Sri Lanka is beautiful and naturally rich which is why it attracts a lot of tourists around the year. From its golden beaches to lush tall mountains; this entire country is a paradise for adventure seekers. Be it the water activities or peeking into the past; here you are going to enjoy every minute of your time.
Other than the activities there are some of the most breathtaking sites that have no equal in the world. So be it the nightlife of Colombo or the temples in Kandy; Sri Lanka is worth the while. Let’s take a closer look at the best things that can be done in Sri Lanka for families, solo travellers, or even couples.
Here are 10 of the best activities to enjoy in Sri Lanka
1. Go Temple Hopping
People who visit Sri Lanka to explore and visit temples; rest assured the country has some of the best historic temples. Home to hundreds of important Buddhist and Hindu temples; Sri Lanka shows marvellous carvings and designs. Here, across this country, you are surely going to have an immersive and enriching experience while exploring various temples. It is one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka for families and even for honeymooners to get the lord’s blessings.
From temples having cave complexes to those with soaring stupas; getting a chance to take a glimpse of the island’s spiritual heritage is highly intricate. If this activity is on your list then make sure that you take down the important information from the table below.
| Name of the temples | Location of the temple | Timings |
| Sri Dalada Maligawa | Sri Dalada Veediya, Kandy 20000 | 5:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Daily) |
| Golden Temple of Dambulla | Kandy – Jaffna Hwy, Dambulla | 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Daily) |
| Ruwanwelisaya and Sri Maha Bodhi Tree | Sacred City, Anuradhapura | 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Daily) |
| Polonnaruwa Gal Vihara | Polonnaruwa Ancient City, Polonnaruwa | 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Daily) |
| Kataragama Temple | Kataragama 91400 | 4:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. (Daily) |
| Mihintale Temple Complex | Mihintale, Anuradhapura District | 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Daily) |
| Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara | Biyagama Rd, Peliyagoda, Kelaniya | 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Daily) |
2. Take a Trip to Sigiriya (Lion Rock Fortress)
Sigiriya which is also known as the Lion Rock Fortress is one of the most interesting attractions where you can visit in the country. This place alone holds tons of amazing sites and dozens of activities to enjoy. The fortress rests atop the central province of Dambulla town. Sigiriya is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site which dates back to the 5th century. A heaven for adventurers and couples who love to explore.
While visiting here you can trek to the top, enjoy the breathtaking view, birdwatch, click some pictures for your social media and so much more. Another thing that is popular about Sigiriya is the lion-shaped rock that is placed at the entrance. That is unique and unbelievably artistic too!
| Location | Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Sigiriya, Dambulla District |
| Opening Hours | Monday to Sunday: 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. |
| Best Time to Visit | Early morning or late evening (During sunrise and sunset) |
| Difficulty level of the trek | Moderate |
| Highlights in and around the fortress |
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3. Enjoy Scenic Train Rides
Some train rides are really amazing and travellers celebrate them for a lot of reasons. While you are exploring Sri Lanka, rest assured that there are train rides that offer breathtaking views too. They take you through lush tea plantations, misty mountains, dense forests, and picturesque villages. This is not just a ride but one of the best and most comfortable ways to explore various places in the country. This can be a perfect exploring way for newly married couples!
| Train Route | Duration | Highlights |
| Kandy to Ella | Approximately 6 to 7 hours | Scenic train ride through tea plantations, steep valleys, rolling hills, and mist-covered mountains. |
| Colombo to Kandy | Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours | Scenic highlands of Kandy, Kelani River, dense forests, and hilly terrain dotted with small villages. |
| Ella to Badulla | Approximately 1 hour | Nine Arches Bridge and the famous Demodara Loop. |
| Colombo to Galle | Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours | Runs parallel to the Indian Ocean. View of the sandy beaches, palm trees, and fishing villages. |
| Nanu Oya to Haputale | Approximately 2 hours | High-altitude tea estates and breathtaking misty hills. |
4. Visit the Historic Temple of the Tooth
The historic Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relics is also known as Sri Dalada Maligawa and is situated in Kandy. It is a highly significant and popular spiritual attraction in the country. The name of this temple is so because it is believed to house the tooth relic of the Buddha. This is the reason why this is a highly valued and revered Buddhist pilgrim destination across the globe.
| Location | Sri Dalada Veediya, Kandy, Sri Lanka |
| Opening Hours | Monday to Sunday: 5:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. |
| Highlights of the temple |
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| Special Festival | Esala Perahera during July or August |
| Nearby Attractions |
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5. Take a Trip to the Dambulla Cave Temple
Visitors who are inclined towards understanding and exploring the cultural side of Sri Lanka should not miss out on visiting Dambulla Cave Temple. This place takes you on an incredible journey through the country’s rich art, history, and spirituality. It not only attracts pilgrims but also adventurers and nature lovers because to reach the temple you will have to hike for 15 to 20 minutes. After this, you get greeted by a breathtaking view of the surroundings.
