18 must-try activities in Sri Lanka

Though Sri Lanka is small, its lush mountains, golden beaches, diverse wildlife, and rich culinary traditions promise endless adventures for visitors.

From stunning train journeys and exquisite dining in the capital, Colombo, to top-notch surfing and trendy beach cafes in the south, here are 18 highlights in Sri Lanka.

Ascend Little Adam's Peak with a leisurely one-hour hike. Michael Roberts/Getty Images

1. Experience sunrise from Little Adam’s Peak

Distinct from the sacred Adam’s Peak near Hatton, which requires a challenging 5000-step climb, Little Adam’s Peak offers an accessible hike for visitors in Ella. Begin your one-hour trek early to catch the breathtaking sunrise at the summit. For those seeking more adventure, consider hiking Ella Rock and the trail to Nine Arch Bridge.

Ella is a charming, relaxed destination. While many opt to stay outside the town, it's essential to enjoy the vibrant cafe culture at Cafe Chill. Thrill-seekers can also try ziplining. Though Ella is popular, don’t overlook nearby picturesque mountain towns like Ohiya, Idalgashinna, Haputale, and Wellawaya.

2. Savor the finest cinnamon on Ganduwa Island

Southern Sri Lanka is renowned for producing some of the finest cinnamon in the world, which is lighter and sweeter than varieties from Indonesia and Vietnam. Visitors can discover the esteemed Ceylon cinnamon by taking a boat trip to Ganduwa Island on Koggala Lake, just south of Galle.

Generational peelers dedicate their days to expertly shaving thin layers of the tree’s inner bark to produce quills of cinnamon. Visitors can purchase these along with small packets of cinnamon powder and cinnamon oil. The boat then takes guests to explore other islands. Be sure to grab a refreshing glass of kirala (mangrove apple) juice from a local vendor at the jetty as you depart.

3. Go bird-watching at Bundala National Park

Bundala National Park, a Ramsar-recognized wetland in southern Sri Lanka, is home to nearly 200 species of native and migratory birds. Bird-watching tours commence at 6am and last 3 to 4 hours, allowing you to witness brahminy kites, countless storks, whistling wild ducks, Asian green bee-eaters, flamboyant peacocks, and lounging crocodiles. In the afternoon, watch for wild Asian elephants, spotted deer, and wild boar wandering among the Weera, Neem, and Palu trees.

Tip for planning: To maximize your chances of spotting wildlife, consider booking a 4WD safari with a local tour operator. Look for offices near the park entrance in Bundala Junction.

The views of the Sigiriya rock fortress from Pidurangala are breathtaking. John Harper/Getty Images

4. Hike Pidurangala for a stunning sunrise over the jungle

No visit to Sri Lanka is complete without exploring Sigiriya, a colossal rock fortress featuring the remnants of an ancient palace, beautiful water gardens, and frescoes near the impressive rock formation of Pidurangala. Early risers should lace up their hiking boots and embark on the ascent at 5am to catch the sunrise, but for those who prefer a later start, visiting for sunset before the ticket office closes at 6pm is also a great option.

Planning tip: The entrance fee is US$36 for this 45-minute trek. From the summit, enjoy stunning views of the iconic lion-shaped Sigiriya rock surrounded by lush tropical forests and man-made lakes. Along the way to the top, you’ll pass a Buddhist temple, so remember to bring a shawl or sarong to cover yourself appropriately.

5. Experience kitesurfing on the pristine Kalpitiya Peninsula

With its vast flatwater lagoons and consistent winds, Sri Lanka’s northwestern coast boasts some of the finest kitesurfing conditions in the world. Located a -hour drive north of Colombo, the Kalpitiya Peninsula remains relatively undiscovered by many international travelers. This area features sandy beaches and quaint fishing villages, where wild donkeys can be seen roaming expansive grasslands.

In Kappalady, situated along the Indian Ocean, you can take kitesurfing lessons from local instructors at Kite Center Sri Lanka. The kite school also organizes kitesurfing safaris to nearby locations like Donkey Point, Dutch Bay, and Vella Island, catering to more experienced kiteboarders.

In addition to kitesurfing, Kappalady offers activities such as kayaking through the lagoons and ethical dolphin-watching tours, where large pods of spinner dolphins can be observed swimming in abundance. Note: Responsible operators will use small boats, maintain a respectful distance from the pods, and refrain from feeding the animals.

Planning tip: There are several accommodation choices available near the beach in Kappalady.

6. Experience camping in the picturesque Haputale mountains

Just an hour's bus ride from Ella lies the misty mountains of Haputale, a region renowned for its tea plantations and chilly streams. Experience the warmth of local hospitality at a family-run campsite, like the Eco Lodge Haputale managed by the Dias family. After enjoying a few cups of sweet milk tea at their home, they will guide you through a tea garden to their campsite, featuring several tents along with a cozy kitchen and dining area that offers stunning views of the Haputale mountains. Wake up to the melodies of birds and relish the sunrise—truly the highlight of your stay here.

