Are you planning your dream trip to Sri Lanka and wondering what makes this island so special? Whether you’re drawn to its rich history, relaxing beaches and wild safari,
Sri Lanka has something for every kind of traveller.
Sri Lanka is one of those countries that surprises every traveller. Some arrive expecting only beaches and budget holidays, but once they explore the island, they quickly understand why so many people fall in love with it. The history is deep, the nature is wild, and the people are warm and welcoming. It is the kind of place where you can climb an ancient fortress in the morning, see elephants in the afternoon, and enjoy a sunset on the beach before dinner.
At SL VOYO, Sri Lanka’s first travel platform, we help travellers go beyond basic sightseeing and experience the island in a more meaningful way. Whether you are joining our tours or planning your own adventure, here is our friendly guide to the top things to do in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka, known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, is a tropical island located just below India. It is home to about 22 million people who mainly speak Sinhala and Tamil, while Basic English is widely used in tourism and among locals. Although the island is small (around one third the size of England), it is incredibly diverse, making it easy to travel from historic cities to cool mountains and sunny beaches within a few hours. Sri Lanka also has one main international airport, Bandaranaike International Airport, which makes travel planning simple and convenient.
When exploring Sri Lanka, most travellers choose between two routes: the cultural north and the beach filled south. The northern route takes you through ancient kingdoms, temples, and local villages, while the southern route is all about golden beaches, nightlife, and ocean adventures. At SL VOYO, we recommend starting with the cultural north to understand the heart of Sri Lanka before ending your journey by relaxing on the coast.
Sigiriya is often described as Sri Lanka’s Taj Mahal, Eiffel Tower, or Great Wall of China. It is the country’s most iconic landmark and a must-visit for every traveller. This massive rock fortress was built by King Kashyapa, who used it as a palace and a place of protection while hiding from his brother. What makes Sigiriya so fascinating is its advanced technology and architecture, including water gardens, royal pools, and ancient paintings high up on the rock. One of the greatest mysteries is how water was transported from the ground to the top of the fortress, a question archaeologists are still studying today. Climbing Sigiriya offers stunning views and a deep look into Sri Lanka’s ancient engineering.
Ticket Cost – For Foreign Tourists
USD 35 per adult
Children (6–12 years): USD 20
For SAARC Countries (including India, Pakistan, Maldives, Nepal, etc.)
USD 20 per person
Children under 6 are free
It’s highly recommended to hire a guide for the Sigiriya tour.
A good guide will explain the history, symbolism, and hidden stories behind the fortress, making your visit far more meaningful.
Navigation Tip:
After climbing through the Boulder Garden, turn left and take the staircase that leads directly to the Lion Rock summit.
When descending, follow the path towards the Mirror Wall and the Frescoes to enjoy the full experience without missing any key highlights.
Pinnawala is a special place where injured, disabled, and abandoned elephants are cared for and protected. Visitors can watch these gentle giants being fed, guided to the river for their daily bath (Morning 10am to 12 pm, Evening 2pm to 4pm),and enjoying life in a safe environment.
Some elephants are chained, which often worries travellers, but it is important to understand that these elephants cannot survive in the wild. The orphanage exists to give them a second chance at life. A visit to Pinnawala is both educational and heartwarming, offering a close look at one of Sri Lanka’s most beloved animals.
The elephants often move from the park toward the river, crossing close to the roadside. If you wait along this route, you can watch the elephants walking peacefully to the river a beautiful sight and a great photo opportunity.
Ticket cost – $15 per person
Kandy is the central hill city and a major spiritual centre for Buddhists around the world. It is home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, where a sacred tooth of the Buddha is kept. In ancient Sri Lanka, a king could rule the country only if he protected this relic, showing how important Kandy has always been. The temple is beautifully designed and attracts thousands of visitors every day. The surrounding lake, cool weather, and cultural performances make Kandy one of the most charming cities in the country.
The Kandy Esala Perahera is one of the oldest and most spectacular Buddhist festivals in the world. It takes place every year in Kandy, usually in July or August, and lasts for about 10 days.
Short Note:
We are proud that at SL VOYO, we have a dedicated date to offer the Morning Mul Thana Pooja and Alms Giving. This privilege comes from our grandparents, and since there are only 365 days in a year, securing even one slot is truly special.
Anuradhapura is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and the first capital of ancient Sri Lanka. It is a sacred city filled with temples, monasteries, and archaeological sites. One of its most treasured landmarks is the Sri Maha Bodhi, the oldest recorded tree in the world and a direct branch of the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. The city is also home to the Atamasthana, eight holy places that represent important moments in Buddhist history. Walking through Anuradhapura feels like stepping back in time.
The day the Buddha passed away, a prince named Vijaya came from North India, and he is considered the founder of the Sinhala people. He established the first settlements in Sri Lanka. One of his followers was a nobleman named Anuradha, who created a small village in the dry zone of Sri Lanka, which later became known as Anuradhagama.
King Pandukabaya (437 BC) developed this area into a well-planned city, making it the first great capital of ancient Sri Lanka.
