Things to do in Sri Lanka

Negombo - Wilpattu National Park Lakes and Wildlife Safari

Its name means the ‘Land of Lakes' and Wilpattu National Park really does live up to its billing. Occupying a large swathe of northwestern Sri Lanka, it is famous for its varied wildlife and more than 50 lakes. You'll hop on a 4x4 vehicle and go on safari through the park, with the chance to spot wild animals such as leopards and water buffalo.On your way Wilpattu, we stop at Puttalam lagoon – an expanse of mangrove forest, seagrass and salt marshes. Then, in the park, you'll be able to soak up the peace and tranquillity of Sri Lanka's largest national park – it's so big and densely forested that its vast wilderness has a primeval feel to it.Wilpattu is characterised by its string of ‘villus' – natural basins filled with rainwater. These sand-rimmed depressions are a magnet for thirsty wildlife and among the best places to spot sloth bears, elephants, crocodiles, axis deer and, with a bit of luck, the endangered and elusive Sri Lankan leopard. Other species that call Wilpattu home include owls, eagles and painted storks.

Galle - Udawalawe National Park Safari, Ella, and Nuwara Eliya Two-day Tour

This adventure-filled two-day tour starts with an unforgettable wildlife safari in Udawalawe National Park. You'll discover a huge variety of bird species as well as elephants, water buffaloes, and potentially leopards in this natural sanctuary. After the safari, watch baby elephants bathing and feeding at the Elephant Transit Home.Next, you'll head for the hill town of Ella, surrounded by an emerald landscape of tea plantations amid rolling hills, and mesmerizing waterfalls. Hike to Ella Rock for panoramic views of the tea estates, then explore attractions like Ravana Falls and the Nine Arch Bridge.Day two begins with a glorious train ride from Ella to Nanuoya, through hill country scenery. Continue to the photogenic town of Nuwara Eliya, known as ‘Little England.' Here, you'll find cooler weather and British colonial architecture, and you can spend time admiring long views over waterfalls and distant valleys.

Negombo - Colombo City Tour

Like four cities in one, Colombo is a grand mix of colonial architecture, verdant cricket greens and gleaming skyscrapers. Discovering all its contrasts, you'll visit the bustling shopping district of Pettah and the British monuments of the Fort area as well as Galle Face and the Cinnamon Gardens – all the must-sees of Sri Lanka's capital.Boasting countless monuments, museums and architectural wonders, this Colombo city tour is jam-packed. Throughout the day, you'll see sights like the Buddhist Gangaramaya Temple, Wolvendaal Church and the impressive Independence Square. You'll call by plenty more interesting places too.Drop in at the Fort area and tour elegant boulevards and buildings that hark back to the days of British rule. Then, at Galle Face, you'll see kids play cricket on the beach and view the mansions of Cinnamon Gardens. The vibrant Pettah district is famed for its bazaar and Dutch colonial architecture – pick up some souvenirs before rounding off with views across the Indian Ocean at the Galle Face Green and hotel.

Negombo - Kandy Two-day Tour by Train

Kandy is jam-packed with things to see and do, so look no further than this overnight stay, giving you two days to explore the cultural capital to its fullest. Not only will you get to see the city, you'll have ample chance to visit its surrounding gems, including a spice garden, botanical gardens, museums and more.Day one starts with a scenic train ride into the city, and your first stop will be at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya. It's home to more than 4,000 species of plants – including orchids and spices – and a hefty collection of trees, too. Stretch your legs and try to spot the garden's cheeky residents – toque macaques, a monkey species native to Sri Lanka. After lunch, you'll visit the Gem Museum, and there's a cultural show to look forward to before the evening at your leisure.It's an early start on day two, where you'll enjoy a guided tour of Kandy and some free time for shopping. Among the sights you'll see is the Tooth Relic temple – a UNESCO World Heritage Site that's home to a relic of Buddha's tooth. And as we continue through the Central Highlands, we'll stop at a fragrant spice garden in Mawanella and a tea plantation and factory – for a proper cup of Ceylon tea – in Giragama.

Passikudah - Ancient Polonnaruwa and Minneriya Park Safari Tour from the East Coast

A perfect mix of history and nature awaits on this full day tour from the east. First, you'll delve into the past at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of ancient Polonnaruwa – a 10th-century kingdom that helped shape the nation of Sri Lanka. Then, spend the afternoon on a thrilling wildlife safari in Minneriya National Park, spotting monkeys, elephants and more.You'll head into Polonnaruwa early-morning to avoid the rising heat. Follow in the footsteps of ancient kings that once ruled the kingdom with a guided tour of its well-preserved ruins. You'll get to see relics such as the King's Palace and Gal Vihara - a collection of four Buddha statues carved from a single slab of granite.After lunch, it's time to get wild. With your cameras at the ready, enjoy a 4x4 safari through Minneriya National Park, where you'll have the chance to spot herds of elephants, monkeys, deer and plenty more. The park is also renowned for its birds, with over 170 species recorded here.

