Sri LankaThings To Do

01

Galle Face Green

ACTIVITY:leisure
VIBE:urban
PEAK:17:00 - 19:00
MAP

This narrow stretch of lawn sits directly between the busy Colombo traffic and the Indian Ocean. Waves crash loudly against the co

Galle Face Green feature
Galle Face Green view 1
Galle Face Green view 2
02

Gangaramaya Temple

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:spiritual
PEAK:16:00 - 18:00
MAP

Intricate stone carvings, tiered pagoda roofs, and rows of seated Buddhas define this active sanctuary on Beira Lake. For over a c

Gangaramaya Temple feature
Gangaramaya Temple view 1
Gangaramaya Temple view 2
03

Pettah Market

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:urban
PEAK:10:00 - 16:00
MAP

Pettah Market is a chaotic maze of narrow streets filled with bright colors and loud sounds. Vendors stack fresh pineapples, aroma

Pettah Market feature
Pettah Market view 1
Pettah Market view 2
04

Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:spiritual
PEAK:15:00 - 17:00
MAP

The towering red and white striped monument stands out against the chaotic streets of Pettah. Its candy-striped brickwork and dome

Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque feature
Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque view 1
Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque view 2
05

Ministry of Crab

The restaurant occupies a restored colonial hospital in Colombo featuring exposed brick walls and high ceilings. Warm orange light

06

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:heritage, scenic, dramatic
PEAK:09:00 - 17:00
MAP

Sigiriya rises from the flat green plains like a giant stone ship. Long stairways cling to the rock, while water gardens, boulders

Sigiriya Rock Fortress feature
Sigiriya Rock Fortress view 1
Sigiriya Rock Fortress view 2
07

Dambulla Cave Temple

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:spiritual
PEAK:07:00 - 19:00
MAP

The temple sits inside a massive rock overlooking the green plains. Sunlight hits the golden statues at the base before you climb

Dambulla Cave Temple feature
Dambulla Cave Temple view 1
Dambulla Cave Temple view 2
08

Aga Habarana

Open-air wooden pavilions stand quietly under a canopy of tropical trees, illuminated by flickering oil lamps. The night air carri

09

Ancient City of Polonnaruwa

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:heritage
PEAK:09:00 - 17:00
MAP

Polonnaruwa spreads across open lawns, shaded paths, and warm stone ruins. Brick stupas rise beside carved moonstones and quiet im

Ancient City of Polonnaruwa feature
Ancient City of Polonnaruwa view 1
Ancient City of Polonnaruwa view 2
10

Gal Vihara

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:spiritual
PEAK:07:00 - 10:00
MAP

Four massive Buddha figures emerge from a single face of light gray granite. The rock temple sits in a quiet forest clearing near

Gal Vihara feature
Gal Vihara view 1
Gal Vihara view 2
11

Parakrama Samudra

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:heritage
PEAK:16:00 - 18:00
MAP

This massive reservoir resembles an inland sea with waves rippling across its vast surface. Ancient stone walls contain the water,

Parakrama Samudra feature
Parakrama Samudra view 1
Parakrama Samudra view 2
12

Priymali Gedara

An open-air pavilion of dark wood and clay overlooks the bright green paddy fields of Polonnaruwa. Earthy aromas of woodsmoke and

13

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:heritage, spiritual
PEAK:09:00 - 17:00
MAP

White walls, a golden roof, and a quiet moat frame this sacred temple beside Kandy Lake. Inside, drumbeats echo through painted ha

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic feature
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic view 1
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic view 2
14

Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:nature
PEAK:10:00 - 14:00
MAP

Towering double coconut palms and classic orchid houses frame the manicured loops of this historic sanctuary. Originally reserved

Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya feature
Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya view 1
Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya view 2
15

Kandyan Art Association & Cultural Centre

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:heritage
PEAK:17:00 - 18:00
MAP

