Fun Activities to Try in Sri Lanka

The pearl of the Indian Ocean, which is what Sri Lanka is popularly called, is currently in a renaissance phase. Scores of tourists have been heading to the island since it had one of its beach resorts featured in Made in Chelsea earlier in the year.

It's easy to get to Sri Lanka as there are direct flights from so many hubs to Columbia, the capital city. It gets better; for just around £75 a day, you can lodge in an affordable hotel or Airbnb, get a driver for hire and get lunch and dinner at a restaurant.

Even though the nation isn't very large in size, Sri Lanka is home to various Buddhist ruins, ancient cities, wildlife sanctuaries, tea plantations, and amazing beaches. Let's take a look at our top picks.

Climb Sigiriya

The legendary fortress of Sigiriya is a perfect example of a mix of an ancient and urban enterprise. On top of the rock formation, 200m high, lies the ruins of the 5th-century palace of King Kaspaya. Tourists can get to the top by going up several dizzying steps which open to a lion-shaped gateway. The palace, which was eventually converted to a Buddhist monastery, is beautifully decorated with stunning frescoes that depict nymphs ( or possibly King Kaspaya's concubines). The greenery and landscape surrounding it with forests and water gardens increase its appeal and have caused Sigiriya to be secured as a World Heritage Site.

Explore the ancient kingdom of Polonnaruwa

The legendary city of Polonnaruwa was built around the 12th and 13th century AD and has now been named a World Heritage Site. The city was once a megapolis with beautiful parks, grand buildings, and even an impressive 25km² lake. However, at some point in the 13th century AD, it faded into obscurity and eventually got abandoned. That said, its ruins are now a famous tourist attraction and provide great picture backdrops.

Notable sights to be seen include the King's royal palace, which used to have over 50 rooms across seven floors at some point. However, most of it is a mere whisper of the past with crumbling walls here and there. Still, it's an impressive structure. You'll also notice various Buddha statues around the city, a lot of which are in different states of degradation. However, all four Buddhas at Gal Vihara are almost in perfect condition as they were made from a single granite slab.

Experience the culture at Sri Dalada Maligawa

Sri Dalada Maligawa is also known as the Temple of Sacred Tooth Relic. It's a Buddhist temple around the heart of Sri Lanka, specifically in Kandy city. The city is home to the relic of Buddha's tooth, which was said to have been retrieved by Khema, Buddha's disciple, right before cremation.

The insides of the structure are beautifully decorated in red, gold, and white and show vibrantly painted murals that depict elephants. When the sun goes down, you can experience the Kandyan ceremonial Dance that's accompanied by drummers wearing red and white.

Enjoy a train ride from Kandy to Ella

The red and blue train, which goes daily from Kandy to Ella, is a great way to enjoy the immense and varying landscapes Sri Lanka offers. The train ride lasts about 6 hours, with numerous stops on the way. On this route, you'll see misty mountains, cascading waterfalls, dense forests, and the locals taking care of their tea plantations.

Although you can get a seat reserved in advance, to get more value for your journey, you can buy a cheaper ticket on the day you want to make the trip and stand in any of the carriage doorways. This costs just 240 rupees which is less than £2. The sights are more than enough payment for your seat, and you'll also enjoy the fresh breeze from the environment as you travel through the scenery.

Experience Udawalawe National Park

Elephants have fantastic memories, and you will never forget Udawalawe National Park after you take a trip there. The park is one of the best places to observe the beautiful creatures of the jungle. The nation has seen a drastic endangerment of the Sri Lankan Elephant due to over two thousand years of ivory trading. Thankfully, the elephants are now protected, all 200 or so in the park. The park is relatively small and can be found in the southern area of Sri Lanka. It consists of a teeming habitat of grasslands, forests, and tributaries. These grasslands are home to over 500 different species of plant and animal life. Besides elephants, water buffalo, and deer, you may be lucky to catch a glimpse or two of more stealthy animals like the sloth bear or rusty-spotted cat.

Conclusion

Despite its small size, Sri Lanka is a hub of fun and adventure. Whether you're going from its east to west or north to south, there's always something noteworthy that can be experienced. We advise that you don't overlook Sri Lanka for your next vacation. We're confident you won't regret it!