Activities - Explore Sri Lanka

Admire the sunset on the beachside

Known best for their golden sand and breathtaking ocean views, the beaches in Sri Lanka are also ideal places to bask in the glow of a sunset. Locations around the commercial capital Colombo have rock formations and far-off ships approaching the harbour that make these dazzling sunsets even more dramatic. The proximity to the Colombo makes it convenient to spend the day splashing around in the sea and then lie on the sand to witness the sun setting over the horizon and the first glimpse of stars. Apart from Colombo, sunsets in Hikkaduwa can be truly remarkable given that giant turtles visit the shore at dusk.

Visit historical monuments

With records of settlement from the 3rd century BCE onwards, Sri Lanka boasts of a vibrant and eventful history with advanced socio-economic structures. The architecture of the monuments shows delicate and detailed craftsmanship and period-typical stylistic choices. The area most concentrated with Buddhist temples, monasteries and sculptures, called the Cultural Triangle, covers a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The most well-known locations are the ancient cities Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, historically significant Mihintale, and Sigiriya. These monuments bear witness to a rich history of aesthetics, royalty and religion.

The train trip to Nuwara Eliya

Through hills, tunnels and tea plantations, a train ride is one of the most scenic ways to go to Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka’s tea capital. Adding to the scenery are numerous picturesque villages as well as attractions such as the National Railway Museum and the Dawson Tower in Kadugannawa. British influence becomes more notable as the train approaches Hatton, as tea country spreads out in earnest and the names of stations become more British as well. This 3-4 hour train ride is enough to give a panoramic view of the hill country. Once in Nuwara Eliya, accommodation is varied and flexible, ideal for anything from a one-night to a week-long stay.

Go on a hike to little Adam’s peak

Little Adam’s Peaks is Sri Lanka’s fifth highest mountain. At 1141 metres high, the hike up Little Adam’s Peak has low-level difficulty and has high rewards due to the incomparable views from the peak. The path up the mountain is clear and easy to navigate and runs through tea plantations, ensuring vibrantly green views throughout the hike. Once ascended, the view encompasses miles of tea plantations and verdant hill country. The whole excursion takes about half a day. A variety of accommodation options make Little Adam’s Peak easier to access, with family-run guest houses being the most popular.

Whitewater rafting

Whitewater rafting is currently established as a challenging recreational activity that is open to anyone with a challenging spirit. With an average of 3-4 rapids, Sri Lanka has a selection of white water rafting locations that can be enjoyed by rafters from beginner to expert level. Necessary and required safety precautions are taken so that even non-swimmers can participate in this adrenaline-charged activity. It’s also a good opportunity to observe the riverside flora and fauna. Notably, Kithulgala, one of the most famous whitewater rafting destinations, is also home to the Kithulgala Forest Reserve.

Go waterfall hunting

From Badulla to Rathnapura Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka is teeming with locations that are dotted with waterfalls, especially in the monsoon season. A day trip along roads of Ratnapura-Kalawana should take you to no less than ten waterfalls, the sizes ranging from relatively well-known 20-meter waterfalls such as Rajanawa Falls to seasonal falls that even the locals do not have names for. To add to the excitement of hunting, certain waterfalls have shallow base pools that are safe to take a dip in.

Wildlife Safari

For anyone looking to get acquainted with Sri Lanka’s richly diverse wildlife, one of the most exciting ways to do so would be to go on a safari. Most parks are populated with creatures ranging from the ever-popular Asian elephant to colorful birds and reptiles endemic to Sri Lanka. While every national park plays host to the same types of wildlife, certain parks tend to be well-known for sightings of specific species, examples being Yala National Park and Wilpattu National Park for leopards, Wasgamuwa and Minneriya for elephants and Kumana for birds. A range of accommodations is also available in these areas.

Explore Colombo at night

Exploring Colombo at night is another iconic experience to enjoy in Sri Lanka; great nighttime skylines over Bolgoda and Beira lakes, dinner at late-night restaurants and experiencing the thriving nightlife in Colombo. Most of the pubs and bars around Colombo have darts and pool tables and a general friendly ambience. They’re also a great place to get to know the locals and swap stories. Additionally, there is the option to go for something uniquely Sri Lankan for the gastronomically adventurous—Hulftsdorp Street food is a strictly night time experience, opening only once the sun sets. Another option that draws the most tourists and locals alike is the club scene in Colombo, which won’t leave any music or dance lovers disappointed.

Stay in luxury hotels

Eye-catching interior designs, superior security and exceptional service all mean that luxury hotels take any accommodation experience to the next level. Luxury hotels in Sri Lanka are often thematic and aim to make full use of the enormously scenic natural views of their locations. From hotels that overlook world heritage sites to hotels in the bustling heart of Colombo, the view from the hotel rooms is always exceptional. Fine dining is another highlight of these stays, as most luxury hotels offer an array of cuisines to pick and choose from.

Taste Sri Lankan tea

Tea lovers and many others around the world associates Sri Lanka with one of it’s most prestigious brands. That is ‘Ceylon Tea’ accompanied by the famous Lion logo which guarantees that it’s high-quality tea grown and produced in Sri Lanka. Tea is mostly grown in the cold hill country amidst mountains situated at the center of the island and its southern foothills. Tea produced in different regions have distinct qualities. To truly experience ‘Ceylon Tea’ you must walk along the scenic paths of these estates, journey through the factories and know its rich history as you sit back and taste a refreshing cup of tea.

Capture sunrise at Adam’s peak

Adam’s peak which is referred to by various other names such as ‘Sri Pada’, is a climb that is undertaken by many pilgrims every year due to its religious significance. Situated in the central highlands of Sri Lanka there are many trails that lead to the top of the mountain. At the top lies the temple and one of the best places on the island to witness a beautiful sunrise. The best period to make the climb is between the months of December and April as there is usually more rainfall and mist during the rest of the year. Many of the visitors begin to make this challenging climb after midnight to capture the sunrise at the peak.

Explore Sri Lankan wet zone

The wet zone of Sri Lanka mainly comprises of the western and southwestern parts of the island. From lush green landscapes and forests to many streams and waterfalls, the wet zone is a heaven for nature explorers. The abundance of various birds and creatures bring more vividness to these natural elements. The vast number of adventure activities available in the area attract many locals and tourists. Campers, hikers, rafters, nature lovers or even travellers who want to escape to the hills for tranquillity and freedom would find what they want here. Experience the wet zone of Sri Lanka as your heart desires!