Sri Lanka Things to Do

 
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Most Viewed Things to Do in Sri Lanka

26.

Temples   Colombo

Temples, Colombo

 22 Reviews  In the Pettah area of Colombo is the famous Sea Street, home to three important Hindu Temples, the Ganeshan, the Old Kathiresan and the New Kathiresan. All have their intricately-carved and colourful... 

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27.

Day Trip   Colombo

Day Trip, Colombo

 11 Reviews  St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, a branch of the Church of Scotland, earlier known as St. Andrew's Scots Kirk located in Princess Street, Fort, is the only Presbyterian Church in Sri Lanka. It opened... 

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28.

Cinnamon Gardens - Viharamahadevi Park   Colombo

Cinnamon Gardens - Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo

 7 Reviews  The green space of Viharamahadevi Park isn't all it could be but it still represents one of the city's largest open recreational areas. There isn't much to do here apart from walk in the shade of the... 

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29.

Shopping   Colombo

Shopping, Colombo

 6 Reviews  This one is for the Gals, OK ! So you guys can take a peek as well. You find some of the best clothes in Sri Lanka at very reasonable prices and of very good quality. Clothes, Bags, Shoes, Travelling... 

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30.

Forts   Colombo

Forts, Colombo

 11 Reviews  Fort area, earlier known as Kolonthota, is the place the Portuguese landed in the early 16th century. They developed it and, to protect their economic interests, built a fort there in 1588. In 1656,... 

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31.

Zoo   Colombo

Zoo, Colombo

 8 Reviews  It has been several yrs since I last went to the Zoo, but it seemed better kept, more lush and was certainly well patronized. The restaurant facility had a pretty good rice selection which was tasty,... 

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32.

Galle Face Green   Colombo

Galle Face Green, Colombo

 5 Reviews  Galle Face Green is a lovely stretch of land almost half a kilometre long by the side of the sea. It is located in the heart of the city in front of the old Parliament building with some of the best... 

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33.

Museums   Colombo

Museums, Colombo

 8 Reviews  Just near the exit is a tall glass-covered display unit at the top of which is a stark skeletal statue of the Buddha. This is a startling, compelling image and one that you will not forget in a... 

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34.

Beaches   Colombo

Beaches, Colombo

 4 Reviews  On our final day in Colombo, we went to Mount Lavina beach in the morning. This is a ‘Golden Mile’ beach just next to a railway track and is about 12 kms away from the city. The roar of the ocean, the... 

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35.

Buddha   Colombo

Buddha, Colombo

 5 Reviews  There are places and places to see in Sri Lanka but just about every place in Asia offers ruins, colonial cities, temples, and natural wonders. This puts a pilgrimage to Sri Pada, AKA Adam's Peak, in... 

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Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Kandy & Coastal Weather

by shawnbrito

The cultural triangle comprises of 3 large cities, situated in the north central region of Sri Lanka. During the past 25+years, there have issues traveling beyond this point as there have been trouble in the north and eastern parts of the country.. Up until 2009/May, the northern & eastern parts were under terrorist control and were not passable.. Ever since 2009/May victory, the country has experienced a national peace and continues to thrive in every financial and tourist aspect..There is currently no issue traveling to the North of the country as the security problems have now been relaxed (Since of last month 2010/Jan).. I intend to go there very soon as there's an exhibition happening.. The only problem predicted by the Sri Lankan tourist board are the lack of nominated hotels/rooms.. Currently as I hear it: Many locals in the area provide accommodation in their homes (for a small...

Credible Wildlife Tour Operators

by shawnbrito

There are many well trained and experienced Tour Operators in Sri Lanka.. Each tour operator will have their own structure and unique methods of entertaining the customer.. The Tour generally accommodates the cost of::1) Traveling (Which will always be several hundred Km (Since your going to the North-Central, Central, South-East, West-Central; the cost is going to be above $200/- including Safaris)2) Accommodation (Generally $35/- P/Night without food)3) Tour Guide ($50 P/Day) --> (He has to lodge, eat/drink as well :-)4) Meals - Breakfast+ Lunch+ Dinner (Budget it @ $20 P/Day; Average)5) Extra meals, snacks ($10 P/Day)On the other hand, what if you did this alone and all by yourself? - would that be cost effective? The real answer would be, are you willing to risk not seeing many of the wild wonders that are mostly known by the local naturalist?If you said yes, then the following...

