Best Train Journeys
Exploring Sri Lanka is incomplete without experiencing its iconic train journeys, which are among the best things to do in Sri Lanka. These scenic rides offer breathtaking views, a chance to connect with the local culture, and a memorable way to traverse the island's diverse landscapes. Here’s a look at some of the best train journeys in Sri Lanka. Whether you’re traveling along the coastline or climbing into the misty highlands, Sri Lanka’s train journeys are truly one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka, combining scenic beauty, cultur...
Tea Estate Trails
The story of tea in Sri Lanka starts with the Scotish planter James Taylor in 1866 in “Loolecondara” estate in Galaha. The remnants of his cottage and tea bushes are still preserved as a permanent memento to the man credited for introducing tea to Sri Lanka, he died aged 57 and was buried in Kandy cemetery, in the country he came to love as a planter. Today, almost one hundred and fifty years after James Taylor, Sri Lanka’s central hills from Hatton, Dickoya, Bogawanthalawa, to Nuwara Eliya and every small town in higher elevations have their ...
Whale and Dolphin Watching
Mirissa: One of the best places in the world to see one of the only recorded resident blue whale colonies in their natural habitat. Dolphins are regularly spotted on whale watching trips organized from Mirissa and Dondra head on the south coast. The BBC documentary titled “Ocean Giants” featuring the mesmeric world of Whales and Dolphins, and the scientist’s effort to shed light on their habits and why they grow so large were filmed around Sri Lanka and according to them 30 Blue Whales were sighted in a single day! There is a 95% chance of spo...
Under water Exploration
Sri Lanka being an island nation, and the fact that it lies in a central location as far as the ancient trade routes were concerned, is littered so to speak of wrecks from many different era’s. The tireless wonderers of lands of the ancient, Ibn Battuta and Fa-Hsien have recorded their arrivals to the island via ship. The oldest of such known wreck is from “Godawaya” (close to current sea port Hambantota), a wooden ship dated to be over 2,000 years old by way of potsherds and intact pots found on site, an important transit trading port in the a...
Snorkeling and diving
Lesser known than Hikkaduwa or the Beruwela Barbryn reef but biggest of the three, Kalpitiya bar reef sanctuary is a pristine system of coral reefs just off shore of the Kalpitiya peninsula. The reef was declared a sanctuary in 1992 and covers an approximate area of 306sq.km. Home to over 156 species of coral and 283 species of fish with greater biodiversity than any other found around Indian Ocean. Lying about an hour’s boat ride from Kalpitiya town, known hotspot for reef sharks, manta rays and occasionally turtles, in our opinion a week’s ho...
Kite Surfing
One of the key places with all the right conditions to kite surf is Kalpitiya, located about 95 km from Colombo, this sandy peninsula with the Indian Ocean on one side and the Kalpitiya lagoon on the others offers a covered heaven for kite surfers. You can either carry your own gear or hire from the local club at an hourly rate. They will have instructors to help beginners, word of caution though is to have training before you try it as it will save you from broken bones and costly medical bills. Once you’ve mastered it check out the little san...
Bird Watching
Bird watching in Sri Lanka is one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka, thanks to the island & rich biodiversity and the variety of ecosystems ranging from tropical rainforests to wetlands. Hosting over 430 bird species, including 33 endemics, Sri Lanka is a haven for bird watchers. Whether you’re an avid ornithologist or a casual nature lover, here’s why bird watching should be on your itinerary. 1. Sinharaja Rainforest Highlights: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this biodiverse rainforest is home to a remarkable number of endemic birds, such a...
Village Walks & SL Culinary Expe
Engaging in village walks and culinary experiences is one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka, offering travelers a chance to immerse themselves in the island's rich traditions and rural life. These activities allow you to connect with locals, experience the slower pace of village life, and savor authentic Sri Lankan flavors. Here’s why village walks and culinary tours should be on your list. Village Walks in Sri Lanka Highlights: Village walks take you through lush paddy fields, ancient water reservoirs, and rural settlements. Some popul...
Ella Hiking
The Ella hiking experience is one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka, offering breathtaking landscapes, serene trails, and rewarding views. Nestled in Sri Lanka’s hill country, Ella is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike. Here’s what makes hiking in Ella unmissable: 1. Little Adam’s Peak Highlights: A short, beginner-friendly hike with panoramic views of tea plantations, valleys, and the Ella Gap. It’s perfect for families and offers stunning sunrise and sunset vistas. The trail combines scenic beauty with an access...
