I wanted this list of the best things to do in Sri Lanka to be fun, exciting, and maybe even give you that last push to book the trip. These are not just popular historic and natural sites. It is my ultimate bucket list, the experiences I consider a must for anyone visiting Sri Lanka.
If you are new here, my husband is Sri Lankan. We have lived on and off the island, as well as traveled extensively for the past 15 years. Below you will find some well-known attractions, hidden gems, my favorite foods, and unique places to stay. Under every point of this bucket list, I left a remark on whether I have done it or not.
Now, in no particular order here are 40 incredible things to do in Sri Lanka!
Sri Lanka is not particularly famous for its bread, but there’s one variety that will blow your mind — roast paan. For the longest time, I thought it was “rospan” because that’s how locals pronounce it. Until one day I learned that “paan” is Sinhalese for “bread” and “ros” is really “roast”. It looks like a slice of bread browned on all sides. Crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside.
Get your roast paan at a bakery early morning or ask your hotel if they serve it for breakfast. Freshness is key. Yesterday’s roast paan does not hit the spot. What do you have it with? Pol sambol (spicy coconut sambol) and parippu (lentil curry) are by far the best pairings.
Status: completed (oh, so many wonderful times!)
This is a non-negotiable. You probably will take a ride (or a dozen) one way or another while exploring the island. But even if you are planning a luxurious trip around Sri Lanka in a private car with a driver, give tuk-tuk a try! Make sure it has a meter, though, or it’ll cost more than your private car.
Status: completed (more times than I ever wished for)
This was my bucket list wish for the longest time, and I finally made it come true on a trip to Sigiriya and Dambulla. Apparently, a herd of elephants had passed right by our tree house just before we arrived. Both exciting and terrifying news to hear from the receptionist upon checking in. The experience was incredible and, surprisingly, much less expensive than we expected. This is the hotel where I stayed.
Status: completed (but I’d do it again!)
Climbing five thousand steps uphill in the middle of the night is admittedly not for the faint of heart, but the reward is all worth it. Saying hello to the world from the top of Sri Pada (Sinhalese name of Adam’s Peak) at sunrise is a one-of-a-kind experience. Once the sun is up, don’t forget to turn around to see the shadow of Adam’s Peak. Then walk five thousand steps down.
P.S. the pictures are from 2011, my second time climbing Adam’s peak.
Status: completed twice and probably never again!
If you are a tea-drinker visiting a tea plantation is an absolute must in Sri Lanka, one of the biggest tea exporters in the world. If you are not, you will become one in the course of your trip, trust me. Usually, a visit to a tea plantation means strolling through the rows of tea bushes, touring the factory, and having a cup of freshly brewed tea afterwards. If you want to drink it like locals, ask for milk and plenty of sugar.
Status: completed
The cornerstone of Sri Lankan cuisine, rice and curry, is much more than it seems to be. It might feel repetitive on paper. Rice and curry for lunch every day? Like every single day? Doesn’t it get boring? But once you sit down to eat with a Sri Lankan family, you’ll see that there are dozens of curries: from meat and fish to vegetables and fruits to nuts and beyond.
You can find Sri Lankan cooking classes in almost every touristy town on the island. You’ll be making everything from scratch: starting from scraping coconuts and extracting coconut milk. A class usually involves cooking four-five curries and rice which you eat afterwards.
Status: as I am married to a Sri Lankan man, I have learned to cook curries from my mother-in-law. Completed!
When driving around the island you’ll come across hundreds of colorful fruit shops by the road — “kade” is Sinhalese for “small shop”. Do make a stop to choose the freshest juiciest mangoes, papayas, and pineapples. And to take a picture, of course.
Status: completed
When it comes to hiking in the mountains, Ella and Nuwara Eliya are where everyone seems to go. Meanwhile, right near Kandy is the beautiful Knuckles Mountain Range, a true hidden gem (as much as a mountain range can be hidden.) On our day hike with a guide, we met no more than five people. You do need a guide for hiking, though. There are no clear paths and signs around the area.
