--- title: "45 Adventures: This is What to See and do in Sri Lanka ..." description: "Step on a Moonstone; Sigiriya; Take a Photo of a Breathtaking View; View the Artistry of a Hindu Temple; Watch the Goings on at the Elephant Orphanage; More ..." url: "https://travel.allwomenstalk.com/adventures-this-is-what-to-see-and-do-in-sri-lanka/" category: "travel" last_updated: "2026-06-02" --- # 45 Adventures: This is What to See and do in Sri Lanka ... Sri Lanka is a magical place. Sitting off the toe of India, it is colorful, noisy, enchanting, spiritual and endlessly fascinating. If you are lucky enough to find yourself on your way to Sri Lanka, here's your list of things to see and do. ## 1. Step on a Moonstone _ Source: Follow The Gifts Of Life_ The ruins of Anuradhapura. ## 2. Sigiriya ![Sigiriya](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/az/v3/twfm9uhm54e1e1f7d578c756090835_600x801.jpg) Source: [Sigiriya ,Sri Lanka: - holidayspots4u](https://goo.gl/4RxE3T) King Kasyapa (477 – 495 AD) built his palace on the top of this rock and decorated its sides with colorful frescoes. On a small plateau about halfway up the side of this rock he built a gateway in the form of an enormous lion. It is one of the best preserved examples of ancient urban planning. A UNESCO World Heritage Site. ## 3. Take a Photo of a Breathtaking View ![Take a Photo of a Breathtaking View](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/l8/n1/bm07hyrz54e1e1fea1ba6955045661_600x900.jpg) Source: [Удивительный город на вершине неприступной ...](https://alexcheban.livejournal.com/108145.html) The view from the top of Sigiriya. ## 4. View the Artistry of a Hindu Temple ![View the Artistry of a Hindu Temple](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/n5/iz/upni55eo54e1e1f70086c074597186_427x640.jpg) Source: [Part of Hindu Temple "Sri ...](https://www.flickr.com/photos/jerzyostapczuk/2158238290/) Sri Subramaniya Kovil in Colombo ## 5. Watch the Goings on at the Elephant Orphanage ![Watch the Goings on at the Elephant Orphanage](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/u7/lf/h9xh8loy54e1e1f6a2333256824852_425x640.jpg) Source: [Elephant Orphanage](https://www.flickr.com/photos/gane/4796854602/) Pinnawala, Sabaragamuwa River ## 6. Shop for Gems ![Shop for Gems](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/rn/bg/ulnvcag354e1e1f64fc1d836448734_240x293.jpg) Source: [April 2012 Newsletter at AJS ...](https://www.ajsgem.com/articles/april-2012-newsletter.html) Sri Lankan sapphires are among the finest grade gems found anywhere. ## 7. Snap a Picture of a Stunning Beach ![Snap a Picture of a Stunning Beach](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/cw/yr/o4pgj10354e1e1f7be7ba120117011_337x450.jpg) Source: [Beauty of island: Beauty of ...](http://ruwanf.blogspot.com/2010/05/beauty-of-ceylon.html) Unawatuna Beach ## 8. Visit a Cave Monastery ![Visit a Cave Monastery](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/aw/et/zlfpmrc754e1e1f8139c8923496990_435x580.jpg) Source: [travel.nationalgeographic.com](http://travel.nationalgeographic.com?ref=allwomenstalk.com) The cave monastery of Dambulla, a World Heritage site, has five sanctuaries and is the largest, best preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. ## 9. Smell the Gorgeous Flowers ![Smell the Gorgeous Flowers](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/w7/e7/dt7qsrm354e1e1f87be53091057848_428x640.jpg) Source: [The Royal Botanical Garden Peradeniya ...](https://www.flickr.com/photos/mal-b/6918289510/) The Royal Botanical Garden Peradeniya near Kandy ## 10. Climb Ancient Stone Steps ![Climb Ancient Stone Steps](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/gi/tg/yg1dms5854e1e1f8a2341086349901_427x640.jpg) Source: [It's a beautiful world](https://visitheworld.tumblr.com/post/21073078106/staircase-at-yapahuwa-temple-sri-lanka-by) Staircase at Yapahuwa Temple ## 11. See Centuries Old Hunter/gatherer Techniques ![See Centuries