What to Do in Sri Lanka?

Pearl of the Indian Ocean, Tear of India, the Emerald Isle... These are just some of the nicknames that Sri Lanka goes by. This island located southeast of India has long been the stage for various wars and natural disasters. Colonization, civil war, tsunami, COVID-19 pandemic, have significantly impacted its economy.

Over the last decade, Sri Lanka has been gradually recovering. It has considerable tourism potential that attracts travelers from around the world. Its cultural richness, historical past, eclectic character, beautiful landscapes, and the warmth of the locals... All these factors make it an excellent vacation destination if you are wondering where to go for sun in April !

Planning a trip to this beautiful island? Get ready for enriching and memorable adventures. Learn more about the culture and religion of the locals, discover temples that seem to be from another world, and taste typical dishes that promise explosions of flavor. Let's review the must-do activities in Sri Lanka in this post.

Upon your arrival in Sri Lanka, you will land at Colombo Airport, the economic capital located on the west coast of the island. It is the largest and most populated city in the country, with about 5 million inhabitants. Start your adventure with urban tourism at the sights.

Colombo is a multicultural city with a diverse landscape. Old colonial buildings in British style mingle with ultramodern skyscrapers. Hindu temples, mosques, and a few Christian churches complete the urban mosaic of the city.

Strolling through the streets of the historic center is a must. To the east, you will find the Pettah market, a bustling place from morning until night. This vibrant local market reflects the typical Sri Lankan life. Vendors in Pettah sell everything: spices, fruits and vegetables, street food, jewelry, clothing, fabrics... A true little bazaar!

Colombo is so alive that sometimes it can be hard to know where to turn your head. To help organize your visit, I recommend guided tours with a local. They will take you to discover all the landmark sites in the city. For €31, you can take a tour of Colombo by Tuk Tuk. During this activity, you will be able to visit the main points of interest in the city such as the Pettah market or various places of worship. You can even enjoy a traditional lunch!

While Colombo is a mandatory stop during a trip to Sri Lanka, keep in mind that the most beautiful sights will be found in the heart and south of the island. Therefore, I suggest spending one night in the capital to set off early for other tourist locations. Choose an affordable hotel or guesthouse for your first night.

If you would like to spend the night in Colombo, I recommend the C1 Colombo Fort. Located 250 meters from the city center and less than 600 meters from the beach, this establishment offers spacious and comfortable rooms, some equipped with a refrigerator and microwave. For a night at this property, expect to pay €53.

Alternatively, I recommend the Fairway Colombo. Situated 200 meters from the center, this hotel features beautiful spacious rooms. You will also find a gym and a bar. Breakfast is served every morning. For a night at this hotel, expect to pay €74.

Sigiriya is located in the heart of Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle, 175 km from Colombo. The city is home to a UNESCO World Heritage site: the Lion Rock. It is a massive monolith, 200 meters high, overlooking a vast dense forest. An ancient royal palace once stood at its summit.

The site has an interesting history. It was built in the 5th century by King Kassapa I, a megalomaniac king who killed his father and drove his brother out of the kingdom. The choice of location for his palace was purely strategic: from the top of his rocky promontory, he was far from his enemies and could keep watch over his surroundings.

To reach the summit of Lion Rock, be prepared to climb 1,202 steps. The ascent will take you just over three-quarters of an hour. Your path will be dotted with caves, terraced gardens, and you will pass by the famous frescoes of the Maidens of Sigiriya. At the top of the rock, only the ruins of the palace remain, but the view promises to be breathtaking. Take your time to admire the royal landscaped garden at the foot of the rock and the vast Karura forest surrounding it. Near Sigiriya stands another panoramic rock, Pidurangala, which you can also visit.

Your stay in Sri Lanka is approaching, and you're still wondering what activities to do there? Don't worry; you won't get bored during your visit! Whether it's exploring a major city like Colombo, visiting sacred and historical sites, or enjoying the beaches, there's no reason to have a bad stay in Sri Lanka. Be sure to book your activities well in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises once you arrive .

Anuradhapura is one of the cities that make up the Cultural Triangle, along with Kandy and Polonnaruwa. It was the ancient capital of Ceylon (the former name of Sri Lanka). A sacred city, it is the cradle of Buddhism on the island and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1982. The ancient city has since disappeared, but many temples, monasteries, and monuments over two millennia old remain accessible to visitors. Here are some must-see sites in Anuradhapura.

The spiritual sites of Anuradhapura are crowded on weekends. Indeed, thousands of people visit to pray, meditate, and make offerings. If you want to learn more about local traditions, I recommend visiting during these times. On the other hand, if you prefer quieter visits, choose other days of the week.

If you're looking for accommodations in Anuradhapura, I recommend the Hotel White House. It's located in a peaceful setting with the tropical forest stretching as far as the eye can see. The accommodations are very spacious and uniquely decorated. The property features an outdoor pool, restaurant, and bar. For a night at this hotel, expect to pay €49.

