Sri Lanka, the so-called teardrop of India for its shape and proximity to the Indian subcontinent, is a tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean with 3000 years of documented history, tropical forests, and diverse landscapes.
Aside from the popular beaches, yoga, and culture of 20 million wonderful, inviting people that this small island nation has to offer, these are the top 5 things to do in Sri Lanka to make your trip truly magical. Experience magnificent sites and unforgettable adventures that simply cannot be missed while visiting this fascinating and beautiful country.
1. Whale Watching
The blue whale, the largest animal to have ever existed, had been hunted close to extinction in the early 1900’s. However, large communities still to this day flock to the south shores of Sri Lanka, and the whale watching industry is quickly growing. If you are interested in spotting our cetaceous friends in the water, whale watching season spans from December to April, with peak frequencies in January and February. Sperm whales and blue whales swim across the southern tip of the island, migrating to the warmer waters off Dondra Point near Mirissa harbor. What’s more is for $50 – $80 you can’t go wrong with an entire fun-filled day with these fascinating creatures.
2. Safari through Yala National Park
Take a safari through Yala National Park where you can spot leopards, elephants, peacocks, exotic birds, boars, and crocodiles, just to name a few. As the second-largest national park in Sri Lanka, Yala National Park is among the most ideal sites in the world to see spotted panthers. The park is about 7 hours drive from Colombo and world renowned for its abundance of fauna and flora. It might be thousands of miles away from the African savanna, but you will cherish the memories and thrills of riding on a Jeep safari, and at an economical $15 entrance fee, even the travelers on the tightest budgets cannot afford to miss this!
3. Trekking to Adam’s Peak
Sri Lanka’s second tallest mountain, standing at 2,243 m (7,359 ft) tall is Adam’s Peak, especially known for the Sri Pada, the sacred footprint of Sri Lanka. Trekking to Adam’s Peak is one of the top things to do in Sri Lanka, especially December to May, which is the prime hiking season to Adam’s Peak. Year after year the sacred footprint attracts a colorful array of visitors of nationalities and religious creeds to climb the 5,200 steps to its peak. According to Christianity and Islam, it is believed that this is the very place where Adam first stepped foot on Earth. In Buddhism, this is the site where Buddha last stepped from Earth before reaching Nirvana, and Hinduism believes that it is the giant footstep of Lord Shiva. For the early birds, the long hike up the mountain begins around 3 AM in order to reach the summit and witness the unforgettably picturesque sunrise and spectacular views.
4. Spelunking (Caving)
With a remarkable range of caves throughout the country dating back approximately 500 million years, spelunking (or cave exploration) is a fun and adventurous activity that is not to be missed in Sri Lanka. There, the magical sights, incredible formations and passages await you. Enjoy the athletic side of the physical challenges in climbing, crawling, or even abseiling through rough terrain. It is a thrilling activity for those who aren’t afraid of tight spaces, heights, darkness, and bugs. For those of a weaker heart, a Sri Lankan cave presents you with the perfect opportunity to overcome your fears!
5. Sri Lanka by Train from Kandy to Ella
Step back in time with Sri Lanka’s most scenic train journey through mountain tunnels, stunning waterfalls, cliffs, streams, pine forests and green valleys. Behold the landscape of gorgeous mountains and an endless jigsaw of tea estates while meeting interesting people on the train. Be sure to sit on the right side of the carriage which will give you the best scenery. The slow train from Kandy to Ella departs twice daily, taking 6-7 hours to arrive, so make sure to take the time to travel by train, and it will be the most incredible journey you will never forget.
On its own, Sri Lanka is a magical location rich in experiences for all the senses. Any voyage there is likely to leave you breathless and speechless, and with this list of the top 5 things to do in Sri Lanka, you can ensure that you take your trip to the next level. Perhaps Lord Shiva will leave his footprint within you…
Kitty Tana