Today, you can still see 2,000-year-old dagobas built to enshrine relics of the Buddha. Anuradhapura is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and the first capital of ancient Sri Lanka.
It is a sacred city filled with temples, monasteries, and archaeological sites. One of its most treasured landmarks is the Sri Maha Bodhi, the oldest recorded tree in the world and a direct branch of the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. The city is also home to the Atamasthana, eight holy places that represent significant events in Buddhist history.
Habarana is a local village that every tourist should visit. It offers a truly local experience, surrounded by forests and lakes. About 30 to 40 years ago, some local villagers were inspired to show tourists wild elephants using four-wheel jeeps, and this is how safari experiences became famous in the area.
Today, there are well-known national parks such as Minneriya and Kaudulla, along with a smaller eco park called Hurulu. Habarana also serves as a transit hub, allowing easy access to places like Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, and Dambulla, or a comfortable stop to rest before travelling to Trincomalee.
Visitors to Habarana can enjoy elephant safaris, local village tours with bullock carts, visits to traditional village houses, cultural dance performances, and cooking classes.
Minneriya National Park Entrance Fees
Adults (Foreign visitors): ~ USD 25 per person
Children (ages 6–12): ~ USD 15 per child
Children under 6: Free of charge
Kaudulla National Park Entrance Fees
Adults (Foreign visitors): ~ from USD 30–35 for basic entry
Hurulu Eco Park Entrance Fees
Adults (Foreign visitors): ~ USD 50 per person
Ella is truly heaven on earth, ask any tourist who has visited, and they will agree. It first became popular when university students began attracting travellers to trek the surrounding hills. Before that, it was a place locals visited for a simple three day trip, with only small local shops around. Today, Ella has changed completely, and it is now filled with cafés and restaurants, with very few local shops left.
Try to reach Ella by train from Kandy, which is considered the number one natural train ride in the world. If you arrive in Ella by vehicle, make sure to at least take the train ride from Ella to Badulla. Once you arrive, spend your first day relaxing after the journey or enjoy the lively night atmosphere with some of the best cafés and restaurants in Sri Lanka.
On the second day, start early and trek to Small Adam’s Peak, where you can see the whole of Ella from the top. While climbing down, relax and cool off at Ravana Pool Club. In the evening, visit the Nine Arch Bridge and watch the train pass by at the right time. If you are an experienced climber, try hiking Ella Rock the next day. When travelling down towards Yala, don’t miss stopping to see the beautiful Ravana Waterfall.
Trains cross the Nine Arch Bridge at approximately:
6:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 3:30 PM, 4:30 PM, and 5:30 PM
When you arrive at Ella Railway Station, ask the station staff for the latest train timings
If you are already at the Nine Arch Bridge, ask the locals or the police for updated information
Try to arrive at least one hour early, as train timings in Sri Lanka are not always exact.
Mirissa is the perfect beach destination in the south of Sri Lanka, especially recommended for couples. It is a long, beautiful beach where restaurants are set right on the sand, creating a relaxed and romantic atmosphere. When night falls, Mirissa comes alive and turns into a fun party spot.
The best way to experience Mirissa is to spend the day sunbathing from morning until evening. Enjoy fresh seafood brought directly to your sunbed. When you order food and drinks, you usually don’t need to pay for the sunbed (please don’t be cheap in Mirissa). Around 4:30 PM, walk to Parrot Rock, which is located right on the beach, and enjoy a beautiful sunset view.
Another must-visit spot is Coconut Tree Hill, also located in Mirissa. It is about a 10-minute walk from the beach or 15 minutes from the main road. Go early to get a good spot and enjoy one of the most famous sunsets in Sri Lanka. Sunset time is usually around 6:01 PM.
If you have an extra day in Mirissa, start early in the morning with a whale and dolphin watching tour, which is one of the highlights of the area.
At night, Mirissa offers a unique party experience. Each restaurant has its own party night, and in the evening, they often light fireworks to let tourists know where the party is happening. Choose a restaurant, have dinner there, and enjoy the party, which usually starts around 11:00 PM.
Short Travel Tips for Mirissa
Go early for sunsets at Parrot Rock and Coconut Tree Hill
Order food and drinks to use the sunbeds for free
Book whale watching tours early in the morning
Follow the fireworks at night to find the beach parties
Ideal destination for couples and relaxed beach lovers
Yala is one of Sri Lanka’s most famous national parks and is known around the world for its high leopard population. The park is also home to elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, deer, and many bird species. Safari tours run in the morning and afternoon, each offering a different atmosphere and chance to spot wildlife. SL VOYO proudly operates the largest safari chain in Sri Lanka, giving travellers a safe and unforgettable wildlife experience.
How to Schedule Your Yala Safari
There are two main ways to plan a visit to Yala. It mostly depends on where you are coming from and how tight your schedule is.
Option 1: Coming from Ella
If you are travelling from Ella and want to do an afternoon safari, it’s best to leave early in the morning. You can reach Yala National Park around 1:00–2:00 PM, which is perfect timing for the afternoon safari.
