Guidebooks and internet searches often provide a long list of things to do in Sri Lanka, but these suggestions tend to be similar, not very original, and typically compiled by people or companies that haven’t recently visited the country.
So, what are some unique and lesser-known activities to consider while touring Sri Lanka? Our team of senior travel planners visits Sri Lanka multiple times a year to discover fresh and interesting activities for our custom-made private tours. They search for hidden gems, unique places to stay, and insider tips on destinations and activities. With two of our expert planners just returning from Sri Lanka last month, we’ve compiled a fresh list of some of the best things to do—some secret spots and others known only to a few. Below are 10 lesser-known activities you must experience in Sri Lanka, based on our years of exploration.
Stay in a quintessentially Sri Lankan property
Sri Lanka offers a variety of accommodations, from budget to luxury. However, staying in a quintessentially Sri Lankan property enhances your experience of the country. It offers a private, personal experience, often with exceptional service. Additionally, you can experience unique elements like Sri Lankan food and architecture. This type of accommodation is a fantastic way to start your journey and connect with the country and its people.
Sri Lanka’s architectural style, heavily influenced by Geoffrey Bawa, renowned for Tropical Modernism, is evident in several Bawa-inspired or designed hotels. These stunning properties are a must for travellers passionate about design and architecture. (If you’re interested, we can also arrange a tour of Bawa properties.)
For a taste of true Sri Lankan hospitality, we recommend staying at smaller boutique properties that embrace local design, architecture, and sometimes carry rich histories. Many of these properties are family-owned. Notary’s House in Makandura and Horathapola Estate are two of our top picks. You can also explore other options on our travel blog—6 Hotels Worth Splurging on in Sri Lanka.
Experience real village life
Many commercial tours fail to provide an authentic experience of Sri Lankan village life. We prefer to include genuine village walks in our private tours. These walks allow you to explore small villages with a local guide, witnessing the daily lives of villagers, their challenges, and the warmth of their hospitality. Often, these experiences are offered by the properties or hotels we work with, which introduce guests to nearby villages. Sri Lankans are known for their hospitality, and this is the best way to experience it.
Learn to cook the Sri Lankan way
Sri Lankan cuisine is renowned for its rich and diverse flavours. If you’re concerned about the spice levels, rest assured that many dishes are mild yet full of flavour. For spice lovers, Sri Lankan food offers irresistible heat.
We recently took a cooking class in Kandy and loved the experience. We were pleasantly surprised to learn how simple it was to prepare a traditional Sri Lankan curry! Beginners can start with easy curries like dhal or potato curry, while those seeking more complexity might try chicken curry. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try making hoppers! Many hotels offer cooking lessons, but for an even more exciting experience, some local homes offer independent classes. For more information on cooking classes in Sri Lanka, check out our travel blog about our first-hand cooking experience.
Try street food and Sri Lankan short eats
We encourage you to sample as many Sri Lankan short eats and street foods as possible. These dishes are readily available, clean, and generally safe to eat. Your driver or guide can recommend great places to try in various cities. Local bakeries and eateries frequented by locals are great places to explore. These quick snacks can replace a meal while you’re on the go.
Some of our favourite street foods include:
- Hoppers: A pancake-like dish with crispy edges and a fluffy middle, sometimes topped with an egg.
- Koththu Roti: Chopped thick pancake mixed with vegetables, chicken, egg, and a rich gravy. Watching the chef rhythmically chop it on the grill is part of the fun.
- Vegetable, fish, or chicken rotis: Stuffed with your choice of filling, wrapped in a thick pancake, and grilled for crispy edges.
- Buns: Sri Lankan bakeries offer a wide variety of buns in different shapes, sizes, and flavours. Try the fish bun, tea bun, or coco/kimbula bun.
Mingle with the locals
Interacting with the locals is one of the best ways to truly experience Sri Lanka. Sri Lankans are incredibly friendly, and always ready to invite visitors into their homes. We love stepping into local homes during village walks or stopping by wayside shops in villages.
On one of our recent explorations near Colombo, a kind woman offered us a cup of tea and a variety of Sri Lankan short eats. On another occasion, we watched women craft beautiful brass ornaments—a tradition passed down through generations. We offer various experiences, from village walks to meals in family homes, allowing you to interact with locals in a relaxed, comfortable setting. Taking the time to engage with the people you meet, even briefly, will enrich your journey.
Spend a little time shopping
While Sri Lanka isn’t a major shopping destination, it offers a variety of beautiful items that make excellent souvenirs. In larger cities, you can visit shopping complexes like Odel or Cotton Collection. We also recommend Barefoot and Paradise Road in Colombo, as well as Seyln and Barefoot, which sell Sri Lankan handloom products. For more shopping tips in Colombo, check out our blog on top shopping spots in the city.
Barefoot Colombo
Visit a temple that’s lesser-frequented
Sri Lanka’s local culture is beautifully captured in lesser-known temples that are rarely crowded with tourists. These temples, often located outside the major cities, exude serenity and offer original murals and statues. Watching locals worship in these sacred spaces reveals the simple beauty of Sri Lanka.
Try an upmarket Sri Lankan restaurant
Sri Lanka’s cuisine is gaining recognition, particularly in Colombo, where you can enjoy sophisticated Sri Lankan dining. Elegant restaurants like Culinary Ceylon and Rare at Residence offer modern takes on traditional dishes. We recommend visiting one of these top restaurants during your tour.
Go on a less-visited national park safari
While wildlife safaris are a must in Sri Lanka, we love exploring less-visited national parks where you won’t have to contend with crowds of tourists. Gal Oya National Park and Kumana National Park are two of our favourites. These parks also offer unique accommodation options. For more details on the best national parks for safaris, check out our recent wildlife blog.
Experience breakfast the Sri Lankan way
No trip to Sri Lanka is complete without savouring a traditional Sri Lankan breakfast, more like a brunch. A hearty breakfast might include coconut roti, hoppers, string hoppers, rice, and various curries. Local sweets like lavariya and halapa, along with a cup of Ceylon tea, will complete your meal.
These are just a few of the lesser-known activities we recommend during your Sri Lankan holiday. They complement other well-known attractions and will give you a deeper, more authentic experience of this beautiful country.
If you’d like to learn more or discuss a custom-made private tour of Sri Lanka, contact Sri Lanka Unbound at mail@srilankaunbound.com.au or call toll-free in Australia at 1300 449 709.