Taste the Wolds best Cinnamon Ganduwa Island
Exploring Gaduwa Island, renowned for producing the world’s best cinnamon, is one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka for those interested in local culture and agriculture. This serene island, located near Koggala on the southern coast, offers an immersive experience into the art of cinnamon cultivation and processing. Highlights of the Experience Cinnamon Harvesting: Witness traditional methods of peeling and curing Ceylon Cinnamon, prized globally for its superior quality and sweet aroma. Interactive Workshops, Learn from local experts abou...
Adams Peak
Climbing Adam’s Peak, also known as Sri Pada, is one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka, blending spirituality, adventure, and breathtaking natural beauty. Rising 2,243 meters above sea level, this iconic mountain is a pilgrimage site for Buddhists, Hindus, Christians, and Muslims, who believe it bears the sacred footprint of a religious figure. Highlights of the Adam’s Peak Experience Pilgrimage Trail: Ascend thousands of steps through lush forests and villages, guided by lantern-lit paths during the pilgrimage season (December to May). Spe...
Hot air balloon
A great way to experience the exhilaration of flight with a bird’s eye view of the area below, a silent ride through the sky, an excursion that has caught on fast with locals and tourist alike is hot air ballooning, drifting gently over the cultural triangle, or a wildlife park in a hot air balloon will be unforgettable, actually nothing beats a hot air balloon excursion across the central plains in our opinion. Hot air ballooning tours are available from the north central plains of the island and be carried away under blue skies and over the l...
Feast on SL Crabs
Indulging in a crab feast is one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka, offering a taste of the island’s world-renowned seafood. Sri Lanka is famous for its lagoon crabs, celebrated for their size and flavor, which are prepared in a variety of mouthwatering styles. Highlights of Crab Feasting in Sri Lanka Signature Dishes: From classic Sri Lankan crab curry bursting with spices to indulgent garlic butter crab and fiery chili crab, the flavors are unforgettable. Colombo’s iconic restaurants, along with Negombo & down south, are must-visits ...
Visit Veddha Tribe
Sri Lanka’s Aborigines’, or the Veddha’s meaning “people of the forest” of Sri Lanka has a history much older than prince Vijaya’s landing in 5 th century BC and the origins of the Sinhala race. Archaeological evidence suggests that modern Veddha’s Neolithic ancestors inhabited this island as far back as 10,000 BC with. Once roaming the Great Plains’ of the north central region to the central mountains, today the remaining Veddha population are confined to Dambana which is close to Maduru oya sanctuary. They are essentially hunter gatherer fore...
Glamping in border zones
Experience the ultimate blend of comfort and nature with glamping on the border zones of Sri Lanka’s national parks—a unique way to immerse yourself in the wild while enjoying modern luxuries. This elevated camping experience is one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka for adventure lovers and nature enthusiasts. Highlights of Glamping in Sri Lanka Stunning Locations: Stay in luxury tents on the border zones of Yala, Udawalawe, or Wilpattu National Parks, where wildlife roams freely and the sounds of nature surround you. Immersive Safari Expe...
Sports Adventures in Sri Lanka
Engaging in sports like cricket, rugby, golf, or cycling is one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka, offering unique ways to experience the island’s culture, landscapes, and vibrant sports scene. Whether you’re a player or a spectator, these activities add an active twist to your Sri Lankan adventure. 1. Cricket Highlights: Cricket is a national passion in Sri Lanka. Catch a match at Colombo's iconic R. Premadasa Stadium or Galle International Stadium, known for its scenic coastal backdrop. Experiencing a cricket game lets you immerse in ...
Destination Wedding
Sri Lanka has always been an ideal destination for an exotic wedding ceremony and honeymoon, and currently it enjoys the third spot on most popular destination for weddings and honeymoons in the world. The backdrop of your wedding can be selected from, hot-air balloons drifting silently through the air, a jungle setting, on a wide sandy beach with an elephant, on a riverboat cruising along a river, on a little private island, a tea plantation, to a private ceremony in an old church in the hill country. Talk to us to arrange an unforgettable wed...
