Best Things To Do In Sri Lanka In 2022

It’s astonishing that, despite a decade of civil conflict, Sri Lanka has risen to become one of the world’s top travel destinations. A trip to Sri Lanka, the reverently uncovered teardrop island, is an eye-opening experience. This lovely island is enveloped in lush coastal foliage. Expect to be pursued by palm-fringed roads, fluttering butterflies, and blue-water beaches wherever you go. Sri Lanka will enchant you with its pristine Buddhist Stupas, lush wildernesses, wildlife, meandering coastlines, delicious seafood, crystal blue sea, and a hot cup of cinnamon tea.

Prepare to be startled by the country’s constantly changing infrastructure, hotels, and surf culture. While there is plenty to do on this glorious teardrop island, including a plethora of sites to see, here is a list of activities that will give you a true experience of this legendary country.

Visit the Ancient and the New Capital

Both the old and new capitals of Sri Lanka are fascinating to visit. It’s worth noting that Sri Lanka’s administrative capital is Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, whereas the financial capital is Colombo. This implies that if you’re asked about Sri Lanka’s capital, you must say ‘Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, not Colombo. Both of these cities combine to form the country’s major urban regions. Colombo dubbed as the “Garden City of the East,” is a must-see destination in Sri Lanka. This colonial city’s legacy extends well beyond its beautiful beaches and sheltered boulevards.

Colombo has a fetching blend of old and contemporary architecture, from prehistoric structures to open-air marketplaces. Colombo, without a doubt, is a great place to begin your Sri Lankan experience. Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, likewise, depicts the best of waterfront parks, lakes, golf clubs, and government buildings.

Sri Lanka’s old capital, on the other hand, is Kandy. It’s a lovely mountain town surrounded by Buddhist temples, verdant forests, and tea plantations. While the majority of countries have just one capital, Sri Lanka has two. Each is well worth a visit!

Explore the Ancient Sacred Sites

Sacred historical monuments abound in Sri Lanka, whether they are centuries-old Buddhist temples, mosques, or UNESCO World Heritage sites. Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple, Royal Citadel of Sigiriya, Jami UI Alfar Candy Striped Red Mosque, Kurunegala Ridi Viharaya, Adisham monastery of Saint Benedict, and Roman St. Mary’s Cathedral were some of the magnificent landmarks I came across during my Sri Lankan adventure.

It’s inspiring to see how the past Kings of Sri Lanka dedicated themselves to strengthening the island by building holistic sites and cultivating a restorative culture. Even the most contemporary engineers are astounded by the accuracy with which these sites were constructed. What’s incredible about these locations, though, is that they fill you with an odd sense of calm.

Tour the Lush Tea Plantations

Trekking through a tea plantation in Sri Lanka brings home the fact that tea picking is a physically demanding profession. Although both men and women can pick tea leaves, it is a technique that women have learned thanks to their dexterous fingers. The main estates in Sri Lanka’s tea country are in Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, Dimbula, Uva, and the Southern province. Each of these exquisite tea farms, perched at a high altitude, is capable of concocting distinct flavours.

While you’re here, take a tour of one of the tea factories to learn about the process, the technology, and even sample some freshly brewed tea before it finds its way to the bidding playground. The Lipton Seat, pitched by Sir Thomas Lipton, is Sri Lanka’s most historically significant tea location. Just thank the British for bringing tea culture to Sri Lanka. For the time being, these plantations house the greatest Tea(s) the world has to offer.

See the Stargate Portal in Anuradhapura

The stargate doorway in Ranmasu Uyana’s royal garden stands out among Anuradhapura’s architectural treasures. Tantrik monks meditate and claim to transit dimensions from this ancient site, which many assume to be a stargate map. While dimensional travel may need several hours of meditation, a stop to this unusual location simply takes a few minutes. A guided tour will explain the history of the place and why it’s thought to be a science fiction stargate doorway. Don’t miss it, in my opinion. It might be your only chance to see something like what is depicted, in films like Star Wars.

Train Ride from Nanu Oya to Haputale

The Blue or Red Train journey from Nanu Oya to Haputale is another intriguing adventure worth doing in Sri Lanka. It’s one of Asia’s greatest train excursions, with a breathtaking panorama. This train excursion will take you through beautiful timbers while encapsulating Sri Lanka’s tea-covered foggy highlands. You’ll pass through some of the most stunning streams and waterfalls along the trip. The finest aspect is that the trains’ doors are never closed. So, whether you get the window seats or not, you can still immerse yourself in the breathtaking vistas that will quickly lift your spirits.

The first-class carriage, which is a compact compartment with comfy seats and curtained windows, was my mode of transportation. The train made a few brief stops along the way, giving me the opportunity to sample some of the delicious Sri Lankan street cuisine offered by local sellers. My particular favourites were the deep-fried Prawns Vade and the roasted salted peanuts.

See Elephants in Kaudulla Wildlife Park

Although Kaudulla Wildlife Park is home to over 1000 elephants, it was a thrilling experience to see a herd of over 100 elephants altogether. Kaudulla National Park is a 19th-century Sri Lankan wildlife refuge located on a vast plain in the North Central Province. This old grassland has also been designated as a protected area to conserve the animals in the region. Kaudulla National Park, located halfway between beaches and verdant hillsides, is an excellent place to halt for a safari ride. However, this area includes three separate sanctuaries: Kaudulla, Minneriya, and Eco Park.

