20 EPIC Things to Do in Sri Lanka in 2025

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Let’s dive into my absolute top things to do in Sri Lanka. Prepared to get adventurous, off the beaten path and a lil bit sweaty. Whether you’re looking for nature, culture or your next foodie obsession, Sri Lanka is sure to dish you up something spicy.

	THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN SRI LANKA
BEST FOR CULTURE	Bask in the Magic That Is Lion Rock Super beautiful hike up Great for sunset Peaceful AF	VIEW ON GETYOURGUIDE
MOST ACTIVE	Hit the Surf Cool surf culture Beautiful sandy beaches Beginner-friendly surf lessons	VIEW ON BOOK RETREATS
BEST FOR FOODIES	Take a Cooking Class Learn about different spices Cook tons of curry Leave STUFFED	VIEW ON AIRBNB
COOLEST THING TO DO	Visit the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa Visit one part of the Cultural Triangle Temple Hop Rent a bicycle	VIEW ON AIRBNB

1. Bask in the Magic That Is Lion Rock

Man, I love rocks. And this has to be in my top 5 rocks of all time. Lion Rock in Sigiriya sure is a peaceful place to be. You walk around this sleepy village for more than ten minutes, and you can start to feel its Pai/Goa/Arugam Bay hippie-like pull to it. Bars thumping out Bob Marley, the faint smell of a doob on the breeze, the kind of place that feels built for drifting days away. Hippy vibes aside, the main reason people come to Sigiriya is for the ancient rock fortress. Hell yeah. Now we’re talking.

This isn’t just some lump sticking out of the jungle either. Back in the 400s — yep, that long ago — the King decided this big slab was good enough to slap a capital on. Sigiriya Rock was thus developed into a complex city and fortress. History baby.

Today, you can sweat your way up all 1,270 steps and see it all for yourself. It’s a climb, sure, but standing at the top, looking out over the jungle, you can really marvel at the archaeological significance that this rock plays in Sri Lanka’s history.

If coughing up $30 to climb it feels a bit stiff, or if you want the view of the rock rather than from it, Pidurangala Rock is your move. It’s a scramble to the top, but hit it for sunset and you’ll catch Lion Rock glowing in the last light, it’s seriously dreamy.

2. Visit the Nine Arches Bridge, Ella

Nine Arches Bridge is everything I think of when it comes to Sri Lanka. Hill country, a peaceful, idyllic vibe and a train that is still seemingly running on Island Time. Just a ten-minute tuk-tuk ride from the centre of Ella, this colonial-era relic is tucked away in the jungle—and yes, it’s every bit as pretty as you’d hope.

The Nine Arches Bridge, also called the Bridge in the Sky, is a colonial-era railway viaduct nestled in the misty hills of Ella, Sri Lanka. Built entirely out of stone, brick, and cement, with zero steel, this architectural oddity stands as a relic of British engineering, and it’s become a bit of a pilgrimage spot for those backpacking Sri Lanka.

It kind of gives me Harry Potter rocking up to Hogwarts vibes, if only instead of Scotland it was in the jungle, the UV was 13 and the humidity damn near insufferable. Nonetheless, there is a magical vibe that seems to pull travellers far and wide here. Touristy? Yes. Overrated? Absolutely not!

Most people come to see the all-important train pass over the bridge. When it rocks up is anyone’s guess though because, as I said, Island Time. I was not so lucky, unfortunately. One can only do so much selfie taking and exploring the arches themselves before you throw the towel in and call it a day. There is a timetable floating around, so with any luck, you’ll have better timing than I did.

3. Hike up to Ella Rock, Ella

There are plenty of hikes around Ella, but this one’s hands-down my favourite. Yes, it finishes up at Ella Rock with sweeping views over Little Adam’s Peak and that endless blanket of green that spills across the valley—but that’s not really what does it for me. What I love about this hike is that you can start it wherever you like, and if you’ve got a day to spare, you can genuinely walk your way through most of Ella in the process.

The hike up to Ella Rock is one of those classic Sri Lankan adventures that sounds easy on paper—until you’re an hour in, dripping with sweat, slightly lost in a tea field, and wondering if you’re still on a path or just trespassing through someone’s backyard. Spoiler: it’s probably a bit of both.

Most people start at Ella station, walking across the tracks and watching how locals start their day, dodging the occasional train that snoozes by. You’ll pass rolling hills, tea plantations and relatively few tourists doing the same route up as you. It’s by far one of my favourite places in Sri Lanka.