The lakeside pavilion features traditional Kandyan architecture with red clay roof tiles and open timber pillars. Inside, local ar

Kandyan Art Association & Cultural Centre feature
Kandyan Art Association & Cultural Centre view 1
Kandyan Art Association & Cultural Centre view 2
16

The Empire Cafe

The dining space occupies a restored colonial building directly opposite the sacred Temple of the Tooth. White brick walls and hig

17

Kandy to Ella Train

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:nature
PEAK:08:00 - 16:00
MAP

This vintage blue train rattles slowly along tracks laid through the wet highland tea country. Damp mountain air flows through wid

Kandy to Ella Train feature
Kandy to Ella Train view 1
Kandy to Ella Train view 2
18

Nine Arch Bridge

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:heritage
PEAK:06:00 - 09:00
MAP

Nine Arch Bridge rises from the dense green forest in the highlands of Ella. Constructed entirely of stone and brick, the massive

Nine Arch Bridge feature
Nine Arch Bridge view 1
Nine Arch Bridge view 2
19

Cafe Chill

Thatch-roofed wooden pillars and open terraces look out over Ella's main street and misty green hills. Giant bamboo structures and

20

Little Adam's Peak

ACTIVITY:adventure
VIBE:nature
PEAK:06:00 - 08:00
MAP

Mist rolls over emerald tea plantations that carpet the sharp ridges of this highland summit. The narrow path winds upward through

Little Adam's Peak feature
Little Adam's Peak view 1
Little Adam's Peak view 2
21

Uva Halpewatte Tea Factory

ACTIVITY:educational
VIBE:heritage
PEAK:10:00 - 15:00
MAP

Green tea bushes blanket the rolling hills surrounding this active brick and metal factory. Inside, the air smells of freshly crus

Uva Halpewatte Tea Factory feature
Uva Halpewatte Tea Factory view 1
Uva Halpewatte Tea Factory view 2
22

Ravana Falls

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:nature
PEAK:10:00 - 14:00
MAP

Ravana Falls cascades down a dark rock face in the misty hills of Ella. Thick green forests surround the water as it plunges into

Ravana Falls feature
Ravana Falls view 1
Ravana Falls view 2
23

Ak Ristoro Ella

It is a cozy, minimalist space along Passara Road in the Ella hills. Simple wooden tables sit under warm amber lights, creating a

24

Galle Fort

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:heritage, coastal, atmospheric
PEAK:09:00 - 17:00
MAP

Galle Fort rises above the sea with thick stone walls and quiet lanes. Whitewashed houses, old churches, and palms create a calm,

Galle Fort feature
Galle Fort view 1
Galle Fort view 2
25

Galle Lighthouse

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:heritage
PEAK:16:00 - 18:00
MAP

Galle Lighthouse stands on the southern edge of the historic stone ramparts. The white cylindrical tower rises against the bright

Galle Lighthouse feature
Galle Lighthouse view 1
Galle Lighthouse view 2
26

Dutch Reformed Church

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:heritage
PEAK:09:00 - 17:00
MAP

The church stands near the Galle Fort entrance on a high point of land. Its thick white walls rise under a double-pitched roof wit

Dutch Reformed Church feature
Dutch Reformed Church view 1
Dutch Reformed Church view 2
27

Pedlar Street

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:heritage
PEAK:16:00 - 19:00
MAP

Pedlar Street features colonial buildings with terracotta-tiled roofs and whitewashed facades along a cobblestone path. Soft ocean

Pedlar Street feature
Pedlar Street view 1
Pedlar Street view 2
28

The Fort Printers

This restored eighteenth-century mansion inside Galle Fort features high ceilings and a cool, stone-paved dining courtyard. Pale p

29

Bandaranaike International Airport

ACTIVITY:leisure
VIBE:modern
PEAK:00:00 - 23:00
MAP

This airport serves as the primary tropical gateway to Sri Lanka. The terminal design combines modernist layout choices with funct