Status: completed
You’ll find a few versions of crab curry around the island, the most popular being the one originating in Jaffna, an absolute treat. One of my favorites comes from Ministry of Crab, a restaurant headed by Sri Lankan-Japanese chef Dharshan Munidasa in Colombo. The crabs range from half a kilo to two kilos in weight and drown in delicious rich gravy. Do get garlic bread on the side to soak up all those juices.
Status: completed
This is easily done if you pay a visit to a fabric shop. Whether you are looking to buy a saree or not, trying one on is a fun experience. Mind you, saree is just a long piece of fabric, so you’ll need help wrapping it around yourself — shop assistants will gladly do it. On the pictures, I am wearing a saree at our friends’ wedding in 2013 and at my sister-in-law’s wedding in 2023.
Sarong, a kind of long skirt men wear in Sri Lanka, is easier to wrap, but one still might need assistance the first time around. I also think that sarong is a cool gift to get for yourself or your loved one: it’s comfy, beautiful, and versatile.
Status: completed
The key word here is “in the wild” which means staying away from riding elephants. What you should do is visit one of the national parks in Sri Lanka, like Kaudulla or Minneraya. The latter is considered the largest meeting place of Asian elephants in the world with up to three hundred elephants gathering in the park during the season (May to October). The easiest way to do this is on a jeep tour with a driver.
Status: completed
Hands down, one of my all-time favorite things to do in Colombo! Galle Face is one of the oldest and most beautiful hotels in Sri Lanka, with its grand architecture, old-world charm, and ocean-front location.
Facing the ocean is a checkered terrace where you can sip cocktails while watching the ceremony of lowering the Sri Lankan flag at sunset. This one is a classic!
Pictured is a glass of masala chai a that same terrace at breakfast, also a nice idea.
Status: completed
How do I describe kottu? It is the most satisfying dish full of carbs and fat that tastes especially good late at night (like all fatty foods do) and after lots of drinking (again, like all fatty foods do).
The base for kottu is made of godamba roti, extremely thin large pancakes that are cut into strips. Roti strips are then mixed with vegetables, meats of your choice, spices, and gravy on a large grill. The cook uses two metal blades to stir and simultaneously cut the ingredients which produces a loud sound of metal hitting metal. This is why I always say you hear kottu before you see it.
Status: completed
One of the best things to do in Sri Lanka that you’ll find on everyone’s bucket list is the picturesque train ride from Kandy to Ella. You might have to spend three hours in a crowded compartment with no air conditioning, or even sit in between compartments on the floor, but the views are all worth it! Just, please, don’t risk your life taking one of those pictures hanging out of the doors of a moving train!
Status: completed
Bright yellow coconuts you’ll see sold by the road all over Sri Lanka are called thambili in Sinhalese. Coconut water inside is a perfect thirst-quencher when you are road-tripping around the island. It is packed with potassium, sodium, and magnesium, as well as a variety of vitamins. On top of that, king coconut water is simply delicious and you don’t have to buy water bottles — a win for you and for the environment.
While the salesman expertly cuts your coconut for you, make sure to mention you don’t need a straw! Then drink the water straight from the coconut! Pure joy!
Status: completed
I must admit I have a mild obsession with Geoffrey Bawa, Sri Lanka’s most famous architect. If there’s a building in sight designed by Bawa, I have to see it. Lunuganga estate, the architect’s former country home in Bentota, is perhaps one of his finest works. The home was turned into a boutique hotel where you can spend the night.
Pro tip: if you can’t stay at the hotel, do take a guided tour of the premises. They happen daily (call to make a reservation).
Bawa has designed a number of hotels on the island, I compiled a list of my favorite ones here.
Status: completed
The biggest market in Colombo, Pettah might seem intimidating for a newcomer. The hustle and bustle of the streets, the bargaining with shop assistants, the unbearable heat and humidity can be overwhelming. But if you are not afraid to be a part of the lively flow of people, tuk-tuks, and, occasionally, cows, you’ll love the experience: from tasting achcharu (spiced and marinated fruits) to exploring the Old Town Hall to browsing the vegetable market. You can find my self-guided tour of the Pettah Market and Colombo Fort here.
