South and Southwest Coast
There are numerous possibilities on these dream beaches. There is something for everyone, be it diving, snorkeling or whale watching. There is also a party mile here. The famous stilt fishermen, the landmark of the south coast, can be the subject of your best photo here for a small fee.
Train Ride
A fantastic train ride through the highlands is a must. The route from Kandy to Ella can be considered one of the most beautiful railway routes of the world. You can enjoy the wide views over the tea plantations and the numerous fields of vegetable cultivation. There are also small tasty snacks to buy during the journey
Botanical Garden kandy
The Royal Botanical Garden is located a few kilometres from Kandy. A walk in the Royal Botanical Garden is particularly recommended. You can admire over 4000 plant species in an area of over 80 hectares, but you can also observe animals such as monkeys, flying dogs, iguanas and numerous birds. The most beautiful stops on the walk are the orchid house, the bamboo garden, the palm avenue, the spice garden, the cactus house and the suspension bridge. There is a nice little restaurant in the middle of the park, whose buffet is recommended, but a picnic is also possible.
Pidurangala Rock
The climb to Pidurangala Rock is challenging. You climb the small mountain via hundreds of steps and some climbing passages. The majestic feeling of standing on the plateau and the magnificent view of the Sigiriya Lions Rock is reward enough. This excursion is highly recommended.
Hike and Treks
The route from the Small World’s End viewpoint to the World’s End viewpoint on the Horton Plains plateau at an altitude of around 2100m offers a fantastic hike. A branch leads to the impressive Baker’s Fall. For a hike up Adam’s Peak, the 2243m high mountain cone, which is considered a holy mountain for all local religions, you should be in good shape. For the approximately 4-hour climb up the mountain with 5000 steps, it is recommended to set off in the very early morning hours to experience the sunrise.
Turtles hatchery
On the south coast you can visit a turtle farm. The life of the turtles is shown. Injured turtles are also cared for here and stranded turtles are reared.
Rafting Kithulgala
The insignificant place on the Kelani River was the setting for the famous film “The Bridge on the River Kwai”. A great rafting and canyoning tour is organized in here. On the tour you can enjoy the beautiful nature of the jungle, admire the magnificent flora and listen to the sounds of the jungle.
Dance show
In the dance show you can see professional traditional dances and songs that are taught in Kandy and passed down from generation to generation. A very worthwhile evening program for people who love dance.
Jeep Safari
You should do at least one safari on your trip through Sri Lanka. In Minneriya National Park you can see most of the elephant herds up close, the best times are July to September. But numerous water birds also congregate around the large reservoir.
The Yala National Park, located on the southeast coast of Sri Lanka, is particularly popular. The diversity of wildlife is very impressive, as you can observe leopards, elephants, crocodiles, buffaloes, monkeys and numerous birds. The location on the Indian ocean is particularly beautiful.
Spicy garden
In the spice garden you can learn about all the local herbs and spices, how they grow, and how they are used in medicine and in the kitchen.
Food, markets and cooking
Probably the most sensual experience is a journey of discovery through Sri Lankan cuisine. It is absolutely fantastic to try out the local food at small stalls and markets.
The fresh produce markets with their many colourful fruit and vegetable stalls and fragrant spice stalls invite you to stroll around. If you have your own kitchen in your accommodation, you should definitely cook a fish curry.
To take a little of this great cuisine home with you, we recommend taking part in a cooking course and picking up some valuable tips for your own kitchen. It’s worth it!
Museums
A visit to the National Museum in Colombo is very impressive. It presents numerous treasures of Sri Lanka’s art, culture and history and provides a good overview of the country.
The Tea Museum near Kandy is recommended. The history of tea cultivation and the processing of tea in its various qualities is shown very clearly here. Afterwards there is an enjoyable tea tasting.
Tuk-Tuk Rides
The best means of transport for shorter distances is the tuk-tuk. A trip with the tuk-tuk to go shopping or to more remote places should definitely be included. It is a lot of fun.
Discover waterfalls
One of the biggest waterfalls is the Ravana waterfall near Ella.
It’s worth making a short stop here for a great photo, but you can also take a cool dip in one of the pools.
East coast
The east coast, which is even less crowded with tourists, is worth visiting between May and September. Here, beautiful beaches invite you to take long walks. A snorkeling tour in the Pidgeon Island National Park is very worthwhile. The beautiful bays are great for swimming, surfing or jet skiing.
Ayurveda and Yoga
You should definitely try an ayurvedic massage in Sri Lanka. The relaxing effect is fantastic and is good for both body and soul. Many hotels offer yoga classes, which can be tailored to the experience of the participants.
Village tour
The village tour shows the rural life of the people of Sri Lanka. The preparation of a meal and the processing of natural products are shown. A delicious traditional meal is served.
The tour includes a nice tuk-tuk ride and a ride on a traditional bullock cart.