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4 hour Advance Level 2 Windsurfing Course in Kalpitiya

4 hour Advance Level 2 Windsurfing Course in Kalpitiya

4 hours
Free Cancellation
English-speaking instructor
Bentota City Tour from Talpe
Cultural Tours

Bentota City Tour from Talpe

8 hours
Free Cancellation
Hotel pickup and drop-off from Talpe
Udawalawe Safari DayTrip frm Bentota/Kalutara/Ahungalla/Hikkaduwa
Day Trips

Udawalawe Safari DayTrip frm Bentota/Kalutara/Ahungalla/Hikkaduwa

Full day
Free Cancellation
Pick-up included
Colombo Tuk Tuk City Tour -Sightseeing Entry Fees & Food Included
City Tours

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

4 hours
Free Cancellation
Pick-up included
Whale Watching Mirissa with ( WWC )
Boat Tours

Whale Watching Mirissa with ( WWC )

5 hours
Free Cancellation
Tour Guide included
Yala Safari from Hambantota Port by BTM - Private & All Inclusive
Guided Tours

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

Full day
Free Cancellation
Pick-up included
8 Days Sri Lanka round tours with privet driver, vehicle and H/B accommodations
Guided Tours

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

2+ days
Free Cancellation
Tour Guide included
Private Jeep Safari at Minneriya National Park to Visit Elephants
Guided Tours

Private Jeep Safari at Minneriya National Park to Visit Elephants

4 hours
Free Cancellation
Pick-up included
Full day Safari - Yala National Park - 04.30 am to 06.00 pm with - Janaka safari
Safaris

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

Full day
Free Cancellation
Pick-up included
Ella Private Day Tour - Departing from Any Location in Sri Lanka
Guided Tours

Ella Private Day Tour - Departing from Any Location in Sri Lanka

Full day
Free Cancellation
Pick-up included

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 , including iconic sites, vibrant neighbourhoods and cultural hubs. Whether you’re exploring bustling markets, sampling local delicacies or relaxing at scenic spots, every corner has something new to discover.

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.

FAQs

Climbing up the Sigiriya Rock Fortress takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour. When returning, you will have to spend close to 30 to 45 minutes to reach back from where you started. Take about 3 to 3.5 hours of time when climbing this hilltop fortress. There are about 1200 steps in total that cross through several steep bits. As such, it is advisable to keep a gentle pace when climbing up and down the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, which is definitely among the best things to do in Sri Lanka. The total time taken can also vary based on the crowd on the day of your climb, your time spent on the top and definitely your fitness level.
The Sigiriya Rock Fortress climb is a moderately difficult one, comprising steep steps. You can also encounter rough terrain in some parts that can be a challenge. Overall, the difficulty of this climb shall vary based on your fitness level and hiking/trekking experiences you have had beforehand. The climb up to the top of the Sigiriya Rock to reach the fortress can be physically demanding. As such, it is advisable to have a basic fitness level when starting this climb.
When going for the Sigiriya Rock Fortress climb, be sure to wear loose, comfortable and breathable clothing that keeps you relaxed through the day. Climbing up the steep rock can be physically demanding. As such, ensuring comfortable clothing and footwear is a priority. Other things to take care of when climbing the rock include carrying a water bottle to stay hydrated, keeping sunscreen along, carrying sunglasses, a hat, etc.
The Kandy to Ella train ride is about 7.5 hours long on average, which is definitely also one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka. Travelling in the fastest train on this route, you may complete your journey within 5 hours and 40 minutes approximately. Various trains are available from Kandy to Ella throughout the day, with varying journey times during the weekends. The Kandy to Ella train route is also the most beautiful ride you cannot miss when in Sri Lanka.
When travelling from Kandy to Ella or back, some top stops to explore on the way include the likes of Little Adam’s Peak, Sri Dalada Maligawa, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, etc. The epic train ride is filled with scenic views, with opportunities to capture the best of hills that are mist-covered, expansive tea plantations in emerald green hue, charming villages and dense forests. Going through this train journey gives you the most raw and beautiful perspective of Sri Lanka.
Yes, the Kandy to Ella train runs every day of the week. Also, there are multiple trains that operate on a single day from Kandy to Ella and back. To start this scenic journey, you can board your train either from Kandy station or from Peradeniya station, which is about 6 km away from Kandy. Make sure to check your train schedule for the day before starting the journey, as the timings may change.
One of the best safaris that you can explore at Yala National Park is the leopard safari that takes you through the expansive, dense forests to spot these wild beasts in their natural habitat. These safaris are conducted either at dawn or dusk. You can also spot several other wild creatures dwelling in the national park during this enigmatic safari experience, like crocodiles, sloth bears, monkeys, elephants, deer, etc. Alongside the morning and evening tours, the full-day safari experiences are also available in the national park. A Yala National Park safari surely qualifies among the best things to do in Sri Lanka.
A Yala safari is considered to provide the best wildlife sighting experience during the morning hours. It is because sighting the elusive wildlife here gets potentially fruitful during the first few hours of the day, as the animals are relaxing in their natural habitat. Also, during mornings, the disturbances from heavy human footfall and jeeps moving through are low, which keeps these animals undisturbed.
The Yala National Park blocks 5 and 6 are considered to be the best for a safari experience. It is because these blocks witness low visitor counts, and as such, you can get a much more traditional safari experience here, which is more intimate and closer to the natural wildlife existence and activities.
Among the best tea plantations to visit in Sri Lanka are those located in and around Nuwara Eliya, Ella and Kandy. Certainly among the most fulfilling things to do in Sri Lanka, these tea plantation visits give the experience of the most traditional ways of tea plucking by hand.
From iconic attractions and historic landmarks to lively markets and local flavours, Sri Lanka offers a vibrant mix of experiences.
With prices starting at INR 264, Sri Lanka has activities for every traveller, whether you prefer budget-friendly tours or luxury adventures.
Yes, advance booking is recommended. With 3886 available, popular options in Sri Lanka often sell out quickly during weekends and peak travel seasons.

You can book activities on MakeMyTrip by following these simple steps:

  1. Search for top-rated activities in Sri Lanka.
  2. Compare 3886 options with detailed inclusions.
  3. Select the package that suits your preferences.
  4. Enter traveller details and complete secure payment online.
  5. Get instant booking confirmation on your email, mobile and ‘My Trips’.
Yes, Sri Lanka has plenty of family-friendly attractions, from interactive museums and parks to cultural shows and guided tours suitable for all ages.