Things to do in Sri Lanka

Whale watching

Sri Lanka is becoming one of the most successful places to see both blue and sperm whales, which can be found off the island's southern coast.

Kandy to Nuwara Eliya by train

The picturesque railway to Nuwara Eliya passes waterfalls and tea plantations, as well as Adam's Peak in the distance.

Kelaniya Ganga White-Water Rafting

The Kelaniya Ganga is a stunning river offering some excellent, though relatively gentle, white-water rafting.

Visit to the Elephant Transit Home

The Elephant Transit Home takes orphaned or sick elephants which are then fed and cared for until they are strong enough to be returned to the wild.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Polonnaruwa

You will start your day by visiting the mighty Sigiriya Rock Fortress which dominates the surrounding landscape. For many visitors, this is the most impressive site in Sri Lanka with stunning views from the top.

Kandyan Dance Performance & Temple of the Tooth

Traditional Kandyan dances include the cobra dance, mask dance, the Ginisisila, showing power over fire. The entire frenetic and colourful spectacle climaxes with the amazing fire-walking act.

Sinharaja Biosphere Reserve

Sinharaja was declared a national park in 1978 and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1989. The park is home to a wide range of birdlife including orioles, babblers, the orange minivets and rare Sri Lankan blue magpie.

Tea Estate Visit

Driving through the twisting roads of the tea estate, you see the colourful women, mainly of Tamil origin, at work in the plantations.

Yala National Park Jeep Safari

You can hope to see many species of birds including storks, kingfishers and peacocks. The animals residing in the park include crocodiles, elephants and buffalo.

Galle City Tour

Your guide will take you into the walled area of the town which consists of narrow streets lined with European-style buildings, traditional churches and small shops selling lace and jewellery.

Horton Plains Walk

Horton Plains was declared a National Park in 1988 and covers 3,160 hectares of grasslands interspersed with forest and forms an undulating plateau more than 2,000 m high.

Jaffna and the Jaffna Peninsula

You will visit the Jaffna Fort and Kayts Island in the morning, with an afternoon spent at the Nallur Kovil Temple and Manthrimanai — the remains of the palace of King Sangiliyan.