Once the path starts climbing, it doesn’t let up much. It’s steep, humid, and can get a bit rough in places, but nothing too technical. At the top, you’ll get wide-open views over Ella Rock and the surrounding hills. On a clear day, it’s pretty spectacular—especially if you make it up for sunrise or early morning before the heat kicks in.

It’s not the easiest hike around, but if you’re up for a bit of a climb, Ella Rock delivers. Just bring water, download offline maps, and don’t rely too much on signposts—they’re pretty much nonexistent. This hike is definitely one to dust out your socks and decent hiking shoes from the bottom of your backpack. Leeches love these trails—consider yourself warned.

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4. Do the Infamous Train Ride Through the Hill Country (But Not From Where You’d Expect)

Everyone raves about the train ride from Kandy to Ella, but I had my eye on one thing in between: Nuwara Eliya. So, what did I do? Took two trains. And I have to admit, as much as I was a Kandy hater, I hated the Kandy to Nuwara Eliya leg just as much. Yeah, it’s popular and all, but don’t get too carried away by the hype.

I’m not saying skip it, but don’t go in thinking it’s gonna be a scenic paradise. It’s sweaty, cramped, and the views don’t really start looking decent until you’re on the Nuwara Eliya to Ella stretch.

Plus, unless you’ve had your hand in the black market, you won’t be able to get seated tickets anyway. And when I tell you these trains get PACKED UP. No health and standard here, gals, that’s for sure. So when you ignore my advice and are stood up crammed between a crate of chickens and a man with his arm up who smells like a Greggs cheese and onion pasty for eight hours, then you’ll remember me.

So when I got my second chance at a slightly less traumatic train journey, you better know I took it. The advantage of being a 5’3 blonde girl? You can sneak onto the seated carriage, throw a few innocent glances, and pretend like you totally belong there. Eight hours of good views, some death stares from backpackers in the battery chicken carriage, and I called this day a success.

5. Hit the Surf

Surfing is as ingrained into Sri Lankan culture as much as rice and curry is—it’s quintessentially Sri Lankan.

The island’s got two main surf seasons, depending on which coast you’re on. The southwest—Weligama, Midigama, Ahangama, and Hiriketiya, to name a few—work best from October to April. From May to September, the east coast takes the spotlight, with Arugam Bay pulling in surfers from all over.

If you’re a surf noobie like me, then there’s no better place to really fall in love with that surf lifestyle than Sri Lanka. Learning to surf can be one of the best experiences you’ll have in the country. You get to hone in on your skills and be part of a like-minded community shredding the same waves with you.

Surf noobie or not, one of my personal favourites to head out to is Hiriketiya. The waves are calm, predictable and perfect for beginners. If you need a bit more to sink your teeth into for your Sri Lankan surf trip, Weligama is also a cult favourite for good reason.

Here’s a round-up of the main reef breaks on the island:

Southwest Coast (best Oct–Apr):

• Weligama – Beginner-friendly beach break. Soft waves, sandy bottom, loads of surf schools.
• Midigama – Known for Lazy Left and Rams reef breaks. Lefts and rights over the reef, better for intermediates.
• Ahangama – Reefs like Plantations and The Rock. Punchy, less crowded, a step up from Weligama.
• Hikkaduwa – Older surf scene with reef breaks, a mix of beginner and advanced waves.
• Hiriketiya – Small bay with consistent surf and a rising scene. Good for beginners and intermediates, with a more relaxed, tucked-away feel.

East Coast (best May–Sep):

• Arugam Bay (A-Bay) – Main Point draws the crowd: a long, clean right-hand break. Surf-town energy at full tilt in season.
• Pottuvil Point – Long right-hand point break just north of A-Bay. Less crowded, clean rides when the swell lines up.
• Peanut Farm – Quieter spot outside A-Bay. A fun right-hander that works best on a good swell.
• Whisky Point – Mellow right with a sandy takeoff. Beginner-friendly and a good spot to ease in.
• Okanda – Remote, wild, and a bit of a mission to get to. Long right-hand break, usually empty apart from a few locals and die-hards.

6. Go On a Safari

Safaris in Sri Lanka are one of the best ways to experience the country’s wild side—literally. With a network of national parks scattered across the island, you can spot elephants, leopards, crocodiles, sloth bears, buffalo, and more without having to go far. It’s all here, from dense jungle to open plains.

