Things to do in Sri Lanka

[Sonam Malhotra]

I plan to go to Sri Lanka with my cousins and we would like to be there for around two weeks.

Currently, we have no idea of where we would go in Sri Lanka or what to do, so I have decided to join the forum to find out what things to do in Sri Lanka.

We would really like to have some kind of itinerary of the things to do so we know whether we can fit everything in the two-week stay we have and also make sure we have some free days to just relax.

 

[Prits]

I understand that you do not know where to go in Sri Lanka, but providing information would be very broad to you, as there are different things to do in the different parts of Sri Lanka. But what I can do is give you an overview of some of the things to do in Srilanka and you can also visit the thread about the best places to visit in Sri Lanka and I would also provide you with a list of the top visiting places and the things to do, from this you would be able to decide where you want to stay what activities you want to do.

As a highlight, this is a list of what the beautiful country Sri Lanka has to offer:

• You can spend time at the beach and could opt for a beach stay holiday
• Go on wildlife safaris
• Visit famous cultural places and also do the cultural triangle
• Visit cave temples (Golden Rock temple, Dambulla)
• You can do trekking and hiking
• Do whale and dolphin watching
• Do underwater activities
• Go on sailboats and cruises
• Visit tea estates
• Visit forts (Galle Fort, Fort Fredarick, Batticaloa Fort, Arripu Fort, Negombo Fort)
• Go on a cave tour
• White water river rafting
• Hot Air Ballooning
• Rain Forest camping
• Visit Sigiriya
• Visit a Turtle Hatchery
• Caving
• Buduruwagala
• Gal Vihara (Buddha rock carvings)
• Kandy to Ella train journey

 

[Karan]

To add to this information given by Prits I would like to give you a list of the top destinations to visit in Sri Lanka, where you will find the activities mentioned above.

Kandy
Trincomalee
Nilaveli
Ella
Mirissa
Tangalle
Little Adams Peak
Adams Peak
Dambulla
Galle
Kumana
Minneriya
Bentota
Kitulgala
Udawalawe
Wilpattu
Kataragama
Nuwara Eliya
Sigiriya
Colombo
Polonnaruwa
Haputale

 

[Kiaan]

Two weeks in Sri Lanka is a fantastic amount of time to explore the diverse landscapes and experiences the country offers! Here's a suggested itinerary that incorporates some of the most popular destinations and activities, with a mix of cultural, historical, and natural wonders:

Days 1-2: Colombo

Arrive in Colombo and spend a day exploring the bustling capital. Visit the Gangaramaya Temple, the National Museum, and enjoy the city's vibrant atmosphere.

Days 3-5: Cultural Triangle (Habarana/Sigiriya/Polonnaruwa)

Head to the Cultural Triangle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and marvel at ancient ruins like the Sigiriya Rock Fortress (Lion Rock) and the sacred city of Polonnaruwa.

Day 6: Kandy

Visit Kandy, the last capital of the Sinhalese kings. Explore the Temple of the Tooth Relic, a sacred Buddhist site, and witness a traditional Kandyan dance performance.

Days 7-9: Hill Country (Nuwara Eliya/Ella)

Journey into the cool and scenic Hill Country. Enjoy the lush tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya and embark on scenic hikes in Ella, known for its breathtaking views.

Days 10-12: Southern Beaches (Mirissa/Galle)

Relax on the stunning southern beaches of Mirissa, known for whale watching, or Galle, a charming Dutch colonial town with a historic fort.

Day 13: Yala National Park

Embark on a safari in Yala National Park, one of Sri Lanka's best wildlife reserves, and spot elephants, leopards, and diverse birdlife.

Day 14: Departure

Depart from Colombo, taking home unforgettable memories of Sri Lanka's beauty and culture.

Additional Tips:

• This is a flexible itinerary, feel free to adjust it based on your interests and desired pace.
• Consider internal flights between major destinations to save travel time.
• Factor in travel time between destinations, especially when using public transport.
• Leave some free days for relaxation and spontaneous exploration.
• Research local festivals and events happening during your travel dates.
• Enjoy the delicious Sri Lankan cuisine and try local specialties.

Remember, this is just a starting point. With two weeks, you can delve deeper into specific regions or activities that resonate with you and your family's interests.