Passikudah - Polonnaruwa Ancient City Day Tour from the East Coast

Before there was Sri Lanka, there was Polonnaruwa. This late-10th century city left behind a treasure trove of palaces, temples and statues – these well-preserved ruins gained it the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site. On this early morning tour from the east, you'll be able to follow in the footsteps of ancient kings that once ruled the kingdom with a guided tour.You'll head into Polonnaruwa first thing to avoid the intense midday-sun. This ancient kingdom reached its peak under the rule of King Parakramabahu I, and, with a local expert in tow, you'll get the lowdown on the ruins, many of which were created under his reign.Observe some of the most impressive relics, like Gal Vihara - a collection of four Buddha statues carved from a single slab of granite – and Lankatilaka Temple – a large, hollowed-out stupa with tall walls. You'll also see the King's Palace, monasteries and reservoirs. And watch out for the native 'temple monkeys' that reside in and around the area.

Bentota - Udawalawe Park Safari, Ella, Kandy, Sigiriya & Dambulla Three-day Tour

Immerse yourself on a three-day journey exploring some of the very best Sri Lankan cities and attractions. You'll set off on a wildlife safari at Udawalawe National Park, hike to Ella's Rock, tour the cultural hub of Kandy and climb the steps of Sigiriya's Lion Rock. All of that, combined with a few more surprises, and you've got yourself a trip you're likely to never forget.It all starts at Udawalawe National Park. With your cameras at the ready, you'll get going on a wildlife safari – the park is home to herds of elephants, leopards and much more. You'll stop by the Elephant Transit Home to watch the baby elephants being fed, too. Day one's afternoon is spent in the little town of Ella, where you can hike to see Little Adam's Peak and Ella's Rock.Day two starts early with a train ride into Nuwara Eliya and after a city tour, Kandy. Here, you'll enjoy a guided walk, stopping by the famed Tooth Relic temple, and end the day with a cultural show. Your final day concludes with a visit to a spice garden and two UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Sigiriya's Lion Rock fortress and Dambulla Cave Temple. All meals are covered, as well as accommodation in either single or shared rooms.

Negombo - Negombo Dutch Canal Boat Cruise

A traditional way to explore Sri Lanka. You'll visit a Hindu Temple and Dutch Fort in Negombo before trying your hand at haggling in the fish market, then you'll hop on a train and then embark on a cruise on the Dutch Canal, admiring nature, fishermen's homes and more.It's a spiritual start to the day at the Hindu Temple. Learn all about its history and see how different cultures combine in Sri Lanka. You'll also visit the historic Dutch Fort and fish market, then take a train ride to the canal start point – the original way to travel in Sri Lanka.Hop aboard a colourful barge and take off on a journey along the Dutch Canal, whose history goes back to the 19th century. You'll get to know everything about its use through history and admire fishing villages, rainbow-coloured flowerbeds and painted boats that pass you by. Take a break for tea and spot all the birds feeding in the wetlands, soaking up the lush green scenery as you go.

Galle - Galle: Sri Lanka's Hidden Gem

Galle epitomises Sri Lanka's multicultural history more than any other city. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it boasts an exotic mix of architecture. On this small group excursion, you'll enjoy a puppet show and a walking tour of Galle Fort, followed by sunset watching.

Galle - Cultural Dining Experience with a Local Family in Galle

Join a local family for a cultural food adventure. Engage in meal preparation or simply observe and relish the experience.

Passikudah - Sigiriya, Dambulla and Minneriya Park Safari Tour from the East Coast

Visiting two contrasting UNESCO World Heritage Sites in one day calls for a great day out in Sri Lanka. Combine that with a chance to see the country's fauna, and you're on to an even bigger win. You'll see both Sigiriya's Lion Rock and Dambulla Cave Temple on this full day tour from the east, ending the day with a wildlife safari at Minneriya National Park. You'll start the day in Sigiriya's Lion Rock. It juts out into the sky, and its frescoes and landscaped gardens make for an awe-inspiring sight. Climb the steps of this fortress and you'll be met with panoramic views across Sri Lanka's jungles, hills and lakes. Then, it's onto Dambulla Cave Temple. The well-preserved rock painting and statues here are without doubt the finest in the country.After lunch in a tropical village, the tour ends on a high with a wildlife safari at Minneriya National Park. With your cameras at the ready, you'll have the chance to spot elephants, leopards and much more. The park is also renowned for its birds, with over 170 species recorded here.

Galle - Yala National Park Safari, Ella, and Nuwara Eliya Two-day Tour

A thrilling wildlife safari at Yala National Park kicks off your two-day tour of Sri Lanka's highlights. Yala is a sanctuary bursting with wildlife and known for its high density of leopards. Looking for these majestic creatures in their natural habitat as you navigate through dense jungles, grasslands, lagoons, and coastal areas is a once in a lifetime experience.Next, you'll head for the idyllic hill town of Ella, surrounded by an emerald landscape of tea plantations amid rolling hills, and mesmerizing waterfalls. Hike to Ella Rock for panoramic views of the tea estates, then explore attractions like Ravana Falls and the Nine Arch Bridge.Day two begins with a glorious train ride from Ella to Nanuoya, through hill country scenery. Continue to the photogenic town of Nuwara Eliya, known as ‘Little England.' Here, you'll find cooler weather and British colonial architecture, and you can spend time admiring long views over waterfalls and distant valleys.