You might be thinking, I’m just a humble backpacker, I can’t afford that shit. Well, dear broke backpacker, whilst you might be thinking of safaris in Africa that set you back a pretty penny, the safaris in Sri Lanka are surprisingly affordable.

The most popular parks are Yala, known for leopards; Udawalawe, packed with elephants; and Wilpattu, a quieter, wilder option up north. Around Sigiriya, Minneriya and Kaudulla are famous for the seasonal elephant gathering between August and October.

I went to Yala, and although it was a pretty soggy morning, meaning wildlife felt pretty thin on the ground, I did get to see that all-important leopard. Unfortunately, that did mean an insane queue of traffic to said leopard, which did kill some of the remote-safari vibe I was expecting.

Saying this, the roads outside Yala are famous for their impromptu elephant encounters as you risk your life chugging past in your tuk-tuk. Fun? Of course. Terrifying? Abso-fucking-lutely.

If you’re worried about contributing to the overtourism of these national parks, I’d pick another national park so you don’t run into this issue. Wilpattu National Park and Gal Oya National Park are solid choices that boast all the wildlife you’d expect in Sri Lanka without the crowds.

If I had more time, I definitely would have gone on an Udawalawe safari to get more of my elephant fix. You can never see too many elephants after all.

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7. Enjoy the Incredible Delights That Are Sri Lankan Cuisine

NOTHING made me put on weight the way that rice and curry every day for two months did. And I regret nothing. Sri Lankan food is a delight.

Sambals, rotis and curries of varying degrees of mystery, Sri Lanka has their spice game down. Sure, rice and curry is their national dish, but no two curries are the same, and you’ll always be trying something new. It’s always fun to see the regional differences in cooking once you start moving from the northern provinces down to the southern coast. Rice and curry were never something I got bored with.

My absolute ride or die is roti, dhal and coconut sambal for breakfast. To this day, I’ve still never been able to find sambal like it outside of the country. I miss you, coconut sambal </3

If you’re a little bitch with spice, be prepared, you will bitch out here. I’m a self proclaimed handler of spice, but I must admit there were times I was sat in a local’s house, eyes and nose streaming, wondering what the fuck they have put in this to reduce me to literal sweat and tears.

Unlike the well-trodden path of Thailand, which will accept your pleas of “white person spicy” with open arms, the Sinhalese are not as kind. You WILL eat the rice and curry and YOU will enjoy it, dammit.

Get off the beaten path with some of these:

8. Go to the End of the World

World’s End in Horton Plains National Park is up there with one of the coolest hikes you can do in Sri Lanka. Entrance is pretty pricey at $40 a pop, but catch it on a clear day and it’s one of the most beautiful places in Sri Lanka.

Make sure you get there early to beat the wall of clouds that creeps in past 9 am, as the trek really isn’t worth it otherwise. This one is an early start, baby, you gotta be up and on your way at least 5 am ish. On a clear day, you can see all the way out to the coast, and it really does feel like you’re teetering on the edge of the world.

Its name comes from The Horton Plains plateau that comes to a sudden end at World’s End, a plunge of almost 880m. Not one to slip around at.

9. Watch a Cricket Match

What would a trip to Sri Lanka be without going to watch its national sport? And once you’ve hopped down to the beach for a game of volleyball, you can finally turn your attention to the real sport that matters: Cricket.

Cricket may not be Sri Lanka’s official national sport, but it is taken very, very seriously here. The Brits introduced it under colonial rule (surprise, surprise), and it’s been woven into the country’s tapestry ever since. If you happen to be here during a major tournament, I highly recommend you try and catch a game. Like the food, it can get pretty spicy.

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10. Visit a Tea Plantation

If there’s one thing that’s a little more important than cricket to Sri Lanka… It’s tea. Old Sir Thomas Lipton himself used to ride up to his now aptly named Lipton’s seat to survey his tea empire, and the view still stretches out like a massive, leafy kingdom on a clear day.

Around the central hills—Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Hatton—you’ll find endless rows of tea bushes, mist clinging to the valleys, and colonial-era factories still pumping out tea for the international masses.

Getting involved in Sri Lanka’s tea culture is easy, simply rock up to a tea plantation and there will always be someone around to show you the ropes. You’ll see tea farmers in the field picking up to 20kg of tea a day—about as much as my dad drinks in a day, if you’re wondering.

