So, you have Googled “what to do in Sri Lanka” and ended up drowning in tabs - temples, trains, tea, turtles..confused yet? Don’t worry, we have got you.
Sri Lanka is basically Mother Nature’s mixtape, one part tropical paradise, one part ancient wonderland, and a dash of Sri Lankan food to keep things interesting. From elephant safaris to coastal train rides that look like they were made for Instagram, the famous things in Sri Lanka aren’t just bucket list materia, they are full-on main character moments.
And the best part? You don’t have to figure it all out aloe. With tons of flexible Sri Lanka tour packages out there, you can just pick your vibe - adventure, chill, culture or all of the above - and get exploring.
Famous Things to Do in Sri Lanka
Climbing Sigiriya, also known as Lion Rock, is one of the most exciting things you can do in Sri Lanka. The giant rock rises high above the jungle and has amazing views at the top. Along the way, you’ll see ancient paintings, beautiful gardens, and huge lion-shaped stone paws guarding the stairs.
If you are looking for fun and adventure, this is one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka with friends. It’s where you get the perfect mix of exploring, laughing and taking photos together!
- Location: Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
- Timings: Open daily from 7 AM - 5:30 PM
- Best time to visit Sigiriya Rock: early morning or late afternoon
- Cost: INR 3,099 (Approx.)
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2. Hike to Viharamahadevi Park
If you are in Colombo and need a peaceful break from the city’s hustle, a visit to Viharamahadevi Park is a great idea, especially with little ones in tow. It’s the oldest and largest public park in the city!
Among the many things to do in Sri Lanka with kids, this one stands out for being relaxing, free and full of space to run around. It’s a simple way to enjoy nature, have a picnic and have good time.
- Location: Colombo 00700, Sri Lanka
- Timings: 7 AM - 6 PM
- Best time to visit Viharamahadevi Park: 7 AM - 10 AM , 4 PM - 6 PM
- Cost: FREE
3. Visit Nine Arch Bridge in Ella
There’s something quietly thrilling about walking along train tracks through misty hills to find a bridge that looks like beautiful! That’s exactly what you get at Nine Arch Bridge in Ella. It’s a wholesome experience where you get nature, a bit of hike and that feeling of discovering something on your own, this spot is perfect. It’s easily one of the more adventurous things to do in Sri Lanka that doesn’t require climbing mountains, just a good pair of shoes and a little curiosity.
- Location: Ella, Sri Lanka
- Timings: early morning up to 10 AM
- Best time to visit Nine Arch Bridge: early morning
- Cost: FREE
4. Pray at Gangaramaya Temple
Located in the heart of Colombo, Gangaramaya Temple is one of the most respected and vibrant temples in Sri Lanka! If you are looking for meaningful things to do in Sri Lanka with family, visiting this temple offers a calm and cultural experience that both adults and kids can appreciate.
5. Explore Galle Face Green
Galle Face Green is a big open space by the sea in the middle of Colombo. It’s a great place to relax, fly a kite, try tasty street food, or watch the sunset with friends and family. Locals love coming here in the evenings, and it’s always full of life.
Spending time at Galle Face Green is one of the top things in Sri Lanka to enjoy if you want to feel the real energy of the city in a simple and fun way.
- Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Timings: 10 AM - 7 PM
- Best time to visit Galle Face Green: 4 PM - 7 PM
- Cost: Guided tours cost you around INR 1,700 with tuk-tuks
6. Stroll the beaches of Arugam Bay
Not every romantic moment need candles and fancy dinners! Sometimes, a barefoot walk on a quiet beach says it all. Among the many things to do in Sri Lanka for couples, a peaceful stroll along the shores of Arugam Bay is one of the most relaxing and amazing experiences.
- Location: Sri Lanka
- Timings: Any time of the day
- Best time to visit Arugam Bay: May to September
- Cost: No entry fee for beaches
Ready for a sunrise you’ll never forget? Trekking to Adam’s Peak is one of those rare experience that’s challenging, spiritual and absolutely breathtaking! You’ll climb over 5,000 steps in the early hours of the morning, guided by lanterns, chanting pilgrims and the promise of a view that’s totally worth the effort!
As one of the top attractions in Sri Lanka, Adam’s Peak is a journey which seems really beautiful! Just don’t forget comfy shoes, and maybe a few snacks!
