Top things to do in Sri Lanka blog. Listing 12 of our favorite things to do in Sri Lanka!
We spent three weeks in Sri Lanka recently en route to Europe. And, while we did like Sri Lanka, we didn’t love it. Let me explain why – there’s been some serious hype surrounding Sri Lanka, on Instagram, all you have to do is search #SriLanka and you’ll be inundated with images of yellow sand beaches, turquoise oceans, and colorful cities.
Every travel influencer and their mother seems to have visited Sri Lanka of late, and so as a result, the world wide web is chock-a-block with articles waxing lyrical about Sri Lanka. The truth is, we believed the hype, were overly excited by it, and so expected too much from Sri Lanka and were left feeling a little underwhelmed.
You know, when you build something up too much in your mind?
Despite that there were several places in Sri Lanka that would have us returning again – and I’ve listed these, my top places to visit in Sri Lanka below.
Would we visit Sri Lanka again?
Yes, we probably would, but we would do it a little differently. Maybe we could do two weeks in Sri Lanka next time and a week in the nearby island paradise of the Maldives.
For us, Sri Lanka is one of those countries that you would really enjoy if you had money, and we were on a tight budget, considering we still had two months of travel ahead of us. Honestly, it was a lot more expensive than we expected. There are some gorgeous hotels on the island, but they are pricey; expect to pay up to about $100 USD a night for a nice hotel.
Plus, we didn’t have much luck with Sri Lanka’s famous train journeys. So, if we were to return, we would be inclined to pay for private transfers the majority of the time. An exception to this rule is the Kandy to Ella journey, which truly is gorgeous.
Anyway, despite our mixed view of Sri Lanka, I urge you to go and see it for yourself – it is beautifully colorful with epic beaches and friendly locals. And who knows, it may turn out to be one of your favorite places in the world.
READ NEXT: If you love photography, like us, then you’ll find our unique guide to the most photogenic places in Sri Lanka very interesting!
Now, without further ado, here are our top suggestions for things to do in Sri Lanka.
The Best Things to Do in Sri Lanka
1. The famous train journey from Kandy to Ella
- Cost: Book reserved seats from $24 USD / 7,200 LKR (we highly recommend doing this)
- Departs from: Kandy Railway Station
This trip didn’t go quite as we had planned. We booked a first-class ticket after our sweaty/packed-like-sardines experience on a second-class carriage from Colombo to Kandy a few days before. We showed up at the train station bright and early and took our comfy seats in the air-con carriage. When, 30 minutes after we were scheduled to depart, there was still no sign of movement, I got up to see what the delay was.
Turns out the engine was broken. Queue lots of panicked workers running back and forth trying to fix it. Alas, after two hours, it was determined that it couldn’t be fixed, so we had to wait for an incoming train from Colombo to take its engine. We eventually departed about four hours late.
Oh well, the journey to Ella was as gorgeous as predicted, and we took lots of photos. However, be warned: one silly girl dropped her phone while hanging out the doorway to take photos, and we were told by a local that a couple of people had fallen out trying to take the perfect photo. They were unhurt, thankfully.
2. Relax on Rekawa beach
- Cost: Free!
- Location: Rekawa Beach on Google Maps here
Instead of choosing the crowded beaches of Tangalle or Mirissa, we suggest spending your lazy days on Rekawa Beach. Particularly, the gorgeous Seven Turtles Resort – the beach here is pretty much deserted save for a few local fishermen, and through the months of October to April, you may be lucky enough to witness baby turtles hatch.
There are so many gorgeous beaches in Sri Lanka that you could easily spend a month or more exploring them all.
3. Visit the Halpewatte tea factory in Ella
- Cost: Tours cost from LKR 3,000 ($10 USD)
- Location: Around 20-30 minutes from Ella
This was unsurprisingly Paul’s favorite activity of the trip, being an Englishman, he LOVES his tea. It was fascinating to see tea processing up close at the Halpewette Tea Factory, a short distance from Ella. Plus, we got a behind-the-scenes look at the factory at work.
We got to try all different types of teas, and the tasting room has epic views of the valley. We could have sat there all day sipping our tea (fruit tea only for me) and admiring the view.
4. See Sri Lankan elephants in the wild
- Cost: A 3-hour safari tour costs from $27 USD per person
- Best months to visit: January to March
Udawalawe National Park was my number one reason for visiting Sri Lanka. I’m beyond obsessed with elephants, and I’ve never seen one in the wild, that was until Udawalawe, where we saw not one but 30 elephants and even a teeny-tiny baby that was just one month old.
Udawalawe is home to over 250 Sri Lankan elephants and is the third most visited national park in Sri Lanka, behind Yala National Park and Minneriya.
Udawalawe absolutely lived up to its hype. Seeing these gorgeous animals in their natural habitat was one of the best moments of my life to date.
