A world in one island. If you’re looking to combine rich history, diverse culture, nature, wellness, wildlife, incredible cuisine, and more, all in one trip, then Sri Lanka is the place to be. With 8 UNESCO sites, ancient cities, lush rainforests, palm-fringed beaches, national parks, fabulous tea estates, and generous, warm, welcoming people; this compact, teardrop-shaped island doesn’t disappoint. If you haven’t discovered the ‘pearl of the Indian Ocean’ yet, it’s time to put it at the top of your bucket list.
No matter what you’re looking for, Sri Lanka has something for you. Read on for my list of top things to do and see.
1. Colombo
The commercial capital and the country’s most populated city, Colombo is a port city, with a rich colonial heritage.
The city is a heady mix of architectural and cultural influences, with historic temples, bustling bazaars, colonial relics, and sprawling parks. Take a tuk-tuk ride to visit the labyrinthine of Pettah market. Alternatively, do as the locals do, and head to Galle Face Green for sunset, or have high tea at one of the colonial-style hotels overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Some of the most beautiful and important temples in Sri Lanka are hidden amongst the bustling, chaotic streets of Colombo. The striking Sri Kaliawasanathar Swami Devasthanam Temple is one of the oldest and most ornate Hindu temples in the city. You’ll be wowed by its tiered towers adorned with colorful miniature statues. Located in the bustling inner-city near the picturesque Beira Lake, the striking Gangaramaya Temple is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Colombo. Koneswaram Temple perched atop a rocky promontory surrounded by the sea, is a technicolor treat with intricate carvings, sculptures, and colorful shrines.
Where to Stay: Uga Residence was once a grand Victorian townhouse, built in the 19th century. Its great halls and expansive gardens once entertained British governors, Indian maharajas, European nobility, and the cream of the colonial Ceylon society. Today it’s a centrally located boutique hotel with 11 luxury suites
2. Anuradhapura
A four-hour drive from Colombo is Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s original royal capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Ancient cities don’t get much bigger than Anuradhapura, and few capitals around the world have ever lasted as long. Dating back to the fourth century BC, Anuradhapura was the spiritual and secular capital of the island for well over a millennium. At its height, the city was dotted with monasteries and was home to over 10,000 monks. Covering an area of over sixteen square miles, many of these monasteries and colossal dagobas (stupas) can still be seen today and still attract Buddhist pilgrims in the thousands.
Among the giant stupas are Jetavanarama, built in the 3rd century AD and still the largest brick-built monument in the world, Thuparamaya Stupa, the first dagoba to be built in the country, and Ruwanwelisaya, one of the tallest monuments in the world.
We opted for a private guided cycling tour that took us through a dozen of the sites including the three colossal stupas and the Sri Maha Bodhi, a sacred fig said to be a branch from the tree under which Buddha was enlightened.
Where to Stay: Uga Ulagalla is a 150-year-old mansion, set in 58 acres of lush gardens and rice fields. Only a 30-minute drive to Anuradhapura and an hour away from the great rock fortress of Sigiriya it’s well located for exploring the area’s archaeological treasures.
3. Sigiriya (Lion Rock Fortress)
The most iconic of Sri Lanka’s seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Sigiriya was built during the reign of King Kassapa I (AD 477 – 495) and doesn’t fail to impress. Surrounded by a lush expanse of jungle, the sheer rock rises almost vertically 650ft upwards. On the top lies the remains of a royal palace and citadel, and at its foot lies the remains of an extensive network of ancient pleasure gardens. Known for its ancient paintings (frescos), in its time Sigiriya has been both a royal palace and a Buddhist monastery.
Pro Tip: Go early, so avoid the heat of the day and the crowds, and make sure you’re prepared for the 1,200-step climb.
4. Dambulla Cave Temples
This UNESCO site is one of the most beautiful and well-preserved cave temples in all of Asia. Still home to Sri Lankan Buddhist monks, the spectacular Dambulla cave temples, hewn into a granite outcrop, tower 520ft over the surrounding plains, date from the third and second centuries BC. Spread over five caves, under a vast overhanging rock, and with intricately painted ceilings, there are a total of 153 Buddha statues, three statues of Sri Lankan kings, and four statues of gods and goddesses.
5. Kandy
Kandy was the last capital of the ancient kings of Sri Lanka. It’s a pretty place, tucked beside a lake in the country’s central highlands. This is Sri Lanka’s second-largest city and home to Sri Dalada Maligawa, The Temple of the Tooth Relic, a teeming temple complex that houses the relic of the tooth of Buddha. Since ancient times, the relic has played an important role in local politics because it is believed that whoever holds the relic holds the governance of the country – Wars have been fought over this relic! Monks conduct daily worship in the temple’s inner chamber and rituals are performed three times daily – at dawn, at noon, and in the evenings. The Temple of the Tooth Relic is very much an integral part of life in Sri Lanka and you can join the devout with your own petal offerings and light votive candles should you want to.
After visiting the temple, browse Kandy’s bustling marketplaces, with bright, fresh produce, local delicacies, and fragrant spices, or spend the day exploring opulent temples and learning about the city’s history.
Where to Stay: King’s Pavilion, located in the peaceful hills on the outskirts of Kandy, is a renovated bungalow with traditional rustic charm and elegant touches of luxury.
6. The Train
There’s a good chance you’ve seen photos of travelers leaning out of a bright blue train and looking at the vibrant green tea plantations of Sri Lanka. That’s the famous train ride from Kandy to Ella and it’s a must-do on every Sri Lankan itinerary. Instantly recognizable, the Hill Country rail route is arguably the most beautiful in Sri Lanka. We took a 3-hour train journey from Kandy as far as Hatton, passing through gorgeous tea country. The route is described as one of the prettiest train journeys in the world, and with good reason.
7. The Tea Estates
Since the first tea bush was planted here in 1867, Sri Lanka has become the world’s fourth-largest tea producer in the world – 17% of the world’s tea crop is grown here. Sri Lanka’s tea country is a gorgeous expanse of undulating green hills and lush plantations. If you love your tea and would like to learn more about the history of tea, or you’re just looking for some peace and tranquility, a visit to a tea plantation is a delightful escape.
Dating back to colonial times, the bungalows on the Dilmah tea company’s estate have astounding views and exemplary, personalized service. Take long, leisurely walks through the tea plantations, take a tea factory tour to learn all about the ancient process of making tea, enjoy high tea with views of Castlereagh Lake, or perhaps a game croquet.
8. Galle
At the southernmost tip of the country and surrounded on three sides by ocean, the walled and cobblestoned city of Galle is a must on any visit to Sri Lanka. Built by the Dutch in 1663, the imposing Galle Fort is the largest and best-preserved sea fort in all of South Asia. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, inside the fort you’ll find Dutch Colonial buildings, ancient mosques and churches, museums, and lots of quirky boutique cafés and restaurants.
Spice traders and merchants have been replaced by a cosmopolitan crowd of artists, writers, and designers, and Galle’s small streets are packed with boutique shops, buzzing bars, and cafes.
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