Top 5 Things To Do In Sri Lanka (Part 1)

Sri Lanka is a tiny island, yet its tourists will always be energized because of its jungle-covered mountains, golden sandy beaches, plentiful wildlife in its natural habitats, and spice-laden food.

Here are the top 5 things to do in Sri Lanka, ranging from amazing train trips and gourmet eating in Colombo to excellent surfing and stylish coastal cafés in the south.

Sigiriya Rock

Sigiriya is also known as the Lion Rock, a historic site in central Sri Lanka’s Matale District. It has been designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Located at an elevation of 370 metres, it is situated between the cities of Dambulla and Habarane in Sri Lanka’s central Matale District. It is a fortress with palace remains, a garden, moats, a mirror wall, and stunning frescoes (paintings made in wet plaster on walls). The Lion Gate, so named for the lion’s paws etched onto its front, inspired the town’s moniker. From any of the larger cities, Dambulla or Habarane, you may take a bus or rail to the Sigiriya Fortress.

Simha, meaning lion, and Giri, meaning mountain, combine to form the name of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. In addition to the well-designed stronghold and the ruined halls, the citadel, the Mirror Wall, and the Frescoes decorate the site’s walls.

Gorgeous gardens and moats surround this castle. Soon after making Sigiriya his new capital, King Kashyapa commissioned its construction. It takes roughly an hour to make the ascent, but the views from the peak are worth the effort. Some parts of the trail are quite steep. Therefore, it’s best avoided if you’re an older adult. From Monday through Saturday, 7:00 AM, the facility is available to the public and is conveniently located near several local communities. You’ll get your money’s worth in stunning scenery, so it’s worthwhile.

Ancient Wonders In Anuradhapura

A tuk-tuk or bicycle is all needed to get around the ancient ruins and magnificent dagobas of Sri Lanka’s first city, which still draws thousands of Buddhist pilgrims annually. Among these enormous structures is Jetavanarama, a stupa that stood as the world’s third-tallest tower when it was constructed in the third century (the first two were Egyptian pyramids).

The Thuparamaya Stupa, also in Anuradhapura, is a significant Buddhist temple since it is the oldest Dagoba on the island.

Try Kottu Roti

It’s impossible to encapsulate Sri Lanka in a meal any better than kottu roti. This carb-heavy street meal consists of your choice of chicken or fish combined with fresh veggies, stale roti (flatbread), and eggs. The distinctive clink-clink-clink of metal on metal is typically audible from several hundred feet away as ingredients are thrown together onto a metal grill and cut into thin slices using two metal blades.

Kottu roti may be found across the island. However, the best places to have it are Hotel de Pilawoos and Hotel de Plaza in Colombo (note: some Sri Lankan restaurants are often named “hotels”). It’s easy to be fooled by imitators; Galle Road in Colombo 03 is home to the original Pilawoos and Hotel de Plaza, but there are many more establishments in the area with similar names. Order it with an ice-cold glass of Milo (a well-liked chocolate malt drink) and enjoy it with your steaming plate of kottu.

Nine Arches Bridge, Ella Overview

The Nine Arches Bridge, also known as Ahas Namaye Palama or The Bridge in the Sky, is famous in the Sri Lankan town of Ella, which is situated in the country’s mountainous interior. This stone bridge is gorgeous; it spans a valley full of tea bushes and provides a breathtaking view of the mountains in the distance. This historic structure spans 91 metres in length and 24 metres in height, and its stunning splendour never ceases to awe visitors.

Appuhami of Sri Lanka took it upon himself to finish it. This contractor completed the building project on time, under budget, and with excellent attention to detail. The bridge is a marvel of architecture, constructed of stone and cement and standing the test of time. The Nine Arches Bridge has become a popular destination for photographers from all over the globe.

Tea Empire In Nuwara Eliya

This lovely remnant of Sri Lanka’s colonial era is steeped in home-county English history and culture and serves as the beating centre of the country’s tea industry. Visit a tea plantation and learn about the harvest firsthand from the selectors as you stroll around the estate and purchase some tea to try at home.

Sir Thomas Lipton began his tea empire in the Hill Country, in the Haputale Mountains. Therefore, tea connoisseurs should pay a visit. Transport to Mr Lipton’s favourite place to look out over his vast estate, Lipton’s Seat, will allow you to witness where it all started.

Sri Lanka is an exquisite island nation that stands out as a crown jewel in the Indian Ocean. Each area of Sri Lanka offers something unique, from its varied scenery to its unique culture.

Lastly, read more about travel around the world here.