Best Things To Do in Sri Lanka

Yala National Park truly is nature’s treasure trove, home to countless animals including leopards, elephants, civets, deer, crocodiles, and many more. The vast landscape consists of bush forest, dense jungle, verdant grasslands and coastal lagoons. Take a safari tour of this magnificent animal kingdom and create some wonderful memories.

The ancient city of Sigiriya is emblematic of Sri Lanka, a massive column jutting 200 metres into the air above the jungle. Rising high above anything and everything around, Sigiriya Rock, an ancient rock fortress designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982) is accessed by way of passageways cut into the rock face. It resides on the top of a flat rock and rises tall out of the plains. With the lion gateway being featured in many travel brochures, you’ll be sure to feel like Indiana Jones. Walk among the shadows of legendary kings and follow in their footsteps along ancient paths carved into the rock, climbing up the many stairs (and we mean a LOT - something like 1,200), between a monumental pair of lion paws to witness the incredible view. Catch a glimpse at the water gardens around the perimeter, and the stunning painted rock overhangs. 

This magnificent rock formation dates back to the 5th century and houses the ruins of a primordial palace built in the late 400s by King Kasyapa, with some evidence of people living in the caves below for hundreds of years before. 

Best time to visit would be around 4pm, or early in the morning to beat the heat.

A trip to Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle isn’t complete without visiting the extraordinary Dambulla Cave Temples. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991, this is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in the country. It consists of five cave temples carved out by Buddhist Monks into the base of a rock face. Built around 80BC, the Dambulla Cave Temples feature over 150 exquisite statues, and beautiful paintings depicting early Buddhist historical events cover the cave walls. The largest of the caves is known as the Maharaja Vihara Lena, or Cave of the Great Kings. The cave temples are located just 24km from Sigiriya in central Sri Lanka.

The original capital of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura was once an ancient royal kingdom. The sacred city was established around the “Tree of Enlightenment” (the Buddha’s fig tree). Visitors can explore the impressive remains of Buddhist shrines, ornate palaces, striking monasteries, impressive monuments and expansive parks. The Sacred City of Anuradhapura is one of the eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka and is situated in the North Central Province, 200 km from Colombo.

Nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Hill Country lies the sacred city of Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the second-largest city in the country. Kandy has a rich history as the last Sinhalese Kingdom until it was captured and ruled by the British in 1815. Many traditions and folklore remain and are lovingly kept alive to this day. Top of your to-do list includes visiting the Sacred Tooth Relic Temple, Royal Botanic Gardens and Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage.

The beauty of Kandy will take your breath away – the sacred Buddhist site is strategically positioned in a valley surrounded by spectacular forested mountains and beautiful lakes. If you are visiting in July and August, be prepared for crowds as locals celebrate the spectacular festival of Kandy Esala Perehera (The Festival of the Tooth). It’s one of the oldest and grandest of all Buddhist Festivals featuring processions of costumed dancers, musicians, fire artists and even elephants!

This reserve is considered Sri Lanka’s largest unspoilt rainforest. Its name means ’Lion King’ which has roots to Sinhalese mythology, as this forest is believed to be the home of the legendary Sri Lankan Lion. The forest has an abundance of flora and fauna and is also recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so don’t miss it!

Encompassed by soaring highlands and verdant grasslands south of the Hill Country, this beautiful park is filled with hundreds of elephants who roam the park, as well as buffaloes, monkeys, deer and crocodiles. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a leopard!

Maduru Oya National Park is a place of simplistic beauty and peaceful charm. It was established in 1983 to protect a variety of wildlife, most importantly providing a sanctuary for the Asian elephants in the area. One of the best things about this jewel in the eastern province is that it’s less crowded with tourists than other National Parks in Sri Lanka.

It may be 300km from Colombo, but you’ll be treated to a stunning journey across the country and wildlife sightings are never too far. Witness Asian elephants, leopards, sloth bears, wild boar, wild buffalo, spotted deer and over 100 species of birds that roam free through the park. There are hotels nearby to spend the night or for an authentic safari experience book a safari camping experience.

Discover an island paradise just 1 km off the coast of Nilaveli, in the Eastern Province. It is best known for its incredible pearl-white beaches and some of the best-preserved coral reefs in Sri Lanka. Comprising two islands - Large Pigeon Island and Small Pigeon Island - the Marine National Park is named after the nesting grounds of the blue rock pigeon.

It is one of the best places in the country for underwater exploration. Divers and snorkellers can see over 100 species of bright coral and 300 species of tropical fish, including parrotfish, butterflyfish, angelfish, turtles and reef sharks. Spend the day relaxing on the soft sand, exploring the rock pools and splashing in the shallow reef.

From the misty mountains of Ella to the mystical jungles of Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka is scattered with beautiful waterfalls. Bambarakanda Falls is the tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka, this jaw-dropping formation is certainly a sight to behold. The surrounding area offers magical mountain views, and there are plenty of other waterfalls to explore nearby.