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Buddha statues inside Dambulla Cave

Things to do in Sri Lanka

Buddha statues inside Dambulla Cave
An incredibly diverse but relatively small island nation, Sri Lanka offers magnificent wildlife, world-class cultural attractions and glorious beaches. With no long distances to cover, even a short trip can include a wide range of experiences and activities such as spotting leopards and elephants on safari, observing whales and dolphins off the south coast or marveling at the wonders of the Golden Triangle.

Step back in time with a visit to the ancient capitals of Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa or the Dambulla cave temples. Visit colonial Galle or simply relax beneath swaying palms on the golden beaches of the southwest or less-visited northeast.
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Audley Travel Specialist Niall

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Ideas for experiencing Sri Lanka

Experiences you have as you travel often hold the longest memories. As part of their research trips, our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know Sri Lanka, and the best local guides. These activities reflect some of their best-loved experiences.

  • Kandyan Dance Performance & Temple of the Tooth
    Temple of the Tooth

    Kandyan Dance Performance & Temple of the Tooth

    Kandy

    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 colorful spectacle climaxes with the amazing fire-walking act.

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  • Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Polonnaruwa
    Sigiriya Rock Fortress

    Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Polonnaruwa

    Sigiriya

    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.

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  • Tea Estate Visit
    Visit to a tea plantation, Hatton

    Tea Estate Visit

    Nuwara Eliya

    Tea Estate Visit

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

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  • Horton Plains Walk
    Sunrise in Horton Plains National Park

    Horton Plains Walk

    Nuwara Eliya

    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.

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  • Kandy to Nuwara Eliya by train
    Hatton, Sri Lanka

    Kandy to Nuwara Eliya by train

    Kandy

    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.

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  • Jaffna and the Jaffna Peninsula
    Nallur Temple, Jaffna

    Jaffna and the Jaffna Peninsula

    Jaffna

    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.

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  • Visit to the Elephant Transit Home
    Wild elephants, Udawalawe National Park

    Visit to the Elephant Transit Home

    Udawalawe National Park

    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.

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  • Kelaniya Ganga White-Water Rafting
    White water rafting on the Kelaniya Ganga

    Kelaniya Ganga White-Water Rafting

    Kandy

    Kelaniya Ganga White-Water Rafting

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

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  • Yala National Park Jeep Safari
    Bee-eater in the Yala National Park

    Yala National Park Jeep Safari

    Yala National Park

    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.

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  • Galle City Tour
    Gate into Galle Fort

    Galle City Tour

    Galle

    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 jewelry.

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  • Whale watching
    Young blue whale breaching not far from Sri Lanka's southern beaches

    Whale watching

    Galle

    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.

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  • Sinharaja Biosphere Reserve
    Jungles at Sinharaja, Sri Lanka

    Sinharaja Biosphere Reserve

    Sinharaja Biosphere

    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.

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