- Location: Ella, Sri Lanka
- Timings: Any time of the day
- Best time to visit Adam’s peak: It should be visited by night so that you reach them by dawn and the ideal months would be December and January.
- Cost: Day tours cost around INR 6,000 with Ella rock and Nine Arch Bridge.
8. Boat trip in the Madu River at Balapitiya
A boat ride along the Madu River in Balapitiya is not your average cruise, it’s an adventure all in one! This is truly among the unique things to do in Sri Lanka if you want a break from the busy cities and beaches in Sri Lanka!
Located in the small town of Balpitiya, this river safari takes you through mangrove forests, past tiny islets and into the heart of local life.
- Location: Balapitiya, Sri Lanka
- Timings: 7 AM - 4:30 PM
- Best time for boating in Madu River: 7 AM - 9 AM
- Price: INR 1,200 - INR 2,000 (1-1.5 Hours)
9. Visit a Turtle Hatchery at Bentota
If you love animals and want to do something special, visiting a turtle hatchery in Bentota is a great idea! These hatcheries help protect sea turtles by taking care of their eggs and making sure baby turtles safely reach the ocean. You can see different types of turtles, learn how they are rescued, and even help release baby ones into the sea. It’s one of the must do things in Sri Lanka, perfect for all ages and a great way to support local conservation.
- Location: 92X4+25W, Bentota, Sri Lanka
- Timings: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
- Best time to visit turtle hatchery at Bentota: 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM (November to April)
- Price: INR 150 - INR 250/Per person
10. Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic
In a country full of natural beauty and wild adventures, one place stands out for its quiet power - the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy. It’s calm, it’s grand and alive with tradition. While you don’t see the relic itself, you will feel the energy of the place! It’s no surprise this temple is one of the most famous things in Sri Lanka, that you don’t want to miss out.
- Location: Kandy, Sri Lanka
- Timings: 5:30 AM - 8 PM
- Best time to visit the temple of the Tooth Relic: Early morning or during evening puja
- Price: INR 300 - INR 350 (Foreigner Visitors)
11. Experience Kitesurfing
Looking for some excitement by the sea? Kitesurfing in Sri Lanka is a must try! With strong winds and beautiful beach places like Kalpitiya are perfect for flying across the water. You don’t need to be a pro, there are friendly instructors who’ll get you started in no time.
It’s one of the most fun and adventurous things to do in Sri Lanka, if you are up for trying something new! Plus, the views while you ride? Absolutely, worth it!
- Location: Muthukumarana Estate" , Kandakuliya,Kudawa, Kalpitiya 61358, Sri Lanka
- Timings: 8 AM - 5:30 PM
- Best time to experience kitesurfing: May to October, December to March
- Price: Beginner lesson (2–3 hours): ₹6,000 – ₹9,000 (LKR 24,000 – 36,000)
- Full-day course (with instructor): ₹12,000 – ₹15,000
- Equipment rental only: ₹3,500 – ₹5,000 per session
12. Feast on Sri Lankan Crabs in Colombo
If there’s one dish that food lovers shouldn’t miss in Sri Lanka, it’s the legendary Sri Lankan crab, especially when you are in Colombo! Whether its pepper crab, garlic carb, or the famous chilli crab, these dishes are rich, spicy and finger-licking good! Places like Ministry of Crab have put Colombo on the global foodie map with their giant lagoon crabs cooked to perfect. Tasting this local delicacy is easily one of the top things in Sri Lanka for anyone who loves seafood.
- Best places to enjoy Sri Lankan crabs: Ministry of Crab, The Lagoon, Min Han Restaurant, Fat Crab
- Price: INR 1,000 - INR 3,500
13. Scuba Diving at Hikkaduwa
Ever wanted to feel like you are in “Finding Nemo”, minus the talking fish? Welcome to scuba diving in Hikkaduwa where you are sipping on the coconut water and then swimming through an underwater postcard! Out of all the top attractions in Sri Lanka, this one lets you swap flip-flops for fins and become part of a world that’s too much watery!
- Location: Sri Lanka
- Timings: 7 AM - 5:30 PM
- Best time for scuba diving in Hikkaduwa: 8 AM - 3 PM
- Price: INR 4,500 - INR 6,000
14. Mountain Bike Tour at Mirissa and Unawatuna
If you think Sri Lanka is all about beaches and coconut? Try seeing it on two wheels. A mountain bike tour through Mirissa and Unawatuna takes you off the beaten track! You will pedal through winding coastal roads and with so many great views!
