Things to do in Sri Lanka

25 things to do in Sri Lanka

Listed in full below. The running order is set by votes and loads with the page.

• Climb the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya

  Ascend the 5th-century citadel atop a massive rock pillar, surrounded by water gardens and frescoes, for panoramic jungle views.

  Sigiriya, Central Province

• Witness the sunrise from Adam's Peak (Sri Pada)

  Join pilgrims on a night ascent of the conical mountain to watch dawn break over the shadow of the peak, a sacred multi-faith site.

  Near Hatton, Central Highlands

• Take the breathtaking train ride from Kandy to Ella

  Wind through emerald tea plantations, misty valleys and pine forests on one of the world's most scenic rail journeys.

  Kandy to Ella, Central Highlands

• Explore the sacred city of Anuradhapura

  Walk among towering dagobas, ancient monasteries and the sacred Bodhi tree in this UNESCO-listed capital of early Sinhalese kingdoms.

  Anuradhapura, North Central Province

• Go on a leopard safari in Yala National Park

  Traverse dry scrub and coastal lagoons in search of Sri Lanka's highest density of leopards, plus elephants, sloth bears and birds.

  Yala, Southern/Uva Provinces

• Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy

  See the golden casket believed to house Buddha's tooth, set within the royal palace complex by Kandy Lake.

  Kandy, Central Province

• Relax on the golden sands of Mirissa Beach

  Swim, sunbathe or sip coconut water on a crescent-shaped palm-fringed beach famous for its laid-back vibe and sunset views.

  Mirissa, Southern Province

• Discover the Dambulla Cave Temple

  Enter five rock caves adorned with hundreds of Buddha statues and vivid ceiling murals, perched above the surrounding plains.

  Dambulla, Central Province

• Hike to World's End in Horton Plains

  Trek across misty grasslands to a sheer escarpment plunging 880 metres, offering views over tea-country valleys below.

  Horton Plains National Park

• Sample authentic Colombo crab curry at Ministry of Crab

  Dine on enormous, hand-picked lagoon crab cooked in pepper, garlic or chilli style, made famous by international food shows.

  Colombo, Western Province

• Wander the streets of Galle Fort

  Stroll along colonial ramparts, past Dutch-era churches and chic boutiques in this perfectly preserved 16th-century fortress by the sea.

  Galle, Southern Province

• Spot wild elephants at Udawalawe National Park

  Embark on an open jeep safari through grasslands and wetlands, home to hundreds of elephants, water buffalo and prolific birdlife.

  Udawalawe, Sabaragamuwa/Uva Provinces

• Witness the Kandy Esala Perahera procession

  Experience the grand 10-day festival of fire dancers, whip-crackers and lavishly adorned elephants carrying the sacred tooth relic.

  Kandy, Central Province

• Climb Pidurangala Rock for the iconic Sigiriya view

  Trek up this lesser-known rock at dawn to a temple cave and summit boulders, gaining an unrivalled profile of Sigiriya across the forest.

  Sigiriya, Central Province

• Stroll through Pettah Floating Market in Colombo

  Browse food stalls and gift shops set over the Beira Lake, a modern market blending local flavours with city skyline views.

  Colombo, Western Province

• Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya

  Wander among 4000 plant species, including a giant Javan fig tree, orchid house and palm avenues in this historic riverside garden.

  Peradeniya, near Kandy

• Cycle through the medieval city of Polonnaruwa

  Pedal past 12th-century palaces, moonstone carvings and the iconic Rankoth Vehera dagoba in this vast archaeological park.

  Polonnaruwa, North Central Province

• Explore colonial-era streets of Colombo Fort

  Uncover British and Dutch heritage buildings, from the Old Dutch Hospital to the clocktower, within Sri Lanka's commercial heart.

  Colombo, Western Province

• Watch the stilt fishermen of Koggala

  Observe fishermen perched on narrow crossbars above the surf, a unique traditional method practised mainly along the southern coast.

  Koggala, Southern Province

• Soak in the Kanniya hot springs near Trincomalee

  Bathe in seven ancient square wells of varying temperatures, believed to have been created for royalty and still used for relaxation.

  Kinniya, Eastern Province

• Visit the historic Jaffna Fort

  Explore sprawling Portuguese-Dutch ramparts with sweeping views over the Jaffna lagoon, now a symbol of post-war reconciliation.

  Jaffna, Northern Province

• Trek through the Knuckles Mountain Range

  Hike rugged trails past cloud forests, terraced rice paddies and remote villages in a biodiversity hotspot shaped like a clenched fist.

  Knuckles Range, Central Province

• Visit a turtle hatchery in Kosgoda

  Learn about sea turtle conservation and release baby turtles into the ocean at sunset along the sandy southern shoreline.

  Kosgoda, Southern Province

• Taste pure Ceylon tea at a Nuwara Eliya plantation

  Tour a colonial-era tea factory and sip high-grown orange pekoe surrounded by rolling green carpets of tea bushes.

  Nuwara Eliya, Central Province

• Admire the Nine Arch Bridge near Ella

  Watch the iconic blue train glide across a stone viaduct framed by dense jungle, built without steel during the colonial era.

  Ella, Uva Province