Top 5 Things to do in Sri Lanka
Climb to the peak of the Sigiriya Fortress
Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress that can be found in the town of Dambulla. The historical and archaeologically significant attraction is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was once the location of King Kashyapa’s palace. You can see the remains of the capital which reigned from 477 to 495 AD, and though not much is left, you can still see the enormous lion at the gateway and the colorful frescoes on the side of the rock. The capital and royal palace is a magnificent place to explore, and the climb up will surround you with breathtaking views of the surroundings.
Walk the halls of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
Found in Sri Lanka’s cultural capital, Kandy, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a Buddhist temple and royal palace complex which houses a relic of the tooth of the Buddha. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most visited attractions on the island and you should definitely set aside a couple of hours to explore the temple and surrounding complex while there. As you walk through the complex you’ll see pristine examples of Kandyan architecture, stone statues, shrines dedicated to Buddha, ivory carvings, and several other notable pieces from Sri Lanka’s history.
Go on a safari at Yala National Park
Sri Lanka is filled with national parks and Yala National Park is one of the most popular with visitors because of the chance of sighting leopards. The safaris are now managed to cause as little destruction as possible to the natural surrounding, allowing you to experience a more authentic safari. The famous wildlife park is also home to several other animals like elephants, sloths, boars, and peacocks. It’s an exhilarating experience for sure and is an activity that visitors of all ages will enjoy.
Surf the waves of Mirissa Beach
The ultimate beach town, Mirissa is one of those places where you might consider throwing away your passport and just living the rest of your life on the golden beaches of Sri Lanka. The waves of the Indian Ocean attracts surfers from all over the world, while the friendly people and laid-back atmosphere make them want to stay forever. The town is lined with shops selling elephant harem pants and restaurants filled with delicious local treats and time seems to come to a standstill when the sun sets over the lovely beach town of Mirissa.
Eat as much local food as possible
The colonization of Sri Lanka started in the 1500s by the Portuguese and ended after they conquered independence from the British in 1948. That rich history has contributed immensely to the melting pot of cultures you’ll come across – as well as the foods that are available. No vacation is truly complete without feasting on local delicacies, and Sri Lanka has many of them. You can pick from an array of flatbreads, sambals, curries, and rice – some of our favorites are the coconut rotis accompanied by a sweet and spicy onion sambal made with tamarind as well as the staple rice and curry combo which has a mix of vegetables and meats you can try. Sri Lanka is also home to ‘short eats’ which comprise several savory snacks like fried rolls stuffed with spiced tuna and triangular samosas filled with minced meat.