There aren’t many places in the world where travelers long to go more than once but Sri Lanka is one nation that compels travelers to visit time and again. A nation packed with serene beaches, lush green mountains, dense jungles, wildlife, and so much more, there are so many things to do in Sri Lanka today. One can indulge in adventure activities or spend a night or two in a lavish resort. So, what would you do when spending your vacation in Sri Lanka?
Well, we have compiled a detailed list of the most interesting things that one can do on a vacation in Sri Lanka.
Top Things To Do In Sri Lanka For Fun-Filled Vacay
Sri Lanka is a country that surprises travelers in terms of what it offers. Some of the most interesting things that one can do in this part of Asia include.
1. Have A Family Picnic At Viharamahadevi Park
One of the best things to do in Sri Lanka today, having a nice picnic at Viharamahadevi Park has to be one of the top priorities for tourists. This is a sprawling park where couples and families can visit. The park features a zoo on its premises and has a lush green area where visitors can sit and have a picnic. In fact, Viharamahadevi Park is considered to be a perfect place to sit down and relax with your friends and family. As far as exploring goes, the park has enough attractions to keep you entertained. One can take a stroll around the park or head over to the waterfall nearby.
Moreover, there are thrilling rides and walking trails around the park area that visitors can explore.
Location - Colombo 07, Sri Lanka
Famous For - Picnic
Timings - 7 AM to 6 PM
2. Enjoy A Unique Shopping Experience At Pettah Floating Market
Another fine market that visitors can explore on a holiday in Sri Lanka is the Pettah Floating Market. Featuring amongst the best places to go in Sri Lanka, the floating market is where you can find multiple things to shop for like shoes, clothes, footwear, bags, and accessories, and so much more.
In fact, for travelers coming for the first time, this floating market above Beira Lake is a whole new experience. So, what's the delay? If you're looking for a place to shop for the best of jewelry, electronics, or even fruits and vegetables, Pettah Floating Market has to be one of the must-visit places in that case.
Location - W E Bastian Mawatha, Colombo 01000, Sri Lanka
Famous For - Being a floating market, multiple things to buy
Timings - 8 AM to 10:30 PM (Closed on Sundays)
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3. Witness The Amazing Sunrise At Kandy Lake
There aren't many places in Sri Lanka that match the serenity of Kandy Lake. A lake that offers a range of adventure activities in Sri Lanka, watching the sunrise at Kandy Lake has to be one of the top things to do today. Nestled right next to the Temple of Tooth Relic, the lake provides an amazing reflection of full moon night, and sky. But hang on, have you ever thought about witnessing sunrise here?
Well, travelers can take a long morning walk along Kandy Lake with an amazing backdrop of the lush green rainforest. This is when you get to witness the amazing sunrise here. In fact, an early morning walk here is regarded as one of the most soothing things to do in Sri Lanka today. As far as witnessing the sunrise goes, Kandy Lake is one of the best places to visit in Asia today.
Location - Next to the Temple of Tooth Relic, in the heart of Kandy
Famous For - Throwing reflections of the sky, especially during the full moon night
Timings - N/A
4. Experience Spirituality At Gangaramaya Temple
Now here's a fact, although there are many fun things to do in Sri Lanka today, an experience of spirituality at Gangaramaya Temple is something that every traveler would love to get. There are many temples in the whole of Sri Lanka that offer something unique to visitors. However, when it comes to Gangaramaya Temple, this is a place that takes things to a whole other level.
Today, the temple is regarded as an epitome of artistic brilliance. This is a temple that presents an eye-catching fusion of Indian, Chinese, and Thai styles of architecture. One can think of it as a place where different architectural styles come together. So, what's the delay? Visit the Gangaramaya Temple and see for yourself.
Location - 61 Sri Jinarathana Rd, Colombo 00200, Sri Lanka
Famous For - Fusion of Indian, Chinese, and Thai styles of architecture
Timings - 8 AM to 8 PM
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5. Spend Time At Hikkaduwa Beach
Another relaxing thing to do is to spend time at the Hikkaduwa Beach. One of the best beaches in Sri Lanka, the Hikkaduwa Beach is a perfect spot for beach bums and water babies. Much like the other beaches in the country, Hikkaduwa too offers an array of activities in Sri Lanka. One can not engage in watersports but can sit down and relax on the beach while watching the amazing views.
There are palm trees all around the beach while the area is also lined up with a number of restaurants and bars. This is where visitors can enjoy their time savoring a nice meal or sitting and admiring the views around. Moreover, the Hikkaduwa Beach is widely famous amongst surfers as the waves here are perfect to enjoy surfing.
