The Top 30 Things to Do in Sri lanka: Your Ultimate Travel Checklist
From stunning natural landscapes to fascinating cultural landmarks, Sri lanka is a destination that has it all. But with so much to see and do, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together the ultimate travel checklist featuring the top 30 must-see attractions and experiences that you won’t want to miss.
Information about Sri lanka
Sri Lanka is a country with an ancient cultural heritage that extends over three thousand years, due to its strategic location at the junction of the main sea routes, which in turn led to the passage of many great civilizations and empires from it, and Sri Lanka was one of the countries that previous travelers passed through in the Silk Line, and therefore you will find through Touring its cities and reviving many of the monuments and evidence left by those ancient successive civilizations. Sri Lanka is an island country, located in the northern Indian Ocean, specifically south of India. Sri Lanka was one of the first strongholds of Buddhism, and it was the first known texts of this religion. And now it has become a country of many religions, races and languages, as 70% of the country’s population profess Buddhism, and the rest profess Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, and others. The country is also distinguished by the diversity of its natural features, as there are many waterfalls, forests, and many rare tree and plant species. Sri Lanka is one of the largest exporters of tea in the world.
A list of the best Things to do in Sri lanka
Looking for the best things to do in Sri lanka? Look no further than our carefully curated list, selected by our team based on visitor ratings and reviews to help make your trip planning a breeze.
1- National Museum
National Museum – It is nice to stroll around the Colombo National Museum and enjoy watching its inscriptions and decorations, and during the tour the guide will explain the details of building the temple, which has an Italian-inspired design, of white marble. This museum includes many ancient relics from the days of the Dutch occupation, decorations, traditional costumes and rare manuscripts. The Colombo National Museum also contains many statues, manuscripts and sculptures, and many English paintings dating back to the nineteenth century AD. This is a wonderful museum and a must visit when coming to Colombo.
Place address: Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha, Colombo 00700, Sri Lanka
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Things to do in Sri lanka
2- Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara
Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara – This temple is considered one of the most important temples in the city of Colombo, and the reason for its fame and importance is due to the belief that Buddha visited it. Although it was destroyed twice by the Indian and Portuguese invaders, it still retains its original shape and was restored by the Germans during the eighteenth century AD. This Buddhist temple is famous for its stone monument, which is about 5 meters long, and for its distinctive decorations and majestic architectural character. It is one of the most beautiful and charming sights in the city, so do not miss the opportunity to visit it.
Place address: Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya, Peliyagoda, Sri Lanka
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Things to do in Sri lanka
3- Bellanwila Raja Maha Viharaya
Bellanwila Raja Maha Viharaya – The city of Colombo is famous for its Buddhist temples, and the Bellanwila Raja Maha Viharaya Temple is one of the most important of these temples, as hundreds of worshipers from residents and tourists come to it on a daily basis, and it gains its fame due to the Isala Perehera Festival, which is organized annually during the month of August or September, and there is also the sacred Bo tree in it Which is one of the most important tourist attractions in it.
Place address: Dehiwala Rd, Boralesgamuwa 10290, Sri Lanka
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Things to do in Sri lanka
4- Sacred City of Kandy
Sacred City of Kandy – The sacred city of Kandy is a famous tourist site in the city of Kandy, and it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2008 AD. It includes the area where the Temple of the Relic of the Sacred Tooth is located, which is believed to have brought Buddha’s teeth to it, and many temples are located near it in addition to Kandy Lake. The site is considered one of the most important Buddhist places in the city to which Buddha’s followers come on pilgrimage.
Place address: 7JVR+G7V, Kandy, Sri Lanka
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Things to do in Sri lanka
5- Nelligala International Buddhist Center
Nelligala International Buddhist Center – Niligala is a famous Buddhist center and temple located near the city of Kandy. It was built in 2015 at the top of Mount Niligala. The temple is characterized by large golden Buddha statues that can be seen clearly from a distance. Tourists come to the temple to learn more about Buddhism, as it is intended Many for the purpose of pilgrimage or to relax and spend time away from the noise and crowds.
Place address: Nelligala Rd, Sri Lanka
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Things to do in Sri lanka
6- Arthur’s Seat, Kandy
Arthur’s Seat, Kandy – Arthur’s Seat Overlooking is a famous observation platform in the city of Kandy, with a height of about 550 meters, where you can enjoy watching Kandy Lake, the royal palace and the rest of the city, and it is a large stone seat with a platform width of about 35 meters, and visits the site on a daily basis about 1500 Tourist.
