5 Incredible Things to Do on Your Holiday in Sri Lanka
Photo by Road Trip with Raj on Unsplash
Whether your idea of a pleasant and relaxing holiday is lounging on a deserted beach and soaking up the sun, or you would like it to be more active as you explore new cultures, historic cities and be delighted by exemplary island cuisine, the tiny island of Sri Lanka is where you can do all that and more.
Listed below are a few incredible activities for your next holiday on this serendipitous island:
1. Relax on the golden beaches of Weligama
The southern coastal town of Weligama is famous for its soft sandy beaches stretching for miles dotted with tall coconut palms offering some shade for the sun-seekers on holiday.
Situated 30 minutes away from the Galle heritage city, this rural scenic beach town offers stunning panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and is a favourite destination for iconic sunsets.
2. Discover Sri Lankan cuisine in a hosted culinary experience
Sri Lankan cuisine is raved about for its rich flavour profiles enriched by layers of spices and herbs used in the elaborate cooking process. The only means of wrapping your head around Sri Lankan cuisine is to fully immerse yourself in the behind the scenes of this culinary journey under the guidance of a local food expert.
Photo by Resplendent Ceylon
The celebrated Chef Vinnol of Cape Weligama does just that in the hosted culinary experience offered at the luxury resort. He provides a detailed exploration as he dives into the technicalities of producing an authentic Sri Lankan meal describing the varying techniques, recipes and flavours used within.
This 2 hour long hosted dining experience enables guests to get behind the chef's stoves and be involved in the entire process of putting together a gastronomical delight.
3. Hike Little Adam's Peak for a spectacular sunset in the mountains
The benefit of travelling to this tiny tropical island nation is the proximity to diverse landscapes spread out in every direction. From rich nature reserves packed with vibrant flora and fauna to mountainous regions hidden away in the central highlands, adventurous travellers have plenty of activities to do, from visiting waterfalls to heading on scenic treks. If you crave more of an adrenaline surge, consider taking the Ravana Zipline in Ella.
Ella is a famous tourist town in the Badulla district nestled away in the emerald green mountaintops. Little Adam's Peak is one of its more popular hiking destinations. It's a short hike of moderate difficulty, which takes about one hour to reach the summit. Plan to be at the peak at sunset for some fantastic views of the surrounding landscape.
4. Explore the ruins of an ancient royal palace complex in Sigiriya
Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress in the Matale district of Sri Lanka that dates back to the fifth century AD. This remarkable ancient ruin site is named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was built by King Kassapa I as his Palace in the Sky.
Atop the rock that stands towering over its surroundings lies the ruins of his extravagant construction, which to date baffles architects and engineers the world over. Access to the site is provided through a stairway cradled in two gigantic lion paws carved out of the rock. Sigiriya is home to some of the oldest landscaped gardens in the world that surround the rock.
5. Feel the rush as you engage in some water sports
With its abundant beaches, there is no end to the number of water sports you can engage in during your stay on the island. Surfing is one of the more popular beach sports, with Arugambay and Passikuda offering some of the best swells to surf during the high season from June to October. Weligama bay is another great destination for beginner surfers to catch some waves and hone their skills.
Scuba diving is popular around Trincomalee, Hikkaduwa and Unawatuna, where you may find a number of diving centres to rent out your gear as well as to take a few lessons and obtain your PADI certification.
