{"id":21652,"date":"2020-10-20T11:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-10-20T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/seeker.io\/?p=21652"},"modified":"2020-10-20T11:00:00","modified_gmt":"2020-10-20T11:00:00","slug":"things-to-do-in-sri-lanka","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/seeker.io\/article\/things-to-do-in-sri-lanka\/","title":{"rendered":"41 of the Best Things to Do in Sri Lanka"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>They call it the Teardrop of India: Sri Lanka. The island of spice, sun and tea fields. There&#8217;s no doubt about it\u2014 this is one darn mystical, amazing, culture-packed, and tasty destination. It&#8217;s just about as far south in South Asia as it&#8217;s possible to go, with swells of the Southern Ocean crashing into the coastline (hello awesome surf), the Maldives on one side, and the Bay of Bengal to the north.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most folk touch down in Colombo. It&#8217;s the unofficial capital and the largest city. Get your fill of tooting tuk-tuks and urban street food there before breaking away, because outside of town waits a world of elephant-trodden jungles, leopard-stalked plains, cloud-rimmed mountains, and some of the most handsome beachfronts this side of Thailand! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"marker-heading seeker-place seeker-place-heading\" data-latitude=\"6.927079\" data-longitude=\"79.861244\" data-placeurl=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/ZKjuhL5uj\/colombo-western-province-sri-lanka\" data-placeid=\"1736\" class=\"wp-block-seeker-place-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/ZKjuhL5uj\/colombo-western-province-sri-lanka\">Experience the buzz of Colombo<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/a61d35f4-829c-4b7a-aaf1-351443ae9e9d-1400.jpg?placeid=1736&amp;name=Colombo,%20Colombo&amp;lat=6.927079&amp;lng=79.861244\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Colombo, Sri Lanka.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Colombo is rarely more than a quick stopover. Heady and brimming with life, it&#8217;s the liveliest spot on the whole island. Delve into the <em>chowks<\/em> of <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Pettah (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/y_jZD6hHf\/pettah-colombo-western-province-sri-lanka\" target=\"_blank\">Pettah<\/a> to smell broiling dals and sizzling roti breads on every corner. Hop over to <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Galle Face Green (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/l0V48cK7J\/galle-face-terrace-colombo-western-province-sri-lanka\" target=\"_blank\">Galle Face Green<\/a> to see the waves of the Indian Ocean rolling against chic hotels. Explore <a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/ByLl9sOjY\/fort-colombo-western-province-sri-lanka\">Fort<\/a> for colonial-era edifices and traces of the British rule. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"marker-heading seeker-place seeker-place-heading\" data-latitude=\"6.925777\" data-longitude=\"79.843719\" data-placeurl=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/Ao_si-Fh1\/galle-face-beach-colombo-sri-lanka\" data-placeid=\"6533\" class=\"wp-block-seeker-place-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/Ao_si-Fh1\/galle-face-beach-colombo-sri-lanka\">Snag some spicy street samosas<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/504dadf3-af63-4d34-b537-50acfd0b50f2-1024.jpg?placeid=5803&amp;name=Good%20Spa,%20Weligama&amp;lat=5.974516&amp;lng=80.445946\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Galle Face Beach, Colombo, Sri Lanka.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If you think you can handle the local food the way the locals eat it, then get down to any roadside stall selling samosas. These are one of the most ubiquitous pastry snacks on the island. They&#8217;re packed with peas and potatoes and peppers, but really, it&#8217;s the capsicum that dominates. Yep, darn spicy is putting it lightly! Be sure to have a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplyrecipes.com\/recipes\/mango_lassi\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"mango lassi (opens in a new tab)\">mango lassi<\/a> on hand to cool the taste buds if you are feeling brave enough to try.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"marker-heading seeker-place seeker-place-heading\" data-latitude=\"6.989784\" data-longitude=\"80.427086\" data-placeurl=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/8C-EDo4Cn\/kitulgala-central-province-sri-lanka\" data-placeid=\"5818\" class=\"wp-block-seeker-place-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/8C-EDo4Cn\/kitulgala-central-province-sri-lanka\">Try whitewater rafting in Kitulgala<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/153fd66e-1e31-48b0-a896-ef4f82d4907e-1400.jpg?placeid=5818&amp;name=Kitulgala,%20Kitulgala&amp;lat=6.989784&amp;lng=80.427086\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Kitulgala, Sri Lanka.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Dust off the waterproofs and ready your paddling muscles: <a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/8C-EDo4Cn\/kitulgala-central-province-sri-lanka\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Kitulgala (opens in a new tab)\">Kitulgala<\/a> awaits. On the way to Ella, it sits huddled in thick groves of forest and high walls of mountains. The main pull is the gurgling stretch of whitewater rapids. They can be conquered on adrenaline-pumping days out with local outfitters. There&#8217;s also jungle trekking, safaris, and wildlife spotting to add to the mix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"marker-heading seeker-place seeker-place-heading\" data-latitude=\"7.293609\" data-longitude=\"80.641327\" data-placeurl=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/GTPCmeD-H\/temple-of-the-sacred-tooth-relic-kandy-central-province-sri-lanka\" data-placeid=\"5778\" class=\"wp-block-seeker-place-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/GTPCmeD-H\/temple-of-the-sacred-tooth-relic-kandy-central-province-sri-lanka\">Pilgrimage to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/4c3f335e-fa68-4912-8d1d-8b4c8c25da8b-1024.jpg?placeid=5778&amp;name=Temple%20of%20the%20Sacred%20Tooth%20Relic,%20Kandy&amp;lat=7.293609&amp;lng=80.641327\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy, Sri Lanka.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The jewel of the city of Kandy is surely the <a href=\"https:\/\/whc.unesco.org\/en\/list\/450\/\">Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic<\/a>. It&#8217;s one of the most sacred shrines in all of Sri Lanka, which means you&#8217;re likely to be visiting in the company of lots of devotees and pilgrims. Right on the edge of a handsome urban lake, its big grounds give way to corridors laced with golden lotus flowers, vast audience halls scented, and even the old royal palace of the last Sri Lankan kings.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"marker-heading seeker-place seeker-place-heading\" data-latitude=\"7.295563\" data-longitude=\"80.630959\" data-placeurl=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/jn2suW7gZ\/bahirawakanda-vihara-buddha-statue-kandy-sri-lanka\" data-placeid=\"5779\" class=\"wp-block-seeker-place-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/jn2suW7gZ\/bahirawakanda-vihara-buddha-statue-kandy-sri-lanka\">Scale Bahirawakanda Vihara<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/579724f7-ad4e-423a-ae0d-7434a542f78b-1024.jpg?placeid=5779&amp;name=Bahirawakanda%20Vihara%20Buddha%20Statue,%20Kandy&amp;lat=7.295563&amp;lng=80.630959\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue, Kandy, Sri Lanka.