5 Things You Should Not Skip While Being in Sri Lanka

Planning a trip to Sri Lanka? We’ve got you covered with these things you should definitely try while you are there. From hiking to eating, there are plenty of options. Most importantly, dig deep into the culture and really experience the laidback Sri Lankan lifestyle. In spite of all the hardships they have endured, the local people are happy to host travelers on their island of serendipity.

* Climb to the top of Sigiriya

Sigiriya is a rock outcrop in the middle of the dry Sri Lankan forest in the Central Province. On top of the rock are the remains of an ancient fortress. Around the rock are gardens and pools decorating the base, leading visitors to a set of stone stairs that reach a plateau where a lion’s paws open up to another metal staircase to climb all the way up to the fortress. Soak up the views surrounding the Sigiriya. Halfway up the rock, there are wall paintings of beautiful Sri Lankan women. Spend the night in style in the Central Province at Hotel Sigiriya.

* Have an Ayurvedic Experience

Ayurveda is the natural medicine of excellence in Sri Lanka and India. Aromatherapy, herbal remedies and oil massage are all part of the Ayurvedic healing process. In the highlands of Sri Lanka there is an Ayurvedic paradise called Santani where visitors can have a full body and mind experience. The Santani Wellness retreats are blissful getaways with days full of yoga, meditation and Ayurvedic healing.

* Visit a tea plantation

Sri Lanka and tea are synonymous. The Central highlands of the island are called tea country. Rolling tea plantations are spotted with waterfalls and groups of women plucking leaves to be taken to the tea factories at the top of the hills. Best way to visit a tea plantation is to stay overnight in one of the boutique hotels like Ceylon Tea Trails. Learn about the different kinds of tea by visiting a factory and tasting all the varieties. Drive along the roads in tea country and see how the pluckers have collection stations where the tea is weighed and taken to the factories.

* Ride the train through the hill country

Train rides are not only for commuting. The train through the hill country of Sri Lanka is one of those memorable rides that travelers can never forget. Up and down mountains, through plenty of tunnels, in between ancient eucalyptus trees and through the mist. The train ride to Nuwara Eliya is one nobody should miss when visiting Sri Lanka. Get your ticket on the same day you wish to travel, to make sure you get the right one. Ask a couple of people to confirm the platform that the train will depart from and be mindful of the open doors!

* Catch a cricket match

Cricket is the national sport of Sri Lanka. It’s also a loved sport by lots of other nationalities. So why not catch a cricket match while on the island? There are always tournaments and games going on, some local, some international. Check out the Sri Lankan cricket website for up-to-date information. Apart from professional cricket, you can catch local kids playing cricket on any of the fields!