8 Reasons to visit Sri Lanka

1. Lion Rock

Sigiriya is one of Sri Lanka’s most unique sites. An ancient rock fortress rising 200 metres above the plains. It includes gardens, fountains, steep staircases, and giant lion’s paws carved from stone that mark the entrance to the top. As you climb, you witness wide views and the ruins at the top. On our Lion Rock & Buddhas excursion, you will also visit Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage site with well-preserved temples and Buddha statues. For anyone interested in Sri Lanka’s history, this is a rewarding day packed with unforgettable sights.

Lion's Rock

2. Spot Sri Lankan Leopard in Yala National Park

Yala National Park is the best place in Sri Lanka to spot leopards in the wild. Late afternoon, when the day cools down, is the ideal time for a safari, as animals become more active. On our guided game drive, you will travel in a six-seater safari vehicle with a guide who will help you spot leopards and other wildlife. In addition to leopards, you might also see elephants, crocodiles, water buffalo, and colourful birds like macaques and hornbills. For those wanting to increase their chances of wildlife sightings, our Yala Afternoon Safari excursion offers a second game drive in the park.

Sri Lankan Leopard

 3. A Glimpse of Daily Life in a Sri Lankan Market

A visit to Kandy’s market offers an insight into everyday life in Sri Lanka. This busy covered market is filled with stalls selling fresh produce, colourful spices, textiles, and household goods. It is a useful stop for travellers interested in local food culture and daily life. A short walk from the market brings you to Kandy Lake, built by the last Sinhalese king. In the middle is a small island, once used to house the King Kashyapa. Today, the lake is home to tropical wildlife, including Water Monitors, close cousins of the Komodo dragon.

Kandy Lake

4. Ride the scenic train through tea country

The train journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya is one of the most scenic rail routes in Sri Lanka. Travelling through the central highlands, the train passes through tea estates, forests, small villages, and waterfalls. The pace of the train is slow, which gives you time to enjoy the changing landscape. The journey ends at Nanuoya station, where your guide will meet you for the short drive to Nuwara Eliya. This region is known for its tea production and British colonial-era architecture, and is often called ‘Little England’.

 Scenic train to Nuwara Eliya

5. Tea, Spices and Local Flavour.

Sri Lanka is one of the world’s top tea producers, and tea is an important part of daily life across the country. Ceylon tea, the name given to Sri Lankan tea, is known for its bright colour and distinct flavour. You will find different varieties depending on the region, with the high-grown teas from Nuwara Eliya in the hill country often considered the finest. Rice and curry are the most common meal, usually served with a range of vegetable dishes, lentils, sambols and chutneys. Many of the spices used in everyday cooking, like Ceylon cinnamon, pepper, cloves and cardamom, have been grown on the island for centuries.

Tea Pickers

6. Hike to the end of the world

The End of the World Hike takes you through Horton Plains National Park, located in Sri Lanka’s central highlands. This early morning walk covers a 9km circular route through grasslands and misty forests. The highlight is the World’s End viewpoint, a mountainside lookout with views of the Sri Lankan landscape. On clear days, you can also see the Indian Ocean. Along the trail, there is a chance to spot wildlife like deer and giant squirrels. Note that the End of the World Hike excursion involves a long walk and requires a reasonable level of fitness.

Horton Plains National Park

7. Climb to the ancient Cave Temples

The Dambulla Cave Temple is one of Sri Lanka’s most impressive Buddhist sites. Located within a massive rock formation, the site contains five caves filled with over 150 statues of the Buddha, along with ancient frescoes and carvings. Some of the statues date back over 2,000 years. This is the country’s largest and best-preserved cave temple, and remains an active place of worship today. The walk up to the temples involves 364 steps. Our Dambulla Caves excursion is ideal for those with an interest in Buddhism and history.

Dambulla Cave Temples

8. Unwind on the beaches of Bentota

After exploring the history of Dambulla Caves, hiking Horton Plains, and spotting leopards in Yala, it’s time to unwind. Our extension to Splendours of Sri Lanka offers the perfect chance to relax at Bentota Beach. This laid-back beach town is the perfect spot to round off your trip. With just a handful of bars and restaurants nearby, it’s an ideal place to relax on the miles of sandy beaches or around the hotel pool. Many of the buildings reflect the modernist style of Geoffrey Bawa, one of the most influential architects of the twentieth century. You can also enjoy water activities like kayaking and snorkelling, and spot local wildlife including sea turtles near the shore.

Bentota Beach

Ready to spot leopards in Yala National Park, hike to the edge at World’s End, explore the unique Lion Rock, ride the scenic train to Nuwara Eliya and taste authentic Ceylon tea? If you are looking for a trip packed with culture, wildlife and stunning landscapes, then Sri Lanka is your next ideal getaway. Take a look at our Splendours of Sri Lanka + Bentota Beach tour to start planning your adventure.

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