Colombo’s most eclectic Buddhist temple, packed with treasures, plus the serene Seema Malaka pavilion on Beira Lake.
- Budget
- Experience
Sri Lanka’s finest botanic gardens, just outside Kandy, with an orchid house, giant Java fig and avenues of royal palms.
- Mid-range
- Experience
South Asia’s tallest tower, with an observation deck and sweeping views over Colombo, Beira Lake and the ocean.
- Mid-range
- Experience
Ella’s most rewarding hike, a steeper half-day climb to a summit with views over the whole valley.
- Budget
- Experience
A working tea estate on the road into Nuwara Eliya, with free factory tours, tea tasting and views over the plantations.
- Budget
- Experience
Boat trips from Mirissa to see blue whales, sperm whales and dolphins off Sri Lanka’s south coast.
- Upscale
- Experience
A small horseshoe bay with a mellow beach break for beginners and a reef break for experienced surfers.
- Mid-range
- Experience
A colourful Hindu temple on Swami Rock, high above the ocean at Trincomalee.
- Budget
- Experience
A sunset walk around the walls of Galle Fort, past bastions, the lighthouse and colonial streets. Free and unforgettable.
- Budget
- Experience
Sri Lanka’s sacred mountain, climbed overnight by pilgrims of every faith to watch sunrise from the summit.
- Budget
- Experience
Sri Lanka’s medieval capital, a UNESCO site best explored by bicycle, with the famous Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddhas.
- Upscale
- Experience
A hidden cove and a hilltop peace pagoda on the Rumassala headland near Unawatuna.
- Budget
- Experience
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Planning what to do in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka packs ancient cities, tea country, wildlife and beaches into a small island, so it is tempting to try to do everything. The best trips pick a few bases and go deeper. We are adding experiences destination by destination, starting with the places we know best.
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