The only way to see Udawalawe is on a guided tour. We did this 3 hour tour and really rated it. It’s 3 hours long and you can choose an early morning departure time (around 7 am) or an afternoon slot (around 3 pm) as those are the best times to see the elephants. It costs from $27 USD (8,161 LKR).
💡 BOOK the same Udawalawe tour we did here!
5. Get lost in the cute & colorful streets of Galle
- Cost: Free!
- Best sights to see in Galle: Galle Lighthouse, Fort Clock Tower, Dutch Hospital
Galle is a fortified city built by the Portuguese, and many of its buildings show the influence of Portuguese architectural style on Sri Lankan traditions. It is certainly a unique place and so inherently different from other cities in Sri Lanka.
Most of the best things to do in Galle can be found along the fort, which runs the length of the town on the coast – here, be sure to check out the famed Galle lighthouse, the Galle Fort Clock Tower, and Flag Point. Not too far from the Galle Lighthouse, you’ll find the Dutch Hospital, an old hospital that now houses some of the best restaurants and boutique stores in Galle.
Galle is a UNESCO heritage site, and if you’re to add any city in Sri Lanka to your itinerary, it must be Galle.
6. Walk along the famous Nine Arches bridge in Ella
- Cost: Free!
- How to get there: It’s an hour’s walk from Ella or you can get a Tuk-Tuk for approx. 300 LKR ($1 USD)
Surrounded by lush green jungle, the famed Nine Arches bridge in Ella is truly a sight for sore eyes and well worth the uneven, sometimes steep hike there. There was a swarm of deadly bees terrorising tourists on the tracks below so we didn’t quite make it all the way across the bridge for obvious reasons. Oh, and Paul got bitten by a leech.
Anyway, we got some great photos but missed the train coming across the bridge which would have made for an incredible snap.
7. Spot some ‘photogenic’ local fishermen
- Cost: Free!
- Best places to see this: Koggala, Arugam Bay
Sri Lanka is famed for its stilt fishermen (I’m sure you’ve seen the photos on Instagram/ Pinterest and the likes), unfortunately, we didn’t get to witness this on our trip, but we did see some guys catching fish in the middle of Udawalawe National Park and this epic example of teamwork on Rekawa beach (photo above). Anyways, supposedly the stilt fishermen is a scam!
One of the best places to witness this unique practice is in the town of Koggala, located near Galle. Here, locals balance on slender wooden stilts planted in the shallow waters, patiently waiting for their catch.
8. Photograph Galle’s gorgeous lighthouse
- Cost: Free!
- Location: See here
Not only is Galle famous for its gorgeous lighthouse, which is located on the southern end of the fort, but there are lots of things to keep you busy in Galle. Including golden sand beaches, shopping & excellent restaurants.
But, the lighthouse is top of most people’s Galle itinerary and for good reason – it’s eye-catching! Did you know the original lighthouse was burned down in 1936 and had to be rebuilt?!
9. Relax and watch the sunset
- Best sunset spots in Sri Lanka: Adam’s Peak, Arugam Bay, Galle Fort
The coastal city of Negombo, not too far from the capital Colombo, is renowned for its epic beach sunsets. We spent every evening in Negombo watching the sunset from our hotel balcony. Bliss! To us, Negombo is the best spot to watch the sunset in Sri Lanka.
The other best areas to watch the sunset in Sri Lanka:
- Adam’s Peak in the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka
- Arugam Bay on the east coast
- Sigiriya Rock – also known as Lion’s Rock
- Galle Fort in Galle
10. Tuk tuk tour of Colombo
- Cost: $59 USD per person
Colombo, the biggest city in Sri Lanka (around 650,000 people live here) is likely where you’ll be starting your vacation to Sri Lanka, as that’s where the large International Airport is located. And for us, it wasn’t our favorite place in Sri Lanka – but, then we’re not really big city people.
However, we did really enjoy the Tuk-Tuk tour we did of the city, which took us to the hidden gems of Colombo (spots like Sri Ponnambalam Vanesar Kovil temple).
So, if you’re like us and love local spots and great food, then this Tuk It Easy Colombo tour will be right up your street. It’s a 3-4 hour tour, during which you’ll get to taste delicious Sri Lankan food and get to see ‘true’ Colombo through the eyes of a local. Lunch and drinks (including alcoholic drinks) are included in the price of $59 USD per person.
💡 BOOK the Tuk It Easy Colombo tour here!
11. Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy
- Cost: Around 2,000 LKR (approx. $7 USD)
- Rules: Dress appropriately (cover shoulders and knees) and remove your shoes before entering the inner chambers
- Where to buy tickets: At the main entrance to the temple grounds
This UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kandy is where the tooth of Buddha is enshrined. It’s one of the most popular tourist sites in Sri Lanka with an estimated 3,000 visitors every day!