Status: completed
I realize swinging into the sunset on the beach is one of those experiences everyone does for Instagram, but… I tried it and it felt so good! How else flying over the Indian Ocean on a swing could feel? Whether you are doing it for the Gram or not, it is fun! The most famous swing is located on Dalawella beach.
Status: completed
Helga’s Folly is one of the coolest places to stay if you are traveling to Kandy. It’s not for everyone, but if you like quirky you’ll love Helga’s Folly. Covered from floor to ceiling in murals and furnished with bright accessories and antiques, the hotel doesn’t provide much rest for the eyes. You can spend a whole day exploring its every nook and corner. A word of warning: you have to lower your cleanliness standards if you decide to stay here.
Note: if you’d like to support my work, you can book your hotel (whether it is Helga’s Folly or any other hotel), through my affiliate link. I will get a commission at no extra cost to you. This is how I can share all my knowledge on this blog for free.
Status: completed
Climbing Pidurangala located right opposite the famous Lion Rock is one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka. You see, when you go to the top of the Lion Rock you are missing out on the view of the Lion Rock. Now, from the top of Pidurangala Rock the Lion Rock can be witnessed in all its beauty, dominating the landscape of Sigiriya.
Status: completed
The colonial tradition of having afternoon tea with teeny-tiny sandwiches and sweets lives and prospers in Sri Lanka, especially at high-end hotels. For a fraction of what you’d pay in Europe, you can get bottomless Ceylon tea and a beautifully arranged three-tier tray of food enough to substitute lunch.
These days, some hotels offer afternoon tea with a local twist: you can try classic Sri Lankan sweets like kokis, konde kawum, and lavariya.
Pro tip: some hotels offer buffet-style afternoon tea, but I much prefer a pre-arranged platter. It’s just so classy and elegant.
Status: complete
What used to be an off-the-beaten-track attraction is slowly becoming a trend. Still, Diyaluma Falls are one of the most beautiful nature spots in Sri Lanka I’ve ever visited. The coolest thing about this experience is that you don’t only see the waterfall from the bottom, but can hike all the way to its top. Do hire a local guide to help you find the way.
Status: complete
Spending the night at Ceylon Tea Trails in the Hill Country at an altitude of 1250 meters is still a dream that I hope to make a reality soon. Hands down, one of the most beautiful hotels in the whole country located amid tea plantations. Historic bungalows, vintage furniture, and endless views of the mountains! And if that is not enough, I heard that every guest has a butler who can draw a bubble bath for you (gasp!)
Status: incomplete
While I have taken an air balloon flight before, over the mountains of Boulder, Colorado, flying over the lush green landscapes of Sri Lanka is still on my bucket list. The most popular spot for air balloon flights in the country is around the Sigiriya—Dambulla area. You are provided buffet-style Sri Lankan breakfast before the flight early morning and rewarded with a glass of champagne upon landing. And in between all the food is the most mesmerizing journey over paddy fields, palm trees, and lakes.
Status: incomplete
Sri Lankans eat by hand and so should you. At least give it a try! But before you dive in, here are a few quick rules.
Eating by hand is reserved for rice and curry, not Western food. You only eat with your right hand, while your left hand is used to add more curries to your plate with a spoon.
The food shouldn’t come higher than the second phalange of your fingers (if you can contain the mess within the first phalange, you are a pro!) Finally, the whole purpose of using hands is to mix rice and curries as well as possible. So work it!
Status: complete
Seeing the largest creature on Earth is possible on a boat tour in Mirissa. Fair warning: if you get seasick easily, think twice before booking the tour. Even on a calm day, the waves make your stomach churn quite a bit. But the sheer idea of seeing the Blue Whale in its natural habitat gives me goosebumps. Apart from the blue whale, you are likely to see dolphins, turtles, and sometimes sharks. Make sure to choose an environmentally responsible company.
Status: complete and I didn’t even throw up!