Old Hunter/gatherer Techniques](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/nx/kk/ulgin9xm54e1e1f914773448237329_426x640.jpg) Source: [World Travel](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/347621664958559448/) The stilt fishermen of Sri Lanka. ## 12. Take a Train Ride Though the Hill Country ![Take a Train Ride Though the Hill Country](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/v9/bq/tfvcomrp54e1e1f926d85283049659_427x640.jpg) Source: [Pin-Up Live!](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/58828338854600433/) Sri Lanka's Hill Country is a place where you can wear a fleece in the daytime and cuddle up beside a log fire in the evening. ## 13. Take a Ride in a Tuktuk ![Take a Ride in a Tuktuk](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/mu/xp/hivg9amm54e1e1f966547743861475_427x640.jpg) Source: [Sri Lanka](https://www.flickr.com/photos/kristina_mueller/12496577833/) An experience not to be missed. ## 14. Visit a Tea Plantation ![Visit a Tea Plantation](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/hc/ij/twntfo5u54e1fce0ed269697632539_392x588.jpg) Source: [Hill Country Tours](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/365284219750588395/) Many plantations offer tours to see how tea is made. ## 15. Lounge by the Pool ![Lounge by the Pool](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/g0/mf/wmvdjhk454e1e1f9e265b389078642_405x586.jpg) Source: [cntraveler.com](https://www.cntraveler.com/inspiration) Amanwella, a modernist perch in Tangalle, on Sri Lanka’s southern coast. ## 16. Make Footprints in the Sand ![Make Footprints in the Sand](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/i4/sj/opj8b9gz54e1e1fa3e268098529730_425x640.jpg) Source: [Welcome to Flickr - Photo ...](https://www.flickr.com/) Mirissa Beach ## 17. See a Stunning Waterfall _ Source: hfholidays.co.uk_ Gal Vihara, Polonnaruwa - Colombo ## 18. Visit a Spice Plantation ![Visit a Spice Plantation](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/g0/zw/ye53ai8254e1fe14cba3d019390608_600x450.jpg) Sri Lanka harvest peppercorns, cinnamon, cardamon, sandalwood, cloves and so many other spices. ## 19. Be Awed by Huge Statues ![Be Awed by Huge Statues](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/fv/zo/j3lb53jg54e1e1fbc402e226232180_427x640.jpg) Source: [Welcome to Flickr - Photo ...](https://www.flickr.com/) Dambulla Cave Temple ## 20. Visit a National Park ![Visit a National Park](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/v0/v3/ia9e3vlp54e1e1fc93702414470037_600x900.jpg) Source: [Di orsi, otarie e oritteropi ...](https://www.ilpost.it/2012/04/21/di-orsi-otarie-e-oritteropi/an-elephant-is-photographed-from-a-motor/) An elephant in Habarana National Park ## 21. See Incredibly Colorful Birds _ Source: artsyhome.com_ An Asian Fairy Bluebird ## 22. Take a Pew at a Beach Bar ![Take a Pew at a Beach Bar](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/ql/k1/nd1rnldg54e1e1fbe3c46065649789_442x640.jpg) Source: [Unawatuna Beach](https://www.flickr.com/photos/sandergroennl/7649989086/) Unawatuna Beach ## 23. Admire the Carvings ![Admire the Carvings](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/qx/vz/boulvlra54e1e1fc4b696700412487_427x640.jpg) Source: [Sri Lanka](https://www.flickr.com/photos/photographersworkshop/4080302023/) The Gal Vihara, is a rock temple of the Buddha situated in the UNESCO listed ancient city of Polonnaruwa ## 24. Dine on Traditional Sri Lankan Food ![Dine on Traditional Sri Lankan Food](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/ox/uo/id1jhq3h54e1e1fcb5804070604039_431x586.jpg) Source: [cntraveler.com](https://www.cntraveler.com/inspiration) Egg hoppers and chicken curry ## 25. See Wonderful Wildlife ![See Wonderful Wildlife](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/al/d6/xffryt3y54e1e1fd4df02812096623_443x640.jpg) Source: [Kotiya cub discovered the spring ...](https://www.flickr.com/photos/35110249@N05/3429204342/in/faves-87851187@N02/) A