{"id":738,"date":"2018-11-29T11:27:37","date_gmt":"2018-11-29T11:27:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.secretescapes.com\/magazine\/?p=738"},"modified":"2023-08-07T15:43:31","modified_gmt":"2023-08-07T14:43:31","slug":"11-amazing-things-to-do-in-sri-lanka","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magazine.secretescapes.com\/escapist\/11-amazing-things-to-do-in-sri-lanka\/","title":{"rendered":"11 amazing things to do in Sri Lanka"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Located just off the southern coast of India, the teardrop-shaped island of Sri Lanka<\/a> is festooned with diversity. This balmy paradise boasts myriad charms, encompassing everything from ancient UNESCO World Heritage Sites and wildlife-rich national parks to luscious country landscapes and idyllic golden-sand beaches. Whether you\u2019re elephant-spotting, heading out on a tea trail or surfing wild waves, we\u2019ve rounded up 11 of the best ways to experience Sri Lanka<\/a>\u2019s kaleidoscope of colour, beauty and culture from country to coast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Traditional stilt fishing near Koggala. Image: iStock\/Andrey Danilovich<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Sightsee Colombo\u2019s characterful sights<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Colombo has transformed from simply being the gateway to the rest of Sri Lanka into an interesting, characterful destination in its own right. The country\u2019s capital offers a contrast of Colonial architecture, verdant gardens and thriving street markets mixed with trendy bars and fine dining (for lovers of seafood, the chilli crab at Ministry of Crab in the Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct cannot be missed). Visit the Pettah Floating Market, the bright white President\u2019s House, Seema Malaka Temple, the Old General Post Office (that once served as a lighthouse) and the capital\u2019s old Colonial centre to truly experience Colombo\u2019s rich history, which has never been more prevalent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Colombo skyline. Image: iStock\/thekoala<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Explore Polonnaruwa as the sun sets<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Rent a couple of bicycles and discover the treasures of the medieval capital and second most ancient of Sri Lanka\u2019s kingdoms, Polonnaruwa. Its centuries-old archaeological ruins include the Vatadage, which has four entrances each guarded by a beautiful stone Buddha; the imposing Rankot Vihara stupa, that sits tall at 54 metres; and the fabulously preserved, upright and reclining Gal Vihara Buddhas. Go just before the sun starts to set and you\u2019ll get to witness the marvellous ruins against the backdrop of a sunset glow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Rankot Vihara in Polonaruwa. Image: iStock\/f9photos<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Climb to the top of Sigiriya\u2019s Lion Rock<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sigiriya Rock Fortress is perhaps one of Sri Lanka\u2019s most extraordinary and well-known sights \u2013 and it\u2019s little wonder why. Beautifully rising 200 metres above the jungle, the spellbinding \u2018Lion Rock\u2019 boasts world-renowned frescoes, water gardens, ancient graffiti along The Mirror Wall and, most impressive of all, the ruins of an ancient civilisation at the summit. The spectacular views are, of course, just the cherry on the cake; if you visit early and avoid the crowds, you\u2019re likely to have these incredible sprawling vistas all to yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sigiriya Rock Fock, Habarana. Image: iStock\/f9photos<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Spot wildlife in Minneriya National Park<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Between Habarana and Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka\u2019s North Central Province is Minneriya National Park, an expansive sanctuary that\u2019s home to all manner of wildlife \u2013 from the red-lipped lizard and graceful gray heron to, of course, the much-loved elephant. The perfect way to embrace this park\u2019s natural beauty and wilderness is to make tracks in a Jeep, on a thrilling game drive right to the park\u2019s focal point \u2013 the ancient rainwater reservoir. You\u2019ll have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see elephants bathing and grazing in their natural habitat, alongside water buffalo and flocks of iridescent endemic birds, from cormorants to painted storks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Elephants at Minneriya National Park. Image: iStock\/Utopia_88<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Admire ancient art at Dambulla Cave Temple<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Witnessing the artistic talent of ancient times has never been easier done than at Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the first century BC and is known locally as the Golden Temple of Dambulla. This sacred pilgrimage site sits atop a 160-metre granite rock and is a magical treasure trove of Buddhist sculptures and intricate, delicate paintings. On the climb up, you\u2019ll come face-to-face with a magnificent gold Buddha statue, as well as plenty of monkeys. Be warned: these cheeky terrors aren\u2019t afraid to steal your snacks right out of your hands!