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>You can&#8217;t miss the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Bahirawakanda Vihara (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/jn2suW7gZ\/bahirawakanda-vihara-buddha-statue-kandy-sri-lanka\" target=\"_blank\">Bahirawakanda Vihara<\/a> on the skyline of <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Kandy (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/gPO2Fp7Ot\/kandy-central-province-sri-lanka\" target=\"_blank\">Kandy<\/a>. Just look up! It&#8217;s that huge marble-white Buddha perched on the hillside. Given the location, the views at the top are obviously stunning\u2014 think sweeps of jungle-dashed hills and mist draped over the Central Highlands in the distance. There&#8217;s also a rich folklore to uncover, with legends of evil gnomes (yes, you read that right: <em>evil gnomes<\/em>) that did battle with local noblemen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"marker-heading seeker-place seeker-place-heading\" data-latitude=\"6.866699\" data-longitude=\"81.046555\" data-placeurl=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/Ai9ZnFujq\/ella-uva-province-sri-lanka\" data-placeid=\"5780\" class=\"wp-block-seeker-place-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/Ai9ZnFujq\/ella-uva-province-sri-lanka\">Take the train up to Ella<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/3c324df7-c322-4707-8294-1418cfac65b0-1024.jpg?placeid=5780&amp;name=Ella,%20Ella&amp;lat=6.866699&amp;lng=81.046555\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Ella, Sri Lanka.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Just as Switzerland&#8217;s Glacier Express or the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Trans-Siberian (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/best-train-rides-in-the-world\/\" target=\"_blank\">Trans-Siberian<\/a> start a-piping up, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=d328MlMoWeo\">train from Kandy to Ella<\/a> breathes deep and says: &#8220;Hold my beer.&#8221; Yep, this is one of the undisputed stunning railway journeys of the globe. Things start low, weaving through groves of banana trees and teaks. Then the line cranks upwards, and before you know it, you&#8217;re lost in a sea of emerald greens, with tea plantations undulating to the horizon and mountains that look like gnarled fingers peeking through the clouds in the distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"marker-heading seeker-place seeker-place-heading\" data-latitude=\"6.85083\" data-longitude=\"81.052361\" data-placeurl=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/hm4gjQ5Nb\/ella-rock-view-point-badulla-uva-province-sri-lanka\" data-placeid=\"5781\" class=\"wp-block-seeker-place-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/hm4gjQ5Nb\/ella-rock-view-point-badulla-uva-province-sri-lanka\"> Hike Ella Rock<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/5e06182f-982f-48b9-a636-017a95be58cb-1024.jpg?placeid=5781&amp;name=Ella%20Rock%20View%20Point,%20Badulla&amp;lat=6.85083&amp;lng=81.052361\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Ella Rock, Ella, Sri Lanka.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Ella (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/Ai9ZnFujq\/ella-uva-province-sri-lanka\" target=\"_blank\">Ella<\/a> is an unmissable part of Sri Lanka. Sitting up in the Central Highlands, it&#8217;s the home of Ceylon tea and a veritable hiking mecca to boot. Most travelers opt to do one of two hikes. The harder is <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Ella Rock (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.visitella.com\/things-to-do\/ella-rock\" target=\"_blank\">Ella Rock<\/a>. See it lurching above the town on the south-western side. The trek takes around three hours in total, but is trickier in heavy rain and hot sun. Also, try to leave early to beat the clouds. The route goes past railway lines, through tea fields peppered with snake mounds, and then above bamboo forests, finally opening onto stunning vistas of the southern Sri Lankan plains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"marker-heading seeker-place seeker-place-heading\" data-latitude=\"6.865129\" data-longitude=\"81.06308\" data-placeurl=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/3RhNZaSr0\/little-adams-peak-uva-province-sri-lanka\" data-placeid=\"5782\" class=\"wp-block-seeker-place-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/3RhNZaSr0\/little-adams-peak-uva-province-sri-lanka\">Hike Little Adam&#8217;s Peak<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/e3ac22b7-f10a-46aa-b6ed-7ccebed54408-1024.jpg?placeid=5782&amp;name=Little%20Adam's%20Peak,%20&amp;lat=6.865129&amp;lng=81.06308\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption> Little Adam&#8217;s Peak, Ella, Sri Lanka.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Intimidated by Ella Rock? Try <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitella.com\/things-to-do\/mini-adams-peak\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Little Adam's Peak (opens in a new tab)\">Little Adam&#8217;s Peak<\/a>. The less demanding of the two trekking options in Ella, it&#8217;s really a casual stroll from the center to the trailhead, and then you hop zig-zagging steps to the summit. The views there are simply divine. From the lookout points you can gaze out to Ella Rock (the one that you might have climbed yesterday) and survey the deep valley below. To the north and east, there are mosaics of tea plants and jungles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"marker-heading seeker-place seeker-place-heading\" data-latitude=\"6.876705\" data-longitude=\"81.060806\" data-placeurl=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/_DYWDuQHT\/nine-arch-bridge-ella-uva-province-sri-lanka\" data-placeid=\"5784\" class=\"wp-block-seeker-place-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/_DYWDuQHT\/nine-arch-bridge-ella-uva-province-sri-lanka\">Get an Insta pic at the Nine Arch Bridge<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/d4387c17-4afd-43cd-9b24-28f4c1eb92c2-1400.jpg?placeid=5784&amp;name=Nine%20Arch%20Bridge,%20Ella&amp;lat=6.876705&amp;lng=81.060806\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Nine Arch Bridge, Ella, Sri Lanka.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Nine Arch Bridge (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/_DYWDuQHT\/nine-arch-bridge-ella-uva-province-sri-lanka\" target=\"_blank\">Nine Arch Bridge<\/a> is nothing short of legendary on the Insta-travel circuit. You can find it by walking through the pine and beech woods out of Ella&#8217;s center, where it arches across a wide gorge, carrying the railway on its way to Demodara. The best photography spots are on the eastern side of the canyon. There&#8217;s even a <a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/0grAppXtD\/nisee-juice-bar-uva-province-sri-lanka\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"perfectly-placed juice bar (opens in a new tab)\">perfectly-placed juice bar<\/a> where you can get some passion fruit nectar while waiting for a train to roll on by.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"marker-heading seeker-place seeker-place-heading\" data-latitude=\"6.864479\" data-longitude=\"81.048645\" data-placeurl=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/7-q51Sddz\/ravanas-cave-ella-uva-province-sri-lanka\" data-placeid=\"5785\" class=\"wp-block-seeker-place-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/7-q51Sddz\/ravanas-cave-ella-uva-province-sri-lanka\">Explore mysterious Ravana Cave<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/38b60e8e-0a3d-4b8b-a47f-54e8a1dbe99f-1024.jpg?placeid=5785&amp;name=Ravana's%20Cave,%20Ella&amp;lat=6.864479&amp;lng=81.048645\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Ravana Cave, Ella, Sri Lanka.