The architecture of the temple is a magnificent blend of traditional Kandyan style with intricate carvings and gold embellishments. Every year, the temple plays a central role in the Esala Perahera, a grand procession that celebrates the sacred tooth relic with traditional music, dance, and elephant parades.
The temple is very important to Buddhists, and it’s adorned with intricate carvings. You can find it close to the Royal Palace in Kandy.
12. Hike up Adam’s Peak in Ella
- Cost: No entry fee but you will need to make a donation
- Starting point: See here
- Length: It will take most people around 3 hours to get to the summit
It’s a steep 7 km climb to Adam’s Peak that involves no less than 1,500 steps, but the views from the top are so worth it. It’s one of the most popular hikes in the country because there’s a rock that looks like a footprint at the summit, which is very important to many religions.
Buddhists believe the footprint belongs to Buddha, while Hindus believe it is from the god Shiva. And many Christians say the footprint is that of Adam, hence the name.
This hike is best climbed early in the morning when you can see the first light of the day catching the surrounding mountain ranges from the top.
Sri Lanka Travel Must-Knows
When to travel to Sri Lanka?
The best time of year to visit Sri Lanka depends on which part of the country you plan to explore, as the country experiences two distinct monsoon seasons.
If you’re looking to enjoy the southwestern coasts and hills (Colombo, Galle, Rekawa Beach), the ideal time is from December to March, when the weather is generally dry and sunny. So, if you’re to follow the above itinerary, visiting between December and March will be perfect!
On the other hand, if you’re heading to the eastern and northern regions, the months from April to September are the most favorable, offering pleasant weather conditions for exploring places like Trincomalee, Batticaloa, and Jaffna.
Do I need a visa to visit Sri Lanka?
In order to travel to Sri Lanka, you will likely need a visa. You can apply online in just a few minutes, and you will get your visa a few days on your email box. The visa is valid for 30 days and allows you to enter two times in Sri Lanka.
✅ Apply here for your Sri Lanka visa
What I packed for my three weeks backpacking in Sri Lanka:
- A decent pair of walking shoes. I wore my Teva Hurricane Sandals most of the time; they are so comfortable and have sturdy soles.
- A cute shawl (in a lot of museums and temples, you have to cover your shoulders, so this will come in handy). I have this one and love it.
- An eSIM from Sim Local, if you’re coming to Sri Lanka for more than 2 weeks, then I recommend getting an eSIM, as that way you won’t need to change your number or remove the physical SIM from your phone. They are so handy and cheap, too. Obviously, make sure your phone is compatible with an eSIM first. P.S. If you use code SNAPHAPPY you will get a discount, too.
- Comfortable, loose pants for the long bus and train journeys – I wore my Sweaty Betty modal wide leg pants so much. They’re so comfortable and made of a unique breathable material.
Travel Insurance is essential:
We don’t recommend traveling to Sri Lanka without travel insurance!
Travel insurance will provide you with coverage for a range of situations in Sri Lanka, including flight delays, canceled flights, injuries, illnesses, etc. Depending on your policy, you could be reimbursed for hospital stays, meals, hotel stays, transportation, or even the entire cost of your trip to Sri Lanka.
We use Visitors Coverage for our travel insurance for our travels.
The key to travel insurance is understanding your coverage before you travel. So, make sure to read your policy carefully, so you know what’s covered and what documentation you’ll need to submit. Keep all receipts for additional expenses, such as food, accommodations, or transportation.
Is Sri Lanka worth visiting?
Yes, we definitely think Sri Lanka is worth visiting. For one, it’s one of the most stunning countries in Asia, and it’s a cheap destination too – your money will go a long way here. Plus, there are heaps of bucket-list-worthy things to do in Sri Lanka, with my personal favorites being a safari in Udawalawe National Park and the train ride from Kandy to Ella.
Do we regret visiting Sri Lanka?
No, not a single bit. It is a beautiful country, I will give it that, but our one mistake was believing the Instagram hype before we’d even stepped foot in the country. We sure won’t be doing that again. If you do visit Sri Lanka, take it for what it is, enjoy the madness, and forget about getting that Insta-perfect shot. Although we did get some pretty pictures, eh?!
Thanks for reading!
Tell me – what did you think of our things to do in Sri Lanka blog?
P.S. If you’re wondering how we afford to travel long term? Then our detailed guide deals with the ins and outs of how we save and budget for our travels. We’ve spent 3 months backpacking through Central America, 2 months in Southeast Asia, 3 months in Italy, and months traveling through Australia and New Zealand. So we’ve been traveling for a long time!
PIN IT FOR LATER!