Sri Lanka leopard known as a kotiya ## 26. Catch a Magical Sunset ![Catch a Magical Sunset](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/rb/vr/rlzc6ebw54e1e1fd7472c600031644_427x640.jpg) Source: [Jafna , Sri Lanka | ...](https://goo.gl/cmYxRN) Jaffna ## 27. Go for a Long Walk and Get Drenched in the Mist ![Go for a Long Walk and Get Drenched in the Mist](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/mj/em/zlm6tpes54e1e1f783ce7903245442_600x818.jpg) Source: [Nuwara Eliya,Sri Lanka: - holidayspots4u](https://goo.gl/Wt7jzp) Nuwara Eliya ## 28. Visit a Sacred City ![Visit a Sacred City](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/xd/hi/wbvwyh5554e1e1fec73ab211949680_420x630.jpg) Source: [Welcome to Flickr - Photo ...](https://www.flickr.com/) Anuradhapura ## 29. See a Collection of Buddhas ![See a Collection of Buddhas](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/fh/g3/k03a48uf54e1e1feb21be766432464_420x630.jpg) Source: [Welcome to Flickr - Photo ...](https://www.flickr.com/) Gangaramaya Temple, Colombo ## 30. Visit an Old Colonial Town ![Visit an Old Colonial Town](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/xi/bl/jvny8nak54e1e1ff5416c259094476_427x640.jpg) Source: [Welcome to Flickr - Photo ...](https://www.flickr.com/) Downtown Kandy ## 31. Catch Your Breath _ Source: Galle Beach_ Galle Beach ## 32. Gaze up at a Very Tall Buddha ![Gaze up at a Very Tall Buddha](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/hk/bz/kqh5kexq54e1e1ffe6d19059539610_332x500.jpg) Source: [Antiquities](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/74942781273569119/) The Aukuna Buddha in Anuradhapura was built during King Dhatusena's reign (455-473AD). The +40ft statute was carved out on a massive rock face. ## 33. Shop at a Market _ Source: Travel Photography - Travellerspoint_ Like everywhere in Asia, the markets are really colorful, noisy and aromatic. ## 34. See a Relic of Buddha ![See a Relic of Buddha](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/b8/sx/dtpftilw54e1e2016b814933009303_427x640.jpg) Source: [Welcome to Flickr - Photo ...](https://www.flickr.com/) Sri Dalada Maligawa aka Temple of the Tooth in Kandy is home to a Buddhist relic - one of Buddha's teeth. ## 35. See Conservation in Action ![See Conservation in Action](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/ly/z0/gur0042654e1e20233271929441472_480x640.jpg) Source: [Picasa Web Albums - Alexandra ...](https://get.google.com/albumarchive/pwa/102600066410134945605/SriLanka) Turtle Conservation Project, Kosgoda. ## 36. Tread in a Place of Legend ![Tread in a Place of Legend](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/ux/mo/czj79z9m54e1e20316e81512953788_480x640.jpg) Source: [Seetha Amman Temple](https://www.flickr.com/photos/nmacaulay/5427936103/) Seetha Amman Kovil in Seetha Eliya. It is believed that Sitha was held captive here by the king Ravana as told in the Hindu epic, Ramayana. ## 37. See Ancient Crafts ![See Ancient Crafts](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/go/kw/b6ljawh254e1e2029bd3d817424337_332x448.jpg) Source: [Petit Cabinet de Curiosites - ...](https://petitcabinetdecuriosites.tumblr.com/post/9339360577/culturalcrosspollination-mask-maker-in-sri) A mask maker. ## 38. Adam's Peak ![Adam's Peak](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/ob/ol/ggou000k54e1e202cbf3d878632699_300x448.jpg) Source: [Google Afbeeldingen](http://www.google.nl/imghp) Adam’s Peak is well known for the Sri Pada, i.e.,"sacred footprint", a 1.8 m (5ft 11 in) rock formation near the summit, which in Buddhist tradition is held to be the footprint of the Buddha, in Hindu tradition that of Shiva and in Islamic and Christian tradition that of Adam, or that of St. Thomas. In Islamic tradition it is the site where Adam fell to earth and where his footprint cane found ## 39. Visit the Capital ![Visit the Capital](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/x9/yq/a90rl7ac54e1e203459fa487093759_600x600.jpg) Source: [According to Matt...](http://accordingtomatt.