Sri Lanka is frequently seen as a quintessential tropical beach getaway. When people picture Sri Lanka, they might envision idyllic sandy beaches, palm-lined coastlines, and popular surf locations such as Weligama or Arugam Bay. While the island undoubtedly boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, this narrow perception overlooks the vibrant cultural, historical, and natural diversity that the country presents. In reality, Sri Lanka confronts the curious traveler with an impressive array of options.
Our strength at MAHO is personally crafted journeys to suit the discerning traveler, and in this article we will dive deeper into some of the unique places to visit and best things to do in Sri Lanka.
Why Sri Lanka is so much more than just a beach destination
Epic Experiences and Top Things to Do in Sri Lanka
Maho, our founder, recently spent a month in Sri Lanka to uncover the island’s hidden treasures, experience its lively culture, take in breathtaking views, and learn about its fascinating history. That trip was all about going off the usual tourist track, giving our guests—now friends—a chance to really immerse themselves in the blend of nature, heritage, and local celebrations. In this article you can find the photo diary from this exceptional journey, plus an overview of our off-piste 2-Week Sri Lanka Itinerary.
Sri Lanka is simply stunning, full of diversity, and has pretty much everything you could want in a travel destination. If you are curious about the top experiences and highlights from our Sri Lanka tour in August 2024 coinciding with the Kandy Perahera and Jaffna Nallur Festivals, here is our list of special things to do in Sri Lanka—in no particular order.
1. Visit Mihintale at Sunset
Mihintale is a sacred hill near Anuradhapura, known as the spot where Buddhism first took hold in Sri Lanka. The story goes that King Devanampiya Tissa met Mahinda, the son of India’s Emperor Ashoka, here in the 3rd century BCE, setting off a major cultural shift on the island.
The climb up is pretty chill—definitely easier than the climb up Sigiriya—and the views from the top are just incredible, especially at sunset. It’s a quiet, peaceful spot, and watching the sun dip below the horizon with ancient stupas in the background was one of those “wow” moments of the trip.
2. Take a Local Boat to the Delft Island
Delft Island is a bit off the beaten path, but that’s what makes it so cool. It’s a remote island off the northern coast, and it feels like you’ve stepped back in time. The island has coral-stone walls, wild ponies roaming around, and this ancient Giant Baobab tree that’s over 700 years old.
Getting to Delft is an adventure in itself. You take a local boat that’s pretty basic—don’t expect luxury here—but it’s all part of the fun if you’re up for it. Just a heads-up: if you’re not a fan of cramped spaces, the boat ride might feel a bit tight. But once you set foot on the island, it’s like discovering a hidden, untouched corner of Sri Lanka.
3. Climb up Sigiriya at Sunrise
Sigiriya, or the Lion Rock, is one of those places that you can’t miss when visiting Sri Lanka. It’s this massive rock fortress that towers almost 200 meters above the jungle, and it was once the site of a royal palace back in the 5th century. The climb to the top is no small feat—about 1,200 steps—but it’s totally worth it. It’s best to go there for sunrise to avoid the crowds and the heat.
At the summit, the ruins of the king’s palace offer breathtaking views of the lush landscapes below. Sigiriya is not just a historical marvel but also a masterpiece of urban planning, blending nature and human ingenuity. It simply is an captivating attraction and despite the high entrance fee for foreign tourists, Sigiriya is, in our humble opinion, a must when visiting Sri Lanka.
4. Visit Kandy during Perahera
Kandy in the central highlands is renowned for its cultural heritage, particularly the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa). This temple houses a tooth relic of Buddha, making it one of the most sacred sites for Buddhists worldwide. The highlight and actually the main reason of our visit was though witnessing the Kandy Esala Perahera, a vibrant festival featuring traditional drumming, dancing, and processions of elaborately decorated elephants.
The city’s colonial architecture, bustling markets, and serene lake offer a blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy. Kandy serves as a gateway to Sri Lanka’s cultural and natural wonders, making it an essential stop on any itinerary. In fact, our Sinhala & Tamil New Year itinerary ends in Kandy to witness the new year celebrations in the local villages.
If you are not in Kandy during any festive season though, you may throw in a cultural dance show or drum makers’ village visits. Oh, and the 300km long Pekoe trail starts here. So, there is more than enough reason to include Kandy in your Sri Lanka itinerary.
5. Attend the Nallur Festival in Jaffna
Jaffna, located in the northern part of the island, offers a distinctly different cultural experience compared to the rest of Sri Lanka. The region is predominantly Tamil, and its culture, cuisine, and traditions reflect this heritage.
