballooning. It has a perfect amalgamation of both thrilling experiences of flying up in the air with complete serenity. You can capture some of the most beautiful photographic moments. 

It can be an amazing scenery or a Sri Lankan Leopard resting on the branch of the tree. Colorful Hot air balloons floating in the cloud offers one of the surreal and majestic views.The best part of the Hot Air Ballooning is the take-off time which lets you absorb in the colourful wonders of the world

Location: Kandalama which is approximately 4 hours from Colombo

If you want to have a good snorkelling tour, it is time for you to test the Sri Lankan waters where you can span for 3 nautical miles in a length. The whole of the south coast of Sri Lanka is filled with such adventurous sports.

If you want the adventure to reach its peak, you can try Bar Reef which is considered to be Sri Lanka’s largest reef.

Highlights: For the best experience, you can try snorkelling in Hikkaduwaa, Weligama and Kirinda.

Best Time: The best time to indulge in this activity is March, April or May.

Peel off the waves with your surfs and let the adventure begin! The thrilling experience of surfing will surely leave you with an unforgettable experience for a lifetime. It is one of the famous things to do in Sri Lanka.

Although surfing is available in many Sri Lankan beaches if you want to have a real surfing experience in the warm water you should go to Weligama beach. However, you can also try other beaches like Arugm Bay, Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna and much more to list. 

No matter whether it is your first time or you are a professional, it is always better to understand the water from a trainer to learn the basics of surfing in safe waters.

Best Time: It is different for different beaches but ideally one should visit during November and April.

Must Read: Colombo Visiting Places

The caving activity in Sri Lanka will not fail to catch your fascination. This activity is known as speleology by the locals which involve four important things; exploration, surveying, mapping and photography of the caves.

The unusual experience of this caving activity will leave an experience which will be cherished thoroughly throughout your life.

Location: Batatotalena is approximately 98 km from Sri Lanka which will take 2 hours for you to reach there. Make a booking well in advance so that you don’t have to face last moment fuss and commotion.

Price: Approximate price starts from 350 USD which includes caving and other activities too.

Popular Read: Ella Tourist Places

The best way to get away from the monotonous life in the city is to cycle through the quaint village of Galle. Lagoon and Village cycling in Galle is a perfect way to spend your weekends. Ride at your own pace and you will be able to cover 12 km easily. 

The cycling routes in Galle are usually the less travelled ones into the gravelled paths, through the mangroves, paddy fields, grasslands, local villages and their shopping stalls and sparse jungles.

Highlights: Three to four hours of utmost pleasure. The cycling expedition takes you by the local industries, lagoons and mangroves. Also, in the local village, you can learn to make coconut ropes or catch crabs from the villagers.

Timings: The activity starts at 8:30 AM and ends at 2 PM

Must Book & Checkout: Sri Lanka Tour Package for Couple

Dutch Fort is one of the most extraordinary historical and archeological sites of the world. The fort was first constructed by Portuguese in the late sixteenth century and fortified expansively by the Dutch in the mid-seventeenth century. It is a stunning blend of archeology, architecture, and history in the backdrop of the tropical atmosphere.  

Its appeal lies in that it is not just a historical monument. Even today the life is buzzing inside it, with a museum, gorgeous villas, administrative offices, antique shops, cafes, bookstores and lifestyle stores.

Location: Situated in the Southern Sri Lankan Coast in the Bay of Galle just 132 KM from Colombo.

Highlights: A stroll on the streets will let you experience the beautiful architecture of the colonial style buildings that still exudes the warmth and charm. Visit National Maritime Museum, stop by Meera Mosque and enjoy delicacies at Lucky Fort Restaurant and Galle Fort Hotel Restaurant.

Timing: Opened 24 hours a day 

Best Time to visit: The absolute best month to be here is in February

You May Also Like To Book: Sri Lanka Tours

If you have a fetish for exploring some interesting sites then this is another thing to do in Sri Lanka. Flag rock is naturally occurring large rock outcrop which was used as a defensive wall while building the city walls of the ancient Galle Fort. It is the most southerly bastion on the sea wall.

Looking west you get incredible perspectives of the Galle Lighthouse, on top of the Utrecht Bastion, and Gun powder Museum inverse the luxurious white painted Fort Meeran Jumma Masjid mosque.

Highlights: Towards the east side you will see the Triton Bastion before the Neptune and Clippenburg Bastion. These Bastions and ramparts were started by the Dutch in 1663.There are some hazardous shakes close Flag Rock Bastion. Some are obvious over the water surface however many are definitely not.

Location: It is located at the southernmost end of the Galle Fort.

Price: The approximate price starts from $123.

If you seriously want to live like the people of the forest, a tour to the Vedda village is a must. The major population of the village is confined more towards Dambana. You will still find people hanging their axe on their shoulders and a bow slung behind them which will take you back to the Stone Age. 