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Mirissa/ Wind Surfing / Swimming

by shawnbrito

Mirissa (Southern tip of Sri Lanka) has a 2km beach front (2 crescent shapes) and offers both calm seas and wavy seas at the same time :) The eastern part of the crescent is actually very calm with light waves or ripples, while the western coast of the crescent is rough.. amazing aint it? However do not over estimate the waves as Hawaiian waves, as they are not! Good for light surfing :)Also note: some sites say that its about 200km from the equator (That's not correct at all.. Sri Lanka/Mirissa is 650km from the equator).. I have not heard about a Northern Mirissa yet.. Mirissa is 4km south of Weligama (The main town)...There's also plenty of accommodation as the place is very popular. Its located near the small hills of Mirissa (along massive coconut plantations). Try and find the hotels on the hill :) I hear the view is simply great.If your planning on swimming, stick to the far...

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Kandy

by PierreZA

Kandy is the first city I visited on my Sri Lankan holiday. I took a car and driver from the airport and arrived about midday. It is a compact city, with Kandy Lake in the central part. I suppose Kandy can be called the capital of The Hill Country and has a rich history.The Temple of the Tooth (see tip) is most probably the main attraction here, but don’t forget the Botanical Gardens, Kandyan Dance Show etc.See my Kandy page for more detailed tips about my stay in this city.

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Colombo

by PierreZA

Colombo is most probably not the most exciting capital in the world. It also does not have many sights etc. Despite this I really enjoyed my stay here.I stayed at the Galle Face Hotel, which has a great location.Visiting Pettah Market (it is actually street markets) was very exciting. I thought that was most probably one of the most chaotic market places I ever visited!The Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple is worth a visit. There are several Hindu Temples, the two in Sea Street allows visitors inside. During the evenings, Galle Face Green becomes a place where locals (sepecially families) gather. The atmosphere is very nice, and reminds me a bit of Chowpatty Beach in Mumbai.Colombo has many military check points and there are many policemen all over the central part of town. I never had any problems at any of the checkpoints, on the contrary, the soldiers and policemen were always...

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The Coast between Galle and Weligama

by PierreZA

There is a lot to see and do along the coastal road between Galle and Weligama (which is the part I explored).I hired a 3-wheeler with driver for half day, which worked out very well.Unawatuna, a beautiful beach village.Koggala and Koggala Lake, with Temple Island – take a boat trip on this beautiful lake.Sea Turtle HatcheryKataluwa Purwarama Temple – a bit out of the way but defnitaley worth visiting.I saw many stilts in the water, but no fisherman; there were actually many other fishing activities along the coast. It is actually along the coast here where the famous stilt-fishermen operate from.

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Unawatuna

by PierreZA

This is most probably where pictures are taken for postcards. It is a beautiful small bay, beautiful sandy beach lined with restaurants, a temple and small guesthouses etc.The advantage of this village is that it is off the main road, which makes it more secluded. The village is home to nice shops, small hotels, restaurants, ayuervedic massage places etc.What I further enjoyed was the fact that it was not overcrowded at all.Unawatuna is about 7km from Galle, so taking a 3-wheeler is just fine.

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Galle

by PierreZA

The city of Galle is the 4th biggest in Sri Lanka. The main attraction of the city is most probably the well preserved Dutch Fort. It is not difficult to find the entrance to the Fort. At first, I was a bit disappointed with what I saw. This is also the place I was harassed the most in Sri Lanka. There are many Gem Shops and touts around. Walking the Ramparts at sunset is very pleasant. There are some beautifully restored buildings, but also many in a very bad state.There are churches to visit, like the Dutch reformed and Anglican Church. There is also The National Museum if you have time.My most pleasant memory of Galle was watching locals playing cricket just outside the Fort during sunset.The Tourist Information in Dharmapala Park was not of much help.

