Things to Do & Attractions in Sri Lanka
An island-wide guide to the places we can build into your itinerary — ancient cities, wildlife parks, beaches and hill-country escapes.
Anuradhapura
Sri Lanka's first ancient capital, Anuradhapura is a sprawling sacred city of dagobas, monastery ruins and the 2,300-year-old Sri Maha Bodhi tree — a must for travellers drawn to history and quiet spirituality.
Arugam Bay
A laid-back surf town on the east coast, loved for its right-hand point break, chilled beach cafés and easy access to Kumana National Park.
Adam's Peak
Climbed through the night by pilgrims of several faiths, this sacred mountain rewards the effort with a sunrise view over the hill country and the mountain's famous shadow.
Batticaloa
A quiet lagoon town on the east coast known for its Dutch fort, singing fish legend and unhurried, authentic coastal life.
Bentota
A palm-fringed west-coast beach with calm water for swimming, river safaris through mangroves, and a turtle hatchery nearby at Kosgoda.
Beruwela
One of Sri Lanka's oldest coastal settlements, with a working fishing harbour, a historic mosque and long stretches of sandy beach.
Bundala National Park
A Ramsar-listed wetland sanctuary rich in birdlife, crocodiles and elephants, offering a quieter safari alternative to Yala.
Colombo
Sri Lanka's fast-moving capital — Galle Face Green at sunset, the Pettah bazaar by day and a skyline that keeps rising.
Dambulla
Home to the island's largest cave temple complex, its five caves filled with Buddha statues and centuries-old murals.
Ella
A hill-country village famous for the Nine Arch Bridge, easy hikes up Little Adam's Peak and the scenic train ride from Nanu Oya.
Galle
A UNESCO-listed Dutch fort city on the south coast — ramparts, a lighthouse and cobbled streets full of boutiques and cafés.
Hikkaduwa
A lively south-coast beach town known for its coral reef, surf breaks and relaxed beachfront restaurants.
Horton Plains
A misty highland plateau best known for World's End, a sheer 880-metre escarpment reached via an early-morning walking trail.
Jaffna
The cultural heart of Sri Lanka's north, with vivid Hindu temples, a colonial fort and its own distinct island cuisine.
Kalkudah & Passekudah
Two of the east coast's calmest, most sheltered bays — ideal for swimming and an easy-going beach stay.
Kandy
Sri Lanka's last royal capital, home to the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, a tranquil lake and the Royal Botanical Gardens nearby.
Kithulgala
A rainforest-fringed river town that's become the island's white-water rafting hub, set among lush hills.
Knuckles Range
A rugged, mist-covered mountain range popular with hikers for its cloud forests and remote highland villages.
Mannar
A quiet, historic island linked to the mainland by a causeway, known for baobab trees, a Portuguese fort and migratory birdlife.
Mahiyangana & Dambana
Home to the Veddah community, Sri Lanka's indigenous people, along with a historic stupa on the edge of the eastern lowlands.
Matara & Tangalle
Uncrowded southern beach towns with long sandy stretches, a Dutch fort and a slower pace than the busier resorts nearby.
Negombo
A relaxed lagoon town near the airport — a working fish market, a Dutch canal and an easy first or last night in Sri Lanka.
Trincomalee & Nilaveli
A natural deep-water harbour on the east coast with pristine beaches, coral reefs and the clifftop Koneswaram Temple.
Nuwara Eliya
Cool hill-country air, rolling tea estates and colonial-era architecture give this town its 'Little England' nickname.
Pinnawala
Home to the world's first elephant orphanage, where rescued and orphaned elephants are cared for and can be seen at close range.
Polonnaruwa
Sri Lanka's well-preserved medieval capital, with royal palace ruins and the remarkable rock-cut Buddhas of Gal Vihara.
Ratnapura
The 'City of Gems', set among rubber and tea plantations at the foot of Adam's Peak, long famous for gem mining.
Sigiriya
The legendary rock fortress of King Kashyapa, rising 200 metres above the plains with frescoes, water gardens and sweeping views.
Sinharaja Rain Forest
A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and Sri Lanka's last major stretch of primary rainforest, rich in endemic birds and wildlife.
Wilpattu National Park
Sri Lanka's largest national park, dotted with natural lakes ('villus') and known for leopard sightings in a quieter setting than Yala.
Yala National Park
Sri Lanka's most visited wildlife park, and one of the best places on earth to spot the elusive Sri Lankan leopard.
Yapahuwa
A dramatic rock fortress and former capital, its ornate stone staircase among the finest surviving examples of Sinhalese stone carving.
Udawalawe National Park
Open grassland scattered with wild elephant herds, plus the nearby Elephant Transit Home for orphaned calves.
Turn Your Favourites Into an Itinerary
Pick a few places from this list and we'll design a private route around them.