It may not be on every postcard, but cycling through these coastal towns has become one of the most unexpectedly famous things in Sri Lanka for travellers who want a little thrill with the best scenery.
- Location: Mirissa and Unawatuna
- Timings: 7 AM - 9 PM
- Best time for mountain bike tour: December to April
- Price:
- Standard guided tour: ₹1,800 – ₹2,500 per person (LKR 7,500 – 10,000)
- Half-day tour with refreshments & gear: ₹2,800 – ₹4,000 (LKR 11,000 – 16,000)
- Bike rental only (per day): ₹600 – ₹900 (LKR 2,500 – 3,500)
15. Yala National Park Camping
If you love nature and adventure, camping in Yala National park is a great experience. You will stay in a tent close to the wild, listen to the animals at night and go on early morning safaris to spot elephants, leopards and more. It’s a fun and peaceful way to enjoy the outdoors. This is one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka if you want something different!
- Location: Sri Lanka
- Timings: 12:30 PM - 2 PM
- Best time for Camping: February and July
- Price:
- Standard camping (per person): ₹7,000 – ₹12,000 (LKR 28,000 – 48,000)
Luxury camping (with air-conditioned tents, private safaris, and gourmet meals): ₹15,000 – ₹25,000 per person (LKR 60,000 – 1,00,000)
16. Visit Horton Plains National Park
Tired of beaches and looking for something cooler, literally? Horton Plains National Park offers a refreshing change of pace. Tucked away in the hills near Nuwara Eliya, this national park is all about fresh air, wide-open landscapes, and peaceful hikes. The main trail takes you through cloud forests, past waterfalls and straight to World’s End, where the ground drops suddently!
It’s quiet, scenic and a total surprise for first-time visitors, no wonder it’s one of the top things in Sri Lanka for anyone who is obsessed with nature.
- Location: Sri Lanka
- Timings: 6 AM - 4 PM
- Best time to visit Horton Plains National Park: January to March, 6 AM - 9 AM
- Price: Foreign adult:
- ₹1,200 – ₹1,500 (LKR 6,000 – 7,500)
- Foreign child (6–12 years): ₹600 – ₹800 (LKR 3,000 – 4,000)
- Sri Lankan citizens: Much lower, around ₹100 – ₹200
Additional vehicle fee (if driving in): ₹300 – ₹500
17. Tea and Herb tour in Colombo
Want a break from the usual sightseeing? A Tea and Herb tour in Colombo is a relaxing and refreshing way to explore Sri Lanka’s famous tea culture and traditional herbal wisdom.
Some tours also include Ayurvedic herb gardens where you can discover local plants used in natural medicine.
This peaceful and aromatic experience is one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka, especially if you enjoy slow travel, local traditions, and sipping something warm and soothing.
- Location: Colombo
- Timings: 9 AM - 4:30 PM
- Best time for Tea and herb tour in Colombo: December to March
- Price:
- Basic tour with tasting: ₹500 – ₹900 (LKR 2,000 – 3,500) per person
- Extended tour with herbal garden, demo, and high tea experience: ₹1,200 – ₹2,000 (LKR 5,000 – 8,000) per person
- Private or group packages may include transportation and additional experiences at a higher cost.
18. Ride the Kandy to Ella Train
If there is one experience that captures the heart of Sri Lanka, it’s the train ride from Kandy to Ella. This iconic journey goes through mountains, lush tea plantations, waterfalls and little villages where locals wave as the train passes by.
This scenic ride is easily one of the top attractions in Sri Lanka, and without a doubt, one of the must do things in Sri Lanka for every traveler. It’s not just a mode of transport, it’s an experience that turns the journey into the destination.
- Location: Kandy
- Timings: Departs Kandy at 8:47 AM, arrives in Ella around 3:15 PM
- Price:
- Second Class Reserved: ₹300 – ₹500 (LKR 1,200 – 2,000)
- Third Class Reserved: ₹150 – ₹250 (LKR 600 – 1,000)
- Observation Car / First Class: ₹900 – ₹1,500 (LKR 3,500 – 6,000)
Luxury Private Cabin (on select trains): ₹3,000 – ₹5,000+ (LKR 12,000+)