Experience some of Sri Lanka's most stunning landscapes by train for the ultimate views. Getty Images

7. Embark on a train journey from Colombo

If you're looking for unforgettable experiences in Sri Lanka, taking a train ride is essential. For breathtaking mountain vistas paired with lush tea gardens, charming British colonial railway stations, and flowing water bodies, consider the train journey from Colombo to Ella, which also crosses the iconic Instagram-famous Nine Arch Bridge. Numerous trains travel this route, but due to its popularity among travelers, be sure to book your tickets in advance.

But don’t stop there. Take a coastal train journey south from Colombo towards Galle to enjoy views of the Indian Ocean and gently swaying palms. Then, hop on a train heading north to Jaffna—you’ll witness the landscape transform as you pass through Anuradhapura, where lush rice fields and coconut trees give way to palmyra palms, shrubs, and arid soil.

Planning tip: Alongside local families, fellow travelers, and daily commuters, you'll encounter numerous vendors on the trains offering cups of tea, instant coffee, chili-spiced fresh fruits, roasted peanuts, yogurt, and even mobile top-up cards.

8. Indulge in Sri Lankan crabs

Sri Lankan crabs are highly sought after in Singapore’s fine dining scene, but they rarely appear on menus back home. However, this is beginning to change: for an upscale experience in Colombo, visit the Ministry of Crab located in the Dutch Hospital Complex. For a more authentic local experience, you can't go wrong with the Mayura Hotel in Pettah Market.

Planning tip: If you find yourself in the northern region, don’t miss the Jaffna crab curry at Cosy Restaurant near the Jaffna Railway Station, which packs a spicy punch.

9. Search for the elusive Sri Lankan leopard at Wilpattu National Park

Many visitors flock to Yala National Park hoping to spot the endangered Sri Lankan leopard. However, the area often suffers from overcrowding, and safari vehicles can sometimes drive the animals away.

For a more thoughtful and rewarding safari, consider visiting Wilpattu National Park in the northwest of the island and book with a responsible operator like Leopard Trails. Their guides refrain from pursuing potential sightings and switch off their vehicle engines near wildlife. They also whisper during sightings to minimize disturbance. In addition to leopards, the park is home to Asian elephants, sloth bears, and barking deer in their natural surroundings.

Alternatively, Kumana National Park, located to the east of Yala, is an excellent destination for bird watchers. If you're fortunate, you might spot a leopard resting on a rugged boulder.

Kaudulla and Minneriya National Parks are home to numerous wild Asian elephants. Oliver Foerstner/Shutterstock

10. Experience the largest gathering of wild Asian elephants in the world

Sri Lanka is estimated to have around 4,000 wild Asian elephants, best observed in their natural habitats within the country’s national parks. During the dry season from July to September, the expansive reservoirs in Kaudulla and Minneriya National Parks attract herds of elephants as they graze on grass, bathe, and play together. On hot days, elephants often seek shelter in nearby jungles, but by around 4pm, they gradually make their way back to the lakes. This is your opportunity to witness hundreds of these magnificent creatures together—the largest wild elephant gathering in the world.

Planning tip: Avoid locations where elephants are kept in captivity, except for the Elephant Transit Home in Uda Walawe. This facility, operated by the government wildlife department with help from the Born Free Foundation, rescues abandoned and injured elephant calves and rehabilitates them for a return to the wild.

11. Enjoy traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry in Unawatuna

Sri Lankans typically enjoy curry and rice at least once a day—often for all three meals. While there are many excellent spots to savor this national dish, Mettha's Home Cooked Meals, nestled among the cafes and souvenir shops in Unawatuna in southern Sri Lanka, stands out as one of the best. Aunty Mettha herself prepares the meals fresh on-site (with a little help from her family), and the creamy Sri Lankan dal cooked in coconut milk is a must-try.

Planning tip: If you're interested in learning to cook curry dishes, visit the family-run Sea Waves Restaurant in Unawatuna, but be sure to try their whole butterfish, which is cooked in a secret umami-rich homemade sauce before you leave.

12. Discover the lives of Sri Lanka's indigenous people

The Vedda are the indigenous community of Sri Lanka. Once forest-dwellers, their population has declined over the years due to migration, habitat destruction, and assimilation into the dominant Sinhala-Buddhist culture. Today, some Vedda families still maintain their native language, cuisine, and rituals, particularly in Dambana, an indigenous village and museum located in the southern region of Maduru Oya National Park.