Bandaranaike International Airport feature
Bandaranaike International Airport view 1
Bandaranaike International Airport view 2
30

Seema Malaka

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:spiritual
PEAK:16:00 - 18:00
MAP

Geoffrey Bawa designed this minimalist Buddhist temple on the calm waters of Beira Lake. Three wooden pavilions float on the lake,

Seema Malaka feature
Seema Malaka view 1
Seema Malaka view 2
31

Botanik Rooftop Bistro And Bar

Botanik sits high above Colombo Fort, offering views of the city skyline and the historic Dutch Hospital. Lush tropical greenery w

32

Aga Sigiriya Restaurant

Aga Sigiriya Restaurant occupies a rustic wooden pavilion overlooking the ancient stone fortress. Its open-sided design mirrors hi

33

Sigiriya Museum

ACTIVITY:educational
VIBE:heritage
PEAK:09:00 - 12:00
MAP

The museum sits inside a minimalist structure surrounded by green trees and quiet ponds. Inside, glass walkways lead visitors thro

Sigiriya Museum feature
Sigiriya Museum view 1
Sigiriya Museum view 2
34

Hiriwadunna Village Lunch

A simple clay kitchen sits under a thatched roof of woven palm leaves. Blue smoke rises from wood-fired stoves while the scent of

35

Pidurangala Rock

ACTIVITY:adventure
VIBE:nature
PEAK:05:00 - 07:00
MAP

A raw, volcanic hill rises out of the central Sri Lankan jungle. A climb up uneven boulders and tree roots leads to a massive, win

Pidurangala Rock feature
Pidurangala Rock view 1
Pidurangala Rock view 2
36

Empire Cafe

The cafe sits in a restored colonial heritage building opposite Kandy's main temple complex. High ceilings and a breezy verandah l

37

Theva Cuisine

Perched on the forested slopes of the Hantana range, this minimalist dining room overlooks Kandy valley. Sleek glass walls frame t

38

Hatton

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:nature
PEAK:08:00 - 16:00
MAP

Damp mountain air hangs over Hatton, a highland town surrounded by neatly manicured green tea estates. Historic stone bungalows lo

Hatton feature
Hatton view 1
Hatton view 2
39

Dunkeld Tea Factory

ACTIVITY:educational
VIBE:heritage
PEAK:09:00 - 11:00
MAP

Green tea fields cover the steep hillsides surrounding this traditional plantation next to a quiet lake. Inside the industrial str

Dunkeld Tea Factory feature
Dunkeld Tea Factory view 1
Dunkeld Tea Factory view 2
40

Ceylon Tea Trails

Resting in the cool central highlands, these historic bungalows overlook green hills and quiet lakes. The dining rooms fill with t

41

Ella Railway Station

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:heritage
PEAK:09:00 - 16:00
MAP

Mist drifts across the red brick walls and wooden platform of Ella Railway Station. Bright potted flowers line the veranda, set ag

Ella Railway Station feature
Ella Railway Station view 1
Ella Railway Station view 2
42

Nine Arches Bridge

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:heritage
PEAK:09:00 - 12:00
MAP

Nine Arches Bridge is a tall stone railway viaduct surrounded by dense green tea fields and misty hills. Steam trains occasionally

Nine Arches Bridge feature
Nine Arches Bridge view 1
Nine Arches Bridge view 2
43

Cafe Chill

Cafe Chill sits under a curved wooden roof in the cool mountain breeze of Ella. Inside, handmade timber tables and plush lounge cu

44

360 Ella

This central venue features a spacious ground level and an open second-floor terrace. Warm lighting and wooden accents create a re

45

Yala National Park

ACTIVITY:safari, wildlife watching
VIBE:nature, wildlife, adventure
PEAK:06:00 - 10:00
MAP

Yala National Park stretches across dry scrubland, glittering lagoons, and rocky coastline in southern Sri Lanka. Elephants wade t

