Travelling Sri Lanka: 10 Best Things to do

So I guess you’ve made the epic decision to travel to Sri Lanka, or if you haven’t, I imagine your flights will be booked immediately after reading this blog post! This blog is about to give you some serious TRAVEL FOMO when you realise how many incredible things there is to do in Sri Lanka 🇱🇰

Sri Lanka for us is a destination that has it all – incredible culture, ancient ruins, local flavours and some of the best wildlife in all of Asia. Mix all that up with the tropical vibes, sunsets and brunch scene of the south… it’s easy to see why Sri Lanka is making its way to the top of every traveller’s bucket list.

But with a country that has so much to discover, you’re going to need a helping hand when it comes to building that ‘to do’ list and I am going to help you! 

#1 Ride the famous blue train to Ella

You’ve yearned over the Instagram shots, right? Well wouldn’t you rather ride the “World’s Most Scenic Train” yourself? Jump on board the famous train to Ella, cruising high over the mountains, through spectacular landscapes, sharing the experience with fellow travellers and locals!

#2 Sunrise safari spotting wild elephants

Yeah okay, it may be early but are you seriously going to care when you’re in an open-top jeep in the heart of the jungle observing wild elephants in their natural habitat? Nope, didn’t think so! Not forgetting the rest of the animals that are wandering wild in the incredible Udawalawe National Park 🐊 🐒 🐃 🦚

#3 Learn how to catch your first wave

Ever wondered what all the hype is around surfing? Well the South Coast of Sri Lanka is the perfect place to feel it for yourself. Grab a lesson with a local legend in the South and they’ll have you up riding your first wave in no time. You’ll be throwing a shaka and falling in love with these salty vibes in no time! 🤙🏼

#4 Swing from a palm tree at sunset

Whether it be just what your Instagram feed needs right now or just because it sounds bloody epic, the South Coast is home to so many tropical beaches and the most beautiful colours at sunset. With palm trees galore, it won’t be long until you find a bit of rope to swing yourself from for that epic shot! 🌴

#5 Visit a tea plantation

Did you know, Sri Lankan’s enjoy a good cuppa more than us Brits? Well as the 4th largest producer of tea in the World, it makes sense right? Even if you’re a coffee-lover, make sure you take a trip to a tea plantation preferably in the Nuwara Eliya region. Not only is it fascinating to learn how the tea is picked and made without the modern technology you’d expect but also because the plantation sites built high up in the mountains for maximum rainfall are some of the most breathtaking views in the country!

These photos are captured on our unique tea plantation experience on the ‘Lanka Loop – 12 day trip’.

#6 Eat as much curry & rice as possible

Now, this is the type of advice I can certainly get on board with as Sri Lankan cuisine is some of the tastiest I’ve tried! Imagine tapas-style eating with a variety of different flavoured curries; the majority of them are vegetarian, some spicy, others not so much, made with the freshest of local ingredients!

#7 Hike Little Adam’s Peak

You’re 100% going to pass through the wonderful hill town of Ella on your adventure through Sri Lanka, because basically, you’d be very silly not to. The walk up to Little Adam’s Park isn’t actually that long and not so difficult either, which is very surprising because when you reach the top… well I’ll let the views do the talking when you get up there yourself 😍  But if I was you, I’d set your alarm early and get up there before the sunrises… it’s the perfect spot to watch the sunrise high over the mountains!

#8 Walk the tracks over the Nice Arches Bridge

As if you needed another reason to visit Ella but if so, here it is! The Nine Arch Bridge is an iconic landmark in Sri Lanka and you’ll certainly want to visit this impressive piece of architecture built amongst dense jungle and lush tea plants! An active train line crosses the bridge and you’ll be surprised to see a lot of the local people using the train tracks as their daily commute by foot! 

#9 Visit Lions Rock, Sigiriya

If you’ve done your research on Sri Lanka, you’ve probably already read about the spectacular Rock Fortress in Sigiriya. And with every good reason because this iconic World Heritage site is one you need to add to the top of your bucket list. However, in my opinion, the best way to appreciate this impressive landmark is by gazing at it from a distance rather than walking up the face of it. One of my favourite jungle hikes in Sri Lanka is that of Pidurangala and what makes it even better, is reaching the top and having THE best view of Lions Rock, without the crowds! 🙌

#10 Wander the streets of Galle Fort

This charming Dutch Colonial town perched on the South Coast is an integral part of Sri Lanka’s history and you need to give yourself an afternoon here to explore the quirkiness it has to offer! Wander through the narrow streets and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time to the cobblestones of Europe. Bursting with photo-worthy architecture, cool cafes, beautiful boutiques and lots of mouth-watering Italian Gelato!

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If you’re looking to plan a big trip to Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam or Australia and need some help or advice you can always slide into the DM’s and chat with me or one of the team via Whatsapp or Facebook.

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