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Legend has it that this hole in the depths of Ella Rock was once the hideout of the 10-headed King Ravana, who kidnapped Sita in the Hindu epic, <em>Ramayana<\/em>. <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Ravana Cave (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.visitella.com\/things-to-do\/ravana-cave\" target=\"_blank\">Ravana Cave<\/a> is now a sacred site to local followers, who regularly make the trek through the jungle to pay homage to the story and its characters. The walk up is no cinch\u2014think hair-pinning steps through dense undergrowth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"marker-heading seeker-place seeker-place-heading\" data-latitude=\"6.873397\" data-longitude=\"81.049057\" data-placeurl=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/sMQITTCOg\/ceylon-tea-centre-ella-ella-uva-province-sri-lanka\" data-placeid=\"5786\" class=\"wp-block-seeker-place-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/sMQITTCOg\/ceylon-tea-centre-ella-ella-uva-province-sri-lanka\">Tea tasting at the Ceylon Tea Centre<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/99638775-8999-4519-b36d-670873f5d940-1024.jpg?placeid=5786&amp;name=Ceylon%20Tea%20Centre%20Ella,%20Ella&amp;lat=6.873397&amp;lng=81.049057\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Ceylon Tea Centre, Ella, Sri Lanka.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>No trip to Sri Lanka could possibly be complete without an overload of tea. This is tea country, after all: Ceylon, the land of the tea plantation. There&#8217;s really nowhere better to do some tasting than in Ella town. The whole main strip is packed with tea shops and boutiques. <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Ceylon Tea Centre (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/sMQITTCOg\/ceylon-tea-centre-ella-ella-uva-province-sri-lanka\" target=\"_blank\">Ceylon Tea Centre<\/a> has one of the best selections, along with pre-made brews so you can sample everything from white tea to green tea to choose your favorite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"marker-heading seeker-place seeker-place-heading\" data-latitude=\"6.949717\" data-longitude=\"80.789108\" data-placeurl=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/gvoSpf_CK\/nuwara-eliya-central-province-sri-lanka\" data-placeid=\"5815\" class=\"wp-block-seeker-place-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/gvoSpf_CK\/nuwara-eliya-central-province-sri-lanka\">Relax in Nuwara Eliya<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/48968fdc-2e37-4379-b6de-85fb93e1ea1c-1024.jpg?placeid=5815&amp;name=Nuwara%20Eliya,%20Nuwara%20Eliya&amp;lat=6.949717&amp;lng=80.789108\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>They call <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Nuwara Eliya (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/gvoSpf_CK\/nuwara-eliya-central-province-sri-lanka\" target=\"_blank\">Nuwara Eliya<\/a> &#8216;Little England.&#8217;. It was built and founded by British explorer Samuel Baker back in the 1800s. He envisaged it to be the perfect place for colonial governors to rest, away from the high heat of the coast. In time, the spot became one of the epicenters of Sri Lankan tea production, which can still be seen today in the sweeping plantations. There are also Victorian-styled buildings and quaint country cottages aplenty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"marker-heading seeker-place seeker-place-heading\" data-latitude=\"6.802097\" data-longitude=\"80.807404\" data-placeurl=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/mmooZSjXz\/horton-plains-national-park-sri-lanka\" data-placeid=\"5794\" class=\"wp-block-seeker-place-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/mmooZSjXz\/horton-plains-national-park-sri-lanka\">Peer over World&#8217;s End<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/fed37c9f-8428-4d1a-b42f-309e6be89c79-1400.jpg?placeid=5794&amp;name=Horton%20Plains%20National%20Park,%20&amp;lat=6.802097&amp;lng=80.807404\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Horton Plains National Park, Central Province, Sri Lanka.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/mmooZSjXz\/horton-plains-national-park-sri-lanka\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Horton Plains (opens in a new tab)\">Horton Plains<\/a> are a land shrouded in mist and cloud. A national park, the area sits atop the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka, dashed by countless waterfalls and carved by huge peaks. The piece de resistance for most is so-called <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/World%27s_End,_Sri_Lanka\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"World's End (opens in a new tab)\">World&#8217;s End<\/a>. That&#8217;s a sheer drop of over 1,200 meters from summit to valley floor. Hikers get to stand right on the edge and peer over, if they dare!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"marker-heading seeker-place seeker-place-heading\" data-latitude=\"6.792713\" data-longitude=\"80.789452\" data-placeurl=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/mKZWvreY7\/bakers-falls-central-province-sri-lanka\" data-placeid=\"5809\" class=\"wp-block-seeker-place-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/mKZWvreY7\/bakers-falls-central-province-sri-lanka\">Venture to Baker&#8217;s Falls<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/66e9a4c1-cc89-4675-bbcb-8d442e673c8c-1024.jpg?placeid=5809&amp;name=Baker's%20Falls,%20&amp;lat=6.792713&amp;lng=80.789452\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Baker&#8217;s Falls, Horton Plains National Park, Sri Lanka.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Sri Lanka is certainly no stranger to waterfalls. Hundreds\u2014literally hundreds\u2014 of cascades crash through the Central Highlands and jungles here. Some are large. Some are small. The iconic <a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/mKZWvreY7\/bakers-falls-central-province-sri-lanka\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Baker's Falls (opens in a new tab)\">Baker&#8217;s Falls<\/a> are definitely large. Clocking up 20 meters in height in the midst of the Horton Plains National Park, they drop over several tiers of black rock into reflective pools. Look out for the lovely garlands of rhododendron and wild flora that burst from the jungle nearby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"marker-heading seeker-place seeker-place-heading\" data-latitude=\"6.809643\" data-longitude=\"80.49939\" data-placeurl=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/SboJqXDHH\/sri-pada-adams-peak-sabaragamuwa-province-sri-lanka\" data-placeid=\"5787\" class=\"wp-block-seeker-place-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/SboJqXDHH\/sri-pada-adams-peak-sabaragamuwa-province-sri-lanka\">Follow sacred footprints to Adam&#8217;s Peak<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/5587f453-ab49-42d6-978b-5f52e1fccc85-1024.jpg?placeid=5787&amp;name=Sri%20Pada%20\/%20Adam's%20Peak,%20&amp;lat=6.809643&amp;lng=80.49939\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Adam&#8217;s Peak, Sabaragamuwa Province, Sri Lanka.