Planning tip: For a deeper experience, head east to Gal Oya where you can join tours with the Vedda to explore their ancient caves and hunting grounds. Wild Glamping Gal Oya collaborates closely with the Vedda community to facilitate ethical encounters.

Kottu roti is a delightful mix of vegetables, eggs, and leftover flatbread. Shutterstock

13. Sample kottu roti street food

No dish embodies Sri Lanka quite like kottu roti. This beloved street food features a hearty combination of fresh vegetables, leftover roti (flatbread), and eggs, along with your choice of meat or seafood. The ingredients are tossed together on a hot metal griddle and chopped into small pieces using two metal blades, creating a distinctive clinking sound that can be heard from yards away. Kottu roti is available throughout the island, but for a great experience, try it in Colombo at Hotel de Pilawoos or Hotel de Plaza (note: many Sri Lankan eateries are referred to as 'hotels').

Planning tip: Be cautious of other Pilawoos or Hotel de Plaza locations—many smaller spots share the same name. The originals are located on Galle Road in Colombo 03. Pair your meal with a glass of iced Milo (a popular chocolate malt beverage), which complements a piping hot kottu perfectly.

14. Wander the charming streets of Galle Fort

Galle Fort is a delightful blend of Portuguese, Dutch, and British architectural styles, surrounded by spas, upscale hotels, souvenir shops, ice cream parlors, and gem boutiques. Visit in the morning as the Fort comes to life. Start your day with a hearty Sri Lankan breakfast at National Tea Rooms, the oldest café in Galle Fort, run by a welcoming Sri Lankan family since 1932.

Browse for postcards and wall art featuring quirky Sri Lankan graphics, tuk-tuks, and vintage maps at Stick No Bills. For lunch, don’t miss the spicy black pork curry at Church Street Social. The views from the ramparts are breathtaking, especially at sunset.

15. Ride the waves with Sri Lanka’s first local female-run surf club

Surfers of all skill levels flock to Arugam Bay on the east coast. During the season from April to August, this stretch of soft, golden sand buzzes with parties, drinks, and live music at night. It also offers a relaxed surf culture, highlighted by the Arugam Bay Girls Surf Club, the first all-female surf club in Sri Lanka, which provides swimming, surfing, and yoga lessons for the community.

Planning tip: Along the beach, you'll find shacks offering tasty Sri Lankan roti filled with chocolate, banana, chicken, cheese, and vegetables, perfect for a post-surf snack.

The circular relic house known as Vatadage is a must-see when visiting Polonnaruwa. Getty Images

16. Cycle through the historic kingdom of Polonnaruwa

After the decline of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa became Sri Lanka's second capital from 1070 to 1232, and today its ruins are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Be sure to visit the Vatadage, a circular relic house featuring a prominent Buddha statue. Afterward, explore the ancient city by bike and stop by the historic Royal Palace.

Among the remarkable archaeological treasures are the standing Buddha at Lankatilaka Vihara and a collection of granite-carved Buddha statues at Gal Vihara. The influence of South Indian culture is evident in some of these remnants, a reflection of the ancient kingdom's encounters with South Indian invasions.

Planning tip: To fully enjoy this splendid archaeological park, arrive early in the morning to avoid the intense heat. The Polonnaruwa ruins can become quite crowded on weekends, during school holidays, and on full moon days.

17. Connect with nature by staying in a treehouse

For nature enthusiasts, spending the night in a treehouse is a delightful experience. These accommodations, perched on wooden platforms among the trees, allow you to immerse yourself in the jungle. Consider booking a treehouse at Back of Beyond in Sigiriya, where lizards and monkeys might pay you a visit.

In the far south of Sri Lanka, Tangalle offers a blend of rugged beaches, lagoons, and shrublands. Here, Jaywa Lanka features a treehouse nestled by the mangroves, where you’ll be serenaded by the soothing sounds of waves and chirping birds. Keep an eye out for wild peacocks showcasing their plumage to impress peahens.

Egg hoppers are a popular breakfast or snack choice throughout Sri Lanka. Getty Images

18. Indulge in hoppers

One dish you must try before leaving Sri Lanka is hoppers (aappa in Sinhala; appam in Tamil), which are bowl-shaped pancakes made from rice flour batter. With crispy edges and soft centers, plain hoppers are typically enjoyed with curries or a spicy chili paste known as lunu miris, made from onions and dried red chilies.

In the evenings, many street vendors serve plain hoppers topped with an egg. If you're in Colombo, visit Palmyrah Restaurant at Renuka Hotel for a taste of Sri Lankan fine dining; their dinner menu features both savory and sweet hoppers paired with milk or jaggery. Alternatively, for a more local experience, try hoppers from Aunty Radhika in Wellawatta, just past the bank on WA Silva Mawatha—though be prepared for long lines!