Last Updated on November 28, 2025 by snaphappytravel
18 thoughts on “Our Honest Opinion of Sri Lanka (and the Best Things to Do)”
Beautiful landscapes. I will follow your recommendations when I visit Sri Lanka. Thank you.
I do appreciate your honesty about how you felt about your trip to Sri Lanka. I’ve also heard before that it’s been quite overhyped and is much more expensive than expected. That’s why we’ve been holding back on booking a trip. Whilst a delay in the train trip, your Kandy to Ella trip looks and sounds amazing!
I have never taken an open-air train ride, so I would have enjoyed the view minus the 4-hour delay but traveling and transportation don’t always go as planned. I would have loved to play with the baby elephants (did you get to touch them or only see them from the jeep. Sorry, you were underwhelmed, (Don’t always believe the hype especially from IG, glad you experienced for yourself) I hope the rest of your travels you feel overwhelmed with the experience.
I was in Sir Lanka earlier this year, and this post brings back wonderful memories. Such a unique place and such a small island so easy to hop between towns and attractions. Great list!
Loved your honesty. That’s the kind of travel posts I love to read. True and unbiased. The railway track looks fabulous. Glad you were able to make the train journey when though a bit late. The elephants look amazing. I love them too.
I visited Sri Lanka a few years ago and it’s still one of my favourite places ever. I totally fell in love with it! I agree there’s a lot of hype on Instagram now, so perhaps we went at the perfect time while it was still relatively unknown! Udawalawe was incredible, and is absolutely the best thing to do in Sri Lanka. We travelled with some people who didn’t go and they regretted it!
Your pictures are like Instagram goals, and Ella is such a popular spot in Sri Lanka. Thank you for sharing all the pictures, moments and tips in visiting Sri Lanka, I am saving this post for future reference
I appreciate your honest review! And I’m sorry your train journey didn’t go exactly as planned. But I am glad the beautiful journey sounds like it was worth it and you were able to take lots of great photos!
I especially love the photo you got of the fisherman, and the lighthouses, and sunsets – all your photos are gorgeous!
I would love to see those elephants in person and go on the tea tour 🙂
Thanks for sharing all these great things to do!
I appreciate your down-to-earth review of Sri Lanka. It’s difficult to manage expectations when traveling once you’ve seen photoshopped or too-good-to-be-true pictures on Insta. However, despite you not trying to get the perfect shot, they all looked gorgeous anyway! I’d love to see that beautiful and lush green forest someday!
Awww a baby elephant would have made it all worthwhile for me too! I’ve definitely seen all the hype about Sri Lanka, but am kind of torn about visiting. It seems way more expensive and a lot more touristic than, say, Tamil Nadu in India, but still pretty similar in terms of things to see and do.
I love these good honest posts about disappointments when traveling. Disappointments are hard enough at home but when I dream of a place and it doesn’t meet my expeditions it’s particularly hard. I’m sorry it was rough but grateful for your suggestions for things to do in the country based on your experiences. I had expected to visit this year but my plans have gotten pushed back a bit. I’m bookmarking this post for when it happens.
I was there a long time ago and spent weeks backpacking around the island. The civil war broke out just as we left! I’m hoping to return and you’ve helped me calm my expectations. Sorry too to hear that it’s become so expensive!
I haven’t been to Sir Lanka and I so appreciate the honest review of your experience. I can totally see how that can happen, and I expect that will happen to more places as well. I would so love visiting the tea farm, and what a view it has! And, I’m a huge fan of uncrowded beaches so Rekawa Beach is for me!
Thanks for sharing and the list! I did all 10 things when I was in Sri Lanka 2 months ago and I enjoy the Lion’s Rock, the train journeying to Ella and Galle’s old town the most! Those are my top 3 🙂 @ knycx.journeying
What a bummer that visiting Sri Lanka didn’t live up to your expectations! However, I really appreciated your honesty in this post, and I hope travelers who come to Sri Lanka after you heed your advice. I can’t say Sri Lanka was high up on my travel wish list, but your post may have moved it up a few notches. I think it was seeing baby elephants in the wild that sold me! It would be interesting to hear your thoughts on Sri Lanka again if you were to return for another visit a few years from now. I wonder how it will change, especially since it is such a buzzed about destination these days.
I haven’t been to Sri Lanka, but all of these look like absolutely fabulous things to do. I want to go by train and visit the tea areas, looks amazing!
Ahh i’m So pleased somebody else feels the same as me – I wasn’t blown away by Sri Lanka either but so many people seem to LOVE it. Couldn’t quite put my finger on what it was – maybe like you say, if you’ve lots to splash on an amazing hotel it’s a bit of a different experience
I really want to visit Sri Lanka because it looks so beautiful and everyone is raving about it. Thanks for bringing up the other aspects or the possible negative sides to it.