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Top things to do in Sri Lanka
Spot leopards in Yala National Park, explore the colonial past and visit sacred Kandy, the spiritual heart of Sri Lanka. The coast is overridden with pristine beaches for total relaxation and climb Sigiriya for magnificent views of the luscious landscape.
Here are the top things to do on a Sri Lanka holiday, as chosen by our Indian Subcontinent specialists.
Climb Sigiriya (Lion Rock)
Once believed to be site of King Kassapa's Fortress Palace, Sigiriya rises nearly 200 metres above the plains in the north of Sri Lanka. Climb part of the way up to see the beautiful rock murals, then continue to the summit for spectacular views and to view the remains of the palace complex.
Visit sacred Kandy
A previous capital of Sri Lanka, Kandy is still considered to be the cultural and spiritual heart of the country; and it is home to the Temple of the Tooth where a tooth of the Lord Buddha is located.
Explore the colonial past
Once ruled by the Portugese, Dutch and then the British, remnants of this history remain dotted around the island. The Nuwara Eliya hill station in tea country is one of the best examples, with Victorian houses still standing. As the former capital, Kandy still features colonial mansions, and Colombo was once a Dutch colonial port.
Spot leopard in Yala National Park
Believed to have the highest density of leopard in the world, a visit to this park gives an excellent opportunity to view this elusive and beautiful big cat. In addition you can see sloth bears, abundant birdlife, jackals, elephants and deer.
Catch Coastal Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has more than 1,600km of beautiful golden palm-fringed beaches. From the southwest coast, near Colombo, to the historic Galle Fort in the south, there’s a huge choice of upmarket resorts and boutique hotels. Scattered among the numerous coastal towns and villages, these hotels allow visitors to discover the region’s vibrant cultural heritage and architectural influences from the colonial period. It’s the perfect place to finish a holiday.
