Sri Lanka may be small in size, but when it comes to unmissable experiences, it punches well above its weight. From palm-fringed beaches and misty mountain train rides to ancient temples, wildlife safaris and vibrant local markets. There are endless things to do in Sri Lanka, whether you’re travelling on a shoestring budget or looking for once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
If there's one thing I love, it's slow, purposeful travel that allows you to truly connect with a destination and its people. I was lucky enough to spend a month slow travelling through Sri Lanka and connecting with a destination close to my Tamil roots. It's a perfect destination for solo female travellers and anyone wanting to travel solo in Sri Lanka is in for a treat. The best thing of all is that Sri Lanka is jam-packed with incredible once-in-a-lifetime experiences that are incredibly affordable or even free to enjoy. I would go as far as saying Sri Lanka is one of the best value destinations in Asia.
If you're considering a trip to Sri Lanka but you're not sure what the destination has to offer, this guide will cover the best things to do in Sri Lanka, including iconic bucket list experiences, hidden gems and slower travel moments. Best of all? I've included a guide to the best free and budget-friendly things to do in Sri Lanka – so you can spend your money wisely on experiences you will never forget.
The best things to do in Sri Lanka? Here's where you'll find:
- Why Sri Lanka is one of the best value destinations in Asia
- Best things to do in Sri Lanka (Bucket List Experiences)
- Ride the iconic Sri Lanka – Kandy to Ella train
- See leopards on safari in Yala National Park
- Watch 300 wild elephants gather in Minneriya National Park
- Experience hot air ballooning at sunrise
- Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Go whale watching and see Blue Whales
- Relax on Sri Lanka’s tropical beaches
- Cycle the ancient ruins of UNESCO site Polonnaruwa
- Exploring the painted shrines of Dambulla Cave Temples
- Visit the ancient capital of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO site
- Wander local markets and street food stalls
- Hike viewpoints and waterfalls in the hill country
- Visit temples and sacred sites
- Surf Sri Lanka’s famous breaks
- Discover a hidden gem Udawalawe National Park
- Best free and budget-friendly things to do in Sri Lanka
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Why Sri Lanka is one of the best value destinations in Asia
It's so important while sharing these tips for finding free or budget-friendly activities in Sri Lanka, that we also look at the bigger picture and I always want to encourage conscious travel that supports local businesses. Sri Lanka is a great value destination for anyone travelling on a budget or backpacking, which is one reason why it has become so popular with digital nomads.
But, it is important that while we love to travel on a budget, we are still recognising the power of the money we are spending and how it impacts locals who earn significantly less. You may be spending money on a day trip or surf lesson which could provide food for a local family for a week.
So when you are travelling Sri Lanka, make sure you are looking for ways to travel more sustainably by supporting local businesses. Eat street food and pay local vendors instead of choosing the bigger beach clubs. Head to the local markets, or support projects that give back to the local community. If you are choosing to travel, then travel with purpose and leave a positive impact behind.
Whether you’re backpacking, travelling solo, or planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip, there’s no shortage of unforgettable things to do in Sri Lanka, many of which won’t cost you much at all. If you’re wondering what to add to your 2 week Sri Lanka itinerary, start here, because these truly are the best things to do in Sri Lanka.
You may like to read my guides to everything you need to know before visiting Sri Lanka and Five unique luxury hotels to experience in Sri Lanka
Best Things to Do in Sri Lanka (Bucket List Experiences)
Sri Lanka is one of those rare destinations where bucket list moments come thick and fast. In just a few weeks, you can ride one of the world’s most scenic train journeys, watch wild elephants roam free, surf tropical waves, explore ancient cities older than many European capitals, and end your days watching the sun melt into the Indian Ocean.
What makes the best things to do in Sri Lanka so special isn’t just the experiences themselves, it’s how effortlessly they blend together in such a diverse country. Adventure, culture, nature and slow travel all coexist here, often within just a few hours of each other. Whether it’s your first visit or a long-awaited return, these are the unmissable bucket list experiences that truly define a trip to Sri Lanka and deserve a place on every itinerary.
Ride the iconic Sri Lanka – Kandy to Ella train
If there’s one experience almost everyone agrees on, it’s this. The train journey between Kandy and Ella is considered one of the most beautiful train rides in the world. You’ll pass rolling tea plantations, waterfalls, misty hills and tiny villages where locals wave as you glide by. I can't recommend doing this enough, it truly is such a magical and scenic journey. It's an experience I will never forget – particularly for the lovely local family I met who shared their snacks with me.
- Cost: From as little as £1–£3
- Tip: Book second class reserved seats for open windows and views
See leopards on safari in Yala National Park
Sri Lanka is one of the best countries in the world for wildlife spotting. Yala National Park is one of the most popular places to go on safari in the densest forest where wild elephants, leopards and sloth bears roam free.
