Sri Lanka is a beautiful country filled with vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and endless opportunities for adventure. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, there are plenty of activities you can do to make the most of your trip. Here are 7 must-do activities for young travellers visiting Sri Lanka:
Explore the ancient cities:
Sri Lanka is home to a number of ancient cities, each with its own rich history and culture.
- Sigiriya: Known as the “Lion Rock,” Sigiriya is an ancient fortress located in the central Matale District. The fortress is built on top of a massive rock formation and is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in Sri Lanka. Visitors can climb to the top of the rock and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
- Kandy: Kandy is the second largest city in Sri Lanka and is considered the cultural capital of the island. The city is home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of the most sacred Buddhist temples in the world. Visitors can also take a stroll around the city’s historic streets and see the traditional dances and music performances.
- Anuradhapura: This ancient city is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and was the capital of Sri Lanka from the 4th century BC to the 11th century AD. Anuradhapura is home to many ancient ruins including the Sri Maha Bodhi, the sacred Bo Tree which is said to be a direct descendant of the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment.
- Polonnaruwa: This ancient city was the second capital of Sri Lanka after the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993. It’s home to many ancient temples, statues, and palaces that are considered some of the best examples of ancient Sri Lankan architecture. The city also offers many opportunities for cycling and bird watching.
Visiting these ancient cities is a great way to learn about the island’s rich history and culture. Visitors can take guided tours to learn more about the sites and the history behind them. This is one of 7 must-do activities while you travel Sri Lanka.
Visit the national parks:
Sri Lanka is home to a number of national parks, each offering unique opportunities to explore and discover the island’s diverse wildlife and nature. Here are a few of the most popular national parks to visit in Sri Lanka:
- Yala National Park: Located in the southeast of Sri Lanka, Yala is the country’s most visited and second-largest national park. It’s home to a wide variety of wildlife including elephants, leopards, crocodiles, and over 200 species of birds. Visitors can take a jeep safari to explore the park and see the wildlife in their natural habitat.
- Udawalawe National Park: This park is located in the south-central region of Sri Lanka and is known for its large population of elephants. Visitors can take a jeep safari to see the elephants and other wildlife such as water buffalo, crocodiles, and a wide variety of birds.
- Sinharaja Forest Reserve: This forest reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its high biodiversity. The park is home to a wide variety of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, many of which are found only in Sri Lanka. Visitors can take a guided trek to explore the forest and see the wildlife.
- Wilpattu National Park: Wilpattu is one of the oldest and largest national parks in Sri Lanka. The park is known for its large population of elephants and leopards, as well as a wide variety of birds. Visitors can take a jeep safari to explore the park and see the wildlife.
- Horton Plains National Park: This national park is located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka and is known for its stunning views and unique ecosystems. Visitors can take a hike to see the park’s many waterfalls, forests, and grasslands.
All national parks have their specific time for the safari, it’s best to check in advance. Visitors should also be aware of the park’s rules and regulations, such as not disturbing wildlife or littering in order to maintain the natural beauty of the park.
Go surfing:
Sri Lanka is a popular destination for surfers from around the world, thanks to its consistent waves and beautiful beaches. Here are a few of the best surf spots in Sri Lanka:
- Hikkaduwa: This beach town is located on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka and is known for its long, consistent waves. It’s a great spot for both beginner and experienced surfers. The town is also home to a number of surf schools and shops, making it easy for visitors to rent equipment and take lessons.
- Unawatuna: This beach is located just a few kilometers south of Hikkaduwa and is known for its perfect waves and crystal-clear waters. It’s a great spot for both experienced and beginner surfers.
- Mirissa: This beach is located on the south coast of Sri Lanka and is known for its long, consistent waves. It’s a popular spot for experienced surfers, but can also be enjoyed by beginners.
- Arugam Bay: This beach is located on the east coast of Sri Lanka and is known for its big waves and perfect barrels. It’s a popular spot for experienced surfers, but can also be enjoyed by intermediate surfers.
- Midigama: This beach is located on the south coast of Sri Lanka and is known for its long, consistent waves. It’s a great spot for both experienced and beginner surfers.
Sri Lanka has a great surf season from April to October. It’s recommended to check the surf forecast and tide schedule before heading to the beach, and also to be aware of local rules and regulations. Make sure to also be aware of the ocean safety and to always surf with a buddy. With its perfect waves and beautiful beaches, Sri Lanka is a must-visit destination for any surfer.
Take a cooking class:
Sri Lanka is known for its delicious food, and taking a cooking class is a great way to learn about the local cuisine and culture. Here are a few of the best places to take a cooking class in Sri Lanka:
- Kandy: Kandy is considered the cultural capital of Sri Lanka and is home to a number of cooking schools that offer classes in traditional Sri Lankan cuisine. Visitors can learn how to make traditional dishes like curry and dosa, and take home new cooking skills to impress their friends and family.
- Galle: This coastal city is known for its fusion of Dutch and Sri Lankan cuisine. Visitors can take a cooking class and learn how to make traditional dishes like fish ambul thiyal (sour fish curry) and lamprais (a Dutch-influenced rice and meat dish wrapped in banana leaf).