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Buddha statue inside Dambulla Cave Temple. Image: iStock\/hadynyah<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Find peace amid Sri Lankan hills in Kandy<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Kandy is a vibrant city brimming with culture, and sitting beautifully amid the verdant Sri Lankan hills. When you aren\u2019t visiting one of Buddhism\u2019s most cherished shrines, the Sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, and experiencing its mesmerising beauty alongside a spiritual ceremony, take a walk around the peaceful lake \u2013 the city\u2019s centrepiece \u2013 or head to the hills for a different vantage point of the city. Nearby, visit Luckgrove Spice Garden in Matale to learn everything about spices \u2013 from the most efficient for healing aches and pains to the most flavourful for cooking Sri Lankan curries. While you\u2019re in the area, stop at the Lakruka woodcraft workshop to marvel at the impressive talents of the local community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy, Sri Lanka. Image: iStock\/SamanWeeratunga<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Board a train from Kandy and Ella to Nuwara Eliya<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Nothing encapsulates the scenic diversity of Sri Lanka quite like a rail journey; this incredibly picturesque ride will have you thinking you\u2019re looking through rose-tinted glasses. The cool climate and misty heights of the Hill Country offer welcome respite from the sweltering coast, and throughout your journey you\u2019ll witness the famous, piercing green tea fields, alongside cascading waterfalls and plenty of wildlife. Once in Nuwara Eliya, head to a tea plantation and factory (Blue Field Tea Factory is a gem) to discover how the Ceylon tea of \u2018Little England\u2019 is made.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tea plantations seen from the side exterior of a passenger train. Image: iStock\/pius99<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Ascend Adam\u2019s Peak during pilgrimage season<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The soaring summit of Sri Lanka\u2019s most sacred mountain, Adam\u2019s Peak, rises above the luscious Hill Country, and is best to climb during the pilgrimage season \u2013 from Poya day in December until May. For the most extraordinary views, majestic sunrises and a glimpse of the mountain\u2019s shadow, begin your ascent at nighttime, reaching the summit and its giant footprint-like hollow for dawn (be warned, however, that this climb isn\u2019t for the faint of heart \u2013 although rewarding, there are over 5,000 steps to get through). Both enchantingly and mysteriously, a large number of butterflies flock here to die each year, affording Adam\u2019s Peak the nickname \u2018Butterfly Mountain\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sunrise over Adam\u2019s Peak. Shot taken from the monastery right on the top of the peak. Image: iStock\/danilovi<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Unwind on the beaches of Beruwala and Bentota<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The palm-fringed golden sands of Beruwala\u2019s \u2018Golden Mile\u2019 make the perfect place to wind down after days of active exploration. Alongside being a major area for indulgent Ayurvedic treatments, it\u2019s an ideal place to enjoy an array of watersports, such as snorkelling, diving and windsurfing. A little further on from the shores of Beruwala is Bentota Beach, which is nicknamed \u2018Paradise Island\u2019 thanks to its even softer and more glistening sands \u2013 not to mention its glimmering lagoon. Sit back, crack open a coconut here and allow yourself to relax as you watch the sunset. It\u2019s paradise found here \u2013 you can take our word for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Beach at Beruwala. Image: iStock\/T_o_m_o<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Explore an ancient fort in Galle<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Famed for its 16th-century fort, the UNESCO World Heritage jewel of Galle is a pretty place to explore on foot. From its abundance of Dutch-Colonial buildings, charming narrow streets and ancient churches to its contrasting bohemian boutiques and stylish caf\u00e9s and bars, Galle is a creative hub that remains under the radar for many tourists. En route, pay a visit to the Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project, which rescues and protects the island\u2019s large turtle population; as well as a hatchery run by volunteers, you\u2019ll see rescued Green, Hawksbill, Loggerhead and Leatherback turtles here. Back on the road, keep a look out for the toddy tappers high up in the palms, too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Colonial architecture and the lighthouse at Galle Fort. Image: iStock\/AsianDream<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Catch the waves in surf haven, Mirissa<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Mirissa Beach sits peacefully on Sri Lanka\u2019s south-west coast and is one of the country\u2019s surfing hotspots. A picturesque crescent with beautiful clear waters, this palm-fringed bay is a haven for both beginners and intermediates to catch a break in the waves. It\u2019s also one of the best places to forget about modern trappings; you can expect humble guesthouses, beach shacks and simple restaurants alongside a laid-back vibe. From November to April, you may also get a chance to spot whales and dolphins in the depths of the warm Indian Ocean, and if you travel a little further afield to Koggala near Weligama, you\u2019ll witness Sri Lanka\u2019s symbolic sight of stilt fishermen, perched above the water and waiting for their catch of the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Surfers with their boards on Mirissa Beach. Image: iStock\/traumschoean<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\t\t