I highly recommend staying for a few days at a safari camp and joining sunrise and night safaris to experience a range of wildlife in the park. If you're lucky, you may even spot baby leopards in the wild (I was very lucky and will never forget this sight!) >> Book your Yala National Park safari now.
Check out my blogs to help you plan your eco-friendly Yala National Park trip and read my review of the best luxury Yala safari camp to stay at.
Watch 300 wild elephants gather in Minneriya National Park
Seeing elephants roaming freely in the wild is an experience you’ll never forget. Minneriya National Park is world-famous for “The Gathering”, one of the largest seasonal gatherings of wild elephants on Earth. During the dry season (July–October), 200–300 elephants (and sometimes more) migrate to Minneriya Tank (the ancient reservoir) to feed on fresh grass and drink water.
Even if you can't visit at that time of year, you stand a good chance of seeing large numbers o elephants all year round, I travelled there in November for a Minneriya National Park safari and saw over 100. >> Book your safari now
Read my Minneriya National Park Travel Guide to plan your visit.
Experience hot air ballooning at sunrise
For a truly magical perspective across the misty mountains, a hot air balloon ride in Sri Lanka offers sweeping views of jungle, lakes and ancient sites at sunrise. While so many of the experiences I'm sharing on this list are free or budget-friendly activities you won't want to miss – this is the most expensive experience but one that is totally worth it!
This is one of Sri Lanka’s most memorable splurge experiences and a true bucket list moment. If you have the funds and time to squeeze it into your adventure across the Cultural Triangle, trust me, you won't regret it. >> Book your hot air balloon tour now
Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Sigiriya is one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rising dramatically from the jungle, this ancient rock fortress offers panoramic views and a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s royal past. Not up to the hike? One way to explore is by taking a hidden gem boat tour with views of the rock.
Towering at 200m high, it takes around 1.5-3 hours to climb and descend the 1,200 steps and explore the top. I recommend going for sunrise, just make sure you leave enough time for the climb up – I was stuck behind some very slow walkers which delayed my arrival at the top. You can also book a Sigiriya & Dambulla tuk tuk day tour.
Budget alternative: Climb Pidurangala Rock nearby for sunset views at a fraction of the cost.
Go whale watching and see Blue Whales
Whale watching in Sri Lanka is one of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences the island has to offer, with the country being one of the few places in the world where you can see blue whales – the largest animals ever to exist – so close to shore.
The waters off the south coast, particularly around Mirissa, and the east coast near Trincomalee, are prime locations during the right seasons, offering sightings of blue whales, sperm whales and playful pods of dolphins. Responsible whale-watching tours allow you to observe these gentle giants from the boat, often as they surface just metres away.
Witnessing a blue whale rise from the ocean, its immense scale impossible to grasp until you see it in person, is a humbling, unforgettable experience and a powerful reminder of Sri Lanka’s incredible marine biodiversity. >> Book your whale watching tour
Relax on Sri Lanka’s tropical beaches
Sri Lanka’s coastline is wildly diverse, from surf towns to quiet hidden bays deep in the national forests. Some of the best beaches include:
- Mirissa for laid-back beach bars and great sunsets
- Unawatuna is a favourite for swimming and snorkelling
- Weligama is the home of beginner-friendly surfing
- Tangalle for quiet and wild scenery
And the best part? Beaches in Sri Lanka are completely free.
Cycle the ancient ruins of UNESCO site Polonnaruwa
The Cultural Triangle is the historical heart of Sri Lanka and packed with ancient cities, temples and ruins. Cycling through the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most immersive and memorable ways to step back in time in Sri Lanka.
This fascinating ancient town is spread across a vast, flat landscape, perfectly suited to exploring by bicycle, which allows you to move at your own pace between crumbling temples, royal palaces, sacred stupas and serene lotus-filled reservoirs.
As you ride along shaded paths, you’ll pass centuries-old stone carvings, towering Buddha statues and quiet corners where history feels beautifully untouched. It’s peaceful and a true highlight for anyone interested in Sri Lanka’s ancient past. I just borrowed a bike from my homestay, but if you can also book a cycling tour of Polonnaruwa.
Exploring the painted shrines of Dambulla Cave Temples
Exploring the painted shrines of the Dambulla Cave Temples is like stepping into a living gallery of Sri Lanka’s spiritual and artistic history. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is made up of a network of ancient cave shrines carved into a rocky hilltop, their ceilings and walls covered in intricate, centuries-old frescoes depicting scenes from the Buddha’s life.
Inside, you’ll find over 150 Buddha statues, ranging from serene reclining figures to beautifully detailed seated images, all bathed in soft, atmospheric light.
The climb up to the caves is rewarded not only with sweeping views across the surrounding plains, but with a peaceful, almost otherworldly experience that makes Dambulla one of the most culturally significant and visually striking temples in Sri Lanka. >> Book your visit to Dambulla Cave Temples
Visit the ancient capital of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO site
Wandering through the ancient capital of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a powerful and humbling experience that brings Sri Lanka’s deep history vividly to life.