- Colombo: The capital city of Colombo is home to a number of cooking schools offering classes in traditional Sri Lankan cuisine. Visitors can learn how to make dishes like hopper (a type of rice pancake) and kottu (a popular street food made with roti and vegetables).
- Trincomalee: This coastal city is known for its seafood and visitors can take a cooking class and learn how to make traditional seafood dishes like ambul thiyal (sour fish curry) and kukul mas curry (chicken curry).
- Nilaveli: This coastal town is known for its seafood and visitors can take a cooking class and learn how to make traditional seafood dishes like ambul thiyal (sour fish curry) and kukul mas curry (chicken curry)
Most of the cooking classes usually include a visit to the local market to buy ingredients and you’ll be able to enjoy the meal you cooked. Cooking classes are a great way to learn about the local culture and cuisine while also having fun and picking up some new cooking skills.
Explore the tea country:
Sri Lanka is one of the world’s largest producers of tea and is home to some of the most beautiful tea plantations in the world. Here are a few of the best places to explore the tea country in Sri Lanka:
- Kandy: Kandy is located in the central province of Sri Lanka and is home to a number of tea plantations. Visitors can take a tour of a tea factory and learn about the history of tea in Sri Lanka and how it’s produced.
- Nuwara Eliya: This town is located in the central province of Sri Lanka and is known as the “tea capital” of the island. Visitors can take a tour of a tea factory and learn about the history of tea in Sri Lanka and how it’s produced.
- Haputale: This town is located in the hill country of Sri Lanka and is home to a number of tea plantations. Visitors can take a tour of a tea factory and learn about the history of tea in Sri Lanka and how it’s produced.
- Dickoya: This is a small town located in the central province of Sri Lanka and is known for its tea production. Visitors can take a tour of a tea factory and learn about the history of tea in Sri Lanka and how it’s produced.
- Uva Province: This province is located in the eastern part of the island, it’s known for its tea production and visitors can take a tour of a tea factory and learn about the history of tea in Sri Lanka and how it’s produced.
Visitors can also take a tour of the tea plantations and see the tea pickers at work, and also taste some of the best teas produced in the country. This is a great way to learn about the history and culture of Sri Lanka, and also to sample some of the best teas in the world.
Go hiking:
Sri Lanka is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, and hiking is a great way to explore them. Here are a few of the best hiking trails in Sri Lanka:
- Adam’s Peak: Known as Sri Pada, this is one of the most popular hiking trails in Sri Lanka. The trail leads to the summit of Adam’s Peak, a sacred mountain that is believed to be the footprint of the Buddha. The hike is challenging but the views from the summit are well worth it.
- Knuckles Mountain Range: This mountain range is located in the central province of Sri Lanka and is known for its beautiful landscapes and diverse wildlife. Visitors can take a guided hike to explore the mountains and see the wildlife.
- Sinharaja Forest Reserve: This forest reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its high biodiversity. Visitors can take a guided hike to explore the forest and see the wildlife.
- Horton Plains National Park: This national park is located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka and is known for its stunning views and unique ecosystems. Visitors can take a hike to see the park’s many waterfalls, forests, and grasslands.
- Sinhagala: This is one of the most challenging hikes in Sri Lanka, it’s a steep climb to the top of Sinhagala, which rewards hikers with a panoramic view of the surrounding area.
Most of the hikes in Sri Lanka require a moderate to high level of fitness, so it’s recommended to be in good physical shape. It’s also important to bring appropriate hiking gear such as hiking boots, a backpack, and plenty of water. It’s always recommended to hire a local guide for the hikes in order to have a safe and enjoyable experience, and also to learn about the history, culture and natural beauty of the area.
Visit the beaches:
Sri Lanka is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, making it a popular destination for beach-goers. Here are a few of the best beaches to visit in Sri Lanka:
- Unawatuna: This beach is located on the south coast of Sri Lanka and is known for its white sand, crystal-clear waters, and perfect waves. It’s a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
- Nilaveli: This beach is located on the east coast of Sri Lanka and is known for its white sand, crystal-clear waters, and perfect waves. It’s a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
- Trincomalee: This beach is located on the east coast of Sri Lanka and is known for its white sand, crystal-clear waters, and perfect waves. It’s a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
- Mirissa: This beach is located on the south coast of Sri Lanka and is known for its white sand, crystal-clear waters, and perfect waves. It’s a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
- Bentota: This beach is located on the west coast of Sri Lanka and is known for its white sand, crystal-clear waters, and perfect waves. It’s a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
All of these beaches have a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious resorts, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. It’s always recommended to be aware of ocean safety and also to respect the local culture and customs when visiting the beaches. With its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and perfect waves, Sri Lanka is a beach lover’s paradise.
These are just a few of the many activities that young travellers can do while visiting Sri Lanka. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that this island nation is becoming a popular destination for young travellers. So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and head to Sri Lanka for an adventure of a lifetime!
