Best things to do in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka without a doubt is one of the best-kept secrets in the whole of Asia. Known as ‘the pearl’ of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is just that – an absolute pearl!
From the shores of the Indian Ocean to the mountainous ruins of Ritigala, everything you see in this beautiful island nation you’ll want to thoroughly explore.
Wild Safari
Sri Lanka is a tropical island of remarkable variety -rich in wildlife including elephants, leopards, daybreak, monkeys, storks, ibis and crocodiles, as well as deer, sloth bears, jackals and wild buffalo. Udawalawa is the most popular national park to see elephants in the wild and Yala and Wilpattu are famous for leopards and sloth bears.
Cultural Sites
With a recorded history of more than 2,500 years, Sri Lanka has a rich cultural and natural heritage and its World Heritage Sites are among the absolute highlights in the country. With eight recognized entries, Sri Lanka currently has the second-greatest number of listed World Heritage Sites in South Asia.
Beach Holiday
Sri Lanka is an island gifted with more than a thousand kilometres of unspoiled golden beaches offering ample space for sunbathing. Also, the shallow blue water naturally facilitates swimming and water sports. The coastal resort of Sri Lanka also offers a wide range of hotels which suits for all kind of favours from luxury hotels, Ayurvedic spa, boutique hotels as well as budget accommodations.​
Ayurveda & Spa
If you are looking for total wellness holiday or planning to get a few hour treatments while in your holiday, Sri Lanka is undoubtedly best place in Asia. Here you can find internationally recognized spa companies such as Angsana and Six senses which is mainly based in luxury hotels as well as many local specialist which gives you amazing experience.
Birds Watching
Sri Lanka is one of the best destinations for the bird lovers which can get incredible experience within relatively short period. This small island has been recognized as one of most bio- diverse area in South Asia.
On a global scale, Sri Lanka has been declared as one of the world’s 25 hotspots in biodiversity.
White Water Rafting
Kitulgala is the most famous White water rafting destination in Sri Lanka. It is covering 5 major and 4 minor rapids which is also suitable for kids over 10 years. Also the pictorial views in the river and surrounding area will gives you an amazing experience during the White Water Rafting tour in Kitulgala.
Surfing
Sri Lanka is one of the up-and-coming surf gems of South Asia. Everything from crumbly beginner breaks to rippable points is on the menu, and there are tangy eggplant curries and mist-shrouded tea fields to get stuck into when you're finished.
With one coast facing the open Indian Ocean and the other peering into the Bay of Bengal, Sri Lanka has a seriously enviable location for hitting the waves. Both sides of the island work at different times of the year – the southwest in the winter, the east in the summer. On top of that, the vibe is mega chilled, with reggae-surf bars dotting the shorelines and boho surf camps welcoming all levels.
Whale Watching
Mirissa makes for a picturesque stay by the sea, and is arguably the best and most popular area to go whale-watching in Sri Lanka. What makes it a prime spot for whale-watching is its geographic position: this is where the continental shelf is at its narrowest, with ocean depths reaching 1km a few kilometres offshore.
There are plenty of tour operators (mostly at Mirissa Harbour) who offer dolphin- and whale-watching excursions, setting off from Weligama Bay. There are also a few touts that offer tickets at cheaper prices, but it’s important to choose a reliable operator for the most eco- and safety-conscious trip. Some boats cater for eight or so people, others over fifty. Tours start early at 6am, and during the three to four hours you’re out on the water, you’re likely to catch sightings of blue, sperm and possibly even a Humpback whale.
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