Once the heart of a great Sinhalese civilisation, Anuradhapura is spread across a vast area filled with monumental stupas, sacred monasteries, tranquil ponds and ancient stone carvings, many dating back over 2,000 years.
It’s also one of the most important spiritual centres in the country, home to the revered Sri Maha Bodhi tree, believed to be grown from a cutting of the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment.
Exploring Anuradhapura feels less like visiting a single attraction and more like moving through an open-air museum where history, spirituality and daily life continue to coexist. >> Book your visit now
Wander local markets and street food stalls
Markets are the heartbeat of Sri Lankan towns. One of my favourite memories from a homestay in the Cultural Triangle was visiting the local market with the family who hosted me. It's a great place to pick up fresh fruit, spices or delicious snacks.
From spice stalls and fruit sellers to fresh roti and samosas, wandering local markets is one of the most immersive things to do in Sri Lanka, and costs next to nothing. If you love Sri Lankan food, you may also enjoy a Sri Lankan cooking class.
Hike viewpoints & waterfalls in the hill country
If you love staying active on your travels, Sri Lanka’s central highlands are cooler, greener and perfect for hiking. Many viewpoints are free or cost very little, and some popular spots include:
Pack plenty of water for hikes and your sunscreen, the hikes are stunning but some are quite exposed and get pretty hot. I recommend hiking in the morning or at sunset for cooler temps. If you love solo hiking in amazing places – check out this global list!
Visit temples and sacred sites
Sri Lanka is very spiritual country, and temple visits are woven into everyday life. Visiting the sacred sites is a great way to learn more about the country's cultural and religious heritage, while experiencing some awe-inspiring temples. Most temples are free or ask for a small donation. Don’t miss:
- Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Kandy)
- Gangaramaya Temple (Colombo)
- Hilltop temples in Ella & the south
Surf Sri Lanka’s famous breaks
Sri Lanka is one of Asia’s best surf destinations, especially for beginners. If you've ever dreamed of learning to surf, Sri Lanka is a great place to do it, with board hire and lessons are very affordable compared to other surf destinations.
Best surf towns:
- Weligama is perfect for learning
- Hikkaduwa has reef breaks
- Arugam Bay offers advanced surfing (seasonal)
Discover a hidden gem Udawalawe National Park
Discovering Udawalawe National Park feels like uncovering one of Sri Lanka’s best-kept safari secrets. Often overshadowed by Yala, this lesser-known park offers wide open landscapes and exceptionally reliable elephant sightings, making it one of the best places in the country to see these gentle giants in the wild.
Its open grasslands, winding waterways and distant mountain backdrops create fantastic visibility, allowing for long, unrushed wildlife encounters. In addition to elephants, Udawalawe is home to water buffalo, crocodiles, deer and an impressive variety of birdlife.
Calm, scenic and far less crowded than some of Sri Lanka’s more famous parks, Udawalawe is a hidden gem that delivers an unforgettable safari experience without the intensity, perfect for travellers seeking a quieter, more immersive connection with nature. >> Book your safari now
Best free & budget-friendly things to do in Sri Lanka
One of the reasons Sri Lanka is so loved by backpackers and slow travellers is how much you can experience on a small budget. Here are the best free and budget-friendly things to do in Sri Lanka:
Beach hopping (always free)
Sri Lanka’s beaches are public, beautiful and unspoilt. Spend your days swimming, sunbathing and watching sunset without spending a penny.
Scenic train journeys
Train travel is not only practical, it’s one of the top experiences in the country. Try routes like:
- Colombo → Galle
- Kandy → Ella
- Ella → Nanu Oya
if you want to experience world-class views for just a few pounds.
Visit local markets
Markets are vibrant, busy and full of life. They’re the perfect place to people-watch, sample fruit, and experience daily Sri Lankan life.
Hike viewpoints & nature trails
Many of Sri Lanka’s best viewpoints cost nothing:
- Sunrise hikes
- Jungle trails
- Hilltop viewpoints
Just bring water and good shoes.
Temple visits
Most temples only request a small donation, making them one of the best-value cultural experiences in Asia. It's also a great way to immerse yourself in Sri Lankan culture.
Watch sunsets
Whether it’s Galle Face Green, a hilltop in Ella or a quiet beach in the south, sunset watching is a daily ritual, and always free. One of the simplest yet most magical experiences in Sri Lanka is watching the sunset, and the best part is that many of the most beautiful spots are completely free.
- Galle Face Green in Colombo is a local favourite where families gather and kites fill the sky
- Down south, beaches like Mirissa, Unawatuna and Tangalle offer golden-hour perfection
- In the hill country, places like Ella Rock viewpoints or Little Adam’s Peak deliver misty sunsets over tea plantations
