Our top Sri Lanka experiences (that no guidebook tells you)
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Hi Reader, What is the first thing that comes to mind when visiting Sri Lanka? We can probably guess the answer, was it the beaches, or climbing Sigiriya Rock? Visiting ancient ruins and stunning temples? Well, there is way more things to do, that the typical tourist hotspots. After 15+ years of visiting Sri Lanka, we have done all that, we have climbed Sigiriya Rock, relaxed on a few incredible beaches on the south coast of the island, and visited many beautiful temples. But we have also discovered some incredibly unique things to do, that's a little off the beaten path and where some visitors completely miss. These are a few of our favourite unique Sri Lankan experiences: 1 – Climbing Pidurangala RockMost tourists will have Sigiriya Rock in their itinerary. And yes, we love climbing it, to the point that we have climbed Sigiriya Rock twice and would do it again. Another alternative we would highly recommend is Pidurangala Rock. Within just a short distance of Sigiriya, the steep climb to the top, is far quieter, but also a lot cheaper and is incredibly rewarding. From the top, you get the most incredible views of Sigiriya Rock and if you climb during sunrise of sunset, you'll be rewarded with golden light dancing across the landscape. There is definitely something magical about watching the mist lift over the jungle as the world slowly wakes up. So don’t write Sigiriya Rock off altogether, just include both in your itinerary. They are so close to each other, that you can see them both from each climb. You'll find this guide on how to climb Pidurangala Rock helpful. 2 – Spot leopards on safari in one of Sri Lanka’s National ParksIt is everyone's dream to see elephants in Sri Lanka, but the ultimate thrill is going on safari and trying to spot the shy leopard. Yala National Park offers the highest density of leopards in Sri Lanka, so you’ll have a better advantage of spotting one. Although not guaranteed. Our heart skipped a beat, when the leopard walked right out in front of us on our safari. However, Yala National Park is by far the busiest. If you want to avoid the crowds, visit Udawalawe National Park, Minneriya National Park, Wilpattu National Park, or any other park. You’ll still see plenty of wildlife and a higher chance of spotting large numbers of elephants. This guide is helpful with planning your safari at Yala National Park or you could try any of these fabulous National Parks in Sri Lanka. 3 – Release baby turtles This isn’t just cute, but a memory that will last a lifetime. Helping to release baby turtles, will make you feel connected to the planet in a way that photos just can’t capture. The best place for releasing turtles are on the south coast of Sri Lanka. Pro tip: Always book with a company that is ethical and will respect the turtles and wildlife. 4 – Go hiking Head into the misty hills with a one of many fabulous hikes in Sri Lanka. Dive into the Knuckles Mountain Range, of do a shorter hikes in Ella. It’s remote, wild and full of hidden gems, waterfalls, endemic wildlife, and more. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a world untouched by tourism.
Sri Lanka is packed with plenty of adventure, the kind that makes your trip truly yours. And the best part? These moments aren’t about crowds or checklists, they’re about discovering something new and off the beaten path. We’re curious! Which of these unique experiences would top your Sri Lanka bucket list? Hit reply and let us know. We would love to hear your travel dreams and sometimes we get inspired by you too. Bonus: If you want to uncover some of the best things to do in this beautiful island, we’ve got just the thing. This guide on best places to visit in Sri Lanka, will help you dive deeper into the island and help you plan your Sri Lanka with ease. Latest blog post:
Happy travelling Bev & Shams Email: bev@bevandshams.com Website: www.bevandshams.com Grab our FREE Ultimate Travel planner – start planning smarter and travelling more, without breaking the bank! Useful links:Resources: www.bevandshams.com/travel-resources/ |
Bev & Shams Adventures
We’re Bev & Shams, a travel-loving couple who’ve mastered the art of exploring new destinations while working full-time. We’re here to help you make the most of your time and budget, so you can travel more and stress less.