Yala National Park feature
Yala National Park view 1
Yala National Park view 2
46

Tangalle Beach

ACTIVITY:leisure
VIBE:nature
PEAK:16:00 - 19:00
MAP

Tangalle Beach features wide sweeps of golden sand bordered by groves of tall coconut palms. Wild, turquoise waves crash continuou

Tangalle Beach feature
Tangalle Beach view 1
Tangalle Beach view 2
47

Il Mare Anantara Tangalle

The restaurant sits on a rugged cliff overlooking the wild Indian Ocean. Open-air wooden decks capture the salty sea breeze and th

48

Smoke & Bitters

Coconut trees frame a rustic beach bar set right on the edge of the Indian Ocean. Waves crash against the shore under glowing lant

49

Handunugoda Tea Estate

ACTIVITY:educational
VIBE:heritage
PEAK:09:00 - 11:00
MAP

Green tea bushes cover the low rolling hills near the southern coast. Sea breezes wind through the neat rows of tea shrubs and tal

Handunugoda Tea Estate feature
Handunugoda Tea Estate view 1
Handunugoda Tea Estate view 2
50

Isle Of Gelato

Isle of Gelato in Galle Fort is a bright coastal sanctuary with whitewashed walls and polished concrete floors. The scent of fresh

51

Amangalla Restaurant

Polished jackwood floors reflect the soft light of antique chandeliers beneath high colonial ceilings. Overhead fans spin slowly,

52

Negombo Fish Market

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:heritage
PEAK:05:00 - 08:00
MAP

The sandy shore is covered in rows of silver fish drying under the tropical sun. Local fishermen unload their wooden outrigger boa

Negombo Fish Market feature
Negombo Fish Market view 1
Negombo Fish Market view 2
53

St. Mary's Church

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:spiritual
PEAK:09:00 - 11:00
MAP

St. Mary's Church dominates the Negombo streetscape with its massive neoclassical facade painted in soft pastel blue. Inside, the

St. Mary's Church feature
St. Mary's Church view 1
St. Mary's Church view 2
54

T Lounge by Dilmah Chatham Street

This warm space sits inside a historic colonial building with tall windows and exposed brick walls. Guests relax on comfortable ch

55

Mayura Hotel

This intense, narrow dining room sits deep in the bustling Pettah market district. Steam rises from large metal pots as hungry loc

56

Colombo Fort

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:heritage
PEAK:16:00 - 19:00
MAP

Colonial Dutch brickwork stands directly against towering glass skyscrapers along the Indian Ocean coast. Grand administrative bui

Colombo Fort feature
Colombo Fort view 1
Colombo Fort view 2
57

Hotel De Pilawoos

This busy street-side eatery in Colombo hums with energy through the night. Bright neon lights shine on crowds waiting by the coun

58

Kompanna Veediya

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:heritage
PEAK:16:00 - 19:00
MAP

Kompanna Veediya sits between the quiet waters of Beira Lake and Colombo's rising skyline. Narrow alleys display faded colonial ar

Kompanna Veediya feature
Kompanna Veediya view 1
Kompanna Veediya view 2
59

Seema Malaka

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:spiritual
PEAK:16:00 - 18:00
MAP

Seema Malaka floats on the calm waters of Beira Lake in the center of Colombo. Three raised wooden pavilions connect to each other

Seema Malaka feature
Seema Malaka view 1
Seema Malaka view 2
60

Upalis By Nawaloka

The dining room captures the understated elegance of a refined Colombo family estate. Traditional aromas of toasted coconut and ro

61

Viharamahadevi Park

ACTIVITY:leisure
VIBE:nature
PEAK:16:00 - 18:00
MAP

Towering flowering trees cast broad shadows over manicured lawns and stone walkways in Colombo's oldest public park. A massive bra

Viharamahadevi Park feature
Viharamahadevi Park view 1
Viharamahadevi Park view 2
62

