Sri Lanka is a small island nation in the Indian Ocean, but it has a lot to offer for travelers who are looking for a diverse and memorable holiday. Whether you are interested in wildlife, nature, culture, history, or adventure, Sri Lanka has something for everyone. Here are some of the amazing things that you can do in Sri Lanka in 2024.
Explore the Ancient Cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa
Sri Lanka has a rich and ancient history that dates back to over 2500 years. The country was home to several ancient kingdoms that left behind impressive monuments, temples, palaces, and statues. Two of the most famous ancient cities are Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, which are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Anuradhapura was the first capital of Sri Lanka and the center of Buddhism for many centuries. You can see the sacred Bodhi tree, which is said to be a cutting from the original tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment, as well as the colossal dagobas (stupas) that house the relics of the Buddha. Polonnaruwa was the second capital of Sri Lanka and the seat of power for several dynasties. You can admire the exquisite carvings and sculptures of the Gal Vihara, which depict the Buddha in different poses, as well as the royal palace, the audience hall, and the lotus pond.
Climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the Pidurangala Rock
One of the most iconic landmarks of Sri Lanka is the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This massive rock formation rises over 200 meters above the surrounding plains and was once the palace and fortress of King Kasyapa in the 5th century CE. You can climb the steep stairs to reach the summit, where you can enjoy the panoramic views of the countryside and the remains of the royal gardens, pools, and frescoes. Alternatively, you can climb the nearby Pidurangala Rock, which is less crowded and offers a stunning view of the Sigiriya Rock itself. Pidurangala is also a sacred site, as it has a cave temple and a large reclining Buddha statue.
Experience the Scenic Train Rides from Kandy to Ella
One of the best ways to appreciate the natural beauty of Sri Lanka is to take a train ride from Kandy to Ella, which is considered to be one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. The train passes through lush green hills, tea plantations, waterfalls, and charming villages, offering a glimpse of the rural life and culture of Sri Lanka. You can sit by the window or hang out of the door to feel the breeze and take in the views. The train ride takes about seven hours, but you can break it up by stopping at some of the stations along the way, such as Nuwara Eliya, Hatton, and Haputale.
Visit the Tea Country and Learn About the Tea Production
Sri Lanka is one of the largest producers and exporters of tea in the world, and the tea industry is a vital part of the country’s economy and culture. The tea country is located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, where the climate and soil are ideal for growing high-quality tea. You can visit some of the tea estates and factories, where you can learn about the history and process of tea production, from plucking to drying to grading. You can also taste and buy different varieties of tea, such as black, green, white, and oolong. Some of the tea estates also offer accommodation and activities, such as hiking, cycling, and golfing.
Go on a Wildlife Safari in One of the National Parks
Sri Lanka is a paradise for wildlife lovers, as it has a rich biodiversity and a variety of habitats, from rainforests to grasslands to wetlands. The country has over 20 national parks and reserves, where you can see a range of animals, such as elephants, leopards, sloth bears, monkeys, deer, crocodiles, and birds. Some of the most popular national parks for wildlife safaris are Yala, Udawalawe, Wilpattu, Minneriya, and Bundala. You can book a jeep safari with a guide, who will take you to the best spots to observe and photograph the wildlife. You can also opt for a camping safari, where you can stay overnight in the park and experience the sounds and sights of nature.
Relax on the Beautiful Beaches and Try Some Water Sports
Sri Lanka is blessed with a long coastline that offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. You can find a beach that suits your preference, whether you want to relax on the soft sand, swim in the clear water, surf on the waves, or snorkel among the coral reefs. Some of the best beaches in Sri Lanka are Unawatuna, Mirissa, Hikkaduwa, Bentota, Arugam Bay, and Trincomalee. You can also try some water sports, such as kayaking, jet skiing, windsurfing, and kite surfing. If you are lucky, you might even spot some dolphins, whales, or turtles.
Indulge in the Delicious Sri Lankan Cuisine and Street Food
Sri Lanka has a diverse and delicious cuisine that reflects its history, culture, and geography. The main staple is rice, which is usually served with a variety of curries, sambols, and pickles. The curries can be made with meat, fish, vegetables, or lentils, and are flavored with spices, such as cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and turmeric. The sambols are spicy condiments, such as coconut sambol, which is made with grated coconut, chili, onion, and lime juice. The pickles are sour and sweet, such as mango pickle, which is made with green mangoes, sugar, and vinegar. Some of the most popular dishes in Sri Lanka are hoppers, which are thin, crispy pancakes made with rice flour and coconut milk, kottu, which is a street food dish made with chopped roti, vegetables, eggs, and meat, and lamprais, which is a Dutch-influenced dish made with rice, meat, and vegetables wrapped in a banana leaf and baked.
Learn About the Culture and Religion of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a multicultural and multi-religious country, where you can find people of different ethnicities, languages, and faiths. The majority of the population is Sinhalese, who are mostly Buddhists, while the minority groups include Tamils, who are mostly Hindus, Muslims, and Christians. You can learn about the culture and religion of Sri Lanka by visiting some of the temples, churches, mosques, and museums, where you can see the architecture, art, and rituals of the different communities. Some of the most important religious sites in Sri Lanka are the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, which houses a relic of the Buddha’s tooth, the Dambulla Cave Temple, which has over 150 statues and paintings of the Buddha, the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque in Colombo, which has a distinctive red and white striped facade, and the St. Mary’s Cathedral in Galle, which has a Gothic style and stained glass windows.
Enjoy the Nightlife and Entertainment in Colombo
Colombo is the capital and the largest city of Sri Lanka, and it is also the hub of nightlife and entertainment in the country. You can find a variety of options to suit your mood and budget, from pubs and bars to clubs and casinos. You can enjoy live music, DJ sets, karaoke, comedy shows, and more. Some of the best places to go for nightlife and entertainment in Colombo are Bally’s Casino, which is the largest and most popular casino in the city, Floor by O!, which is a trendy rooftop bar and lounge with a dance floor, The Manchester, which is a British-style pub with a pool table and dart board, and The Kingsbury, which is a luxury hotel with a nightclub, a sky bar, and a poolside bar.
Have a Unique and Memorable Experience in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a country that has something for everyone, and you can have a unique and memorable experience in Sri Lanka by trying some of the activities that are not found anywhere else. For example, you can have breakfast with elephants in Pinnawala, where you can feed and interact with these gentle giants, release a baby turtle into the ocean in Kosgoda, where you can help conserve these endangered creatures, swing on a palm tree in Dalawella, where you can feel the thrill and the fun of flying over the sea, or taste the world’s best cinnamon on Ganduwa Island, where you can learn about the production and benefits of this spice. These are just some of the amazing things that you can do in Sri Lanka, and there are many more to discover and enjoy.