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2012-03-01T20:22:00+01:00&max-results=4) Colombo is noisy, noxious, overcrowded, edged by slums but also an absolutely fascinating place to visit. ## 40. Crane Your Neck to See the Top ![Crane Your Neck to See the Top](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/ez/ww/np2vj6dr54e1e204080d8502236911_600x900.jpg) Source: [Jaffna Book | For 91 ...](https://srilanka.for91days.com/tag/jaffna-book/) Kandaswamy Kovil in Nalluir is one of the most significant Hindu temples in Northern Sri Lanka ## 41. Take a Crazy Dive ![Take a Crazy Dive](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/op/af/q1mb4huc54e1e20420cdf458211451_500x750.jpg) Source: [Photos: The Most Beautiful Places ...](https://www.cntraveler.com/galleries/2013-03-26/photos-grand-tour-asia-india-china-japan-singapore-vietnam?mbid=tumblr) The stony ramparts at Galle ## 42. Climb up to Where Sri Lankan Buddhism Began ![Climb up to Where Sri Lankan Buddhism Began](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/jg/lc/uk8l1y3p54e1e203ede77702632558_313x500.jpg) Source: [Holidays in Sri Lanka with ...](http://www.secretlanka.com/) 1840 steps, bordered with frangipane trees, leading to Mihintale, where the story of Sri Lankan Buddhism began. ## 43. Go Scuba Diving ![Go Scuba Diving](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/gx/y7/y3lexuuu54e1e2065381b703158251_337x450.jpg) Source: [Sri Lanka Diving Tours - ...](http://www.tripadvisor.com?ref=allwomenstalk.com) Trincomalee in the East Coast of Sri Lanka ## 44. See the Sri Lankans at Work ![See the Sri Lankans at Work](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/kq/vh/ouly9gxs54e1e20735943902029975_431x498.jpg) Source: [photos.uk.msn.com](http://www.msn.com/) Tamil farmers transporting coconut husks. ## 45. Chill and Reflect on a Fabulous Holiday ![Chill and Reflect on a Fabulous Holiday](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/b2/bx/gvjrot2s54e1e207e4d09488613693_600x904.jpg) Source: [Is this the perfect beach](https://nerdnomads.com/the-perfect-beach-tangalla-sri-lanka) Tangalla Beach ## Related Posts - [bay landform](https://travel.allwomenstalk.com/dreaming-of-a-tropical-summer-the-pick-of-the-caribbean-beaches-from-trip-advisors-travelers-choices/) - [caribbean beach destinations](https://travel.allwomenstalk.com/caribbean-beach-destinations-that-will-blow-your-mind/) - [trip advisor puerto vallarta](https://travel.allwomenstalk.com/trip-advisors-travelers-choices-of-beaches-for-central-and-south-america/) - [trip advisor big island](https://travel.allwomenstalk.com/the-top-islands-in-the-americas-according-to-trip-advisor-travelers-choices/) - [late ski](https://travel.allwomenstalk.com/here-are-the-best-destinations-for-late-season-skiing/) - [gift yourself on your birthday](https://travel.allwomenstalk.com/its-your-birthday-give-yourself-the-best-gift-travel/) - [travelers choice tasmania](https://travel.allwomenstalk.com/going-down-under-trip-advisor-travelers-choices-for-best-beaches-in-australia-and-new-zealand/) - [best florida beach for shells](https://travel.allwomenstalk.com/are-you-a-beachcomber-best-us-beaches-to-find-shells/) - [cook island tourist attractions](https://travel.allwomenstalk.com/reasons-the-cook-islands-are-a-south-pacific-paradise/) - [falkland islands cities](https://travel.allwomenstalk.com/could-there-possibly-be-any-reasons-to-visit-the-falkland-islands-hell-yeah/) - [7 Things to See in London ...](https://travel.allwomenstalk.com/things-to-see-in-london/) - [8 Must-See Tourist Hotspots ...](https://travel.allwomenstalk.com/must-see-tourist-hotspots/) ## Site Information - [Main page](https://allwomenstalk.com) - [Contact us](https://allwomenstalk.com/contact.html) - [HTML article](https://travel.allwomenstalk.com/adventures-this-is-what-to-see-and-do-in-sri-lanka/)