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Things to do in Sri Lanka

Our most recommended things to do in Sri Lanka

Yala National Park: Private Safari at Golden Hours

1. Yala National Park: Private Safari at Golden Hours

After being picked up from your hotel in the local area or Park Entrance you will enter Yala National Park to explore the light forests, scrubs, grasslands, lagoons, and magnificent range of animals. With your private 4WD Jeep and expert guide, the ‘Golden Hours’ of the day will be used to focus on leopard spotting, either the first 2 hours or the last 2 hours of the day. Throughout this safari, you will search for the world’s most concentrated number of leopards, sloth bears, and elephants, as your knowledgable guide and driver expertly navigates the vast area and roads. The morning tour will begin at 5am from your hotel, to take in sunrise as the park opens at 6am. Whilst the afternoon option allows you to explore from 2pm until sunset when the park closes at 6pm. Situated on Sri Lanka’s south-east, hugging the panoramic Indian Ocean, Yala is a wildlife sanctuary and home to 44 varieties of mammals and 215 bird species. Leopards, elephants, water buffalo, sloth bears, sambars, jackals, spotted deer, peacocks, and crocodiles can all be found in this rich environment.

Udawalawe: Private Safari at Golden Hours

2. Udawalawe: Private Safari at Golden Hours

Your experience begins as you meet your friendly driver at your hotel or Park Entrance in Udawalawe. From there you will begin your adventure to the Udawalawe National Park. Covering an area of 230,821 hectares, you will explore Udawalawe National Park and its thriving elephant population of approximately 500 elephants. Discover the park's various other wildlife, with wild buffalo, spotted deer, barking deer, wild boar, sambar, hare, mongoose, crocodiles, and 30 species of snakes that have been recorded. 50 species of butterflies and many types of birds are also found in the park. Have a thrilling experience during your safari tour and take some time to enjoy a picnic lunch in the park. At the conclusion of your exciting safari trip, you will be transferred back to your hotel or original point.

Mirissa: Morning Whale Watching Tour

3. Mirissa: Morning Whale Watching Tour

Set sail from Mirissa to witness the breathtaking sight of the planet’s largest mammal, the blue whale, in its natural habitat. Sri Lanka’s southern waters are rich in aquatic life. As well as blue whales, you might see fin whales, sperm whales and pilot whales, as well as many species of dolphins. Depart at 6:30 AM, ahead of the other boats. A complimentary breakfast of sandwiches and fruits will be served on board, along with water and tea or coffee. Knowledgeable guides are on board to answer any questions you may have and help you spot these wonderful creatures. The boat is fitted with a GPS tracking systems, to guide you to the best location to see these extraordinary animals. With over 90% probability of seeing whales and dolphins, you are promised a morning to remember.

Sigiriya and Dambulla Day Trip from Colombo

4. Sigiriya and Dambulla Day Trip from Colombo

Depart Colombo and travel by a shared vehicle, in a small group, to the city of Sigiriya, and head directly to Sigiriya Rock on arrival. Gaze in awe at the massive column of rock that, according to the ancient Sri Lankan chronicle The Culavamsa, was selected by King Kasyapa as the site of his new capital. Admire numerous paintings of historic queens, princesses, and maids inside the rock fortress before getting a break for lunch at your own expense. Then, explore some of the traditional crafts of the region, such as wood carving and batik textiles, with time to purchase souvenirs before departing. Start the journey back towards Colombo via Dambulla to explore the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. Discover the magnificent Buddha images and rock paintings of vivid colors and different shapes, painted from around the 2nd century B.C. up to the 18th-century Kandyan era.

From Galle: Day Trip to Ella with Hotel Transfers

5. From Galle: Day Trip to Ella with Hotel Transfers

Start Ella tour at 7.00 a.m, Ella is pure natural beauty, with its waterfalls, greenery, and hills it is just jaw-dropping. Ella is the perfect place to go to if one wants to refresh the brain. It has many famous places and has been under the attention of tourist for a decent amount of time now. On the way to Ella our first visit is Buduruwagala rock temple. Buduruwagala is an ancient Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka. The complex consists of seven statues and belongs to the Mahayana school of thought. Next stop is Ravana waterfall, The Ravana Falls is a popular sightseeing attraction in Sri Lanka. It currently ranks as one of the widest falls in the country. After that we will reach to Ella city, Ella is a small town in the Badulla District of Uva Province, it is situated at an elevation of 1,041 meters above sea level. Then next we will go to Nine Arch Bridge. It is one of the best examples of colonial-era railway construction in the country. Then time to climb little Adam speak, Little Adam’s Peak attracts many travelers who come to Sri Lanka. While climb the Adam speak take lunch at 98 Acres Resort & Spa. It is located on eye-catcher place. 98 Acres Resort and Spa is an elegant, chic hotel that stands on a scenic 98 acre tea estate, surrounded by a stunning landscape. After having lunch, visit Halpewaththa Tea factory. Tea while enjoying the magnificent natural beauty of the area. It is the final destination of our tour. Finally, back to the hotel.

