Best Things to Do in Sri Lanka

Drive a Tuk-Tuk

Naturally, the first on my list on one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka is to drive a tuk-tuk over 1000km similar to what we did. While you can easily rent one on your own, after experiencing this event first hand, I have to say that if you’re only going to do this once in your life, then you might as well join the Lanka Challenge. This epic 10-day tuk-tuk challenge organized by the guys over at Large Minority happens twice a year and has routes taking you through the North and the South. Not only do you have to navigate the entire thing using just maps, you also have to complete a few challenges along the way. Despite the fact that my partner and I travel and do cool stuff all the time for a living, the Lanka Challenge has seriously been one of the best things we’ve ever done.

Go on a Safari

Another highlight and must-do in Sri Lanka is to go on a safari. Blessed with an incredibly diverse landscape, Sri Lanka is an ideal place to go to if you’re a fan of wildlife and safaris. During our time there, we went on an incredible glamping safari and had an incredible time. Our two game drives through the park allowed us to spot wild elephants, a lot of deer, monkeys, and last but not the least, a fairly large female leopard (which was obviously, the highlight of our time there!)

Go on a Scenic Train Ride

Hands down, one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka (and the cheapest too) is to go on a scenic train ride. We did the journey between Nuwara Eliya Ella to Ella and had the time of our lives. Imagine sitting by the train door as you see endless tea plantation hills, gorgeous mountaintops, and valleys all around you. When we went, we bought 2nd class tickets and completely didn’t bother getting seats and rushed straight towards the door where we could fully hang out and enjoy the incredible views.

Relax by the Beach

With a coastline spread throughout the country, Sri Lanka has many seaside beach towns to relax in. From the sandy shores of Unawatuna, Bentota, Induruwa, Arugam Bay, Trincomalee, to Marissa, there is no shortage of places to relax and unwind. If you’re looking for adventurous things to do in Sri Lanka, you can also look at taking up surfing or kitesurfing while you’re in town.

See Historic Sights and Monuments

Whether you decide to take a trip down the cultural triangle, or simply travel around the country in search of ancient sights and monuments, Sri Lanka is an ideal place to go to. From the ancient city and ruins of Sigiriya, the Dambulla Cave Temple, or the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, there are heaps of history and culture waiting to be discovered.