Place address: 20000, Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe Mawatha, Kandy 20000, Sri Lanka
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Things to do in Sri lanka
7- Japanese Peace Pagoda
Japanese Peace Pagoda – The Japanese Peace Temple was built by the Japanese government in the city of Galle in the style of Japanese temples, and it is one of the 80 peace temples that were built around the world. Meditation and spending a quiet time in the bosom of nature with a charming view of the beach.
Place address: Jungle Beach Rd, Unawatuna, Sri Lanka
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Things to do in Sri lanka
8- Kandy Lake
Kandy Lake – Kandy Lake is considered one of the most beautiful natural areas in the city of Kandy, and it is an artificial lake that was built in 1807 AD near the Temple of the Sacred Tooth, and there are many major temples in the city near it, and today it has become a protected lake in which fishing is prohibited, and tourists can Sit near it and enjoy the charming nature. There is also a path for walking and jogging along the lake.
Place address: Kandy Lake, Kandy, Sri Lanka
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Things to do in Sri lanka
9- Galle Face Beach
Galle Face Beach – Galle Face Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Colombo, due to its proximity to the city center, in addition to its picturesque nature, which gives tourists the opportunity to enjoy the charming nature of Sri Lanka, where you can swim and enjoy a range of water sports. There is also a famous Galle Green Face Park near the beach, where There are many tennis, football and other courts.
Place address: Galle Face Beach, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Things to do in Sri lanka
10- Diyasaru Park
Diyasaru Park – Diassaru Park extends over a wide area of 60 acres, and it is a wetland area flooded with floods and ponds, which is very famous in Sri Lanka. The garden is considered one of the most charming natural areas in the city, where you can see the charming nature away from the noise of the city. Dedicated to butterflies that tourists can see and interact with, in addition to many wild animals that live inside the park.
Place address: Japan Sri Lanka Friendship Rd, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, Sri Lanka
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Things to do in Sri lanka
11- Unawatuna Beach
Unawatuna Beach – Unawatuna Beach is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city of Galle, and it is located in the town of Unawatuna, where tourists enjoy the picturesque beach scene, and they can also practice swimming and many water sports such as surfing, and there are many facilities near it, which include hotels, restaurants and cafes, so that you can Spend a perfect vacation.
Place address: Unawatuna Beach, Sri Lanka
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Things to do in Sri lanka
12- Lionel Wendt Art Gallery
Lionel Wendt Art Gallery – Lionel Wendt Art Gallery is a major arts and theater center in Colombo, Sri Lanka, dedicated to the memory of the Sri Lankan photographer Lionel Wendt, it combines a lively theater and art gallery with two galleries and a theater with 600 seats, governed by a trust created by Act of Parliament, this museum has opened And the exhibition by Lionel’s brother after his death in 1944.
Place address: Lionel Wendt Art Gallery, 18 Guildford Cres, Colombo 00700, Sri Lanka
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Things to do in Sri lanka
13- Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre
Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre – National Center for the Performing Arts, "Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa" (Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theater) It was designed to resemble a lotus flower with eight petals. It amazes with its exterior design as much as the theatrical performances that take place inside it. This brilliant architectural masterpiece is located in a very vital area, which makes the theater a source of attraction for people as well as for tourists and international artists from all over the world. This theater has many local and international plays.
Place address: Open Air Theater, Colombo 00700, Sri Lanka
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Things to do in Sri lanka
14- Galle Face Green
Galle Face Green – On the opposite side of the Fort neighborhood is the Galle Face Green National Park, which covers an area of five hectares, and stretches on the shore of the Indian Ocean. This park was established in 1859 AD by the ruler of the country, and it is considered one of the most vital places, as it is the destination of many people who love various sports such as football, tennis, and flying kites in the air. This park used to host various sporting events and matches. Visit it with family or friends, and enjoy spending the best times on the beach.
Place address: Galle Face Green, 56 Colombo – Galle Main Rd, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Things to do in Sri lanka
15- Beddagana Wetland Park
Beddagana Wetland Park – Bedajana Wetland Park is considered one of the most beautiful gardens in Sri Lanka, due to its location within a natural area where you can see amazing wildlife, in addition to the vast green spaces that include many plants and trees. It is also home to more than 80 species of birds and 40 species of butterflies, and you can do Stroll near the lake and take many pictures.
