Travel 2024: Top 7 Things To Do in Sri Lanka

The resplendent island nestled in the Indian Ocean; Sri Lanka is a kaleidoscope of experiences waiting to be explored. Whatever the purpose of your trip is, Sri Lanka has something for every traveller. Let’s uncover the treasures of this enchanting island nation suggested by Mario Stubbs, Managing Director, The Serendipity Collection.

1. Gartmore FallsDiscover the magnificent beauty of Gartmore Falls, a hidden gem amidst lush green landscapes. The Falls showcase the raw beauty of Sri Lanka’s natural landscape and provide a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Feel free to take a refreshing dip in the pristine pools below the falls, or simply relax and soak in the serenity of the surroundings. Gartmore Falls offers a blissful retreat due to its secluded location and allows nature lovers and adventure seekers to reconnect with nature and unwind.
2. Indulge in Sri Lankan DelicaciesTime to treat your taste buds with Sri Lankan cuisine with a harmonious blend of flavours influenced by centuries of trade and cultural exchange. Local delights such as Kottu Roti, a savoury stir-fry made with chopped roti, vegetables, and meat or seafood, succulent Sri Lankan Crabs, cooked in aromatic spices and served with fiery chilli sauce and traditional sweets like Watalappam and Kokis, made with coconut milk, jaggery, and rice flour, are all worth a try.
3. Wildlife Safari at Yala National ParkYala National Park boasts one of the highest densities of leopards in the world and is home to several species of elephants and exotic birds, among others. Keep your camera ready at all times to capture sightings of leopards lounging in the trees, and also the park’s diverse ecosystems, ranging from dense forests to open plains. Your safari excursion at the Yala National Park promises to be an immersive and thrilling wildlife experience that will leave you spellbound.
4. Scenic View from Kandy to EllaHop on a train from Kandy to Ella, and look out the window to find lush tea plantations, misty mountains, and cascading waterfalls throughout your journey. Sit back, relax, and soak in the nostalgic charm of Sri Lanka’s colonial past. Don’t forget to hang out of the train doors to feel the cool mountain breeze and capture picture-perfect photos of the scenery before you.
5. Visit Pinnawala Elephant OrphanageGet up close and personal with majestic elephants at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, a sanctuary dedicated to the conservation and rehabilitation of these gentle giants. Unlike traditional zoos or wildlife parks, the orphanage focuses on rehabilitation and conservation, allowing elephants to roam freely and socialise with their herd members. At Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, you get a chance to observe the bond between the elephants and their caregivers, and get an understanding of social dynamics involved.
6. Sip Tea in Nuwara EliyaReferred to as “Little England” for its cool climate, colonial architecture, and lush tea plantations, Nuwara Eliya offers a quintessential Sri Lankan experience. So, delight in the aroma and flavour of freshly brewed Ceylon tea while surrounded by breathtaking backdrops. Take a guided tour of a tea estate to learn about the tea production process and don’t forget to pick up some locally grown tea as a souvenir of your visit to Nuwara Eliya.
7. Visit a Turtle HatcherySupport conservation efforts and learn about marine life at a turtle hatchery along Sri Lanka’s coastline. Participate in guided tours to learn about the life cycle of sea turtles, from nesting and hatching to migration and conservation, and about the challenges facing sea turtles, including habitat loss, pollution, and poaching. A visit to a turtle hatchery is not only educational but also a meaningful way to contribute to marine conservation efforts.

Thus, Sri Lanka stands as a testament to the wonders of the natural world and the richness of human culture. The country welcomes you with open arms, ready to give adventure, relaxation, cultural immersion, anything and everything. Sri Lanka will truly leave a lasting mark on your heart and soul.