We explored the Nallur Kandaswamy Temple during the same-named festival on our Sri Lanka tour. Nallur Temple is one of the most significant Hindu temples in Sri Lanka, known for its vibrant festivals and intricate Dravidian architecture.
Jaffna is also famous for its Kool seafood soup, and Palmyrah, palm arrack/wine, a must-try for food enthusiasts. The city’s past, influenced by the Sri Lankan civil war, really shows in the strong spirit of its people and their warm hospitality. It’s a fascinating place for anyone wanting to dive into the island’s complex history.
6. Go on a Safari in Wilpattu and Minneriya National Parks
Sri Lanka’s diverse wildlife is yet another one of its unique wonders. While Yala National Park is the most famous (and jam-packed with jeeps) for leopard sightings, consider visiting Wilpattu National Park, known for its network of natural lakes or “willus,” and sightings of leopards, elephants, and sloth bears. Absolutely, one of the top things to do in Sri Lanka.
In Minneriya National Park, we experienced the “Gathering,” where hundreds of elephants congregate around the Minneriya tank during the dry season—a spectacular sight for any wildlife enthusiast.
These parks offer a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity, making them an excellent choice for those looking to experience the island’s natural beauty beyond its beaches.
7. Spend a Day in the Knuckles Mountain Range
As part of our Sri Lanka adventure, we spent literally a breathtaking day hiking in the Knuckles Mountain Range, a hidden gem that offers a stunning escape into nature. Named after its resemblance to a clenched fist, the Knuckles range is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in central Sri Lanka. It’s a paradise for hikers and nature enthusiasts, offering a diverse ecosystem.
The Knuckles Mountain Range boasts cloud forests, cascading waterfalls, and lush tea plantations. This area is home to an incredible variety of flora and fauna, with over 34% of Sri Lanka’s endemic trees, shrubs, and herbs found here. Hiking through the Knuckles along the Five Peaks Trail, we traversed mist-covered valleys, crossed pristine streams, and witnessed breathtaking views of rugged peaks.
If you’re a nature enthusiast, you can’t miss this hike in Sri Lanka. The stunning landscapes of the Knuckles range, along with the peaceful vibe of the secluded mountain villages, offer an unforgettable experience away from the crowded tourist spots. Just a heads up, you will encounter some (maybe lots of) tiny, uber speedy leeches, but they’re nothing to stress about!
8. Explore Dambulla Cave Temple
During our Sri Lanka tour, we explored the Dambulla Cave Temple, one of the most remarkable and well-preserved ancient Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka. Also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, this UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its impressive collection of Buddha statues, vibrant frescoes, and unique cave architecture.
The temple complex is carved into a towering rock formation that stands 160 meters above the flatlands. It consists of five main caves, each beautifully decorated with intricate murals and home to over 150 statues of the Buddha, along with various gods and ancient kings. For more than 2,000 years, people have been coming here on pilgrimages. The story goes back to the 1st century BCE when King Valagamba of Anuradhapura took refuge in these caves during his exile. After regaining his throne, he turned the caves into a temple as a gesture of gratitude.
The cave walls and ceilings are bursting with colorful murals that tell stories from the Buddha’s life, important historical events, and old Buddhist legends. Covering over 2,100 square meters, these paintings are truly impressive, offering a glimpse into the artistry and traditions of ancient Sinhalese culture.
Visiting the Dambulla Cave Temple is like taking a journey into Sri Lanka’s spiritual past. It’s a must-visit for anyone who loves history, religion, or art—you’ll get a real sense of the deep Buddhist roots and cultural heritage that make this place so special.
9. Walk with Monkeys in Polonnaruwa: The Ancient City of Kings
One of the top places to visit in Sri Lanka is Polonnaruwa, the second ancient capital of Sri Lanka and one of the island’s most impressive archaeological sites. This place is a must-see, especially if you’re into history. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site that gives you a peek into what life was like during Sri Lanka’s medieval era when the city was a buzzing hub of culture, trade, and architecture.
Polonnaruwa was the capital of the island during the 11th and 12th centuries CE, following the fall of Anuradhapura. This era is often called a golden age because of its smart city planning, advanced irrigation systems, and the impressive buildings that still stand today.
While Polonnaruwa is huge and spread out, our professional guides ensure you hit the most iconic sites and the museum in an efficient way. Strolling through the ruins, you get a real sense of how advanced and vibrant this city once was. There’s a mix of ancient temples, palaces, and old water systems that show off the kingdom’s creativity and cultural flair.
If you’re traveling with kids, a fun way to explore the ruins is to join a “monkey walk” tour. It’s a great way to keep them engaged while learning about the area’s history and primates.
