Things To Do
in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a teardrop-shaped island in the Indian Ocean known for its ancient ruins, lush landscapes, and vibrant wildlife. From the towering rock fortress of Sigiriya to the tea-covered highlands and pristine beaches, the country offers a remarkable tapestry of scenery. Its flavorful, spice-kissed cuisine and warm, welcoming people create a memorable travel experience.
With a compact size and well-connected transport, Sri Lanka is ideal for a multi-stop itinerary that blends history, nature, and relaxation.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Touch down at Bandaranaike International Airport and immerse yourself in the vibrant sights and sounds of Colombo. After settling into your accommodation, take a leisurely walk along Galle Face Green, where you can enjoy the view of the Indian Ocean. Explore nearby attractions such as the Gangaramaya Temple to begin your Sri Lankan adventure.
Have lunch at a local eatery, experiencing traditional Sri Lankan cuisine. Afterward, visit the Colombo National Museum to learn about the rich history and culture of the island. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the bustling markets and vibrant streets of Pettah.
As the sun sets, enjoy a delicious seafood dinner at a waterfront restaurant. Take a stroll along the coast, taking in the cool breezes and the sound of waves. Conclude your first day with an exciting visit to a local bar or café, enjoying live music and mingling with locals.
Depart for Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, surrounded by lush hills and a serene lake. Visit the famous Temple of the Tooth, which houses the relic of the tooth of Buddha. Engage in a guided tour to learn about the temple's significance and its historical importance.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant with a view of Kandy Lake, famous for its serene beauty. Afterward, take a leisurely walk around the lake, soaking in the picturesque surroundings. Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya to marvel at the vast array of flora.
In the evening, return to Kandy and enjoy a cultural show featuring traditional Sri Lankan dance and music. Savor a delightful dinner at a restaurant offering authentic Sri Lankan dishes. Wind down with a peaceful stroll around the lake, enjoying the tranquil atmosphere.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2-5 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $1-3 |
| 🚕Taxi (1 km) | $0.25-0.60 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $40-90 |
| 🥥Fresh coconut | $0.5-2 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Vibrant culture and history
- Stunning landscapes from beaches to highlands
- Delicious and varied cuisine
- Affordability and hospitality
- Seasonal weather variability and heavy rain in certain regions
- Busy tourist sites during peak season
- Traffic and transport can be challenging in cities
- Limited nightlife outside major cities
- "Ayubowan" - Hello / May you live long (Sinhala)
- "Istuti" - Thank you (Sinhala)
- "Kohomada?" - How are you? (Sinhala)
- "Vanakkam" - Hello (Tamil)
- "Nandri" - Thank you (Tamil)
- "Eppadi Irukkinka?" - How are you? (Tamil)
Places to Visit in Sri Lanka
Visit one of these nice places.
Ancient fortress atop a massive rock with frescoes and panoramic views over the surrounding plains.
Iconic railway bridge framed by tea plantations, perfect during sunrise for dramatic light.
Historic Dutch-era fort with winding streets, sea walls, and colorful facades—great at golden hour.
Mist-covered hills and endless tea plantations offering moody landscape shots.
Crystal-clear waters and rugged coastlines ideal for both landscape and underwater photography.
Food in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A staple meal featuring a heaped plate of steamed rice with a variety of curries, lentils, and pickles.
Must-Try!
Chopped flatbread stir-fried with vegetables, egg, and sometimes meat or seafood; a busy street-food favorite.
Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour; can be served plain, with eggs, or with coconut sambol.
Lentil curry often paired with rice or hoppers for a hearty vegetarian option.
A coastal specialty featuring spiced crab in a flavorful curry, popular at seafood restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A chaotic, colorful market filled with fresh produce, spices, and quick bites from street vendors.
A relaxed market near the coast offering fresh fish, fruit, and local snacks.
Historic lanes with seafood grills, short eats, and sweet treats near the fort walls.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly, remove shoes and hats, and show respect when red-robed monks are present.
Use polite greetings; avoid public displays of affection in rural areas.
Avoid touching someone’s head and pointing with feet; show respect in social interactions.
Ask for permission before photographing people, particularly in religious or sacred spaces.
Safety
Tipping in Sri Lanka
Ensure a smooth experience
Tips are appreciated in hotels and restaurants; 5–10% is common if no service charge is included.
Credit/debit cards widely accepted in cities; cash is preferred in rural markets and smaller eateries; mobile wallets are increasingly common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Dry season on the southwest coast and central highlands; expect plenty of sun with occasional showers in the evenings.
Northeast monsoon affects the northeast coast (Oct–Jan); plan beach days on southern/eastern shores if visiting Trincomalee or Pasikudah.
April–May and October–November bring intermittent rain; lush scenery is abundant, but outdoor plans may need flexibility.
Cooler nights in the hills (Nuwara Eliya, Ella) with comfortable daytime temperatures and higher chance of rain in the central mountains.
Sri Lanka at Night
Hiking in Sri Lanka
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Sacred peak with a long ascent and sunrise vistas; major pilgrimage site.
UNESCO-listed area with cloud forests, rivers, and challenging trails.
Popular hike offering expansive valley views near Ella.
Steep climb near Sigiriya with sweeping panoramas of the plains.
Grassland and forest trails including World’s End and Baker’s Falls.
Airports
How to reach Sri Lanka by plane.
Main international gateway near Colombo; well-connected to major cities via expressways and rail.
Southern airport serving some international flights and charter services; farther from Colombo.
Jaffna region airport with domestic flights; links to Colombo and regional towns.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Sinhalese majority with significant Tamil and Moor communities; multiple languages and cultural traditions.
Sinhala and Tamil are official; English is widely used in business and tourism.
Buddhism predominates among Sinhalese; Hinduism among Tamils; Islam among Moors; Christianity across communities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The dominant sport with national pride and a rich domestic scene.
Strong club and school programs, particularly in Colombo and Kandy.
Widely played with local leagues and enthusiastic fan culture.
Popular on the southern and eastern coasts, with famous spots like Arugam Bay and Hikkaduwa.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are plentiful; look for dals, vegetable curries, pol sambol, and lentil-based dishes; ask for no fish or meat when ordering.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Sri Lanka.