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If you prefer staying on land, Sri Lanka’s nature and wildlife will leave you with unforgettable memories. One thing I love about Sri Lanka is how green the Island is. Covered in palm trees and jungles, the landscapes you will see here are stunning. Rich in wildlife and flora, the Island is also home to multiple national parks. These protected grounds have become home to some of the rarest animals and are definitely worth a visit.
Yala National Park: Located in the South East part of the Island. This 978.8 km² reserve is a unique place. Home to diverse wildlife, you can spot elephants, Buffalo, crocodiles, deer, and leopards if you get lucky enough. The experience is fun, driving along the bumpy, muddy roads in an open 4×4. Don’t forget your binoculars, sunscreen, and water for the perfect family day out.
Udawalawe Park: If you are a fan of elephants, then this is the park to head to. Located in the South, this park offers beautiful landscapes and some up-close experiences with the animals. Highly populated with elephants, it is the perfect place to observe herd life.
When visiting a safari, please remember that you are entering the animal’s territory and that calm and quiet are necessary. Like us, the animals don’t like things to get too hot, so you may have a better experience if you head out early morning or later in the afternoon. Avoid bringing food with you as the animals will be attracted to the scents, which can endanger you and your fellow safari friends.
Snorkelling or Diving
Stepping back into the water and this time a little deeper. Just like on land, the wildlife around the Island is extraordinary. Here you can enjoy snorkelling or diving.
A word that directly pops into our head is ” sharks”. Sri Lanka’s coasts are home to some of the smaller shark species and those that don’t tend to attack humans. There have been very few cases recorded in Sri Lanka.
Of course, whilst participating in these activities, you are surrounded by professional guides working the waters for years.
Suppose you feel like stepping into the water. In that case, you can snorkel in Hikkaduwa, Mirissa and Trincomalee towns without worries. You will surely see different types of fish and the prettiest turtles here.
Select a specialized company when booking your snorkelling/ diving trip. It is not only crucial for your safety but also for the animals’ well-being.
Whale-watching
Some of the prettiest giants live in the deep waters of Sri Lanka’s coasts. As they migrate, these gentle beasts stop by the warm waters of the Island, giving those that are around a sight to remember. Sri Lanka is home to many different species, but the humpback and sperm whales are the most common sightings. If you get lucky enough, there have been sightings of the giant blue whale. The best time to go whale watching is from November to April. The South dry season starts, and the waters get warmer.
The coasts are also home to many dolphins and turtles, a sight you do not want to miss. If you’re going to swim with turtles, head towards the town of Hikkaduwa or Mirissa. It is there that they are mostly spotted.
As always, book your trips out with professional companies and check the weather conditions before heading out because nobody wants to spend the day being seasick. You can whale watch in different spots around the Island, but the most popular towns are Mirissa (South), Trincomalee (North-East) and Kalpitiya(West). The boats are generally equipped with fresh drinks, and you can take snacks. If you have the time, research a little about the company before booking, as not all trips out respect the animal’s space.
Hiking
If you fancy exploring the Island on your own, then there are a couple of great locations to do so. The central Island offers excellent views over the jungle and some moderate challenges with its many hills and peaks.
Ella: Located in the Southcentral part, this small but highly touristic town has much to offer. Surrounded by misty green hills in a more relaxed environment, it makes a great place to visit for hikers. As you walk around the mountains, you will come across vibrant green tea plantations, forests and the rare Eucalyptus plantation. There are many peaks, but the most common are little Adams peak and Ella rock. Reasonably quick to climb, they are best to visit at sunrise or sunset. You can check out our Ella article for all the must-know information.
If you feel like more of a challenge, head down to Adams Peak. About 4 hours away from Ella, it is the highest mountain in Sri Lanka and takes 4-6 hours to climb. A brave challenge. You will tackle endless stairs on your way up, so be ready. But once you have reached the top, the stunning clouded hills await you. I visited this mountain at sunrise, and the views were 100% worth the climb.
Sri Lanka is also home to a rainforest. The Sinharaja rainforest is located to the South of the Island and is an out-of-this-world experience. Rich in wildlife such as birds, snakes, monkeys and all the tropical critters. It is like taking a dive into a Jumanji movie. The tours here are guided. Remember to bring suitable shoes and a rain jacket whilst planning your hikes along with your soon-to-be best friend, mosquito repellent. The weather can change quickly here.
Cooking Classes
If you want to take the taste of Sri Lanka back home with you, then a cooking class will set you on the right track. Learn all about spices and how to use them with harmony. Take back the traditional Sri Lankan recipes such as Pol sambal, Dhal and roti to share with your family and friends. This is a fun activity generally hosted by the local women and can be a great way to learn more about everyday life in Sri Lanka. Ask around your guest house or hotel to find a class close to your accommodation.
Temple-visiting
Temples are a massive part of Sri Lanka’s history and day-to-day life. With the country being multi-religious, it is not uncommon to see temples and mosques steps apart. Buddhism is the most present amongst the Sinhala population and is the main religion here. Travelling around the Island, you will see regular statues and smaller temples that the locals visit regularly. If you do not spot a temple immediately, you will smell it. The sweet scent of incense fills the streets. A great time to visit the temples is on Poya day (full moon), as the locals generally make their way to the temples to offer flowers or food to Buddha. You can hear them chant Mantras all together as families.
The culture here is beautiful, and the more significant temples are works of art. You can plan trips to famous historic towns where you will be able to visit and learn about the ruins and temples there.
- Anuradhapura is amongst two of the most known landmark sites. The ancient city is small enough to ride around. In the city’s older section, you can take a guided tour around the many temples. Grabbing a bike is your best option if you are a more independent traveller.
- Another famous town is Polonnaruwa, located more to the Eastern coast. It is similar to Anuradhapura in temples but not as easy to make your way around. The temples were primarily ruins but are all well explained. I would visit one or the other during your stay.
- When visiting temples, please remember that these are places of peace and respect. Here are a few rules to avoid offending anyone during your discovery:
- Wear appropriate clothing: cover your shoulders and avoid wearing shorts or short skirts for women.
- Take your shoes off when entering the grounds. You can leave your shoes on the racks without a problem.
- Avoid taking pictures with a flash. Most temples are well lit, and the fash could disturb the worshippers.
- Keep quiet. It is a place of prayer and inner peace. Take a moment to yourself to sit back and observe the people.
I hope this guide has cleared up a few questions you may have had before travelling here and that your days will become long-lasting memories. Sri Lanka is a very welcoming country, and the locals will help you every step of your stay here. If any of these activities spike an interest, then try reserving your tickets online to save time and hassle. It is time to enjoy your tropical holiday. We wish you Ayubowan and hope to see you soon!
