10 MUST-DO EXPERIENCES IN SRI LANKA

Sri Lanka - Σρι Λάνκα

Sri Lanka is a beautiful place, a dewdrop under giant India, and it calls you to experience it.

A green place with lush nature, happy and kind people, tropical beaches and of course unique experiences to live.

In my opinion Sri Lanka needs at least 10 days to explore it. 

What is a must do in Sri Lanka? Read this article to find out. 

10 unique experiences in Sri Lanka

Ride a tuk tuk 

You can’t go to Sri Lanka and not get around like the locals do, by tuk tuk. 

In Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, there are about 5 million tuk tuks, while in the whole country there are about 15 million! The drivers drive a bit… recklessly, but it’s a crazy experience to be had.

Safari

Sri Lanka could be said to be the land of elephants. In many parts of the island you can find elephants walking alongside the road, and there is an orphanage for young elephants who have lost their parents, as well as places where you can bath and feed the elephants.

But the best experience is the safaris, as you can take a jeep into their natural habitat and watch the elephants and other animals such as buffaloes, various species of birds, crocodiles, etc.

Minneriya National Park is the best park to see elephants in their natural habitat.

In addition, Yala National Park is considered the best safari park in Sri Lanka, because except from elephants you can also see leopards. Of course, it is not guaranteed that you will see all the animals. We didn’t manage to see any leopards, but we did see deer, buffalo, difference small animals and of course elephants.

Water safari

One of my favourite experiences in Sri Lanka was the water safari we did on Lake Maduganga.

There is the only place where you can meet a kind of black monkey with a purple face. Apart from the wonderful walk on the lake, you can see different species of birds, crocodiles and of course the monkeys. 

Included in the walk is a visit to cinnamon island, where we were shown how cinnamon sticks are made. 

In the centre of the lake you’ll also find a… floating bar, which sells coconuts, fruits and other snacks for the hungry tourists.

Sigiriya rock

Sigiriya rock, or The Lion’s rock, is the trademark of Sri Lanka. Sigiriya is an ancient castle placed on the huge rock and also at its foot. It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is truly impressive.

To reach the top you will climb several steps in the heat, some quite narrow, but it is more than worth it.

You’ll pass through a lush green environment with artificial lakes, moats and ruins of historic buildings.

Pidurangala rock 

Pidurangala Rock is the best place to climb to get the best view of the rock where Sigiriya Fort is located.

The climb is quite strenuous, but the view makes up for it. Put on a sun hat and sneakers and get going!

On the first level, which is just a few steps from the top, there is a Buddha temple that you can visit.

Sri Lanka - Σρι Λάνκα

Visit the tea fields and tea factory 

Sri Lanka is famous for its tea, Ceylon tea as everyone knows it. (Sri Lanka was called Ceylon before it took its current name.) 

So a special experience is to visit the tea plantations and see how tea is made from scratch in the factory. We visited the Bluefield Tea Factory and after seeing the tea production we then shopped for souvenirs.

You can find dozens of tea flavors for all tastes.

Sri Lanka - Σρι Λάνκα

Train Ride

When you search Sri Lanka, the majority of the photos depict a blue train in a spectacular green landscape with people… hanging out of the doors. 

The train has become an attraction in the country for this reason, so the train goes at low speed, although there are accidents every year. 

The entire journey the train takes is about 8 hours as it crosses half the country, but you can take it for a few stops so you can experience the magical ride for just a little while.

Of course the most beautiful place it passes through is the famous Nine Arches Bridge.

A walk on the Nine Arches Bridge

Of course you can’t miss a walk on the much-photographed Nine Arches Bridge. 

The impressive bridge is surrounded by lush green scenery straight out of a fairy tale, and beside the rails you’ll find hundreds of tourists every day waiting for the blue train I mentioned above to pass by.

Sri Lanka - Σρι Λάνκα

Tropical beaches 

Sri Lanka is full of beautiful beaches for all tastes. Deserted, full of beach bars, you can find anything you want.

Some of my favorite beaches are Seenigama, Akurala, Secret Beach, and Mirissa. Find the one you like and start swimming in the Indian Ocean!

Sri Lanka - Σρι Λάνκα

Buddhist temples 

The majority of people living in Sri Lanka (just over 70%) are Buddhist. This means that in the country you will find countless temples dedicated to Buddha.

Some of the most famous ones worth visiting are the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple, which is set in caves, the temple where the replica of the Golden Tooth is located in Kandy and the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo with its impressive statues of the Buddha by the water.

What you need to know about Sri Lanka

  • In Sri Lanka the time is 3:30 hours ahead of Greece.
  • To go from Greece to Sri Lanka you need a passport that does not expire in the next six months and a visa.
  • Mobile data from Greece does not work in Sri Lanka, so I suggest you buy an eSim to get internet and airtime minutes.
  • In Sri Lanka it is too hot! We went in February and it averaged 33-35 degrees with humidity hovering around 60-90% every day.
  • Make sure to bring Euros or Rupees (the Sri Lankan currency) as many places only accept cash. And to do bargaining you also need cash.
  • In Sri Lanka, drivers drive like crazy. The steering wheel is on the right and the roads are upside down, just like in England. So if you’re thinking of renting a car think twice. I personally don’t recommend it though.
  • The best way to get around is by tuk tuk, local buses or a guide who has a schedule set up and takes you to a different place every day.

If you want to see more of my trip to Sri Lanka, visit my Instagram profile.

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