10 Fantastic Things to Do in Sri Lanka in 2024 for a Fun Getaway

Sri Lanka’s experiences and activities portray that there are a lot of things to do in the island destination. From the amazing experience of whale watching to the amazing train journey from Kandy to Ella, and from a mesmerizing experience at the Elephant orphanage, to scuba diving experience at Hikkaduwa, there are plenty of amazing things to do in Sri Lanka and there is something for everyone in Sri Lanka.

Activities in Sri Lanka also include rafting and camping adventures. Adrenaline junkies can try kitesurfing, mild adventure lovers can stop by to destinations like Kandalama where they carry on activities like hot air balloon rides. Cycling is another one of activities that is fun to do in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka is also famous for hiking in the tea estates of the famous Bogawantalawa Valley, as Sri Lanka is known as a tea lover’s heaven. For the lovers of extreme adventure, options like surfing at Arugam Bay and Rock Climbing in Bambtarakanda are also available.

10 Top Things to Do in Sri Lanka

• Whale watching at Mirissa Fishery Port
• Kandy to Ella train journey
• Royal Botanic Gardens
• Go for wild safari
• Scuba diving at Hikkaduwa
• Yala National Park camping
• White water rafting at Kitulgala
• Catamaran cruise at Trincomalee
• Kitesurfing in Kalpitiya
• Hot air ballooning at Kandalama

1. Whale Watching at Mirissa Fishery Port

Be a part of the exciting whale-watching cruise from Galle to Mirissa fishery port, where you can find mischievous dolphins playing in the water. If you are lucky enough you can see the mighty blue whale too. Dondra Point which is close to Mirissa is the main point to see the blue whales. You can witness Blue Whale, Killer Whale and Pilot Whale as well, and hence it is one of the top things to do in Sri Lanka.

2. Kandy to Ella Train Journey

The journey from Kandy to Ella train is one of the fun things to do in Sri Lanka. The train takes you from Kandy to Ella, one of the most beautiful journeys. You will get awestruck and by the scenic beauty and the green landscape that will surely take your breath away. The train will take you through the tea plantations, waterfalls, mountains, and mist. You can also enjoy delicious food from the local hawkers.

3. Royal Botanic Gardens

Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya is a natural extravaganza consisting of more than 4000 species of plants, and 10,000 varied kinds of trees and is a spacious 147 acre which serves as the largest garden in Sri Lanka. The unique and rare collection in these gardens is the Giant Bamboo of Burma which grows 12 inches each day to a height of 40 meters. Apart from this, Javan fig tree, Cannonball tree, Double Coconut Palm are other amazing collections and about 200 other varieties of palm trees and a versatile collection of flora.

4. Go for Wildlife Safari

Sri Lanka encompasses some of the world’s spectacular biodiversity hotspots. Sri Lankan Asian Elephants, Leopards, and Purple-faced Langur are something which are easy to spot here. One of the best things to do in Sri Lanka is going on a safari. Sri Lanka has housed some of the best National Parks. You can visit the Yala West National Park to witness bold leopards. The best time to visit Yala National Park would be from December to March. Minneriya National Park has housed around five hundred elephants in the park and is the place to stop by if you are an ardent elephant watcher.

5. Scuba Diving at Hikkaduwa

Sri Lankan waters have a wide variety of marine creatures. Sri Lanka has from the mighty Blue Whale to the tiny Nudibranch. The friendly locals of this place well complemented with amazing food here make the Scuba diving experience a one of the awesome things to do in Sri Lanka. This reef is located off the coast of Mount Lavinia and is home to some of the most beautiful aquatic creatures.

6. Yala National Park Camping

Yala wildlife National Park promises unparalleled thrill and excellent adventurous experience making it one of the top things to do in Sri Lanka. It is indeed an extraordinary experience to rise up to a place where for miles there is no soul visible except the caretakers. The place will offer fascinating visuals like its vegetation, rocky pools, ravines, freshwater lakes, with the sight of mammals like Asian elephants, leopards, crocodiles and many others. It’s a paradise for birdwatchers especially as they can encounter a variety of species of birds here.

7. White Water Rafting in Kitulgala

A plunge into the White Water Rafting in Kitulgala is definitely one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka. You will experience rafting in one of the wettest places in the country – Kitulgala. This place is located on the banks of the river Kelani which is 90 km from Colombo. It is an adventurous experience for both the beginners and intermediate rafters, making the overall rafting experience completely thrilled.

8. Catamaran Cruise at Trincomalee

The Catamaran cruise is one of the top things to do in Sri Lanka and bet it will build some of the most fond memories on your Sri Lanka trip. Take a morning trip to soak yourself in the warm sun rays and relax, get a chance to have a delicious barbecue on board of catamaran. Once on the cruise, carry a hat and sunglasses and sit back and enjoy the beaches while listening to some good music.

9. Kitesurfing in Kalpitiya

Kite Surfing experience in Kalpitiya is one of the most popular and amazing things to do in Sri Lanka that will leave you with an amazing experience. The Kalpitiya Lagoon is one of the best places for KiteSurfing, especially for freestylers and beginners. If you want some training then there are several schools to learn the art of Kite Surfing with trained professionals making it easier for everybody to try this adventure sport.

10. Hot Air Ballooning at Kandalama

Hot Air Ballooning is a perfect amalgamation of both thrilling experiences and complete serenity. You can capture some of the most beautiful photographic moments. It can be an amazing sight. Colourful Hot air balloons floating in the cloud offers one of the surreal and majestic views and also one of the top things to do in Sri Lanka. The best part of the Hot Air Ballooning is the take-off time.

Oh now that reasons are outnumbered for you to kick-start your bookings to the pristine island country and make a travel filled with adventure and fun. Plan your vacation right away with lots of excitement at Pickyourtrail. Finding this guide useful? Check some of the best Sri Lanka Packages from India and book your dream getaway now with Pickyourtrail. Start planning and Happy travelling.