According to legend, King Mahasen established this national park in the 3rd century by constructing Minneriya Tank in the area. The elephant herd frequently travels from one park to the next, therefore, the movement of the herd decides which national park safari you should take. The Toque Macaque, purple-faced langur, Sri Lankan leopards, sloth bears, and grey slender loris also live in these national parks which are largely used as a feeding area for elephants. Also, one of the most incredible spots in the country to see painted storks, ruddy turnstones, lesser adjutants, Great white pelicans, and spot-billed pelicans, among other species.

Tour a Spice Garden

Taking a walk through the scented Highland Spice Garden was one of the unique experiences I had during my Sri Lanka vacation. The individual showing the spices was really knowledgeable, and he was effective in convincing me to purchase some from their in-house shop. My decision to buy was totally my own, however, the spice garden and natural items were beautifully presented.

Living in a chemical environment is difficult but, using natural products may help rid our body, mind, and soul of harmful implications. Natural products, on the other hand, are always more effective and soak nicely into the skin. Natural herbs such as cinnamon, turmeric, cumin, ginger, and others, when ingested from a farm, provide a more natural flavour to the cuisine and are far healthier than what we buy at the store.

Visit the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery

Visiting the Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project is one of the most beautiful things you can do in Sri Lanka. This Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Centre, the country’s oldest, concentrates only on rescue missions. This centre was founded in 1981 in the beach town of Kosgoda. Every night, turtle eggs are gathered and placed in a secure sand environment to hatch. The newborn turtles are released into the light once the eggs hatch, then released further out to sea. I was astounded by the amount of dedication with which the volunteers at this rescue centre go about their business. What a humbling experience!

I was even permitted to observe and handle newborn turtles while I was here. For a nominal charge of LKR 1500, you may help release the 3-day-old hatchlings into the water at 6 p.m. Leatherbacks, Loggerheads, Green Turtles, Hawksbills, and Olive Ridley Turtles are among the turtles that inhabit here.

Bentota River Boat Safari

Bentota, in my view, is Sri Lanka’s surfing paradise. The Bentota beach spans along a sandy section of paradise island, embracing the greatest surf in the country.

This lagoon, which is next to Bentota Lagoon, is home to some of the country’s top coral-rich diving locations, including Canoe Rock. A 2-hour Bentota boat safari will take you to the historic Galapota Temple, which houses a big Buddha statue, as well old mangroves and Geoffrey Bawa’s Lunuganga plantation. The River Safari begins and concludes at the Bentota Bridge. While you’re here, you may as well try Jet Ski, a guaranteed adrenaline rush.

Climb Lion Rock Fortress of Sigiriya

Climbing the Lion Rock or the Sigiriya Rock Fortress is a must-do on any vacation to Sri Lanka. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, perched on a giant flat rock, is one of Sri Lanka’s most outstanding sights. King Kashyapa pitched this renowned fortress in 477 AD, but it was abandoned after his death. Climbing the granite face necessitates ascending 1200 steps up a tight stairway. This property is a superb monument worth exploring, with numerous gardens and relics of monastery structures.

The most intriguing feature, though, maybe, found halfway up Lion Rock. These are the Sigiriya damsels, which display some of Sri Lanka’s most famous paintings, as well as the 16th-century white brick parapet wall, which has now turned orange. Climb a bit farther and you’ll come across the massive lion claws, from where you can take in the incredible 360-degree views over the area.

Walking Tour of Galle

Galle is the former port city of Sri Lanka, which was developed by the Portuguese and the Dutch. As you go through the narrow passageways, you’ll come across some of the most celebrated colonial buildings. Galle Fort, Groote Kerk Church, Maritime Archaeology Museum, All Saints Anglican Church, Flag Rock, Galle Dutch Hospital, and the Old Gate are some of the notable attractions in this little town. One of the main attractions is the 18th-century lighthouse on the beach.

Stroll Along the Peaceful Beaches

Sri Lanka, an island country in the Indian Ocean, is home to some of Asia’s most beautiful beaches. As a result, a stroll down some of the island’s more remote, less rocky golden sand beaches is a must to soak up the beach brilliance.

Sri Lankan beaches are like something out of a lustrous magazine cover, spurring romance even if you aren’t on your honeymoon. Take a stroll along the astonishing beaches of Bentota, Hiriketiya, Mirissa, Uppuveli, and Arugam Bay to get a sense of the ambience. You’ll be stunned by some of the bluest lagoons you’ll ever see.

Shop in Sri Lanka

Shopping in Sri Lanka is always a pleasure. Some of us travel not only to broaden our horizons but also to engage in retail therapy. Sri Lanka sells everything from traditional souvenirs to handcrafted batiks to intricate jewellery to high-end items, so you’ll be spoilt for choice. Stone murals, diamonds, and sarees with modern-style modifications are also popular among local crafts.

Sri Lanka is a shopper’s paradise, with each location emphasising its distinct culture. Sri Lanka provides a wide range of unique souvenirs because of its abundance of excellent workmanship. Take a piece of your vacation home with you, with their stones, delectable jams, sarees, tea, antiques, sarongs, spices, therapeutic products, and masks.