Sri Lanka is one of the most beautiful countries in Asia. If you're looking for an exotic trip full of natural beauty, then Sri Lanka and the Maldives are the perfect destinations for you. In this post, we share 10 things to see in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. With their white-sand beaches, crystal-clear oceans, and breathtaking landscapes, these places are true paradises on Earth. Learn more about these South Asian gems and join one of our group tours (find out more here!).
The landscapes speak for themselves, showcasing an island of wondrous nature. Panoramic views like Adam's Peak and Sigiriya give us a better sense of this, which we can then experience more fully when visiting the tea fields. Immense greenery surrounds us, in a country also known for its beaches, the cuisine of the "Spice Island," and, above all, the friendliness of its inhabitants. And the journey... doesn't end in Sri Lanka, but rather on paradisiacal islands: the neighboring Maldives!
10 Things to Visit in Sri Lanka and the Maldives
1 – A tour of Sri Lanka
What to visit in Sri Lanka? The exotic nature of this country is the guiding principle of this trip: the starting point is the frenetic city of Colombo, heading towards true natural sanctuaries.
Galle could be the next stop, heading south on the island, stopping for a swim at Mirissa Beach. The journey between Kandy and Ella is by train, a lively way to experience various landscapes that accompany us in a cinematic way.
The Dambulla caves are truly unforgettable, as they are so spectacular. The itinerary can then continue on to the traditional village of Hiriwaduna and Minneriya (a well-known National Park where you can see wild animals). Two other scenic spots are also included on the itinerary: Sigiriya and Adam's Peak offer the most beautiful views in Sri Lanka!
2 – The frantic Columbus
It's the starting and ending point for (almost) all trips. Colombo is Sri Lanka's economic capital and home to the important international airport. It's also from here that you can take the beautiful train journey south, often along the beaches and sea.
Colombo became more developed because it was here that commercial exchanges had always taken place, especially with the arrival of the Portuguese, Dutch and English from the 16th to the 20th centuries.
The city has a lot of traffic during rush hour, but it is worth a visit (you can do it by tuk tuk) and at least a stroll along the pleasant seafront.
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3 – Galle and Mirissa
Considered the capital of southern Sri Lanka, Galle is a kind of living museum, where you can find many traces of other peoples who passed through here. Most notable is the European architecture (especially Dutch and its imposing, centuries-old fort) and the very cool, which has been gaining popularity with modern restaurants and small shops offering a variety of commerce, many of which are more focused on the Arts.
If Galle is visiting a picturesque village... Mirissa is one of the best-known and most beautiful beaches in southern Sri Lanka, where diving is one of the most popular activities, as is surfing, etc. It's also from here that boat tours depart for whale and dolphin watching on the high seas!
4 – Ella and Kandy
This is one of the most popular—and beautiful!—train rides in the world.
Surrounded by mountains, Ella is one of the most beautiful villages in Sri Lanka, where tea fields proliferate (since it was called Ceylon, still under colonial rule).
Between Kandy and Ella, travelers enjoy one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. And the Nine Arch Bridge—built by the British in the 19th century—is probably one of the most photographed spots on this route.
Kandy, known as the capital of the mountains—nicknamed the Sacred City—and one of the most sacred Buddhist sites. It's also a place where you can witness cultural dance and theater performances—it's classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is another one of the 10 things to see in Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
5 – Dambulla Cave
It's one of the most impressive places to visit in Sri Lanka. In the city of Dambulla—about 70 km from Kandy—this archaeological treasure, dating back to the 1st century BC, is well hidden. It contains incredible drawings and paintings in five caves with temples and over 150 (!) Buddha statues. This pilgrimage site is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
6 – Animals in freedom
Minneriya National Park is where safaris in Sri Lanka typically take place. Here, you can observe animals in the wild, with dozens of elephant families, spanning nearly 9,000 hectares. In addition to these mammals, which roam freely, you can also spot deer and many bird species. This is another of the 10 things to see in Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
7 – Sigiriya and Adam's Peak
These are two of Sri Lanka's most scenic spots. An ancient fortified city, built in the 5th century on a giant rock, is home to countless legends. In short, Sigiriya has become a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site and is well worth a visit. A fortress once stood here, brimming with innovations far ahead of its time (such as an advanced hydraulic system), decorated with gardens and statues. While the ruins may not fully capture the site's grandeur, the view from this spot is unmissable.
After climbing Sigiriya, the hike continues, this time to Adam's Peak. Adam's Peak is a 2,243-meter-high mountain. There's a relatively easy tourist trail to reach the peak, which offers magnificent panoramic views. Because of this, it's another one of the top 10 things to see in Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
8 – Best time to visit
The rainiest months in Sri Lanka are May through August—but the west coast is the best. The months with the least rain to visit Sri Lanka are December through March, for example, in the south. The weather is always hot but with less rain during these months, despite the tropical climate. Fun fact: the coldest month of the year is June, with an average temperature of 29°C.
9 – Gastronomy
Being the Spice Island, Sri Lankan cuisine naturally features highly spiced dishes. It all comes from various influences from all the nations that have passed through here, including the Portuguese and Dutch. Rice is eaten at every meal and is the main ingredient!
One of Sri Lanka's most typical dishes is Appam (Hoppers), a delicious pancake flavored with coconut (a very common ingredient). They look like a bowl and can be enjoyed with an egg in the middle.
Dhal is made from lentils and is also served at every meal; Kottu or Kottu Roti is a vegetable mix with meat, egg, and bread (roti). And of course, there's always curry!
10 – Maldives
The paradisiacal beaches of the Maldives are, for many travelers, the second leg of a trip to Sri Lanka. After all, they are neighboring countries, separated by "only" a little over an hour by plane. These two destinations complement each other. And while Sri Lanka's beaches are already enchanting... the turquoise blue of the Maldives promises to leave you speechless. With over a thousand coral islands, 26 atolls make this one of the most incredible places in the world. A true paradise!
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