Some plantations will let you walk through every part of this process, from the fields to the final tasting room, where you can try different styles of tea right at the source. It’s old-school, hands-on, and still very much a craft rather than a factory-line operation. Wrapping it all up with a cup of tea while taking in the views of the fields, oddly like stepping back in time to a colonial drama that I’d definitely be down to watch.

11. Visit the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa

Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle consists of the ancient cities of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya. And since Sigiriya should already be on your itinerary (have a good, hard look at yourself if it’s not), it’s a no-brainer to chuck in a bit more history while you’re in the area.

Anuradhapura was kicking around from the 4th to the 11th century, while Polonnaruwa came a bit later, thriving from the 8th century to the early 1300s. Both are packed with old temples, dagobas and ruins that give off serious Angkor Wat energy, just with fewer crowds and a lot more monkeys. As Polonnaruwa was the more recent capital of the two, most of the temples are in better nick. Plus, it’s way more accessible to do in an afternoon as the site is smaller and can even be explored by bicycle.

Anuradhapura feels more like the big boy stop; there are still active temples here, so it’s somewhat of a pilgrimage for Sri Lankans. But it’s spread out like crazy, so unless you’re up for a full-day tuk-tuk mission or want to rent a motorbike, it’s not quite the breezy wander Polonnaruwa is. Most backpackers rate a tour of Polonnaruwa higher for the ease, the layout, and the temples being in better nick. But if you’ve got time and want the full ancient city experience, ticking off both is worth it.

12. Experience a Bus Ride

12goasia is far, far away from the lands of Sri Lanka. That’s right, where you’re going only entails the public bus. As cheap as it is chaotic, experiencing how the locals travel is one of the coolest ways of travelling the country. Did I mention it’s cheap too? Like, cheap cheap. include how cheap

There’s no real rhyme or reason to the madness here, yet it always works. You tell a local where you’re going, they lead you to a bus, you confirm your stop with the driver to spend the next five hours nervously checking Google Maps, hoping you’re heading in the right direction. And by some miracle, all those hours later, the driver will still remember your stop and remind you to get off. That’s service right there.

Sure, you might be overstimulated by the film playing up front, the walkway crammed with locals, and the death-defying blind turns the driver just seemingly knows when to take, but it’s all part of the experience. Did you even take a Sri Lankan bus if you didn’t fear for your life at least once?

Let’s not forget the bus horn that literally makes your soul jump out of your body. There literally cannot be any reason why it has to be so loud and THAT terrifying.

13. Experience Sri Lankan Hospitality in a Homestay

One of my biggest takeaways from backpacking through Sri Lanka is the sheer hospitality of the locals. For a country that has been through so many political and economic struggles in recent years, the locals’ kindness and willingness to help and accommodate tourists is astounding. Honestly, they would give you the shirt off their backs if you asked for it.

Luckily, it’s not hard to find this hospitality wherever you go, as most accommodation in the country is homestays vs big chain hotels. Check in looks like a warm cup of tea on arrival, a spread for dinner in the evening and a lift to the bus station when checking out. My interactions with locals in their homes were that of curiosity, conversations with few words spoken, even less understood, and kindness.

Tourism in the country isn’t that of its South East Asian neighbours, so locals are genuinely inquisitive about where you’re from and why you’re in Sri Lanka, along with an undeniable pride for where they’re from. Meeting locals is one of my favourite things about Sri Lanka, by far, as it’s genuinely a very special thing to experience and converse with them.

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14. Dig Into the Country’s Recent Political History

If you’re a bit of a politics nerd like me, getting a handle on a country’s recent history adds real depth to the experience. Sri Lanka’s faced a tough road over the last decade—emerging from civil war, navigating political upheaval, and weathering the global fallout of COVID and the Ukraine war. It’s heavy stuff, but it’s important to be able to contextualise your experience of a country.

Understanding what Sri Lankans have been up against recently gave me a deeper appreciation for the grit and resilience you see across the country. It’s a way of being able to ground your trip in something more meaningful than just ticking off sights.

Isaac’s Social and Political Walk is a chance to engage with that history in a way that’s thought-provoking and easy to digest. The guides are brilliant—knowledgeable, thoughtful, and able to unpack tough topics in a way that feels accessible and human. They break down complex issues clearly and respectfully, giving real context to the challenges the country continues to face. If you’re looking to learn more about Sri Lanka when you first arrive in Colombo, this tour is definitely one to check out.

