9 experiences you need to try in Sri Lanka

THE Instagram shot you’ll want to get in Sri Lanka.

In 2019, Sri Lanka was hailed as the number one country to visit by Lonely Planet and with a mix of religion and cultures, world-class temples, rich and varied wildlife and an emerging surf scene, it seems like an appropriate choice. Here are 9 experiences you need to try on this Asian island nation.

1. Train ride from Peradeniya to Ella

Take the train from Peradeniya to Ella for one of the world’s most picturesque journeys.

Riding trains is a quintessential Sri Lankan experience that will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Chugging slowly along the hills and valleys, you will be able to enjoy incredible views of the countryside while hanging out the side of the carriage, and the trip from Peradeniya to Ella is known as one of the most scenic in the world. Just be careful when taking a photo.

2. The Temple of the Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha

Located inside the Royal Complex in Kandy, the Temple of the Sacred Toots is considered one of the most important sites in Sri Lanka as it holds the relic of the real tooth of Lord Buddha, believed to have been the deity’s left upper canine.

3. Visit to a local fruit and vegetable market

Venture into any Sri Lankan market and be greeted with the colour and smell of the nation’s rich diversity of flavours. Markets are where locals get the ingredients for the national dish, rice and curry, with some offering cookery demonstrations allowing you to sample incredible Sri Lankan food and find out how to make it yourself. Sri Lankans are known for their abundant use of vegetables in their cooking, and the country formerly known as Ceylon is one of the world’s best destinations for vegetarians and vegans.

4. The Sacred Bo Tree at Anuradhapura

Grown from a cutting brought from Bodhgaya in India, Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, or the Sacred Bo Tree, has stood for over two millennia and is said to be the oldest tree in the world and one that Buddha chose to sit under.

5. Sigiriya

Sigiriya is a must-see in Sri Lanka.

Sigiriya is the country’s most famous attraction. This impressive archaeological site is a rising rock formation surrounded by beautiful jungle, villages and farmland. On its flat-topped summit lies the ruins of an ancient civilisation, thought to be once the epicentre of the kingdom of Kassapa. Climb to the top for jaw-dropping views and to learn about its fascinating history.

6. The historic Portuguese and Dutch Galle Fort

Recognised by UNESCO for it cultural and heritage value, Galle is an old trading port with imposing Dutch-colonial buildings, ancient mosques and churches and grand mansions and museums. Don’t forget to stop by the 16th-century Galle Fort which features a blend of European architecture and South Asian tradition.

7. Uda Walawe National Park

Sri Lanka is packed with national parks, and one of the best to visit is Udawalawe, which is home to the Elephant Transfer Home, an orphanage and rehabilitation centre for orphaned and injured elephants. Go on a trek through the park and you will come across the beautiful creatures in their herds, as well as a high density of bird life. Just make sure to remember your camera, as this is one of the country’s ultimate Instagram hotspots.

8. Tea-covered hills

The tea plantations of Sri Lanka are visually stunning.

Sri Lanka is one of the world’s largest tea producers, and you can see their huge tea plantations which cover miles of hillside in the south. The lush green vegetations on rolling hills is spectacular, and on your visit you can stay in plantation homes, visit the factories where it is processed and partake in Ceylon tea tasting.

9. The unspoilt beaches of Tangalle and Rekwa

With golden sands stretching as far as the eye can see and warm Indian Ocean waters lapping up on the shore, the beach at Tangalle is the perfect place to spend a day in the sun or an evening watching the sun set behind the horizon. Just a couple of kilometres up the coastline, there’s also Rekawa Turtle Beach where you’ll find Rekawa Turtle watch, a marine conservation project which aims to protect this turtle nesting site.

Have you got any recommendations for Sri Lanka? Let me know in the comments!