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>You could easily lift up Adam&#8217;s Peak and plonk it in the heart of the Swiss Alps. It wouldn&#8217;t look out of place one bit. Well\u2026apart from the jungles and palm trees, that is. Not to be confused with <a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/3RhNZaSr0\/little-adams-peak-uva-province-sri-lanka\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Little Adam's Peak  (opens in a new tab)\">Little Adam&#8217;s Peak<\/a> in Ella, this Central Highlands mountaintop is one of the most famous pilgrimage spots on the isle. Take the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=A9fpGdQ_3Sg\" target=\"_blank\">Sri Pada path<\/a> to the top and you&#8217;ll find what&#8217;s said to be a footprint left by Buddha himself!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"marker-heading seeker-place seeker-place-heading\" data-latitude=\"6.432885\" data-longitude=\"80.37973\" data-placeurl=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/26Wy2HIzH\/sinharaja-forest-reserve-western-province-sri-lanka\" data-placeid=\"5817\" class=\"wp-block-seeker-place-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/26Wy2HIzH\/sinharaja-forest-reserve-western-province-sri-lanka\">Adventure in Sinharaja Forest Reserve<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/8c630232-c27d-4f21-98ab-21565a9a3bb4-1024.jpg?placeid=5817&amp;name=Sinharaja%20Forest%20Reserve,%20&amp;lat=6.432885&amp;lng=80.37973\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Deniyaya, Sri Lanka.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>An old-growth rainforest is rare at the best of times, but when more than 60% of the plant species that flourish within are endemic, there&#8217;s something truly special going on. That&#8217;s the case with Lanka&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/whc.unesco.org\/en\/list\/405\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">UNESCO-attested Sinharaja Forest Reserve<\/a>. Find it spreading across the southern foothills with its emerald woodlands. Inside are reptiles, multi-colored birds, waterfalls, murky rivers, strange snakes \u2013 you name it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"marker-heading seeker-place seeker-place-heading\" data-latitude=\"6.418918\" data-longitude=\"80.005981\" data-placeurl=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/YvZ7zybbC\/bentota-southern-province-sri-lanka\" data-placeid=\"5816\" class=\"wp-block-seeker-place-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/YvZ7zybbC\/bentota-southern-province-sri-lanka\">Hang in a hammock in Bentota<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/7d5dcae3-497d-4202-8271-9b2ca4900ee1-1024.jpg?placeid=5816&amp;name=Bentota,%20Bentota&amp;lat=6.418918&amp;lng=80.005981\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Bentota, Sri Lanka.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/YvZ7zybbC\/bentota-southern-province-sri-lanka\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Bentota (opens in a new tab)\">Bentota<\/a> is the home of the famous length of white-glinting sand that&#8217;s known to Sri Lankan-bound sun seekers as Paradise Island. Essentially a stretch of chic resorts and honeymoon pads, it&#8217;s the place to go if you&#8217;re after nothing but Indian Ocean rest and relaxation, with a dash of luxury on the side. Behind the sand is a wide river and groves of palms, where mystical temples and Buddha statues lurk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"marker-heading seeker-place seeker-place-heading\" data-latitude=\"6.418918\" data-longitude=\"80.005981\" data-placeurl=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/YvZ7zybbC\/bentota-southern-province-sri-lanka\" data-placeid=\"5816\" class=\"wp-block-seeker-place-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/YvZ7zybbC\/bentota-southern-province-sri-lanka\">Have breakfast on hoppers<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/75954acf-deae-4777-8ce1-93b9f463e154-1024.jpg?placeid=5803&amp;name=Good%20Spa,%20Weligama&amp;lat=5.974516&amp;lng=80.445946\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The breakfast of kings in Sri Lanka is the <a href=\"https:\/\/worldtravelfamily.com\/sri-lankan-food-hoppers-what-is-hopper\/\">classic hopper<\/a>. A humble little pancake made from fermented rice batter and coconuts, it&#8217;s usually fried in a deep, bowl-like pan and then served with an egg cracked right into the middle. The result is a sort of ready-made roti, filling and all. Another version are string hoppers. They&#8217;re long rice noodles that come with a side of spicy dal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"marker-heading seeker-place seeker-place-heading\" data-latitude=\"6.139468\" data-longitude=\"80.106285\" data-placeurl=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/ksZljpppW\/hikkaduwa-southern-province-sri-lanka\" data-placeid=\"5814\" class=\"wp-block-seeker-place-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/ksZljpppW\/hikkaduwa-southern-province-sri-lanka\">Find big beach vibes in Hikkaduwa<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/6da1c9e4-e2a4-4581-b3a1-6f14ce4f348e-1024.jpg?placeid=5814&amp;name=Hikkaduwa,%20Hikkaduwa&amp;lat=6.139468&amp;lng=80.106285\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>For sure, <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Hikkaduwa (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/ksZljpppW\/hikkaduwa-southern-province-sri-lanka\" target=\"_blank\">Hikkaduwa<\/a> made its name as a beach town. Ever since the first mass groups of tourists came to the Teardrop of India back in the 70s, this one&#8217;s been featured in brochures and magazines. And why not? It&#8217;s a looker, with gold-tinted sand and perfect blue oceans. More recently, scuba diving and surfing has bolstered the following, so expect a lively vibe on the shores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"marker-heading seeker-place seeker-place-heading\" data-latitude=\"6.026678\" data-longitude=\"80.217491\" data-placeurl=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/YIIAIxLH6\/fort-galle-southern-province-sri-lanka\" data-placeid=\"5804\" class=\"wp-block-seeker-place-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/YIIAIxLH6\/fort-galle-southern-province-sri-lanka\">Get lost in Galle Fort<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/e889ee0a-b796-4be6-ba62-09a97401c6ee-1024.jpg?placeid=5804&amp;name=Fort,%20Galle&amp;lat=6.026678&amp;lng=80.217491\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Galle Fort, Galle, Sri Lanka. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Raised in the middle of the 16<sup>th<\/sup> century by the Portuguese as an imperial trading outpost on the Indian Ocean, <a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/YIIAIxLH6\/fort-galle-southern-province-sri-lanka\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Galle Fort (opens in a new tab)\">Galle Fort<\/a> subsequently fell into the hands of the Dutch and then the British. Its long past as a colonial outpost still shows in the high, salt-washed bulwarks and their cannons. These days, the cobbled streets within the walls have been taken over by cool caf\u00e9s and art galleries. It&#8217;s the perfect place to get lost and wander.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"marker-heading seeker-place seeker-place-heading\" data-latitude=\"6.017447\" data-longitude=\"80.248863\" data-placeurl=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/wsYRP08jn\/unawatuna-southern-province-sri-lanka\" data-placeid=\"5788\" class=\"wp-block-seeker-place-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/wsYRP08jn\/unawatuna-southern-province-sri-lanka\">Relax between palms in Unawatuna<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/f9c1c341-3472-4f8c-998a-8ea55eacaee4-1024.jpg?placeid=5788&amp;name=Unawatuna,%20Unawatuna&amp;lat=6.017447&amp;lng=80.248863\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Unawatuna, Sri Lanka.