Location - Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka
Famous For - Surfing, restaurants, bars
Timings - N/A
6. Relish A Catamaran Cruise Trip At Trincomalee
If you're dreaming of a luxury cruise in the heart of Sri Lanka, then a Catamaran Cruise Trip At Trincomalee is perhaps the right choice. It is a way of making memories that will last forever. One can take a morning cruise and watch the amazing sunrise. Interestingly, Catamaran Cruise trips offer a delicious barbeque on board which, is fair to say, attracts the majority of travelers. Once onboard the ship, travelers can sit back, relax and enjoy watching the amazing views while listening to some music. It is a luxurious experience like no other.
As for the main highlights? Travelers get a chance to ride on Polonnaruwa Parakrama Sea which is Sri Lanka's man-made lake. Not only this, but one can also do activities like snorkeling, swimming, and so on.
Location - Northeast coast of Sri Lanka
Famous For - Catamaran Cruise, water activities
Timings - Travelers are advised to confirm the timings of the Catamaran Cruise trip with the concerned authorities
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7. Explore The Mountains Of Ritigala
Are you a lover of mountains? Well, Ritigala is the place for you. One of the finest things to do in Asia as far as Sri Lanka is concerned, exploring the mountain of Ritigala is something every traveler would love. It is an antiquated Buddhist monastery and mountain in Sri Lanka that has a lengthy historical past. Today, travelers coming to see the monastery can find remains and shake engravings of the cloister that go back to the first century BCE.
In fact, the mountain consists of four pinnacles, out of which, the principal and the most astounding crest on the south has been named Ritigala Kanda. What is also important to note is that Ritigala Kanda is set about 766 m above the ocean level, making it a significant presence in the north-focal dry fields of Sri Lanka. Likewise, it is home to a staggering 70 rock caves that are believed to have been inhabited since the main century BC.
Location - 43 km away from the ancient monastic city of Anuradhapura
Famous For - 70 rock caves, remains and shake engravings of the cloister that go back to the first century BCE, a Buddhist monastery
Timings - N/A
8. Enjoy Camping In Kitulgala Forest Reserve
There's nothing better than camping in a rainforest and waking up to the chirping of birds around you. Well, that's the sort of experience that one can expect in Kitulgala Forest Reserve. One of the most fascinating things to do in Sri Lanka today, camping here is an experience you don't want to miss. In fact, the forest reserve offers a blend of both adventure and leisure to campers which adds value to the overall experience one gets here.
One can enjoy activities like Jungle walks, Adventurous stream jumps, Mountain Biking, River Trips, and so much more. The best part? One can even enjoy a nice meal at the camp while the barbeque dinner is a major highlight about the whole experience.
Location - 2hrs 30 minutes’ drive from Colombo
Famous For - barbeque dinner, camping, rainforest vibe
Timings - N/A
Sri Lanka, a country that welcomes travelers from around the world every year, is a paradise that keeps on giving. This is a country that offers a perfect blend of nature's wonders and architectural marvels. In fact, there are so many things to do in Sri Lanka that fascinate travelers and compel them to come back again. So, what's the delay? Spend time exploring the natural wonders of the country or avail of the experience of luxury combined with adventure. Book your Sri Lanka plane tickets and come spend a vacation like no other.
Things To Do In Sri Lanka - FAQs
Although there are many things to do in Sri Lanka, having a nice picnic at Viharamahadevi Park has to be one of the top priorities for tourists. This is a sprawling park where both couples and families can visit.
Viharamahadevi Park is considered to be a perfect place to sit down and relax with your friends and family. The park is a perfect spot to have a nice family picnic in Sri Lanka.
Yes, Pettah floating market in Sri Lanka is where you can find multiple things to shop for like shoes, clothes, footwear, bags, and accessories, and so much more.
December to Mid-April is considered to be the best time to visit Sri Lanka. This is when the temperature in the country is at its best and the country records its peak travel season.
Although it clearly depends upon the travel choices of visitors, one can plan to spend a minimum of a week in Sri Lanka as there are numerous locations to explore in the country.
This is a temple that presents an eye-catching fusion of Indian, Chinese, and Thai styles of architecture. One can think of it as a place where different architectural styles come together.
Ritigala is home to a staggering 70 rock caves that are believed to have been inhabited since the main century BC.
The Kandy Lake is where one can witness the sunrise in Sri Lanka. Nestled right next to the Temple of Tooth Relic, the lake provides an amazing reflection of full moon night, and sky.