Place address: 139 Rampart Rd, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte 10100, Sri Lanka
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Things to do in Sri lanka
16- Jungle Beach
Jungle Beach – Jungle Beach is located near Unawatuna Beach and is considered one of the famous tourist destinations in Galle, as it is characterized by its golden sands and clear waters in addition to the green spaces that surround it, which gives it a stunning panoramic scene where you can take many distinctive photos, and enjoy many water sports such as swimming and riding the waves.
Place address: Jungle Beach, Sri Lanka
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Things to do in Sri lanka
17- Kataragama Devalaya
Kataragama Devalaya – The Kataragama Devalaya Temple is located in the center of Kandy, and it is considered one of the most important Hindu temples in it, as it contains a statue of one of the most famous deities in Sri Lanka, Deity Kataragama, and it is one of the 4 main temples in the city, where tourists come to see the Hindu statues and architectural style Featured.
Place address: Sri Skanda Kumara Devala Ln, Kandy 20000, Sri Lanka
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Things to do in Sri lanka
18- Morawala Beach
Morawala Beach – Murawala Beach is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Negombo, as it is characterized by its distinctive rock formations that soften the waves; Which makes it one of the beaches suitable for swimming, and it is less crowded than other beaches in the city, so it is ideal for picnics with your families or friends, where you can take many amazing photos, especially at sunset hours.
Place address: Morawala Beach, Pitipana St, Negombo, Sri Lanka
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Things to do in Sri lanka
19- Gangaramaya Park
Gangaramaya Park – Gangaramaya Park is characterized by its wide green spaces where you can enjoy the beauty of the charming nature of Sri Lanka. It is located on the shores of Lake Biara, where you can see many birds, especially ducks. Inside the park, there is the famous Gangaramaya Temple, where you can visit and see the ruins in it. You can also rent boats and tour inside the lake.
Place address: Children’s Park Pathway, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Things to do in Sri lanka
20- Wellawatte Beach
Wellawatte Beach – Willowit Beach is one of the most famous and beautiful beaches in Colombo, where you can spend quality time with your families or friends and enjoy the charming nature that surrounds it, especially at sunset hours; Where you can take many wonderful panoramic photos, and you can do many activities such as swimming, fishing and watching the birds that live near the beach.
Place address: Wellawatte Beach, Sri Lanka
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Things to do in Sri lanka
21- Independence Square
Independence Square – Independence Square is considered one of the most famous squares in Sri Lanka, due to its location near the Independence Monument, which it was named after. The monument was built in 1948 AD to celebrate the anniversary of Sri Lanka’s independence from British rule. The square is a seating area surrounded by many green spaces.
Place address: WV38+WV4, Colombo 00700, Sri Lanka
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Things to do in Sri lanka
22- Crow Island Beach Park
Crow Island Beach Park – Crow Island Beach Park is located near the beach, and it has been established with a group of recreational facilities that allow tourists the opportunity to spend an enjoyable and unique vacation while they are in Colombo, where there is a group of restaurants and cafes, in addition to an open-air cinema, and there are many designated paths For walking, playgrounds and places for children.
Place address: Crow Island Rd, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Things to do in Sri lanka
23- Wales Park
Wales Park – The Wells Garden, or as it is known as the Royal Palace Garden, is located on top of a small hill in the city of Kandy, and it has a charming view of Lake Kandy and the rest of the city. The garden is characterized by its picturesque nature, where you can see many trees and green spaces that are filled with flowers, in addition to a group of fountains And spaces for hiking and jogging.
Place address: Rajapihilla Mawatha, Kandy 20000, Sri Lanka
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Things to do in Sri lanka
24- Beira Lake
Beira Lake – Lake Beara, known as the Lake of Lights, is one of the ideal destinations in the city, especially for those looking for calm and wanting to relax in the bosom of nature. This lake is located near a small Buddhist temple, in addition to that tourists can take a 30-minute boat tour, for a small amount of money. Various restaurants and walking paths surround this lake, giving tourists the opportunity to enjoy spending a beautiful time and watching the sunset from a privileged place. Visit this lake and enjoy spending the best times with family or friends.