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Ella

by PierreZA

Ella is a small village close (about 8km) from Bandarawela. The main street is lined with restaurants and small shops. The views around Ella are beautiful. There are many tea plantations, although not all welcome visitors, you will find some where you can walk around and explore.I visited Ella after my visit to the Dowa Temple (I hired a 3-wheeler with driver for half day). It is a beautiful drive along the tea plantations. During the morning, it was very misty and cool, which made it even more beautiful. Later during the day, the skies were blue, and the tea plantations brilliant green.Walking around here was very memorable.

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Dowa Temple

by PierreZA

The Dowa Temple is about 6km east of Bandarawela on the Badulla Road. There is a big Buddha statue (38 ft) carved out of the rock. The temple is quite old and well worth visiting. I was shown around by a young monk, who spoke very good English and gave very good information.One get the feelings of peace and tranquillity when visiting this Temple. I went there with a 3-wheeler and is a short and pleasant trip.

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Fun things to do in Sri Lanka

Top 3 Hotels in Sri Lanka

Mount Lavina Hotel  Colombo

 5 Reviews and 391 Opinions  This is the closest hotel you can experience the Beach as you come to Colombo. Good food, good rooms... 

 Hotels in Colombo

Earl's Regency Hotel Kandy  Kandy

 4 Reviews and 233 Opinions  Kandy Perahara Starts on Esala Full Moon Poya Day in July & finishes on Nikini Full Moon Poya Day on... 

 Hotels in Kandy

Palm Garden Village Hotel  Anuradhapura

 3 Reviews and 110 Opinions  The Palm Garden Village is like a colonial club, but one with a relaxed and freestyle-air. It was... 

 Hotels in Anuradhapura

227 Hotels in Sri Lanka
 
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Reviews and photos of Sri Lanka attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Sri Lanka sightseeing.

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Things to Do: Cities in Sri Lanka
  1. Colombo Things to Do
  2. Kandy Things to Do
  3. Negombo Things to Do
  4. Nuwara Eliya Things to Do
  5. Hikkaduwa Things to Do
  6. Bentota Things to Do
  7. Galle Things to Do
  8. Unawatuna Things to Do
  9. Anuradhapura Things to Do
  10. Sigiriya Things to Do
  11. Sri Lanka Things to Do
  12. Polonnaruwa Things to Do
  13. Trincomalee Things to Do
  14. Beruwala Things to Do
  15. Jaffna Things to Do
  16. Dambulla Things to Do
  17. Mirissa South Things to Do
  18. Wadduwa Things to Do
  19. Kataragama Things to Do
  20. Pinnawala Things to Do
  21. Bandarawela Things to Do
  22. Batticaloa Things to Do
  23. Ella Things to Do
  24. Hambantota Things to Do
  25. Haputale Things to Do
  26. Chilaw Things to Do
  27. Horton Plains Things to Do
  28. Matale Things to Do
  29. Aluthgama Things to Do
  30. Tissamaharama Things to Do
  31. Matara Things to Do
  32. Hatton Things to Do
  33. Peradeniya Things to Do
  34. Tangalla Things to Do
  35. Nilaveli Things to Do
  36. Mihintale Things to Do
  37. Piliyandala Things to Do
  38. Yala National Park Things to Do
  39. Kegalle Things to Do
  40. Wellawaya Things to Do
  41. Pottuvil Things to Do
  42. Induruwa Things to Do
  43. Ambalangoda Things to Do
  44. Matugama Things to Do
  45. Kandalama Things to Do

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Western Province Things to Do  Southern Province Things to Do  Central Province Things to Do  North Central Province Things to Do  North Eastern Province Things to Do  Province of Uva Things to Do  Province of Sabaragamuwa Things to Do  North Western Province Things to Do 

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Questions and Answers

ladoie profile photo

Q:  Hello there. I need some advices about Sri Lanka. I'm going there in end of February till the beginning of March. one day in... 

HansDK profile photo

A: Missing out on Sigiriya Rock? You can find some tea plantations around Matale (between Dambulla and Kandy), but the 'real' tea plantations are in the hill country... 

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