Things To Do
in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is an island country located in the Indian Ocean, known for its rich cultural heritage, ancient ruins, and vibrant traditions that date back thousands of years. It boasts breathtaking natural landscapes, including pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife, making it a popular destination for eco-tourism and adventure.
The nation's economy is heavily based on agriculture, textiles, and tourism, with tea, rubber, and coconuts being significant agricultural products.
- "Ayubowan" - Hello
- "Suba dawasak" - Good day
- "Aparada" - Sorry
- "Hondai" - Good
- "Bohoma istuti" - Thank you very much
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $10 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $3 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.25 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $10 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the stunning Gangaramaya Temple, a blend of modern and traditional architecture. Then, stroll along Galle Face Green and enjoy the sea breeze.
Visit the National Museum and discover the rich history of Sri Lanka. Afterward, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant to taste some authentic Sri Lankan cuisine.
Wander through the vibrant street markets for some shopping and snacks. End your day with a relaxing walk along the shores of Colombo.
Visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, an important Buddhist site. Explore the beautiful Botanical Gardens afterward to see exotic plants.
Take a leisurely boat ride on Kandy Lake and enjoy the scenic views. Have lunch at a restaurant with a view of the lake.
Witness a traditional Kandyan dance performance to experience local culture. Enjoy dinner at a restaurant, savoring Kandy's unique flavors.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural beauty including beaches, mountains, and wildlife.
- Rich cultural heritage with ancient temples and traditions.
- Diverse cuisine influenced by various cultures.
- Friendly and hospitable locals.
- Affordable travel and living costs.
- A variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, surfing, and wildlife safaris.
- Growing tourism industry with improving infrastructure.
- Political instability and economic challenges.
- Limited job opportunities for locals and expatriates.
- Infrastructure issues, including public transport and road conditions.
- Risk of natural disasters such as floods and landslides.
- Environmental concerns such as deforestation and plastic pollution.
- Health care quality can vary significantly across regions.
- Occasional civil unrest impacting travel safety.
Best Activities in Sri Lanka
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the stunning landscapes of Sri Lanka by hiking through its lush forests and scenic trails.
Enjoy the world-class waves at popular surfing spots like Arugam Bay and Hikkaduwa.
Embark on a boat tour to witness majestic whales and dolphins off the coast of Mirissa.
Experience wildlife safaris in national parks like Yala, Udawalawe, and Wilpattu to see diverse wildlife including elephants, leopards, and birds.
Discover vibrant marine life and stunning coral reefs at dive sites such as Pigeon Island and Bar Reef.
Challenge yourself with rock climbing adventures in scenic locations such as Ella and Dambulla.
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Sri Lanka by camping in picturesque locations such as Horton Plains and Knuckles Mountain Range.
Tours
Uncover the best of Sri Lanka with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Sri Lanka
Visit one of these nice places.
A popular hiking destination offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
An ancient rock fortress with stunning views from the top, including the famous Lion Rock and surrounding lush scenery.
Known for its beautiful sunsets and picturesque beach views, a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts.
Food in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A bowl-shaped pancake made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, often served with a variety of toppings such as egg, honey, or spicy sambal. Best enjoyed at local eateries and street food stalls.
Must-Try!
A popular street food dish made from chopped roti (flatbread), vegetables, egg, and a choice of meat or seafood, all stir-fried with a blend of spices. Found at most local eateries and street food vendors.
A Dutch Burgher-influenced dish consisting of rice cooked in stock, accompanied by a mix of side dishes such as meat curry, seeni sambol (sweet onion relish), and fried plantains. Typically available at local restaurants and homes offering traditional cuisine.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Sri Lanka better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market where visitors can find an array of fresh produce, spices, and street food stalls offering a variety of local snacks, fruits, and drinks.
A popular evening spot with numerous street food vendors serving an assortment of Sri Lankan specialties such as isso vade (shrimp fritters), kothu roti, and a variety of deep-fried snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Sri Lankan culture, it is important to use polite language and gestures when interacting with others, especially elders and those in positions of authority.
When visiting religious sites or local communities, it is respectful to dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, to show cultural sensitivity and respect.