Sri Lanka, being an island in the Indian Ocean, is a perfect place for water sports. Weligama and Arugam Bay are two of the most popular spots for surfing. If you are new to surfing, there are plenty of surf schools that offer classes. I’ve been making slow progress for the past 3 years which makes me extremely proud. More on my very first experience here.
Status: complete, but looking forward to doing it again and again!
I’ve already mentioned that watching elephants in the wild is one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka. But if that wasn’t enough, the island is also home to a great population of leopards. Yala National Park boasts the highest density of leopards on the island. As there are no other predators around, leopards roam free and aren’t afraid of coming close so you have a good chance of spotting one.
Status: this one is tricky! I did a safari in Yala, but we didn’t spot a leopard (which can happen occasionally). I am planning to do it again.
Speaking of leopards, Wild Coast Tented Lodge is a beautiful place to stay in Yala. It is definitely a special occasion kind of hotel and by far one of the most expensive on the island (probably rivaled by Ceylon Tea Trails).
A collection of 28 tented huts is located in between the jungle and the Indian Ocean shore. The huts (or cocoons as they are called here) are designed in a way to blend with nature. The hotel has received a UNESCO Design Award. Interior design reflects vintage explorer style: rugs on the floor and camp-style furniture.
Status: incomplete, but one day… one day! My sister-in-law and her husband stayed here for their honeymoon so I can confidently recommend this hotel.
Ranked at number 14 on the list of Asia’s 50 best bars, Smoke and Bitters is probably the first bar in Sri Lanka to be recognized on an international level. Not only do they serve creative cocktails made with local ingredients, but incredible food too, with a focus on smoked (in house) meats.
But the best part is that the bar is located right on the shore of Hiriketiya, an up-and-coming beach town in the south of the island. Think: ocean views, palm trees all around, and a chill friendly vibe that’s rarely a given when it comes to fancy drinks.
Status: complete and I’d do it again and again!
Looking for things to do in Sri Lanka that are off-the-beaten-track? Easy peasy! The whole North-Eastern part of the island is a lot less explored. Most tourists travel to the South (Unawatuna, Ahangama, Weligama), the cultural triangle (Sigiriya, Kandy, Anuradhapura) and the mountains (Nuwara Eliya and Ella). Over-tourism is definitely becoming a thing in those areas.
If you want to avoid the crowds and experience Sri Lanka as it was 10-15 years ago, then head to places like Trincomalee, Passekudah, and Jaffna. You are not likely to find fancy cafes, specialty coffee, and the other perks of touristy towns, but you will have peace and quiet. And that’s worth a lot.
Status: I have been to Trinkomalee and Jaffna a decade ago, so definitely need to visit again soon.
Toddy tappers in Sri Lanka are the men who climb palm trees with a clay pot to collect the sap of palm tree flowers. The sap is then fermented to make so-called toddy, an alcoholic drink. Some travel companies offer watching the tappers and trying fresh toddy as an experience.
Status: incomplete
If you read enough articles about Sri Lanka on this blog, you’ll hear me say again and again that Colombo is a must if you visit Sri Lanka. But! You should understand that Colombo is less about sightseeing and more about eating and shopping.
The amount of great restaurants and boutique shops that sell locally-made clothes, jewelry, souvenirs is through the roof. You can spend a whole day moving from one cafe to the next next, from one shop to another. Mind you, you could make this as cheap or as expensive an experience as you wish. There are options for all budgets, both when it comes to food and shopping.
If you need a starting point, Barefoot is the most iconic souvenir shop in Colombo that works with local craftsmen. There’s a garden cafe and an art gallery on their premises, too.
If you want more detailed information, I have a guide to the best restaurants in Colombo and a guide to my favorite boutique shops in Colombo.
Status: been exploring Colombo’s food and shopping scene for the past 15 years and will keep doing it for the next 15 and more.
One of the coolest things you can do in Sri Lanka is book a spot at a yoga session, preferably at sunrise, preferably somewhere on a rooftop. Even if you don’t normally do yoga. Even if you are not a morning person. I definitely am nowhere near being good at it, but still waking up at sunrise, moving your body, and stilling your mind all while being surrounded by greenery… priceless!