This is yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been carefully preserved for so many years. It is believed that the cave temples were built more than 200 years ago. Even today, when you visit here you can photograph the intriguingly designed cave paintings and the statue.
| Location | Dambulla, Matale District, Central Province |
| Distance from key places |
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| Timings of the temple | 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Monday to Sunday) |
| Best Time to Visit | Dry Season (June and October) |
| Temple Highlights |
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6. Check Out the City of Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura is one of those attractions in the country that will take you back in time. It showcases the amazing side of Lankan civilisation. Its blend of spirituality, art, and engineering marvels makes it one of the most intriguing destinations for anyone interested in history, religion, or culture. This UNESCO World Heritage Site served as the capital of ancient Sri Lanka for over a thousand years, from the 4th century BCE to the 11th century CE.
| Sacred Buddhist Sites |
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| Ancient Architecture and Monuments |
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7. Go on a Safari at the Udawalawe National Park
A safari at Udawalawe National Park in Sri Lanka is one of the best ways to experience the country’s wildlife up close, especially if you’re eager to see elephants in their natural habitat. Located in the southern part of Sri Lanka, Udawalawe is renowned for its dense population of Asian elephants and other wildlife, set against a beautiful landscape of grasslands, marshes, and open forests.
Importantly this national park offers a bit more peaceful safari experience when compared to the others like Yala. The open areas make it so much easier and better to spot elephants and other wild animals in their natural habitat.
| Location | CVRR+46F, Samanalagama, Sri Lanka |
| Key Highlights of Udawalawe National Park |
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| Best Time to Visit | May to September |
| Safari Timings |
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8. Head on for a Safari at the Yala National Park
Heading on a safari at Yala National Park in Sri Lanka promises an exhilarating experience, particularly for those looking to spot leopards, elephants, and a diverse range of wildlife. Yala is one of Sri Lanka’s most popular national parks, covering over 979 square kilometres (378 square miles) and divided into five main zones.
It is especially famous for having one of the highest leopard densities in the world, making it a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts. It is an extraordinary destination for those seeking to experience Sri Lanka’s wildlife and scenic landscapes.
| Highlights of the national park |
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| Morning Safari in Yala | 5:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. |
| Evening Safari in Yala | 2:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. |
| Full-Day Safari in Yala | 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. |
| Special Five-Twelve Leopards Safari | 4:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. |
| Special 6-11 (Six-Eleven) Birds Safari | 5:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. |
| National Park Timings | 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. |
| Best Time to Visit | February to June |
| Entrance Fees | £19.32 to £27.04 (approx.) |
| Nearby Attractions |
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9. Marvel the Polonnaruwa Vatadage
The Polonnaruwa Vatadage is one of the most iconic and well-preserved structures in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka. This beautiful circular relic house (known as a vatadage) is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Polonnaruwa and dates back to the 12th century. Its intricate carvings and architectural design reflect the cultural and spiritual grandeur of the ancient Sinhalese civilisation and make it a must-see for visitors interested in Sri Lankan history and Buddhism.
| Highlights of the Polonnaruwa Vatadage |
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| Best Time to Visit | Early morning or late afternoon |
| Entrance Fee | £19.32 |
| Things to do at the Vatadage |
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| Nearby Attractions |
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10. Hike to the Little Adam’s Peak
Little Adam’s Peak is a scenic, family-friendly hiking destination in the hill country of Ella, Sri Lanka. It is named after the larger Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada), a famous pilgrimage site. Little Adam’s Peak offers a much easier trek with similarly stunning panoramic views of lush green hills, tea plantations, and distant valleys. Rising to about 1,141 metres (3,743 feet) above sea level, this hike is perfect for those looking to experience Sri Lanka’s breathtaking highlands without the strenuous effort required by taller peaks.
| Highlights of Little Adam’s Peak |
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| How to Get to Little Adam’s Peak? |
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| Nearby Attractions |
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| Best Time to Visit | December to March or July to August |
| Best time during the day | Early Morning or Late Afternoon |
Read Also: Best places to visit in Sri Lanka | Visit beaches in Sri Lanka
Best time to visit Sri Lanka | Boutique hotels in Sri Lanka
