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Things to do in Sri Lanka

4 hour Advance Level 2 Windsurfing Course in Kalpitiya

Bentota City Tour from Talpe

Udawalawe Safari DayTrip frm Bentota/Kalutara/Ahungalla/Hikkaduwa

Colombo Tuk Tuk City Tour -Sightseeing Entry Fees & Food Included

Whale Watching Mirissa with ( WWC )

Yala Safari from Hambantota Port by BTM - Private & All Inclusive

8 Days Sri Lanka round tours with privet driver, vehicle and H/B accommodations

Private Jeep Safari at Minneriya National Park to Visit Elephants

Full day Safari - Yala National Park - 04.30 am to 06.00 pm with - Janaka safari

Ella Private Day Tour - Departing from Any Location in Sri Lanka
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Best Things to do in Sri Lanka
Planning a trip and wondering about the top things to do in Sri Lanka? From historic landmarks to modern experiences, the city offers something for every traveller, making it a perfect getaway in 2025.
With over 3886 activities in Sri Lanka, there is plenty to explore. Visit some of the most popular tourist attractions in
With experiences starting at INR 264, it’s never been easier to plan your perfect trip. Make the most of your visit to Sri Lanka in October and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Breathtaking Things to Do in Sri Lanka – From Ancient Temples to Wild Jungles
About Sri Lanka
Sitting like a quick getaway below India, Sri Lanka is more than just an island—it’s a full-blown experience of contrasts. You’ll find sacred Buddhist relics tucked away in cool hills, chaotic local markets buzzing with life, beaches that rival postcards, and wildlife safaris that feel like scenes from National Geographic. The variety of things to do in Sri Lanka is unreal. One moment you’re sipping Ceylon tea in the misty plantations of Nuwara Eliya, and the next, you’re watching elephants bathe in a lazy river or exploring thousand-year-old temples carved into stone.
This is a country where time slows down just enough to let you breathe—and still somehow throws a million things your way. Whether you're a beach bum, cultural explorer, or wildlife nerd, there are more than enough activities in Sri Lanka to fill your days—and then some.
Unique Experiences
Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress
You don’t come to Sri Lanka and skip Sigiriya. A massive column of rock rising out of the central plains, this ancient fortress feels like something out of a fantasy novel. You climb through lion’s paws carved into stone, pass mirror walls, and murals painted 1,500 years ago. At the top? Sweeping views of jungle, villages, and pure silence. It’s one of the most unique things to do in Sri Lanka, and honestly, one of the most rewarding.
Where: Sigiriya
Pricing: INR 2,500+
Timing: 7 AM – 5 PM
When to Visit: December to March for pleasant weather
Take the Train from Kandy to Ella
Yes, it’s a train ride—but not just any. This one’s all rolling tea plantations, waterfalls, cloud-kissed bridges, and waving kids at every station. Easily one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. It’s slow, but that’s the charm. Windows open, snack sellers hopping in, wind in your hair. Pure magic. One of the top things to do in Sri Lanka, especially if you're craving serenity and scenery in one go.
Where: Central Sri Lanka
Pricing: INR 250–INR 1,000 (class dependent)
Timing: 8 AM and 11 AM departures
When to Visit: January to March
Top Attractions
Dambulla Cave Temple
This isn’t your regular tourist spot—it’s a sacred underground wonder. Five massive caves, each one packed with serene Buddha statues and vibrant murals. Some of them go back over 2,000 years. The energy here is quiet but powerful. Among the most spiritual and historical tourist attractions in Sri Lanka, it’s a place to reflect more than pose.
Where: Dambulla
Pricing: INR 1,000+
Timing: 7 AM – 7 PM
When to Visit: Weekday mornings for peace
Yala National Park Safari
You want to see leopards? Yala’s your best bet. It’s got the highest density of them anywhere on Earth. But even if you don’t spot one (they're shy), you’ve still got elephants, crocs, deer, sloth bears, and flocks of exotic birds. Open jeeps, dusty trails, golden grasslands—it’s all part of the wild thrill that makes this one of the most fun things to do in Sri Lanka.