After the safari, it’s better to continue towards the south coast beaches. Waking up by the beach feels much nicer than staying overnight near Yala.
Option 2: Coming from the South Beaches
If you are already staying in one of the south coast beaches and heading to Yala, plan to stay one night in Tissamaharama. This allows you to do an early morning safari, which is usually the best time to see wildlife.
Unless you are on a very tight schedule, early morning safaris are highly recommended.
For Safari Lovers
If you truly love wildlife and safaris, staying two nights or more near Yala gives you the chance to do multiple safaris and increases your chances of seeing animals.
How a Safari Works in Sri Lanka
In Sri Lanka, a safari has two main parts:
Park entrance fee – This is paid to enter the national park and varies from park to park
Safari jeep – You must book a 4×4 safari jeep with a driver/guide to enter the park
Safari Time Options
Morning safari
Afternoon safari
Full-day safari
The safari jeep is the best part of the experience, as the driver knows where to find animals and how to move safely inside the park.
Horton Plains National Park is a morning hike from Nuwara Eliya, and it truly feels like a trek of a lifetime. The landscape looks perfectly natural, as it is an untouched UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is almost hard to believe that visitors are allowed to enter such a pristine place, yet we are lucky to experience a glimpse of this beautiful national park. It is most famous for World’s End, a dramatic sheer cliff with a drop of about 1,200 metres and an incredible view. This is why we strongly recommend doing the trek early in the morning, before the fog comes in, so you can clearly see the depth and scenery. From there, the trail continues to the picturesque Baker’s Falls, where you can relax and cool down as the mist from the waterfall refreshes you before finishing the trek. The water here is pure and is known as the headwater of three major Sri Lankan rivers—the Mahaweli, Kelani, and Walawe—and many believe that almost all major rivers begin here. If you are lucky, you may spot the famous sambar deer, and if you are extremely lucky, you might even see a leopard, although they are mostly seen outside the park.
Arugam Bay is world-famous among surfers, especially beginners, and is located on the eastern side of Sri Lanka. It requires a long drive from Colombo or the international airport, but the journey is well worth it. The surf season in Arugam Bay runs from May to October, and many surfers stay here for weeks or even months, enjoying the waves and relaxed beach lifestyle.
Most surfers who stay in Arugam Bay also take time to visit Kumana National Park for a safari experience, which is one of the best places to spot leopards. This safari is one of our most popular experiences and can easily be added to your stay.
Arugam Bay has many surf schools, making it perfect for beginners. You can easily find surf instructors and rent surfboards along the beach. The sunrise here is beautiful, so we recommend waking up early, walking along the entire beach, and enjoying the peaceful morning atmosphere. When you feel tired, simply head to the main road and relax at one of the many cafés nearby.
There are also several beautiful spots close to Arugam Bay. Elephant Rock is another popular surf location where you can also climb the rock to enjoy stunning views and a beautiful sunset. Peanut Farm Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka, known for its untouched beauty and calm surroundings.
Restaurants
Local Food
Cafés
Ice Cream
Rock and Peanut Farm Beach—two of the most beautiful coastal areas in the country. Arugam Bay is full of energy, especially during the surfing season.
Colombo is the busy and modern capital of Sri Lanka, known for its shopping malls, fine-dining restaurants, vibrant nightlife, and beautiful colonial architecture. Many travellers visit Colombo at the beginning or end of their journey, as it is located close to the main international airport. Colombo is also the home city of SL VOYO, making it a great place to start your Sri Lankan adventure with local insight.
The city offers a mix of culture, history, and modern lifestyle. From bustling markets and sacred temples to rooftop bars and seaside walks, Colombo gives you a true taste of urban Sri Lanka.
All major five-star hotel buffets are excellent, especially:
The top places for first-time visitors include Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella, Habarana, Mirissa, Yala National Park and Colombo. These spots offer a perfect mix of culture, wildlife, and beaches.
A good trip takes 10 to 14 days. One week covers the main highlights, while two weeks lets you enjoy both the cultural sites and the southern beaches without rushing.
Yes, Sri Lanka is considered safe for travellers. The people are friendly, and tourist areas are well organised. Like any destination, basic travel awareness is recommended.
Sri Lanka can be visited year-round, but the best time for most areas is December to April (the western part of Sri Lanka). The east coast, including Arugam Bay, is best from May to September.
Yes, most travellers must apply for a visa online through the Sri Lankan ETA system. The application process is simple, and approval usually takes less than three days.
Sri Lanka is famous for its ancient temples, wildlife safaris, golden beaches, tea plantations, scenic trains, and warm hospitality.
Travellers usually get around by private car, trains, tuk-tuks, or organised tours. Private transport is the fastest and easiest way to explore the island.
What is it?
Google Ranked #1, the Heartfelt Expedition is a unique tour that invites tourists to personally engage in charitable events from the perspective of a local donor. Participants will be involved in school initiatives, elderly adoption, and community assistance throughout Sri Lanka.
Discover authentic culture and make a difference by helping local communities.
