Things to do in Sri Lanka

Negombo - Minneriya National Park wildlife safari

Located in the heart of Sri Lanka, Minneriya National Park is a haven for wildlife with a mix of landscapes ranging from wetlands and grasslands to dry tropical forest. You'll head on safari with the chance to spot the hundreds of species that roam freely through the park.After a morning journey through the heartland of Sri Lanka, you'll stop to top up your energy reserves with lunch before heading into Minneriya National Park. Expect to be enchanted by herds of elephants – the star attraction for many – as well as monkeys as you traverse through grasslands and wetlands. More than 70 species of butterflies and 24 species of animals are also attracted to the grass fields on the edge of the reservoir.There are also resident and migrant birds – more than 150 types – and once you reach the park's rocky outcrop, you'll encounter many reptiles. What's more, the park is home to Sri Lankan sambar deer, Asian and Bengal water monitors and many more wild creatures.

Negombo - Sri Lankan Farm and Spice Traditions Tour with Tuk Tuk ride

The Agro Park Millaniya is a great spot to enjoy the true hospitality of rural Sri Lanka while absorbing the sights and sounds of a typical village. As well as exploring this award-winning integrated farm, you'll also visit a Buddhist temple and go on a countryside tuk-tuk ride. As our expert local guide, Kasun says, ‘It's fun and interesting to learn so much about Sri Lanka's traditional agriculture and gastronomy in one location. I am always proud to watch guests discover and taste different local products. The little savoury snacks are a personal favourite.'On your way to the village, take time out to gather your thoughts in a historic Buddhist temple while admiring its artworks, rock carvings and other religious artefacts. Next, hop into a tuk-tuk for a rip-roaring ride through paddy fields and tropical countryside. Then, observe the local cinnamon-making process. You'll also visit Sri Lanka's largest banana gene bank, have a look around a pineapple plantation, and experience toddy tapping.There will be a chance to sample Kasun's favourite traditional snacks and you'll also get to see how coconut oil is produced. And it wouldn't be a proper Sri Lankan countryside experience without some tea picking. To round it all off, feast on a traditional curry and rice lunch, made extra special because many of the ingredients are grown on the farm itself. This tour is a wonderful opportunity to experience local traditions and immerse yourself in the rural culture of Sri Lanka – a great day out.

Bentota - Sri Lanka rainforest two-day tour in Sinharaja Eco Lodge

Misty mountains and green valleys surround this retreat in southern Sri Lanka. The setting of these eco lodges is pretty hard to beat when you want to get away from it all and reconnect with nature. They're surrounded by six waterfalls and acres of the Sinharaja Rainforest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Day one begins with a tour of Galle city, a coastal city with a bucketload of history and culture. There's a 16th-century colonial-style fort, a lighthouse and a mish-mash of spiritual sites including a Dutch church, an Islamic mosque and a Buddhist temple. By mid-morning you'll leave the city behind and be on your way north, through rolling valleys and into the heart of the rainforest.Check into your chalet and spend the afternoon exploring the sights and sounds of the rainforest. Sip a warm cup of Ceylon tea on your private deck and soak it all in before dinner is served in the restaurant. Wake up to the sound of birdsong and head out on an early morning hike to spot your brightly feathered new neighbours. A local naturalist will be your guide through the forest to help you spot Sri Lanka blue magpies and the red-faced malkoha. After breakfast back at the lodge, you'll have free time to make the most out of the viewpoints and waterfalls before checking out and heading back towards the beach and your hotel.

Negombo - Pekoe Trail in Sri Lanka's Highlands with lunch

Take on the Sri Lankan highlands on this full-day guided hiking tour that follows stage 15 of the Pekoe Trail. You'll kick off your 13-kilometre trek, starting your journey in a pine forest. Your path takes you through plenty of photo-worthy landscapes, and you'll get a peek into Sri Lanka's history as your guide tells you about the ancient dwellings found here. Artifacts dating back over 25,000 years have been found here, many of which showed exactly how people during those times lived in the area.As you climb towards the summit of the hike, Ella Rock viewpoint, one of the region's iconic sites, you'll be treated to panoramic views – on a clear day, you can soak up the vistas of the surrounding valleys, tea plantations and distant mountains. Then, you'll take a different route down, passing through traditional Sri Lankan villages, as you follow the scenic railway track back to Ella. Here, you'll stop to recharge with a well-deserved lunch, before your returning to your hotel.

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.

Negombo - Dambulla Cave Temple and Pidurangala Rock Tour

Two of Sri Lanka's historic hotspots feature on this full day tour from the east. Dating back to the 1st century, Dambulla Cave Temple stands as one of the most impressive sites on the island. Spend the morning exploring the complex, as well as hiking to Pidurangala Rock for great views over Sigiriya and the surrounding countryside.You'll head to Dambulla Cave Temple – or The Golden Temple of Dambulla – first. This cave complex has been a pilgrimage site in Buddhism for 22 centuries, and its spiritual importance helped it to gain UNESCO World Heritage Site status. The well-preserved rock painting and statues here are without doubt the finest in the country.Next up is Pidurangala Rock. Grab your walking boots for a moderate trek, showcasing the rich biodiversity Sri Lanka has to offer. And when you reach the summit, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the landscape, including a unique perspective of Sigiriya Rock.

Galle - Kandy and Nuwara Eliya two-day tour with train ride

Double up on Sri Lankan jewels on this two-day adventure. You'll spend a jam-packed day sightseeing around Kandy, visit a tea and spice plantation, enjoy a scenic train ride through the Central Highlands and end with a look around the town of Nuwara Eliya. What's more, transport and all meals are included, as well as overnight accommodation in either single or shared rooms.Day one is dedicated to what's best known as the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, Kandy. After visits to a spice garden, tea factory and the Royal Botanical Gardens, you'll venture into the city for a guided tour and some 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. You'll end the day with a show and the evening at your disposal.Day two begins with a train ride to Nanuoya, through rolling hill and 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 - Kandy, Ella, Yala Park safari and Galle four-day tour

This four-day adventure is jam-packed full of not-to-be-missed places in Sri Lanka. You'll tour the cultural hub of Kandy, hike to Ella's Rock, set off on a wildlife safari at Yala National Park and see the UNESCO-listed fort in Galle. All of that, combined with a few more surprises, and you've got yourself a trip you're likely to never forget. Day one is dedicated to what's best known as the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, Kandy. Starting at the Royal Botanical Gardens, you'll venture into the city for a guided tour and some time for shopping. See the Tooth Relic temple before ending the day with a show. Day two starts with a scenic train to Ella, where you can hike to see Little Adam's Peak and Ella's Rock.Ramp up the fun with a thrilling wildlife safari in Yala National Park on day three – this huge park is home to leopards, elephants and more. Your final day will see you explore the historic city of Galle. Here, you'll visit its impressive fort, visit a turtle hatching centre and have some lunch and free time in a beach resort.

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.

Trincomalee - 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.

Galle - Udawalawe Park safari, Ella, Kandy, Sigiriya and 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.