Sri Lanka is a religiously diverse country, so it is important to respect the customs and traditions of different religions, such as removing shoes before entering a Buddhist temple.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Sri Lanka with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Sri Lanka
Ensure a smooth experience
In Sri Lanka, tipping is not customary but is appreciated in the tourism and hospitality industry. A 10% service charge is often added to bills in upscale restaurants and hotels, but additional tipping for exceptional service is welcomed.
Cash is the primary form of payment in Sri Lanka, especially outside major cities. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels and larger establishments, but it's advisable to carry sufficient cash for smaller vendors and local markets.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Sri Lanka.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit for sunny weather, calm seas, and ideal beach conditions. Also perfect for exploring cultural sites and national parks.
Expect sporadic rainfall and slightly higher humidity. Good time for lower tourist numbers and discounted rates.
Brings heavy rainfall, particularly to the south and west coasts. Not ideal for beach holidays, but good for surfers.
Brings heavy rainfall to the northeast, but parts of the south and west coasts remain largely dry. Good for cultural travel and wildlife spotting.
Sri Lanka at Night
Hiking in Sri Lanka
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Knuckles Mountain Range offers diverse trails with stunning views, encompassing lush forests, tea plantations, and rich biodiversity.
This popular hike provides breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The trail is well-marked and takes you through scenic tea gardens and forests.
A sacred pilgrimage site, Adam's Peak is famous for its unique footprint-shaped depression at its summit. The trek is strenuous but rewarding, especially at sunrise.
Known for its unique ecosystems, Horton Plains features the famous World's End cliff and provides several well-maintained hiking trails that showcase stunning landscapes.
A short hike near Nuwara Eliya takes you to these picturesque waterfalls. The trail offers beautiful views of tea estates and the surrounding terrain.
The highest mountain in Sri Lanka, it's a challenging hike that rewards adventurers with panoramic views from the peak, revealing the lush greenery and surrounding areas.
Ideal for nature lovers, this park features serene trails that meander through dense forests and fields, providing opportunities to spot wildlife.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Sri Lanka through these rare and unique activities.
Airports
How to reach Sri Lanka by plane.
Located in Chennai, India, approximately 540 km from Sri Lanka.
The main international airport in Sri Lanka, located in Katunayake.
Located in Kochi, India, approximately 640 km from Sri Lanka.
Located in Thiruvananthapuram, India, approximately 670 km from Sri Lanka.
Located in Malé, Maldives, approximately 700 km from Sri Lanka.
Located in Dubai, UAE, approximately 3,500 km from Sri Lanka.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest ethnic group in Sri Lanka, making up approximately 75% of the population. They primarily speak Sinhala and are predominantly Buddhist.
The second largest ethnic group, constituting around 15% of the population. The majority are Tamil speakers and are primarily Hindus, with a significant Christian minority.
Comprising about 9% of the population, this group is mainly Muslim and speaks Tamil. They have a unique culture that blends indigenous and Islamic influences.
A small ethnic group, typically around 1%, descended from Portuguese and Dutch colonists. They primarily speak English and are mostly Christian.
An indigenous group, making up less than 1% of the population. They have their own language and culture, although many have assimilated with other ethnic groups.
The Soul of Sri Lanka
Discover the essence of Sri Lanka through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cricket is the most popular sport in Sri Lanka, with a passionate fan base and a successful national team. The country won the ICC Cricket World Cup in 1996.
Rugby has a significant following in Sri Lanka, particularly among schools and universities. The national team competes in various international tournaments.
Football has a growing popularity in Sri Lanka, with a number of professional clubs and a national team that competes in regional tournaments.
Badminton is a popular sport, with participation at both recreational and competitive levels. Sri Lankan players have represented the country in international competitions.
Athletics is widely practiced in schools and colleges, and Sri Lankans have excelled in various track and field events at regional competitions.
Volleyball is a widely played sport in Sri Lanka, with many schools and communities participating in local and national tournaments.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Sri Lankan cuisine is meat-centric, there is a range of vegetarian and vegan options available, particularly at restaurants catering to international visitors and in areas with a significant Buddhist population. Look for dishes like dhal curry, coconut sambol, and various vegetable stir-fries.
Many traditional Sri Lankan dishes are naturally gluten-free, but it's important to communicate your dietary needs clearly when dining out. Dishes such as string hoppers, hoppers, and many seafood and vegetable curries can often be suitable for those avoiding gluten.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Sri Lanka with these cultural adventures.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Sri Lanka.