- To go wild
If you visit at the right time, you can dive in the Indian Ocean with blue whales and dolphins by your side. The national parks together have the biggest concentration of leopards in the world. Buffalo and sloth bears are also widely popular.
- Indulge in seafood, particularly crab
There’s an entire ministry for crab, launched by two former national cricketers. The restaurant is located in a beautiful building in the capital city of Colombo.
- An atmosphere of caves
Walk around the cave temple complex in Dambulla and observe the beautiful statues of Buddha and the amazing cave paintings.
- Scenic train rides
Whether you ride from Colombo – Hikkaduwa, Nuwara Eliya, or Jaffna, or even from Kandy to Ella, the train journeys offer absolutely breathtaking sceneries.
- Encounters with elephants
The best way to do this is by volunteering to help at an elephant sanctuary. Pinnawela elephant orphanage is one possible option.
- Enjoy adaptable local snacks
Hoppers are an anytime enjoyable snack: an extremely thin crispy batter made with spices and coconut milk and poured into a bowl shaped pan. You could have it for breakfast, with your evening tea, or even as a midnight snack.
- A morning on the tea estates
Enjoy a unique tea plucking experience at one of the many tea estates in the hill country of Sri Lanka.
- Get pampered at luxury hotels
Extremely luxurious hotels and resorts have come up in all corners of the island. Just to name a few – Anantara resorts, 98 acres resort and spa, Uga group of hotels, Amaya hotels, Heritance hotels and more.
- Indulge in tropical savory bites – very affordable
Branches of popular bakeries such as Perera & Sons are located in every popular town around the country and offer delicious savories such as rolls and pastries at very affordable prices.
- Surf and party
To the south east of the island is Arugam Bay – a surfer’s paradise – offering barreling breaks during peak season for surfers and rocking parties during night time for everyone. If the east is rainy, try towns such as Weligama on the southern coast.
- A glimpse of hell
In the southern town of Dickwella, an amazing Buddhist temple known as the Wewurukannala Vihara which exhibits a 160ft tall statue of Buddha in a sitting posture. It also has life size models of demons and sinners displayed in graphic detail.
- A glimpse of England
Nuwara Eliya, also known as Little England, is where you should go if you want to imagine being in England.
- Crowd-free beaches
Uppuveli and Nilaveli, on the north east coast, are astonishing beaches that are surprisingly peaceful and ideal for lonely wonderings.
- Scenic rocks
Sigiriya, an abandoned palace at the top of a rock is a must visit to see the ancient frescoes carved into the rock, the lion’s paw and the breathtaking view from up there.
- A glimpse of heaven
A seaplane experience will give you a stunning aerial view of Sri Lanka’s beautiful interior and exotic coastlines.
- An introduction to south east Asia
Sri Lankan lifestyle is quite peaceful and hence is a good introduction to other tourist destinations in south east Asia.
- Rainforest nature trails
Sinharaja forest, a UNESCO world heritage site, is an ideal place to go for treks and swim in waterfalls.
- Full moon celebrations
Some full moon (poya) celebrations are more elaborate than others. People are dressed in white, free food is served on the road side, pilgrimages are often made to Mihintale (a sacred mountain).
- Kite festivals
Visit Galle Face Green in Colombo to fly a kite or watch others fighting with their kites in the skies.
- A close look at Adam/Buddha’s footprint
Adam’s Peak is a mountain believed to be holy by Christians, Buddhists, Muslims, and Hindus. Each religion believes the footprint of an important person is imprinted at the peak of this mountain.