Place address: Beira Lake, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Things to do in Sri lanka
25- Dutch Museum
Dutch Museum – The Museum of the Dutch Era is considered one of the unique tourist attractions in Colombo, and it is a witness to many of the transformations that the country witnessed. Originally, it was the residence of the Dutch ruler (that is, in the seventeenth century AD). The museum includes many archaeological exhibits, including Dutch colonial furniture, some weapons, ship models, artefacts, traditional costumes, and others. This museum overlooks a wonderful garden, and wandering around it makes you feel the spirit of the past. It is the ideal destination for all history lovers and those wishing to learn about the rich history of this city.
Place address: Dutch Museum, Prince Street, Colombo 01100, Sri Lanka
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Things to do in Sri lanka
26- Asokaramaya Buddhist Temple
Asokaramaya Buddhist Temple – The Asukaramaya Buddhist Temple is one of the most important tourist places in Colombo that attracts visitors to watch the art of building this temple and watching Buddhists practice their religion. The history of this temple dates back to 1873 when a Buddhist monk came to this village and worked to gain many acquaintances and friendships, as the residents admired him. Itanamadala village, and they always listened to his Buddhist speeches, and as a result, this place was built in memory of him.
Place address: Ven. Muruththettuwe Ananda Himi Mawatha, Colombo 00500, Sri Lanka
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Things to do in Sri lanka
27- J.R.Jayewardene Centre
J.R.Jayewardene Centre – This museum was established under the Sri Lankan parliamentary law, where President Jeewardene kept all the gifts and treasures that he obtained in his official visits in this place until it was decided to convert this place into a museum that displays the most important holdings from the life of the president in that era, in addition to many of his holdings The personality, gifts and precious treasures that he has, you must be careful, dear traveler, not to miss visiting this museum, as it is one of the ancient places in Colombo.
Place address: J R Jayawardena Centre, 191 Srimath Anagarika Dharmapala Mawatha, Colombo 00700, Sri Lanka
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Things to do in Sri lanka
28- Excel World Entertainment Park
Excel World Entertainment Park – Excel International Theme Park is a game city that includes different and integrated activities, it contains many games that are suitable for adults and children, the park provides 4-dimensional simulation tours, movies in Cinematrix, and driving tours, and the park also contains a field for games with laser cards, video games, and a bowling area And a billiard hall, which is suitable for spending the best times with family or friends.
Place address: Excel World Entertainment Park, 338 T. B. Jayah Mawatha, Colombo 01000, Sri Lanka
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Things to do in Sri lanka
29- Pettah Floating Market
Pettah Floating Market – The Betta Floating Market is located in the Bastian Mawatha district of Colombo, and it is considered one of the most famous markets in the city, as the stalls extend along the area, which are held on boats on Lake Piara and number about 92 stalls. These markets are considered one of the most famous tourist attractions, where tourists can see The most important local products and handcrafts that reflect the heritage and culture of the city.
Place address: W E Bastian Mawatha, Colombo 01000, Sri Lanka
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Open markets in Sri lanka
30- Traditional Puppet Art Museum
Traditional Puppet Art Museum – The "Museum of Traditional Puppetry" One of the most important recreational and historical tourist attractions located in the city of Colombo, which is visited by families with their children in huge numbers on the weekly and annual holidays. The ancient Sri Lankans, and this helps children to know the places and history of their country in an easy, simple and entertaining way that makes the information quickly stuck in their minds. The museum houses hundreds of eye-catching dolls with its attractive colors and various shapes.
Place address: Kollupitiya Supermarket Bus Station, Srimath Anagarika Dharmapala Mawatha, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Things to do in Sri lanka
Conclusion
As your journey through Sri lanka comes to an end, we hope you take with you unforgettable memories and experiences that will last a lifetime. This amazing region is home to diverse landscapes, ancient cultures, and welcoming communities that have something special to offer every traveler. Our guide has provided you with the top destinations and hidden gems that make Sri lanka such a unique and special place. But, we encourage you to continue to explore this region on your own and uncover new adventures and treasures along the way. As you journey back home, don’t forget to reflect on the moments that made your trip so special and share your experiences with others. Remember to keep the spirit of adventure and curiosity alive in your everyday life and continue to seek out new experiences. We hope our guide has been a valuable resource in planning your trip, and we look forward to hearing about your travels. Safe travels and until next time!