Alternatively, the Kutumbaya has an ideal location and offers well-equipped rooms. It has an outdoor pool, restaurant, darts game, and garden. Breakfast is served every morning on site. You can stay there for €34 a night.

The Dambulla Caves are another highlight of Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle. They comprise five rock caves located at the top of a hill, housing more than 150 Buddha statues and ancient beautiful paintings. You might guess that the site is another important Buddhist pilgrimage site in Sri Lanka.

The Dambulla caves are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. They well deserve their place on the list due to their cultural and historical significance. The heart of these sacred caves transports you to another world: a subdued atmosphere, remarkable tranquility, a spiritual ambiance... The visit promises incredible discoveries.

Before the ascent to the caves, you can't miss the gigantic golden Buddha about thirty meters high at the foot of the hill. At the top, in addition to the caves, you will also enjoy a panoramic view of the surroundings. Rice fields, villages, and mountains are visible below the hill.

Starting at €59 per person, embark on a private tour to explore Dambulla, Sigiriya, and Minneriya National Park in one day. During this activity, you will have the chance to visit the Dambulla caves, enjoy the view from Lion Rock, and meet elephants in Minneriya National Park. An excursion not to be missed!

Kandy is one of the three cities that make up the Cultural Triangle. It is known worldwide for the Temple of the Tooth or Sri Dalada Maligawa (in Sinhalese). It is undoubtedly the most important Buddhist sanctuary in Sri Lanka, believed to house a sacred tooth of Buddha. According to legend, this tooth was transported from India to Sri Lanka by Princess Hemamali, who presented it to King Kirthi Sri Megharvarna around the year 313.

The Temple of the Tooth is easily recognizable by its beautiful white façade. The famous relic, meanwhile, is carefully guarded in six nested coffins within a beautiful golden room monitored by monks. The box is opened every five years and comes out once a year from its designated room during the Esala Perahera parade, which takes place at the end of July. During a visit to the Temple of the Tooth, the elephant Raja's room will not leave you indifferent. Raja is a stuffed elephant classified as a National Treasure. This animal carried the tooth relic during the Esala Perahera for about fifty years.

To the southwest of the city, don't miss the Peradeniya Botanical Garden, one of the largest and most beautiful gardens in the world. The site spans 60 hectares where more than 4,000 species of plants grow peacefully. This large garden attracts both tourists and locals who come for picnics and strolls.

I recommend taking a day trip to Kandy, Pinnawala, and the tea factory. For €58, you will visit Pinnawala to see the elephants, the Temple of the Tooth, the Royal Botanical Garden, and explore the tea fields.

Polonnaruwa is the third city of the Cultural Triangle after Anuradhapura and Kandy mentioned earlier. Today, Polonnaruwa is considered an archaeological site of 122 hectares in the heart of nature and represents a must-see during your escape to Sri Lanka. After Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa was designated the second historical capital of Ceylon (11th century). Once the territory of the Chola dynasty from Southern India, the ancient city later became the kingdom of the Sinhalese king, Vijayabahu, and then Parakramabahu. By the 13th century, the inhabitants left the city for more interesting locations to the west of the island. Polonnaruwa then fell into ruin.

Today, you can discover the remnants of this ancient kingdom during your stay in Sri Lanka:

Adam's Peak or Sri Pada is a sacred mountain rising 2,243 meters in altitude at the heart of the Cultural Triangle. Adam's Peak is another significant pilgrimage site in Sri Lanka where practitioners come to follow the path of Buddha and reach enlightenment. Watching the sunrise from this summit offers an unforgettable panorama. The first rays of sunlight envelop the surroundings in a gentle atmosphere of rose hues.

Climbing Adam's Peak is an adventure that will test you, as it pushes you to exceed your limits. To reach the mountain's summit, be prepared to climb 5,500 steps. It is one of the most challenging hikes in the country. In any case, the effort is worth it, as the view from the top offers an unparalleled reward. Upon arrival, you will also feel a certain pride in having reached the top.

To see the sunrise over Adam's Peak, you will undertake a night hike, starting around 2 a.m. I recommend dressing warmly, as the temperature can be quite cool, especially at altitude.

Ella is a small town filled with many tourist gems. Ella Rock, for example, will delight hiking lovers. Take a trek through beautiful eucalyptus forests. At the top of this rock, enjoy a panoramic view of the Badulla valley. The Nine Arches Bridge is an iconic construction from the 1920s. A true architectural feat, it is a 25-meter high viaduct held up by 9 arches. This giant suspended bridge in the heart of the forest is a remnant of the British colonial era.

A few kilometers from the town, the Ravana Falls, the most famous waterfalls in Sri Lanka, await to be admired. They are located in the heart of the jungle and spring from immense granite boulders. The Ravana waterfall flows year-round. If you visit the country during the summer, you will hear the sound of the falls from several kilometers away.

You will have the chance to visit all these sites and Adam's Peak during a day trip from Ella, starting at €57 per person. This activity includes hotel pickup, snacks, and lunch at a local restaurant.

