5 unmissable things to do in Sri Lanka on your holidays

Finding the sweet spot between the rainy season and the heat of the summer is ideal when visiting Sri Lanka. Between December and March, the weather is calm, the days are sunny and the rainfall is at its lowest. This is the perfect time to venture off into the forests, explore ancient ruins or spend a relaxing day by the pool or on the beach. Keen to be inspired by the places to visit in Sri Lanka? Save our travel picks for a fun-filled getaway. 

Sri Lanka is an island that unites South East Asia with Southern Asia and this fusion of cultures can be felt at its very core. On every street corner, there is a poetic reminder that this is an island that is constantly changing and evolving. Here are the things to do in Sri Lanka if you are staying in the central province.

One of the top Dambulla tourist attractions, the well-preserved cave temples are definitely one the best things about Sri Lanka and they date back 2700 years to a time when prehistoric Sri Lankans lived in caves. These caves are important Buddhist temples and house over 153 Buddha statues and impressive murals honouring the deities. It is a breathtaking experience and one of the top things to do in Sri Lanka, don’t miss out. 

Situated on a 180-meter tall granite lava plug, named Lion’s Rock, left over from a long-extinct volcano, the Sigiriya Rock Fortress is a Sri Lanka must-see. Awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status, this is one of the island’s most iconic landmarks. It was built by King Kashyapa and is renowned for its impressive frescoes, intricate gardens, and advanced engineering. 

Snake up the steep, winding staircase that clings to the rockface, passing through the famous Lion’s Gate and marvel at the site where the king’s palace once majestically stood overlooking the central plains. Admire the 360º views and experience one of the best historical and cultural things to do in Sri Lanka.

One of the top things to see during your Sri Lanka sightseeing is one of the island’s tallest statues, the Aukana Buddha Statue. Meticulously carved during the 5th century from a single piece of granite rock, this 39-foot-tall statue depicts Buddha in a standing position complete with ornate detailing. While the statue exudes a feeling of blissfulness, this is amplified by its setting inside the Kala Wewa reservoir. This is a wonderful way to connect with the island’s Buddhist culture.

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site that needs to be added to your list of things to do in Sri Lanka is Polonnaruwa Ancient City. Once the island’s capital during the 11th and 12th centuries, these well-preserved ruins offer a glimpse into the glamour and sophistication of a bygone era. Roam around the remains of the royal palaces taking time to admire intricately carved statues and the ancient irrigation systems which once were an object of grand innovation. Don’t miss out on catching a glimpse of Gal Vihara, a rock temple with impressive Buddha statues, and the Parakrama Samudra, a vast artificial lake. 

One of the best activities in Sri Lanka is venturing out to its open plains and exploring the stunning natural landscapes that await. With so many places to choose from, these are our picks for the 10 things to do in Sri Lanka. 

Immerse yourself in Sri Lanka’s fragrant world of spices at the Matale Spice Garden, nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka's central region. These gardens are home to cinnamon, cardamom, vanilla, and a variety of other spices cultivated with traditional methods. With sustainable tourism growing popular in the area, knowledgeable guides provide insights into the cultivation and uses of each spice allowing visitors to learn about these ancient plants and their fascinating plants from the locals who use them day to day.  

Since food is a big part of Sri Lankan society, the garden also educates on the importance of spices in traditional cuisine and herbal medicine, with interactive demonstrations available for guests during their visit. Don’t forget to take some spices back home with you as a souvenir. 

Lions, tigers and (sloth) bears, oh my! While Minneriya National Park may not resemble the land of the Munchkins, the 89-square-kilometre park is certainly a sanctuary for wildlife enthusiasts. This is a must on your list of things to do in Sri Lanka, not just because it is celebrated for the "Gathering," a spectacular event where hundreds of elephants migrate to the Minneriya Reservoir during the dry season. As well as elephants, you can also witness leopards, sloth bears, deer, and a rich variety of bird species in their natural setting.

This incredible creature is something worth witnessing when looking for unique things to do in Sri Lanka. The best place to find the blue whales is at Sri Lanka’s southernmost point of the island off the coast of Dondra Head. This is one of the key South Sri Lanka places to visit and due to Sri Lanka’s position, it is one of the best places in the world to find this marvellous sea creature. It is best to see them during the months of January to April when they come to the shores of the island to fill their bellies with the abundance of krill and squid that also share these waters. Be sure to hire an eco-friendly boat ride that aims to protect these species and witness the magic of the blue whale up close. 

A visit to a tea plantation is considered by many one of the must-do things in Sri Lanka. Walk in the footsteps of British tea giant Sir Thomas Lipton in the Haputale Mountains and discover how his iconic tea empire began. Witness tea pickers at work in the vast green rolling hillside, tour The Dambetenna, Sri Lanka’s longest plantation and sip a cup of perfectly brewed tea just meters from where it was grown - definitely one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka. To top off the perfect tea lovers' day, take a trip up to Lipton’s Seat to capture the breathtaking views of the Lipton tea estate in its full glory.

Want to immerse yourself in the island’s culture without having to rush through all the things to do in Sri Lanka? The cities of Kandy and Colombo are wonderful one-day-trip places in Sri Lanka that offer a deep dive into the island’s historical, spiritual and cultural heritage.

In the city of Kandy lies the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic - a temple that was once believed to have been owned by Buddha himself. This enchanting temple has been a subject of many disputes in the area leading to wars being fought over its ownership. Today, it is loved and respected by the locals and it is often considered one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka by tourists. It even has its own festival dedicated to it in the months of June / early July. Join the swarms of pilgrims who come to honour this ancient structure and be sure to lay a flower offering and light a candle while you are there. 

Live as locals live and get caught up in the colourful sway of city life in the island’s capital, Colombo. Noisy, bright and wonderful, there is never a dull moment in this coastal city. There are so many things to do in Colombo but some of the most unmissable experiences come in the form of street food. Be sure to try local delicacies such as fish curry or garlic chilli crab, fished straight from the sea just a stone’s throw away. Ride on a tuk-tuk through the winding streets while making note of all the places to visit in Colombo and admire the stunning colonial architecture that characterises the city. Take time to marvel at the technicolour temples and experience Buddhist worship first-hand. Colombo is definitely one of the cool places to visit in Sri Lanka.

Regardless of your religion, join in the pilgrimage and spend the day exploring the mountain,  Adam’s Peak, located in central Sri Lanka. Regarded as one of the most sacred spots in Buddhism, this must-see is a 3-hour car journey from Nuwara Eliya. The name Sri Pada translates as sacred foot in Sinhalese and is given to the mountain thanks to the giant human-shaped footprint found at the top believed to belong to Lord Buddha. The pilgrimage season runs from mid-December to early May and the hike up the mountain takes approximately 3.5 hours. There are stalls selling souvenirs and refreshments along the route and at the top, a Buddhist temple honouring Buddah welcomes those who have completed the trek. Many choose to hike the mountain at night when it is lit by oil lamps so that they can witness the sunrise from the top. However you choose to do it, you will be in awe of the vistas from the top.