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>With a name like <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Unawatuna (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/wsYRP08jn\/unawatuna-southern-province-sri-lanka\" target=\"_blank\">Unawatuna<\/a> (that&#8217;s oo-na-wa-too-na), you can expect some serious chill time, right? Right. On this laid-back squiggle of shoreline on the south side of Sri Lanka, there are long runs of gold-tinted sand speckled with coconut husks, palm-thronged hammocks, and reggae-style beach bars that wouldn&#8217;t look out of place in Jamaica.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"marker-heading seeker-place seeker-place-heading\" data-latitude=\"5.964726\" data-longitude=\"80.390862\" data-placeurl=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/F1ecF9LJN\/midigama-beach-southern-province-sri-lanka\" data-placeid=\"5813\" class=\"wp-block-seeker-place-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/F1ecF9LJN\/midigama-beach-southern-province-sri-lanka\">Hop beaches and reefs in Midigama<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/c211f9a6-ef4f-4899-94ef-4558f1d887af-1024.jpg?placeid=5813&amp;name=Midigama%20Beach,%20&amp;lat=5.964726&amp;lng=80.390862\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Midigama Beach, Midigama, Sri Lanka.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/F1ecF9LJN\/midigama-beach-southern-province-sri-lanka\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Midigama (opens in a new tab)\">Midigama<\/a> occupies the long run of inlets, coves, and headlands that goes west from Weligama Bay. It&#8217;s not really a town per se. Most of the hostels and guest houses are spread along a roadway that&#8217;s topped by palm trees just behind the beaches. That gives each of them good access to the coast, where you can either spend days lazing on golden sands and treading tidal pools or hit the reefs with your board in tow: <a href=\"https:\/\/thesurfatlas.com\/sri-lanka-surf\/midigama-surf-spots\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Coconut Point<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/thesurfatlas.com\/sri-lanka-surf\/midigama-surf-spots\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Lazy Left <\/a>are two of the best-known breaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"marker-heading seeker-place seeker-place-heading\" data-latitude=\"5.96799\" data-longitude=\"80.423752\" data-placeurl=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/LsHLh9VyF\/ceylon-sliders-weligama-southern-province-sri-lanka\" data-placeid=\"5801\" class=\"wp-block-seeker-place-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/LsHLh9VyF\/ceylon-sliders-weligama-southern-province-sri-lanka\">Grab lunch at Ceylon Sliders<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/73d29ef4-31e6-4f47-9749-1ef85bda9016-1024.jpg?placeid=5801&amp;name=Ceylon%20Sliders,%20Weligama&amp;lat=5.96799&amp;lng=80.423752\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Ceylon Sliders, Weligama Bay, Sri Lanka.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/ceylonsliders.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Ceylon Sliders<\/a> is a surf-skate mashup of a venue that has gained a reputation for chilled lunching and popping happy hours. It sits facing the boat-spotted sands on the western harbor end of Weligama Bay. Head there for midday to catch plates of salted roast potatoes and stacked burgers. Go in the evening and you&#8217;ll get live music, great rooftop views, and some of the best-mixed long drinks around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"marker-heading seeker-place seeker-place-heading\" data-latitude=\"5.977378\" data-longitude=\"80.428848\" data-placeurl=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/Zx7ERBUiO\/weligama-southern-province-sri-lanka\" data-placeid=\"4473\" class=\"wp-block-seeker-place-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/Zx7ERBUiO\/weligama-southern-province-sri-lanka\">Learn to surf in Weligama<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/30f89cdd-198a-48e0-a7de-e64598ac9582-1024.jpg?placeid=4473&amp;name=Weligama,%20Weligama&amp;lat=5.977378&amp;lng=80.428848\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Weligama, Sri Lanka.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Heard about that surfing malarkey but haven&#8217;t had a chance to hop on a board yet? Hit <a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/Zx7ERBUiO\/weligama-southern-province-sri-lanka\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Weligama (opens in a new tab)\">Weligama<\/a>. This is the bona fide beginner spot of Sri Lanka. Easy-going waves that break over a long, wide beach are the name of the game. There are more surf schools than you can shake your spicy dal lentils at. And you&#8217;ve got hotels and hostels for all sorts of folk just meters from the breaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"marker-heading seeker-place seeker-place-heading\" data-latitude=\"5.972808\" data-longitude=\"80.441696\" data-placeurl=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/a4Hihsf9Z\/rise-weligama-southern-province-sri-lanka\" data-placeid=\"5802\" class=\"wp-block-seeker-place-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/a4Hihsf9Z\/rise-weligama-southern-province-sri-lanka\">Eat at Rise: the best pizza on the island!<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/e01aa02b-7c02-4ac9-8712-4ae2327e8d3c-1024.jpg?placeid=5802&amp;name=Rise,%20Weligama&amp;lat=5.972808&amp;lng=80.441696\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Rise, Weligama, Sri Lanka.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/riselanka\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Rise<\/a> is one darn tasty find. Nestled just back from the bustling Matara Road, it only opened its doors towards the end of 2019. Its claim to serve the best pizza on the island might seem hefty, but just wait until you see that cushiony dough and fresh passata topping. There&#8217;s even buffalo mozzarella on the menu. What&#8217;s more, the owners are super friendly and always up for a chat. <em>Buon Appetito!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"marker-heading seeker-place seeker-place-heading\" data-latitude=\"5.974516\" data-longitude=\"80.445946\" data-placeurl=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/mccomtGT2\/good-spa-weligama-southern-province-sri-lanka\" data-placeid=\"5803\" class=\"wp-block-seeker-place-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/mccomtGT2\/good-spa-weligama-southern-province-sri-lanka\">Splurge on a massage at Good Spa<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/b188f377-4a45-4474-aa98-31876482ae60-1024.jpg?placeid=5803&amp;name=Good%20Spa,%20Weligama&amp;lat=5.974516&amp;lng=80.445946\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Good Spa, Weligama, Sri Lanka.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Think massages, think Thailand, right? Wrong! Sri Lanka also has a huge wellness scene. With long traditions of Ayurvedic treatments and the like, it&#8217;s the perfect place to score yourself a spa sesh. One of the highest rated establishments makes its home by the riverway and jungles of Weligama. Set under lush palms, chic and stylish <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/goodSPAweligama\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Good Spa<\/a> has oil massages, scrub treatments, and even deep-tissue sports things for weary surfers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"marker-heading seeker-place seeker-place-heading\" data-latitude=\"5.949286\" data-longitude=\"80.454071\" data-placeurl=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/HgLXg3jgG\/whale-watching-mirissa-whale-horizon-mirissa-southern-province-sri-lanka\" data-placeid=\"5800\" class=\"wp-block-seeker-place-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/HgLXg3jgG\/whale-watching-mirissa-whale-horizon-mirissa-southern-province-sri-lanka\">Do some whale watching around the south coast<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/516c5e72-88bd-449f-a038-fef5e0720238-1024.jpg?placeid=5800&amp;name=Whale%20Watching%20Mirissa%20-%20Whale%20Horizon,%20Mirissa&amp;lat=5.949286&amp;lng=80.454071\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Whale Watching in Mirissa, Sri Lanka.