10. Climb Pidurangala Rock at Sunset
A typical tourist would either visit Sigiriya or Pidurangala. Since we are a bunch of curious travelers, we couldn’t help but ventured to Pidurangala Rock to watch the sunset. Pidurangala Rock is the adventurous counterpart to the famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress. It offers a pretty cool hiking experience with stunning panoramic views of the majestic Sigiriya itself.
While Sigiriya is all about its ancient royal fortress and beautifully designed gardens, Pidurangala has a different vibe. It’s a spiritual site with deep roots in Buddhism. Back in the 5th century, during King Kashyapa’s reign, this rock became a retreat for monks when the king moved them here to make way for his palace on Sigiriya. Today, it’s still a peaceful place where you can check out an old temple and enjoy a raw, more natural experience.
At the base of Pidurangala, you’ll find a small temple, so be sure to cover your shoulders and knees before starting the hike. The trek itself is a bit of an adventure and takes about 30-40 minutes. It starts with a set of steps winding through forested areas, then shifts to a more rugged climb with some rock scrambling near the top. This part of the hike adds an element of adventure.
When you reach the summit, you’re in for a treat. The flat, rocky surface gives you incredible views of the lush green landscape, with Sigiriya Rock standing proudly in the distance. It’s the perfect spot to take in the scenery and soak up the natural beauty of the area.
A side note: If you ask yourself whether you should visit Sigiriya or Pidurangala, we would vote for Sigiriya, it’s simply a must-visit for its historical significance and elaborate ruins. Pidurangala offers a more rugged, natural hiking experience with the best possible view of Sigiriya itself. Pidurangala is certainly a fantastic adventure if you have time to visit both on your Sri Lanka tour.
11. Savor Sri Lanka’s Gastronomic Delights
Sri Lankan food is a tasty mix of flavors shaped by its various cultures, such as Tamil, Sinhalese, Moor, and Burgher communities. Checking out local food markets and sampling traditional dishes like kottu roti or hoppers is a great way to experience the island’s rich culinary scene. Not to mention the roadside king coconut vendors, tropical fruits and more.
12. Enhance Your Trip with Special Accommodations
We love discovering those one-of-a-kind places to stay that bring a special aura to your travels. These spots do more than just give you a roof over your head; they really elevate your whole experience. Every accommodation we choose for our trips is carefully selected from boutique businesses, ensuring you get a much more personal touch compared to typical tourist options.
Sri Lanka is a perfect place for going off-grid, enjoying a digital detox, diving into ayurveda, practicing yoga, or catching some waves at surf retreats, and so much more. While we can’t name all the awesome spots that are definitely not on the tourist track, feel free to get in touch with us for bespoke trips.
Final Words
Sri Lanka’s beaches are gorgeous, but the island has so much more to offer. It’s a place full of diverse landscapes and a vibrant culture. You can explore ancient cities, visit religious sites, go on wildlife safaris, or attend unique experiences like the Kandy Perahera Festival, Delft Island, and Jaffna. There’s an amazing range of adventures waiting for travelers! It’s also home to an extraordinary number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites for such a small island.
We strive to include as many special experiences as possible on our itineraries beyond sunbathing, such as hiking in the Knuckles Mountains, diving in the coral-rich waters of Trincomalee, surfing in Arugam Bay, kitesurfing in Kalpitiya and white water rafting in Kitulgala, to name a few. The diverse geography, from mountains to rainforests to coral reefs, means there is always something for the adventurous.
If you’re looking for a journey that combines cultural immersion, natural wonders, and unforgettable memories, we invite you to join us for the next Sri Lanka tour during Kandy Perahera in August, or for the Sinhala & Tamil New Year edition in April! The latter is a slightly different itinerary going off-piste, however it also includes highlights like the famous Nuware Eliya – Ella train ride.
Check out all our itineraries below for one-of-a-kind group adventures and bespoke trips:
https://earthmaho.com/sri-lanka-group-tour-2-weeks
https://earthmaho.com/sri-lanka-itinerary-7-days
https://earthmaho.com/sri-lanka-itinerary-14-days
https://earthmaho.com/sri-lanka-trip-april-sinhala-new-year
Further reading on epic experiences top things to do in Sri Lanka:
Our strength at MAHO is offering curated trips that focus on culture, adventure, and off-the-beaten-path experiences. These tours reveal the true diversity of the destination, allowing visitors to connect deeply with its history, landscapes, and people, far beyond the typical holiday.
Get in touch today for a journey beyond your dreams!