On the left picture is my friend Vika who does yoga classes in Ahangama and Midigama. You can follow her on Instagram and join one of her classes (in Russian) or book a private session (in Russian or English). On the right is me, trying to follow Vika’s instructions.
Yoga sessions are easy to find down south, in touristy beach towns. Your hotel might offer them too.
Status: blissfully complete
The Temple of the Tooth in Kandy is on everyone’s list of things to do in Sri Lanka and for a good reason, but one cannot deny you don’t feel particularly inspired while being pushed from all directions.
I find that smaller, lesser-known temples usually prove to be quieter and more peaceful. They provide space for reflection, thoughtful exploring, and smaller impact when you travel. You will find such temples all over the island, including in Kandy. I listed 4 lesser-known temples around Kandy in this article.
Status: complete, but always on the look out for more hidden gems.
Everyone has heard about Ceylon tea, but did you know that once upon a time coffee was the main crop on the island? So much so that Sri Lanka was one of the biggest coffee exporters in the world, alongside Brazil.
Unfortunately, coffee leaf rust disease killed most coffee plants in the 19th century. These days, coffee plantations are reappearing and the coffee industry is slowly growing again. You can often find Sri Lankan coffee beans in third-wave coffee shops in Colombo and along the Southern Coast of the island.
My favorite coffee shops (as well as favorite restaurants, hotels, and things to do) are all gathered in this guide.
Status: compete
I currently have two rather large paintings I managed to schlepp home to Hamburg from Sri Lanka in my suitcase. I want, no… need more! There are some amazing established and up-and-coming Sri Lankan artists that are getting more exposure thanks to the power of social media and through many new art galleries and cafes that provide space for artists and their work.
In Colombo, definitely check out Barefoot. I mentioned it above as a souvenir shop, but it features one of the oldest galleries in Colombo, too. The newest space is Radicle Specialty Coffee that has a rather large art space and showcases modern artists.
Status: complete
Ceylon blue sapphire is world famous. Remember Princess Diana’s engagement ring? That oval-shaped sapphire was from Sri Lanka.
If you head to the town of Ratnapura, you can visit a working gem mine and see how gem stones are washed and sorted. If that doesn’t fit your itinerary, you can always stop by one of the many jewelry shops around the island.
Sapphires vary greatly in quality and price so a little piece of jewelry might be more affordable than you think. Apart from sapphires, one finds semi-precious stones in Sri Lanka, too. Those are usually lower in price.
Little known fact about me: I first came to Sri Lanka to work as a marketing manager at a jewelry store in Colombo that specialized in sapphires. I never made it to Ratnapura, though.
Pro tip: try to come to a jewelry store alone (without a tuk-tuk driver or a guide — they get a commission for bringing people in).
Status: still need to travel to Ratnapura, but I definitely know a thing or two about sapphires. My engagement ring has a blue sapphire, too.
Ceylon cinnamon is considered to be the best in the world. It has received a special geographical protection in the EU, meaning that only cinnamon from Sri Lanka can be sold as Ceylon cinnamon (not unlike Champagne can only come from the region of Champagne in France, everything else is sparkling wine.)
There are multiple plantations around Sri Lanka that offer cinnamon experience: you get to see how the tree bark is being peeled, rolled, ground and turned into final product. Do buy Ceylon cinnamon to take home (you can do it at a supermarket). It is not uncommon for imitations (cassia) to be sold as Ceylon cinnamon in the US and Europe.
Status: complete
The most famous fish market is definitely the one in Negombo. It’s easy to do right upon your arrival or at the end of the trip as Negombo is located close to the airport. However, I do like Paliyagoda Market a lot.
Either way, you have to come early in the morning (5-6 am kind of early.) Wear something you don’t care too much about and have fun! I can imagine that if you live in a hotel there won’t be an opportunity to buy something, but on the off-chance that you rent an Airbnb, it might be a cool idea to make a seafood meal at home. The prices are very reasonable.
Status: completed
I write stories about food, travel, and my life as a mom of two boys. Home is Russia, but somehow also Sri Lanka and Hamburg, Germany. Go figure.
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