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>As well as being a cocktail mecca and beach hub, Mirissa also doubles as Sri Lanka&#8217;s whale-watching center. There are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.whale-watching-mirissa.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">oodles of providers<\/a> offering trips out across the Indian Ocean to find cetaceans big and small. The best of them pay attention to the habitat and wellbeing of the whales, with low-volume boats that keep a safe distance. The best season for whale watching is between November and March.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"marker-heading seeker-place seeker-place-heading\" data-latitude=\"5.943671\" data-longitude=\"80.449936\" data-placeurl=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/u8aRrsmhO\/secret-beach-mirissa-mirissa-southern-province-sri-lanka\" data-placeid=\"5799\" class=\"wp-block-seeker-place-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/u8aRrsmhO\/secret-beach-mirissa-mirissa-southern-province-sri-lanka\">Hunt down Secret Beach<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/d1080420-e84a-492b-b0d1-c3a745a967b1-1024.jpg?placeid=5799&amp;name=Secret%20Beach%20Mirissa,%20Mirissa&amp;lat=5.943671&amp;lng=80.449936\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Secret Beach, Mirissa, Sri Lanka. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Ditch the wave-hunters and partiers on Mirissa&#8217;s main beach and make for the back roads. Follow the alleys and small streets west and south. Climb the hill on zig-zagging mud tracks, then drop down through fern and palm groves. Viola: you&#8217;ve found <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Secret Beach (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/u8aRrsmhO\/secret-beach-mirissa-mirissa-southern-province-sri-lanka\" target=\"_blank\">Secret Beach<\/a>. Sorry for the vague directions, but this is <em>supposed<\/em> to be a secret. Regimented coconut trees sway in the breeze there before a boulder-speckled inlet with aquamarine water around white-tinged sands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"marker-heading seeker-place seeker-place-heading\" data-latitude=\"5.948262\" data-longitude=\"80.471588\" data-placeurl=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/qdCfU9G79\/mirissa-southern-province-sri-lanka\" data-placeid=\"5798\" class=\"wp-block-seeker-place-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/qdCfU9G79\/mirissa-southern-province-sri-lanka\">Clink glasses at happy hour in Mirissa<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/7a73f57e-6a87-4853-985a-da404f88b6b2-1024.jpg?placeid=5798&amp;name=Mirissa,%20Mirissa&amp;lat=5.948262&amp;lng=80.471588\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Mirissa, Sri Lanka.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>When it&#8217;s time to let loose a little and shake the salt from your hair with a boogie and a dance, there&#8217;s really nowhere better to head than <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Mirissa (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/qdCfU9G79\/mirissa-southern-province-sri-lanka\" target=\"_blank\">Mirissa<\/a>. Once a laid-back beach resort, the place has pumped up its hedonism and happy-hour scene in recent years. Start the night on the main beach, where beer deals and bean bag chatter abound. Then, make for the main road, for late-night roti and backpacker bars aplenty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"marker-heading seeker-place seeker-place-heading\" data-latitude=\"5.938586\" data-longitude=\"80.570763\" data-placeurl=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/-8ltXitRF\/sk-town-beach-matara-southern-province-sri-lanka\" data-placeid=\"5810\" class=\"wp-block-seeker-place-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/-8ltXitRF\/sk-town-beach-matara-southern-province-sri-lanka\">Enjoy solo waves in SK Town<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/a8b4530f-46e6-40b0-a201-356e3cd535c8-1024.jpg?placeid=5810&amp;name=Sk%20Town%20Beach,%20Matara&amp;lat=5.938586&amp;lng=80.570763\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>SK Town Beach, Matara, Sri Lanka. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Remote surf spots are becoming harder and harder to find on the southern coastline of Sri Lanka. But not to worry, they do still exist. Cue <a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/-8ltXitRF\/sk-town-beach-matara-southern-province-sri-lanka\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"SK Town (opens in a new tab)\">SK Town<\/a>. This small clutch of hotels and guesthouses on the edge of Matara city is hardly known. However, it&#8217;s got reliable beach breaks with loads of peaks, suited mainly to intermediate riders who like to have space to themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"marker-heading seeker-place seeker-place-heading\" data-latitude=\"5.963078\" data-longitude=\"80.699615\" data-placeurl=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/lILgdtIZs\/verse-collective-dikwella-southern-province-sri-lanka\" data-placeid=\"5807\" class=\"wp-block-seeker-place-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/lILgdtIZs\/verse-collective-dikwella-southern-province-sri-lanka\">Meet skaters, surfers, and nomads at Verse Collective<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/0d7f3426-3bda-491b-b65f-afeac44cb11f-1024.jpg?placeid=5807&amp;name=Verse%20Collective,%20Dikwella&amp;lat=5.963078&amp;lng=80.699615\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Verse Collective, Dikwella, Sri Lanka.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Calling all digital nomads, skate aficionados, and surf folk: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/versecollective\/\">Verse Collective<\/a> has something to offer. It&#8217;s located off the bus-tooting Matara Road, somewhere between Hiriketiya and Dickwella town. Facing the open ocean and a golden beach, the joint is all polished concrete and breezy interiors. There&#8217;s a skate ramp and a little shop, along with an enticing menu of breakfasts and smoothies to get stuck into.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"marker-heading seeker-place seeker-place-heading\" data-latitude=\"5.962358\" data-longitude=\"80.70681\" data-placeurl=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/MU14_XlIq\/hiriketiya-beach-southern-province-sri-lanka\" data-placeid=\"5790\" class=\"wp-block-seeker-place-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/MU14_XlIq\/hiriketiya-beach-southern-province-sri-lanka\">Surf mornings with sea turtles in Hiriketiya Bay<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/76413fea-540d-4f40-a5bb-f59a226fdee1-1024.jpg?placeid=5790&amp;name=Hiriketiya%20Beach,%20&amp;lat=5.962358&amp;lng=80.70681\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Hiriketiya Beach, Hiriketiya Bay, Sri Lanka.