Lonely PlanetAug 20, 2026
18 things to do in Sri Lanka and the best way to do them
See the best of Sri Lanka with our pick of the island
24 things in this story
- Palmyrah RestaurantRestaurantFine dining in Colombo serving savory and sweet hoppers.
- Renuka HotelHotelHome to Palmyrah Restaurant.
- Aunty Radhika's hopper stallRestaurantPopular stall for hoppers in Wellawatta.
- Elsewhere
- Wilpattu National ParkSightNorthwest Sri Lanka, Sri LankaResponsible operator Leopard Trails offers conscientious safaris.
- Leopard TrailsPlaceNorthwest Sri Lanka, Sri LankaResponsible operator for conscientious safaris in Wilpattu.
- Mannar IslandSightMannar, Sri LankaFlamingo season attracts thousands of greater flamingos.
- PidurangalaSightSigiriya, Sri LankaClimb at 5am for sunrise over Sigiriya rock fortress.
- Kaudulla National ParkSightHabarana, Sri LankaIt was designated a national park on April 1, 2002, becoming the 15th such area on the island.
- Minneriya National ParkSightHabarana, Sri LankaThe area was designated as a national park on 12 August 1997, having been originally declared as a wildlife sanctuary…
- Jetwing Vil UyanaHotelSigiriya, Sri LankaOffers nighttime jungle walks to spot slender loris.
- Gan Duwa IslandSightKoggala, Sri LankaVisit to learn about Ceylon Cinnamon production.
- Little Adam’s PeakTrailElla, Sri LankaShorter, popular hike for sunrise views.
- Cafe ChillRestaurantElla, Sri LankaPopular cafe in Ella.
- Flying RavanaPlaceElla, Sri LankaOffers zip-lining trips.
- Pekoe TrailTrailElla, Sri LankaSri Lanka’s longest walking route through tea gardens.
- Nine Arch BridgeSightElla, Sri LankaArchitectural marvel near Ella.
- Thevshi Kutty HoppersRestaurantJaffna, Sri LankaSmall spot for Jaffna-style appam.
- Eco Lodge HaputaleHotelHaputale, Sri LankaFamily-operated campsite with tea garden walks.
- Cliff LodgeHotelHaputale, Sri LankaOff-grid lodge with glass pods for stargazing.
- Mint of the MistRestaurantHaputale, Sri LankaRestaurant run by sons and their mum.
- Bundala National ParkSightHambantota, Sri LankaRamsar-recognized park, excellent for bird-watching.
- Bundala Safari with SrimalPlaceHambantota, Sri LankaTour operator for 4WD safaris in Bundala National Park.
- Kalametiya Bird SanctuarySightHambantota, Sri LankaBoat trip recommended in the evening.
- Nanu OyaSightNuwara Eliya, Sri LankaTrain station for scenic journeys to Ella.