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Packed with once-in-a-lifetime experiences, this is one hell of a tour and a great way to meet new people. From exploring ancient temples and trekking through lush tea plantations to spotting elephants on safari and relaxing on the stunning beaches of Mirissa! 

Lucas is an expert in this region, and his unique connections mean that you get to experience Sri Lanka in a way other travellers don’t get the opportunity to. 

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15. Visit Galle Fort

This one’s plastered all over every Sri Lanka itinerary, and I’ll say it straight: I don’t think it’s worth staying overnight. But—and hear me out—if you follow my approach of picking one solid base on the South Coast, everything down here is within striking distance anyway. So lock in your favourite beach town, settle in for a week or more, and do Galle Fort as a day trip. Job done.

The Galle Fort was built by the Portuguese, fortified by the Dutch, and now overrun by iced lattes and boutique shops, it’s part historical site, part curated tourist bubble. There’s not a lot to do, but that’s not really the point. You’ve got old churches, a few decent photo ops, and streets lined with enough charm to kill a couple of hours.

Saying that, it’s a nice day out. You can snap some pics of the Galle clock tower, stroll along the coast and imagine how this colonial village looked a hundred years ago. Plus, there are some pretty banging restaurants around here. That’s worth a day trip in and of itself.

16. Live Your Best Beach Bum Life

Sri Lanka doesn’t get anywhere near enough credit for its beaches. Everyone bangs on about Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, but honestly, parts of the south coast here blew me away. Clean, quiet, and downright stunning—and sometimes you’ll have the whole beach to yourself without even trying.

What would an afternoon on Sri Lanka’s south coast be without grabbing your towel, Kindle and suncream and heading down to the beach to watch the surfers whilst working on your tan? Places like Ahangama are full of Bali-style cafés where you can caffeinate and photosynthesise. My kind of vibe, if you ask me.

Beach clubs are starting to pop up along the sand, too, following Bali’s lead. Between you and me, I’m not sure if I welcome this development. Part of what makes Sri Lanka so good is how raw and under-the-radar it still feels. Word’s already out about it being the “next Bali” for surf and wellness types, and as selfish as it sounds, I’d much rather it stayed our little secret. Point is, get yourself here while it’s still got that rough-around-the-edges magic. How developed it becomes in the next ten, twenty years is anyone’s guess.

17. Go Chasing Waterfalls

That song might tell you not to chase waterfalls, but whoever wrote it clearly hadn’t been to Sri Lanka. This place is packed with them—some you’ll stumble on in the middle of nowhere with no one else around.

From the towering Diyaluma Falls in the Hill Country to Ravana Falls crashing down beside the main road, you’re never far from something worth getting your shoes wet for. Monsoon season brings the real drama, but loads of them are worth a visit year-round. As always, check Google reviews before for up-to-date advice from travellers, wear a good pair of water shoes and prepare to get a bit wet!

Travel with peace of mind. Travel WITH a security belt.

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Hide Yo’ Money!

18. Catch the Sunset From Coconut Tree Hill, Mirissa

Sri Lanka is home to some of the dreamiest sunsets I’ve seen in all of my travels. And there’s no better place to witness them than from Coconut Tree Hill in Mirissa. After an afternoon of salt and sand, walk down from Mirissa Beach through the coconut trees to soak up some serious sunset vibes. Sure, it’s a tourist hotspot, but for good reason.

My favourite days here ended with a couple of cans of Lion and looking at surfers catch the last rays of sun. Under the palms watching the sunset, it feels as though life can’t get much better (and it’s proven hard to beat).

It’s not all about just lazing on the beach and surfing…

19. Take a Cooking Class

Curry and rice are intrinsic to Sri Lanka’s culture, and what better way to be a part of that than to learn how to make them. From learning about different spices that make up a base of a curry, the weird and wonderful veg (you’ll become very closely acquainted with Lady’s Fingers) and a surprising amount of coconut, the cooking classes I took in Sri Lanka were amongst my favourite experiences I had in the country.

Curry and rice comprise an array of different curry dishes, mostly vegetarian, from pumpkin, pineapple, to the classic dhal. This cooking class in Ella is a more intimate group, enriched with warmth, hospitable, and tales of the Sri Lankan culture and lifestyle. You’ll learn the roots of Sri Lankan traditional cuisine, stories about spices, food and many more cultural insights during the session. And let’s not forget, you’ll come away knowing how to chef up a MEAN curry and rice to impress your friends back at home.