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Don&#8217;t tell too many people about little <a href=\"https:\/\/thesurfatlas.com\/sri-lanka-surf\/hiriketiya-bay-surf\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Hiriketiya Bay (opens in a new tab)\">Hiriketiya Bay<\/a>. One of the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"best surf spots in the world (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/best-surf-spots-in-the-world\/\" target=\"_blank\">best surf spots in the world<\/a>, it slots into a horseshoe inlet on the far southern edge of Sri Lanka. The surf is what really draws the crowds. There are two breaks: an easy-going beachy break for the beginners, and a heavier reef left-hander for those wanting fast drop ins. Early morning sessions are shared with fresh ocean breezes and resident sea turtles, who often like to make an appearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"marker-heading seeker-place seeker-place-heading\" data-latitude=\"6.278412\" data-longitude=\"81.401939\" data-placeurl=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/oSvnZN7JV\/yala-national-park-katagamuwa-yala-sri-lanka\" data-placeid=\"5797\" class=\"wp-block-seeker-place-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/oSvnZN7JV\/yala-national-park-katagamuwa-yala-sri-lanka\">Go safari in Yala National Park<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/5b533089-619b-425c-9552-9779c3aa4ac0-1024.jpg?placeid=5797&amp;name=Yala%20National%20Park,%20Katagamuwa%20Yala&amp;lat=6.278412&amp;lng=81.401939\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Yala National Park, Southern and Uva Provinces, Sri Lanka.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Safari? In Sri Lanka? You bet. Make for the remote lands of<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.yalasrilanka.lk\/\" target=\"_blank\"> Yala National Park<\/a> and you&#8217;ll be greeted with one of the island&#8217;s most biodiverse areas. Rolling through monsoon forests, deciduous gallery woodland, riparian plains, and swathes of open grassland, the reserve is home to all sorts of creatures big and small. Two really take the biscuit. First, it&#8217;s the galumphing Sri Lankan elephant. Then come the leopards, elusively hiding in the trees and between the savannah.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"marker-heading seeker-place seeker-place-heading\" data-latitude=\"6.837977\" data-longitude=\"81.825172\" data-placeurl=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/CEp7UIA1Z\/arugam-bay-eastern-province-sri-lanka\" data-placeid=\"5791\" class=\"wp-block-seeker-place-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/CEp7UIA1Z\/arugam-bay-eastern-province-sri-lanka\">Post up at Arugam Bay<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/34ab9678-a508-4bda-9201-84e4748fd509-1024.jpg?placeid=5791&amp;name=Arugam%20Bay,%20Arugam%20Bay&amp;lat=6.837977&amp;lng=81.825172\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Arugam Beach, Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If Hiriketiya has whetted your appetite for Sri Lanka surf, then there&#8217;s plenty more to come! Topping the list for many is <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Arugam Bay (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/CEp7UIA1Z\/arugam-bay-eastern-province-sri-lanka\" target=\"_blank\">Arugam Bay<\/a>. Hidden out on the east coast, it swings into high season when the rest of the popular beaches are under monsoon. So, plan your visit for June, July, or August to be greeted with plenty of sun and perfect waves. The most famous is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.yamu.lk\/place\/main-point-arugam-bay\/review-19683\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Main Point<\/a>, which can roll for a whopping 600 meters left to right over the sandbanks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"marker-heading seeker-place seeker-place-heading\" data-latitude=\"7.940338\" data-longitude=\"81.018799\" data-placeurl=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/obT49HacI\/polonnaruwa-north-central-province-sri-lanka\" data-placeid=\"3727\" class=\"wp-block-seeker-place-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/obT49HacI\/polonnaruwa-north-central-province-sri-lanka\">Wander the ruins at Polonnaruwa<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/ee12916d-e0db-4534-b621-502698afd5ba-1024.jpg?placeid=3727&amp;name=Polonnaruwa,%20Polonnaruwa&amp;lat=7.940338&amp;lng=81.018799\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Polonnaruwa, North Central District, Sri Lanka.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Historic <a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/obT49HacI\/polonnaruwa-north-central-province-sri-lanka\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Polonnaruwa (opens in a new tab)\">Polonnaruwa<\/a> and its half-crumbled ruins represent a time more than 800 years in the past, when Sri Lanka was ruled by dynastic kings. The site was established by the Cholas around the 10<sup>th<\/sup> or 11<sup>th<\/sup> centuries and went on to become one of the most important and powerful trading centers before total destruction in 1214. These days, the remains are a <a href=\"https:\/\/whc.unesco.org\/en\/list\/201\/\">UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/a> that&#8217;s a must for any history buffs hitting the island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"marker-heading seeker-place seeker-place-heading\" data-latitude=\"7.957192\" data-longitude=\"80.760025\" data-placeurl=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/yB1pYOJ9c\/sigiriya-fortress-sigiriya-central-province-sri-lanka\" data-placeid=\"5792\" class=\"wp-block-seeker-place-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/yB1pYOJ9c\/sigiriya-fortress-sigiriya-central-province-sri-lanka\">Climb Sigiriya Rock<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/5807c484-ad20-47b0-a942-10766d72dbaf-1024.jpg?placeid=5792&amp;name=Sigiriya%20Fortress,%20Sigiriya&amp;lat=7.957192&amp;lng=80.760025\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Sigiriya Rock, Sigiriya, Sri Lanka.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Ask any culture vulture what&#8217;s on their Sri Lanka itinerary and they&#8217;ll almost always snap back, &#8220;Sigiriya Rock!&#8221; A startling<a href=\"https:\/\/whc.unesco.org\/en\/list\/202\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\"> UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/a> that pokes above the plains in the heart of the island, it was once the great royal capital, founded as far back as 477 AD. The main draw is a 200-meter-high bluff that hosts a huge fortress and court rooms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"marker-heading seeker-place seeker-place-heading\" data-latitude=\"7.965655\" data-longitude=\"80.762177\" data-placeurl=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/bYurlDrhs\/pidurangala-sigiriya-central-province-sri-lanka\" data-placeid=\"5793\" class=\"wp-block-seeker-place-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/bYurlDrhs\/pidurangala-sigiriya-central-province-sri-lanka\">Then climb Pidurangala<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/7090de31-0f99-4817-8a55-571a87b3234a-1024.jpg?placeid=5793&amp;name=Pidurangala,%20Sigiriya&amp;lat=7.965655&amp;lng=80.762177\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Pidurangala Rock, Sigiriya, Sri Lanka.