Travellers Bar Galle Face Hotel

High ceilings, dark polished wood, and leather armchairs define this historic venue. Large archways open directly toward the rolli

63

Galle Fort Ramparts

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:heritage
PEAK:17:00 - 19:00
MAP

Granite walls rise above the Indian Ocean, battered by salt and sea spray. The stone paths wind along bastions where old Dutch can

Galle Fort Ramparts feature
Galle Fort Ramparts view 1
Galle Fort Ramparts view 2
64

Lucky Fort Restaurant

This family-run restaurant occupies a quiet heritage home inside the historic ramparts of Galle Fort. Dining takes place in a shad

65

Flag Rock Bastion

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:heritage
PEAK:17:00 - 19:00
MAP

Flag Rock Bastion stands at the southernmost tip of the historic Galle Fort walls. Rough ocean waves crash continuously against th

Flag Rock Bastion feature
Flag Rock Bastion view 1
Flag Rock Bastion view 2
66

A Minute by Tuk Tuk

The restaurant sits inside the historic Galle Dutch Hospital overlooking the ocean. Guests dine on an open-air deck as waves crash

67

Colombo to Kandy Train

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:nature
PEAK:06:00 - 10:00
MAP

The train winds slowly through the misty central highlands of Sri Lanka. Open doors reveal emerald tea plantations, steep pine for

Colombo to Kandy Train feature
Colombo to Kandy Train view 1
Colombo to Kandy Train view 2
68

Balaji Dosai

The dining room is a simple, brightly lit space filled with the constant chatter of local residents. At the front entrance, cooks

69

Kandy Lake

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:nature
PEAK:16:00 - 18:00
MAP

Kandy Lake is a peaceful body of water in the center of the hill city. A white decorative stone wall runs along the edge of the wa

Kandy Lake feature
Kandy Lake view 1
Kandy Lake view 2
70

Helga's Folly

Helga's Folly rises from the Kandy hills as a candlelit chalet draped in hand-painted murals and vintage curiosity. The dining roo

71

Kandy to Ella Train Journey

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:nature
PEAK:08:00 - 16:00
MAP

The blue train slowly winds through Sri Lanka's high country. Cool mountain air blows constantly through the open doors and window

Kandy to Ella Train Journey feature
Kandy to Ella Train Journey view 1
Kandy to Ella Train Journey view 2
72

Ravana Pool Club

This cliffside venue features Balinese-inspired bamboo architecture overlooking the mist-covered peaks of Ella. Daybeds float alon

73

Nuwara Eliya Tea Plantations

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:heritage, nature
PEAK:09:00 - 17:00
MAP

Nuwara Eliya's tea plantations roll across cool hills in tight green rows. Soft mist moves between factory roofs and pale mountain

Nuwara Eliya Tea Plantations feature
Nuwara Eliya Tea Plantations view 1
Nuwara Eliya Tea Plantations view 2
74

Adam's Peak

ACTIVITY:hiking
VIBE:spiritual
PEAK:02:00 - 08:00
MAP

Adam's Peak rises as a sharp cone above the lush Sri Lankan highlands. Stone steps wind through misty forests and past ancient shr

Adam's Peak feature
Adam's Peak view 1
Adam's Peak view 2
75

Anuradhapura

ACTIVITY:sightseeing
VIBE:heritage
PEAK:09:00 - 17:00
MAP

Anuradhapura is a vast sacred city filled with ancient brick stupas and crumbling stone palaces. Huge white domes rise above the g

Anuradhapura feature
Anuradhapura view 1
Anuradhapura view 2
76

Ella Rock

ACTIVITY:hiking
VIBE:nature
PEAK:07:00 - 11:00
MAP

Ella Rock towers over the mist-covered valleys of Sri Lanka’s central highlands. This massive stone peak is surrounded by dense fo

Ella Rock feature
Ella Rock view 1
Ella Rock view 2