Where: Southeast Sri Lanka
Pricing: INR 3,000–INR 5,000
Timing: 6 AM and 3 PM slots
When to Visit: February to July
Sightseeing Tours
Galle Fort Walk
Colonial architecture meets crashing waves. Galle Fort is like stepping into a Dutch time capsule—with bonus Sri Lankan flair. You’ll find vintage boutiques, art galleries, chill cafes, and kids playing cricket on the ramparts. One of those places where you lose track of time just walking around. A mix of charm and chill makes it one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka.
Where: Southern Coast
Pricing: Free (guided tours from INR 700)
Timing: All day, but evenings are gold
When to Visit: November to April
Temple of the Tooth Relic
If Sri Lanka has a spiritual heart, this is it. The Temple of the Tooth in Kandy holds what’s believed to be the Buddha’s actual tooth. Whether you’re religious or not, the ceremonial vibes, drumming monks, and lakeside setting hit differently. It’s a major tourist attraction in Sri Lanka, and rightly so.
Where: Kandy
Pricing: INR 1,200+
Timing: 5:30 AM – 8 PM
When to Visit: Evening prayers for the full atmosphere
Day Trips
Nuwara Eliya Tea Tour
It’s cool, misty, and looks like the British left yesterday. Nuwara Eliya is the tea capital of Sri Lanka, and nothing beats visiting a plantation, learning how tea is made, and sipping a hot cup right on site. One of the most peaceful activities in Sri Lanka, perfect for couples, solo travelers, or literally anyone who enjoys tea (read: everyone).
Where: Central Highlands
Pricing: INR 500+
Timing: 9 AM – 4 PM
When to Visit: March to May (best blooms)
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Imagine watching elephants stroll down to the river, splash around, and just be elephants. That’s Pinnawala. Great for kids, but honestly, adults melt too. Educational, heartwarming, and one of the top things to do in Sri Lanka with family.
Where: Near Kegalle
Pricing: INR 1,500+
Timing: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
When to Visit: 10 AM or 2 PM (It’s the bathing session time)
Boat Tours
Whale Watching in Mirissa
You’re on a boat in the deep blue ocean, and suddenly—bam!—a blue whale breaches. That’s Mirissa for you. Seeing the world’s largest mammal in the wild is unforgettable. Add dolphins and sea turtles, and this becomes one of the most famous things to do in Sri Lanka.
Where: South Coast
Pricing: INR 3,000–INR 5,000
Timing: 6 AM departures
When to Visit: November to April
Madu River Mangrove Safari
Floating through tangled mangroves, tiny islands, and old temples on the Madu River feels like entering another world. Quiet, reflective, and kind of mystical. If you like slow, scenic, and local, this is a solid pick from the list of top things to do in Sri Lanka.
Where: Balapitiya
Pricing: INR 1,200– INR 2,000
Timing: 8 AM – 4 PM
When to Visit: Morning for cooler weather
Getting Around
- Tuk-tuks: Ideal for short distances and city explorations. Always agree on the fare first.
- Trains: Affordable and scenic—especially in the central hills. Book early for reserved classes.
- Intercity Buses: Budget-friendly, frequent, but can get crowded.
- Private Driver: Great option for longer trips. Available with or without vehicle.
- Domestic Flights: Offered to major hubs like Jaffna and Trincomalee, but pricey.
- Scooters: Rentable in touristy areas like Mirissa and Arugam Bay—helmets mandatory.
Traveller Tips
- Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). Always carry cash, especially in remote areas.
- Best Time to Visit: West & south coasts – December to March; East coast – May to September.
- Dress Modestly: Especially in temples. Shoulders and knees should be covered.
- Footwear: Slip-on shoes are helpful—you’ll remove them often for religious sites.
- Safety: Sri Lanka is safe, but avoid political protests and follow local news.
- Local SIM: Get one at the airport (Dialog or Mobitel) for strong coverage.
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