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Sigiriya&#8217;s next door neighbor is another jewel of the region. Known as <a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/bYurlDrhs\/pidurangala-sigiriya-central-province-sri-lanka\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Pidurangala Rock (opens in a new tab)\">Pidurangala Rock<\/a>, it also sports an ancient temple and reclining Buddha. However, the real pull here is the view that&#8217;s achieved of the fortress of Sigiriya across the way. In the morning, trekkers push through zig-zagging staircases carved into the stone to catch awesome vistas of the old kingly palace as the sun rises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"marker-heading seeker-place seeker-place-heading\" data-latitude=\"8.587364\" data-longitude=\"81.21521\" data-placeurl=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/9XRYupwBB\/trincomalee-eastern-province-sri-lanka\" data-placeid=\"5819\" class=\"wp-block-seeker-place-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/9XRYupwBB\/trincomalee-eastern-province-sri-lanka\">Unravel history at Trincomalee<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/9c37bd2d-bae8-4450-88a6-ea9f7996ef05-1024.jpg?placeid=5819&amp;name=Trincomalee,%20Trincomalee&amp;lat=8.587364&amp;lng=81.21521\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Trincomalee, Sri Lanka.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>On the far eastern shoreline of Sri Lanka, the port town of <a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/9XRYupwBB\/trincomalee-eastern-province-sri-lanka\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Trincomalee (opens in a new tab)\">Trincomalee<\/a> hugs the same deep-water harbor that made it a powerful trading port even as early as 400 BC. Watch out for the lines of kaleidoscopic fishing boats and trading vessels that speckle the beach and the quaysides; a testimony to just how important the ocean is in these parts. Another historic POI waits at <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fort_Fredrick\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Fort Fredrick (opens in a new tab)\">Fort Fredrick<\/a>, where the Dutch once encamped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"marker-heading seeker-place seeker-place-heading\" data-latitude=\"8.614863\" data-longitude=\"81.215958\" data-placeurl=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/TqK8MN7MG\/uppuveli-uppuveli-eastern-province-sri-lanka\" data-placeid=\"5821\" class=\"wp-block-seeker-place-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/TqK8MN7MG\/uppuveli-uppuveli-eastern-province-sri-lanka\">Get some R&amp;R in Uppuveli<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/48e2ecd1-739d-4455-a67b-37fc560442b0-1024.jpg?placeid=5821&amp;name=Uppuveli,%20Uppuveli&amp;lat=8.614863&amp;lng=81.215958\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Uppuveli, Sri Lanka.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Don&#8217;t let them tell you that all the best sands are on the south-west side of Sri Lanka. Trincomalee serves as the gateway to the resort area of <a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/TqK8MN7MG\/uppuveli-uppuveli-eastern-province-sri-lanka\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Uppuveli (opens in a new tab)\">Uppuveli<\/a>. Wonderful, white-tinted powder scores the shoreline there. There are charming guest houses with hammocks on their decks, local cookhouses with an endless supply of dal and samosas, and fresh sea breezes guaranteed. Nice, eh?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"marker-heading seeker-place seeker-place-heading\" data-latitude=\"8.456372\" data-longitude=\"80.047638\" data-placeurl=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/vs4ev3VpT\/wilpattu-national-park-sri-lanka\" data-placeid=\"5806\" class=\"wp-block-seeker-place-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/vs4ev3VpT\/wilpattu-national-park-sri-lanka\">Spot encounters in Wilpattu National Park<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/dedd5a14-c0b4-4cbe-94b9-433fa089ebf4-1024.jpg?placeid=5806&amp;name=Wilpattu%20National%20Park,%20&amp;lat=8.456372&amp;lng=80.047638\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Wilpattu National Park, North Western and North Central Provinces, Sri Lanka.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Clutching the north-western edge of Sri Lanka, the colossal <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wilpattunationalpark.com\/\">Wilpattu National Park<\/a> should be relatively easy to reach from Colombo. It&#8217;s also a world apart from the big city. With wetlands and wild forests, freshwater lakes and basins of salt grass, it hosts a mind-boggling array of fauna. You&#8217;ve got mugger crocs and eagles, kites and rat snakes. But, once again, it&#8217;s the leopards that hit the headlines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"marker-heading seeker-place seeker-place-heading\" data-latitude=\"9.674532\" data-longitude=\"80.029442\" data-placeurl=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/gUCPJaLRl\/\u0ba8\u0bb2\u0bcd\u0bb2\u0bc2\u0bb0\u0bcd-\u0b95\u0ba8\u0bcd\u0ba4\u0b9a\u0bbe\u0bae\u0bbf-\u0b95\u0bcb\u0bb5\u0bbf\u0bb2\u0bcd-nallur-kandaswamy-kovil-jaffna-northern-province-sri-lanka\" data-placeid=\"5805\" class=\"wp-block-seeker-place-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/gUCPJaLRl\/\u0ba8\u0bb2\u0bcd\u0bb2\u0bc2\u0bb0\u0bcd-\u0b95\u0ba8\u0bcd\u0ba4\u0b9a\u0bbe\u0bae\u0bbf-\u0b95\u0bcb\u0bb5\u0bbf\u0bb2\u0bcd-nallur-kandaswamy-kovil-jaffna-northern-province-sri-lanka\">Wonder at the vast Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/6e5667ba-8c33-43f8-9e79-96f1eaf63ac4-1024.jpg?placeid=5805&amp;name=%E0%AE%A8%E0%AE%B2%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%B2%E0%AF%82%E0%AE%B0%E0%AF%8D%20%E0%AE%95%E0%AE%A8%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%A4%E0%AE%9A%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%AE%E0%AE%BF%20%E0%AE%95%E0%AF%8B%E0%AE%B5%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%B2%E0%AF%8D%20Nallur%20Kandaswamy%20Kovil,%20Jaffna&amp;lat=9.674532&amp;lng=80.029442\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, Jaffna, Sri Lanka.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Northern Sri Lanka remains largely off the beaten trail for tourists. The area&#8217;s largest town is <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Jaffna (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/VooLmaPrG\/jaffna-northern-province-sri-lanka\" target=\"_blank\">Jaffna<\/a>, which does draw a steady stream of visitors with its unique Tamil culture and religious sites. Perhaps the cream of them is <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/gUCPJaLRl\/%E0%AE%A8%E0%AE%B2%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%B2%E0%AF%82%E0%AE%B0%E0%AF%8D-%E0%AE%95%E0%AE%A8%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%A4%E0%AE%9A%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%AE%E0%AE%BF-%E0%AE%95%E0%AF%8B%E0%AE%B5%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%B2%E0%AF%8D-nallur-kandaswamy-kovil-jaffna-northern-province-sri-lanka\" target=\"_blank\">Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil<\/a>. A hugely important Hindu worshipping spot, it&#8217;s thought to date all the way back to 948 AD. Features include the striking gopuram gateway and large fortification walls.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>They call it the Teardrop of India: Sri Lanka. The island of spice, sun and tea fields. There&#8217;s no doubt [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":25,"featured_media":43140,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":"","_classifai_error":"","_classifai_text_to_speech_error":"","_classifai_text_to_speech_scheduled":false},"categories":[35,118],"tags":[32],"class_list":["post-21652","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-asia","category-sri-lanka","tag-things-to-do"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.3 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>41 of the Best Things to Do in Sri Lanka - Seeker Travel Network<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"They call it the Teardrop of India. 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