You can also enjoy their staple diet venison during your stay there. Want to relish the taste of pure honey! Then it is best to have it from the locals.

Location: The village is close to Maduru oya sanctuary which is approximately 248 km from Colombo.

Highlights: If you want to live like a true forest warrior then the best thing to do would be to experience village camping and enjoy the traditional dance forms of the Vedda.

Price: Approximate price starts from 180 USD per person.

A chance to connect with the mighty ocean is the Dondra Head Lighthouse. The coconut trees, Bougainvillea flowers and soft breeze blowing all around is the place for this mighty Lighthouse. This lighthouse was built during the Colonial times and was hence formerly known as Ceylon.. 

It is one of the four international lighthouse in Sri Lanka. People have to climb 196 steps to reach the top of it.The serenity of the lighthouse is far removed from the regular hustle and bustle of the city.

Location: Situated 6 km southeast of Matara town.

Highlights: The breath-taking view of the ocean from the top is simply a show stealer. To climb the lighthouse, you have to take prior permission from the Ports Authority.

Price: Approximate price starts from 500 LKR. 

Among the things to do in Sri Lanka, a visit to Anuradhapura can be counted as the top one as the city has a vibrant space among the cultural and paradigm shifts in its history. 

The reason why it is still possessing some great importance is that of its precious preservation of ruined Sri Lankan civilization. It is a UNESCO world heritage site which was a seat for Theravada Buddhism for many centuries.

Highlights: For some period, it was considered to be the most strong and influential centre of administration and political power. Still, we can see umpteen number of Buddhist monasteries around the city preserving the religious and traditional aspects of the city intact. Anuradhapura houses the scared Bodhi tree, eight major palaces, monasteries and monuments.

Location: North Central Province, Sri Lanka

Price: Entry is free

Mihintale is a mountain crest close Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. It is accepted by Sri Lankans to be the site of a meeting between the Buddhist friar Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa. Presently, journey site this is an extremely celebrated place in Sri Lanka furthermore went to by a considerable measure of tourist around the globe.

Highlights: At the foot of the mountain are the vestiges of a healing center, therapeutic shower a stone engraving and urns having a place with the antiquated period have been uncovered. Between the doctor's facility and the means prompting to the stone are the remains of an extensive religious community. On the floors of the square building which is 125 feet (38 m) on one side, are delightful carvings furthermore are stone balustrades and monitor stones.

Location: The Mountain is located near Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka.

Price: The entry is free of cost.

If you are a history lover then this is another place which is a must visit for you in Sri Lanka. This one of a kind Sigiriya museum will actually make you feel as if you are in the bygone days. 

Planned and worked by Sri Lankans with Japanese guide and ability, the new gallery was opened to the people in August 2009. The conceptual design of the museum was done by Prof Seneka Bandaranayake.

Highlights: It is not a customary museum where a momentous building houses antiquities. Or maybe it was structurally intended to manage the cost of spaces for the substance which oblige the open door for the person to touch base at his or her own particular translation of the shows, arranges, models and photos. Every display would dive the guest into direct correspondence with various parts of the past. You will not just enjoy the history but will be actually living it once again.

Location: Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

Price: The approximate price starts from $8 to $15.

Star Fort is a fort in Matara, Sri Lanka. This fort was built to hold a  little army, nourishment supplies and enough ammo to withstand an assault before being re-inforced from the primary post. 

It was implicit in an interesting shape where they had a six-pointed star with space for 12 vast guns to cover comes closer from all bearings. The glacis or external divider is around 7.5 meters (25 ft) wide and is encompassed by a 6 meters (20 ft) wide and 3.1 meters (10 ft) profound channel.

Highlights: This fort was reestablished and at present houses a gallery, which features the historical backdrop of Matara. There are likewise two small houses saved in a greatly improved manner as there has been constrained wear and tear on these. One can also find prisoners cells and jails that were inherent place so that the prisoners can be kept there and these cells were likewise worked with such a great amount of insight to keep the prisoners as bait for the enemies.

Location: It is located on the eastern bank of the Nilwala River, approximately 350 metres from the gate to the Matara fort.

Anoher interesting place which is a must visit for you in Sri Lanka is Tissa Dagoba. The town of Tissamaharama is a prominent religious focus with some emotional extensive Buddhist chime formed Dagoba holy places spotted around the wide open. 

Tissa Dagoba is one of the largest Dagoba in It stands 55.8m high and has a boundary of 165m. It is thought to have held a hallowed tooth relic and a temple bone relic.  If you are looking for some serenity then this place is a must visit for you.

Highlights: Numerous Dagoba places of worship are utilized to house some essential Buddhist relic said to have originated from the collection of Buddha or a question that had a place with him. The bones of insightful adored friars are once in a while buried in a Dagoba. So , while you are in Sri Lanka don’t miss a chance to visit this place.

Location: Tissamaharama, Sri Lanka

Price:  The entry is free of cost.