During the civil wars between Tamils and the government, northern Sri Lanka was isolated from the rest of the country. In fact, to access it, one had to present identity documents. Since 2015, the atmosphere has calmed, and the region is experiencing a renaissance. More and more visitors are arriving to learn about both the history of the places and the tourist attractions.

The Jaffna Peninsula is located at the northern tip of the island. This city is considered the cradle of Tamil culture in Sri Lanka. Therefore, an escape to the north represents a significant change of scenery. Gone are the Buddhist structures, replaced by numerous Hindu temples. The most remarkable is the iconic Nallur Kandaswamy Temple, a monument with a meticulously decorated façade filled with all kinds of ornaments. Visiting this temple immerses you in a mystical atmosphere filled with beautiful aromas of incense and prayers. Jaffna Fort and the clock tower are two other major sites in the city.

Having been isolated from the rest of the country for a long time, the citizens of Jaffna will surely not be indifferent to your presence. Therefore, don't be surprised if you feel that you are being stared at or welcomed with excessive kindness. It's simply because the population is not used to foreigners.

If you decide to spend a few days in Jaffna, the NorthGate Jaffna is a 4-star hotel located 500 meters from the train station. It features a beautiful outdoor pool and room service. Rooms start at €108 a night.

I also recommend Tony's Garden House Back, right in the heart of the city. This establishment offers rooms starting at €14 a night and serves delicious breakfasts.

In the south of the island, you will find the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka. Families and water sports enthusiasts will be delighted. Arugam Bay is a renowned site in the region. With beautiful turquoise waters, white sand beaches, lovely waves, and a picturesque atmosphere... All the ingredients are in place for exceptional seaside vacations for visitors. You can choose to enjoy peaceful walks on the sand or head out to enjoy a day of surfing. Near Arugam Bay, you will find Galle, a city with British-style architecture, old churches, and quaint cafes.

If you're in the mood for a day trek, head to the Sinharaja Reserve. This dense and verdant jungle is home to important endemic species of Sri Lanka. Be careful not to forget your rain jacket, as the atmosphere can be quite humid.

Many national parks are scattered throughout Sri Lanka. During your island getaway on the Emerald Isle, here are those that are worth a visit.

If you're interested in visiting these national parks, I recommend going on a safari in Yala National Park. During this activity, you can observe leopards or elephants from the comfort of your 4x4. For this 4-hour activity, expect to pay around €27 per person.

Traveling to Sri Lanka promises to be exciting and extraordinary. The island's traditions will create a significant cultural shock but promise a stay that will leave a lasting impression. You will witness scenes of daily life like nowhere in Europe, and the welcoming nature of the locals will warm your heart. I will list some essential facts and information to help you prepare for your trip.

The tuk-tuk remains the most practical means of transportation for short distances in Sri Lanka. Count around €1.50 for a 15-minute ride. You can rent your own if you want to move around independently. This vehicle is very easy to handle. If you're not comfortable with the tuk-tuk, opt for a scooter.

For longer trips, buses and trains are affordable options. However, they are often crowded, and you may not find a seat. Bus drivers can be quite reckless on the road, speeding and barely stopping at stops.

You have a wide range of hotels and guesthouses to choose from depending on your location. I particularly recommend staying with locals to soak in the country's lifestyle. The locals are genuinely kind and friendly. They will be happy to prepare a place for you to sleep and cook you a nice dinner. If you're wondering where to stay in Sri Lanka, I recommend checking out a site like Booking.com, which offers a wide variety of accommodations.

Dishes in Sri Lanka are heavily spiced. If you're not used to spicy food, it's better to inform the restaurant or order classic European dishes. Since Sri Lanka is also known as the land of coconuts, you can expect a coconut flavor to be present in many dishes served to you. Cooks often prepare their recipes with coconut oil or milk.

Remember that Sri Lankans eat with their hands to mix their meals better. No worries, utensils are always available for visitors.

In this small island nation, tea is consumed in large amounts. It can even be considered the national drink. Locals typically take their cup with a lot of sugar, as the drink tends to be quite strong.

Sri Lankans sway their heads to say >, which can sometimes be disconcerting because for us, that means >. Furthermore, bear in mind that Sri Lanka is a country that greatly respects animals. For example, it is not unusual to see monkeys wandering in the city. These little tricksters seem to enjoy bothering tourists. Be careful! With a significant Hindu influence, it is also quite normal to see cows strolling peacefully in the streets.

Locals often go to temples daily to pray. If you visit these sacred places, you must remove your shoes. Men are often required to be bare-chested, while women will need to cover their pants with fabric sold on-site for visitors.

And there you go, now you know the must-see sites of the Emerald Isle. Note that the country can be visited throughout the year, but to know when to go to Sri Lanka, consider the region you want to explore. If you're heading to the west or south, aim for the period between November and April. From March to November, opt for the east coast.