All-Inclusive Minneriya National Park Afternoon Safari

6. All-Inclusive Minneriya National Park Afternoon Safari

Begin with an afternoon pickup from your hotel or residence and make your way to Minneriya National Park to begin the safari.  Minneriya National Park comprises about 21,000 acres (8,889 hectares), and contains a vast abundance of wildlife species. Take the opportunity to observe the large herds of magnificent Sri Lankan elephants in their natural habitat at close range. Also, be on the lookout for two rare species of monkey endemic to Sri Lanka, namely the Purple-faced Langur Monkey and the Toque Macaque. Other rare and endangered species such as Sri Lankan leopard and Sri Lankan sloth bear inhabit the park, as well as saltwater crocodiles and Indian pythons, which you may be lucky enough to spot! After a 3-hour safari spotting these various rare animals, your transport will return you to your accomodation.

Kandy: Sigiriya Fortress & Cave Temple All-Inclusive Tour

7. Kandy: Sigiriya Fortress & Cave Temple All-Inclusive Tour

Following early morning pick-up from your hotel in Kandy, travel by chauffeur-driven vehicle to Sigiriya. Upon arrival, climb the rock fortress of golden-hued granite, chosen by King Kasyapa at the site for his new capital. Get stunning views of the surrounding plains, which in the rainy season can turn into a delightful water garden. Continue to the Dambulla cave temple complex, built by the 1st-century King Walagambahu as a site of worship after his exile from Anuradhapura. Enjoy lunch before the drive back to Kandy, and stop at the spice garden in Matale en route. 

From Ella: Shuttle to Tangalle with Yala Safari Tour

8. From Ella: Shuttle to Tangalle with Yala Safari Tour

Combine a transfer from Ella to Tangalle with a day trip to Yala National Park. Experience the immense biodiversity on this Sri Lankan animal safari and stop to eat a delicious packed meal. After being picked up at your accommodation in Ella, you will arrive at Yala National Park, meet your local guide and board an an open-topped jeep to get the best views and photo angles. See the animals during the day when they are the most active. Watch for leopards, sloth bears, elephants, crocodiles, monkeys, water buffalos, and a large variety of bird species. Heading back to your air-conditioned car for the ride to your accommodation in Tangalle.

Ella: Little Adam's Peak and Nine Arch Bridge Half-Day Tour

9. Ella: Little Adam's Peak and Nine Arch Bridge Half-Day Tour

Discover the beauty of Ella on this half day tour. Your personal guide will take you to the famous Nine Arch Bridge before you witness the stunning views of Ella's natural beauty from Little Adam's Peak. Stroll along the unique attraction of the Nine Arch Bridge railway, spanning 91 meters alongside dense jungle and agricultural settings. Stop for photos of the nine arches. With the forest booming behind the railway and the tea leaves cultivated below from the plantations, the beautiful bridge stands out from the epic scenery as a picturesque masterpiece. The bridge is built entirely from rocks and bricks, without metal or steel. Next, your guide will take you on a small hike to Little Adam's Peak to see the greenery of Ella, surrounded by tea fields and rural beauty. The moderate trail winds through tea plantations, where you may see locals working and picking the tea leaves. The trail offers multiple platforms, rocks and viewpoints perfect for photos, with the view getting more spectacular as you walk along the ridge to the summit. Take in the unbelievable views across the mountain highlands of Sri Lanka, before you walk back down to finish the tour. Transfers are included to bring you to and from your hotel for the half day tour via tuk tuk. Water is provided for you, to keep you hydrated throughout the walk. Chose from a morning or afternoon start time. 

Sri Lanka: 1-Hour Mega Zip Line Adventure in Ella

10. Sri Lanka: 1-Hour Mega Zip Line Adventure in Ella

The equipment will be provided for you, as will be your instructor and support crew. Cocooned within Sri Lanka’s Badulla District is an inviting haven, filled with an abundance of natural beauty and a cool climate.  Ziplining here is one of the best things to do in Ella, home to an abundance of breathtaking backdrops. Ella allows both the laidback as well as the curious at heart to voyage through some of Sri Lanka’s most cherished destinations.  Situated 3,415 ft. above sea level and 200 kilometers east of the capital of Colombo, this cozy hamlet offers numerous floral and faunal species coupled with towering mountain ranges and scenic waterfalls. Get a bird’s-eye view of the beautiful hills of the island.

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What people are saying about Sri Lanka

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 596 reviews

We had a lovely day with CJ, he was very caring in showing us the sites and stopping at places for views and food. It is a long drive from Colombo to Kandy but we were very comfortable in his car and with his driving. It was an exhausting day but totally worth it. The elephant sanctuary, the tea factory, the temple and the botanical gardens were all fabulous as well as the restaurants CJ stopped at for us. I have nothing negative to say about the day.

Our driver/guide, Keerthe, was punctual, informative, and trustworthy. He had a good understanding of the best times to enter a location and helped us buy our tickets to facilitate our visits. Keerthe navigated the city and town roads safely and with great skill.

Superb adventure, the landscapes are incredible. I recommend doing it if you are passing through Sri Lanka

I had a wonderful time in Sigiriya and Dambulla. The driver was friendly.

Amazing guide, amazing day out. Muthu was awesome!