5 unmissable things to do in Sri Lanka on your holidays

With so much to see and so little time, it is important to focus on the special things in Sri Lanka that catch your eye. This will depend greatly on personal taste, however, why not take a stroll around the carefully manicured grounds of the Sigiriya Fortress and marvel at the incredible ancient architecture. Or, if wild animals are on your list of things to do in Sri Lanka, see them in their natural habitat, at the Yala National Park where you can see elephants, birds, leopards and more animals roaming free on the expansive plains. Of course, if you are looking for free things to do in Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka is also surrounded by the tropical Indian Ocean providing kilometers of sandy coastline that is just waiting to be discovered. The western province of the island is a great place to enjoy these spectacular beaches and amazing coral reefs.

Sri Lanka is an island that unites South East Asia with Southern Asia and this fusion of cultures can be felt at its very core. On every street corner there is a poetic reminder that this is an island that is constantly changing and evolving. Despite this, the Sri Lanka must see destinations remain firm favourites among all who travel to the picture perfect isle. So, if you are looking for hidden places to visit in Sri Lanka, check out our favourites.

A visit to a tea plantation is considered by many one of the must do things in Sri Lanka. Walk in the footsteps of British tea giant Sir Thomas Lipton at the Nuwara Eliya and discover how his iconic tea empire began. Witness tea pickers at work in the vast green rolling hillside, tour the neatly terraced plantations and sip a cup of perfectly brewed tea just meters from where it was grown - definitely one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka. To top off the perfect tea lovers day, take a trip up to Lipton’s Seat in the Hill Country’s Haputale Mountains to capture the breathtaking views of the Lipton tea estate in its full glory.

This incredible creature is something worth witnessing when looking for unique things to do in Sri Lanka. The best place to find the blue whales is at Sri Lanka’s southernmost point of the island off the coast of Dondra Head. This is one of the key south Sri Lanka places to visit  and due to Sri Lanka’s position it is one of the best places in the world to find this marvelous sea creature. It is best to see them during the months of January to April when they come to the shores of the island to fill their bellies with the abundance of krill and squid that also share these waters. Be sure to hire a boat ride and witness the magic of the blue whale up close.

In the city of Kandy lies the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic - a temple that was once believed to have been owned by Buddah himself. This enchanting temple has been a subject of many disputes in the area leading to wars being fought over its ownership. Today, it is loved and respected by the locals and it is often considered one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka by tourists. It even has its own festival dedicated to it in the months of June / early July. Join the swarms of pilgrims who come to honour this ancient structure and be sure to lay a flower offering and light a candle while you are there.

Live as locals live and get caught up in the colourful sway of city life in the island’s capital, Colombo. Noisy, bright and wonderful, there is never a dull moment in this coastal city. There are so many things to do in Colombo but some of the most unmissable experiences come in the form of food. Be sure to try local delicacies such as fish curry or garlic chilli crab, fished straight from the sea just a stone’s throw away. Ride on a tuk-tuk through the winding streets while making note of all the places to visit in Colombo and admire the stunning colonial architecture that characterises the city. Take time to marvel at the technicolour temples and experience Buddhist worship first hand.

The largest complex of cave temples in Sri Lanka can be found north east of Colombo in Dambulla. One of the top Dambulla tourist attractions, the well preserved cave temples are definitely one the best things about Sri Lanka and they date back 2700 years to a time when prehistoric Sri Lankans lived in caves. These caves are important Buddhist temples and house over 153 Buddha statues and impressive murals honouring the deities. It is a breathtaking experience and one of the top things to do in Sri Lanka, don’t miss out.