1. Visit the Nine Arch Bridge in Ella
This iconic bridge in Sri Lanka is located just outside of Ella. After a 30-minute walk through the jungle, a 25-meter high train track appears. This great piece of architecture is hidden between lush green tea fields and bamboo forests.
2. Hike to the top of Diyaluma Falls
The 220-meter high Diyaluma waterfall is the 2nd highest waterfall of Sri Lanka. On top of the waterfall, it has different levels of natural pools where you can swim.
It’s an easy but not an obvious path to get there since this isn’t a huge Sri Lanka attraction yet. This waterfall is an absolute must-do in Sri Lanka!
3. Swing at one of the many palm trees
The Sri Lankan has become well known because of the Instagram famous swing at Dalawella Beach. The first one is in front of Dream Cabana and the second is located in Dikwella, both on the south coast of Sri Lanka.
4. The train between Kandy and Ella
The Kandy to Ella train journey is one of the most scenic train rides in the world. Hop on board the 7-hour trip with only cost $1.50. There is no need to get a second or first class ticket if you are planning to hand out of the open doorway being amazed by the tea plantations and waving kids along the track.
5. Must do in Sri Lanka: Wildlife spotting
Sri Lanka is lucky to have a great selection of wildlife and marine life. Leopards, elephants, sloth bears and on the coastline the blue whale and dolphins. Animals are all over the country. The country has over 26 national parks with very good tourism infrastructure. It is one, or maybe the best country in Asia to see so many different species.
Unique about Sri Lanka is that you don’t have to go into a national park to see wild elephants. They usually pass the main road during the early morning or late afternoon.
6. Surf and Chill
Sri Lanka is lucky to have beautiful weather and surf 365 days a year. During high season in the east, surf in Arugam Bay is world famous. At this time, the west coast has no surf and less good weather. The season flips during the other half of the year.
East, South, or West, there are always beaches in Sri Lanka to get some surf, tan or relaxation at the coastline.
7. Tea Plantations trekking in Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya is known for her impressive lush green tea plantations. This area together with Haputale is where Lipton Tea started. Rent a tuk-tuk for the day and let him take you to the tea plantations, tea factories, viewpoints, and the Ramboda waterfall. Stop at several viewpoints overlooking the plantations and drink tea at the tea factories.
8. Explore Galle Fort
In the 18th century, the Dutch build their headquarters, Galle Fort, on the Sri Lankan south coast. Nowadays, the beautiful old buildings are transformed into trendy shops, cafes, and restaurants. UNESCO named Galle Fort World Heritage, so the beauty of the building is being preserved.
Read: A Day Trip to Galle Fort
9. Climb Sigiriya Lion Rock
This natural phenomenon is an enormous (200m) square shaped rock that looks like it’s placed there. Lion Rock is one of the eight UNESCO World Heritage sights in Sri Lanka, and a must visit.
Lion Rock is recommended to climb from 7 AM to avoid the heat and crowd. The climb to the top will take about 45-minutes. Exploring the whole area around and on top of the rock will take you about 2 – 3 hours.
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