20. Go to a Beach Party on the South Coast

Partying in Sri Lanka is a bit different to its South East Asian counterpart. After months of karaoke bars in Vietnam, beach clubs in Bali and Khao San Road in Thailand, I was mildly disappointed with the nightlife scene in Sri Lanka. That is to say that I didn’t know you had to look that little bit harder for the party.

You won’t really find conventional bars here, maybe the odd one scattered along the coast selling nibbles and cocktails. But nothing in true broke backpacker style, looking for a cheap happy hour with the classic Backpacker playlist consisting of noughties bangers and Pitbull.

It operates a little differently here; every day (or near enough), there’s a different party along the coast. There are also some insane festivals that get thrown every once in and while, too, if you time it right.

Most party or backpacker hostels are concentrated in Mirissa, so you won’t ever be too far from a night out here, but still be prepared to travel. I turned 24 on a bus on the way to the party, fun in theory, not so fun when it’s 7 am, the sun is up, and you’re 40 minutes into an hour-long tuk-tuk ride home watching the commuters start their day. That’ll give you beer fear for sure.

FIRST TIME IN SRI LANKA

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Mirissa

Mostly inhabited by backpackers, surfers and those seeking an impromptu beach party – Mirissa is my number one recommendation for where to stay in Sri Lanka! It's not completely off the beaten path but is perfect for first timers who want a little bit of everything within reach.

Places to visit:

• Head to a party
• Dive into the surf along the coast
• Watch the sunset from Coconut Tree Hill

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Looking for a specific place to stay? These are my top recs for the best places to stay in Sri Lanka.

Roy’s Villa Hostel | Best Hostel in Sri Lanka 

Surrounded by monkeys, birds, and all sorts of wild wonders, Roy’s Villa Hostel in Sigiriya is in a truly unique location. There’s a load going on, the vibe’s super sociable (especially if you’re flying solo), and you’ll settle in straight away. The pool’s a serious bonus, and with the villa sorting out group activities, there’s no faffing about trying to plan—it all just clicks into place and makes meeting people easy.

Hideout Ella Domes | Best Airbnb in Sri Lanka

Hard to beat the view—waking up in a dome with panoramic scenes of the Nine Arches Bridge and the lush hill country feels like something out of a dream. It’s easily one of the most unique stays you’ll find in Sri Lanka. Throw in a hammock, an outdoor shower, and a working TV with Netflix, and you’ve got the perfect mix of comfort and scenery.

Beach & Bliss Mirissa | Best Hotel in Sri Lanka

This place sits right on the edge of the beach in Mirissa, and if the timing’s right, you can even spot turtles from the patio in the afternoons. With a private plunge pool, chilled-out staff, and a couple of friendly dogs wandering about, you’ll probably start coming up with reasons to extend your stay.

Harding Boutique Hotel | Best Boutique Hotel in Sri Lanka

If you’re up for a bit of a splurge, this boutique hotel is absolutely worth it. The location’s unbeatable—steps from the ocean and just a quick stroll to all the buzzy cafés and shops. The rooms are spotless, beautifully designed, and seriously aesthetic. You can dive straight into the sea right out front, then be sipping a flat white five minutes later.

Still got Qs? These are the questions I get asked most by travellers looking to backpack Sri Lanka.

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Sri Lanka is a super safe country, but unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip.

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Sri Lanka’s not the kind of place you tick off a list and move on from. It gets under your skin. The chaos, the calm, the heat, the food, the constant madness of buses swinging past corners at dizzying speeds—somehow it all just works. You’ll come for the beaches or the hikes or the cheap curry, but you’ll stay longer than planned, lose track of what day it is, and probably end up planning your “last week” three times.

There’s so much going on that it can feel like you’re barely making a dent. But that’s the beauty of it. It doesn’t hand itself over easily — you’ve got to let Sri Lanka surprise you.

I hope this round-up of my top things to do here helps you so you can see the best bits. But fair warning: no matter how long you stay, it won’t feel like enough.

It’s a country that doesn’t shout for your attention but still ends up stealing it. So pack light, have a vague itinerary, but let your plans go completely off kilter. The best way to experience this country is to roll with whatever it ends up throwing your way. You won’t regret a second of it. Except maybe the arrack hangover. That one’s on you.

A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!

You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