City: Sri Lanka
Top Things to do in Sri Lanka
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10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Sri Lanka That You Shouldn't Miss
Coordinates: 7°N 81°E / 7°N 81°E / 7; 81
Restaurants in Sri Lanka
1. Pidurangala Rock
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,445 reviews
Pidurangala is a massive rock formation located a few kilometers north of Sigiriya in Sri Lanka. It has an interesting history closely related to that of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Climbing to the top of Pidurangala Rock is more strenuous than climbing Sigiriya. If you are fit and adventurous it is a climb worth making. It will take you about two hours. There is far less to see on this site than Sigiriya
Reviewed By chrismaanas - Miami, United States
This place is amazing, It is a 30 mins hike, some areas we had to climb rocks, it is not than hard but it is pretty fun, We enter thought a Buddhist temple area, so shoulders, knees should be covered, they provide a silk if you need it. The small temple is nice, with a very strong energy and beautiful painting in the rock wall. On the hiking there are many trees, kind of jungle, another reclining Buddha is close to the top, after the final and more challenging climb, there is an amazing view waiting for you, the impressive Lion rock is there. After you can go a little bit more up and have 360 view, very impressive. People go there for Sunrise and Sunset I bet would be stunning. Note: drones are not allowed.
2. Euphoria Spice and Herbal
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 350 reviews
We offer free Sri Lankan spice and ayurveda tours.Please book in advance for lunch and cookery classes. ( Please note that our restaurant is operated only on reservations). Location:If you are coming from Matale or Kandy, we are located 15km away from Matale in the Dambulla road in the town called "Madawala Ulpotha" infront of Temple Mahamewnawa. If you are coming from Dambulla, we are located 30 km from Dambulla in the Kandy-Dambulla road. We can also be identified as number 88.
Reviewed By gerardl134
We spent there few hours and enjoy every minute???? Visit in spice garden was very interesting and guide demonstrated wide knowledge about plants . Cooking classes are still in our minds... Shall explaind all spices, rules and gave us opportunity to be real part of meal preparation- Finally all was so delicious that our stomaches almost exploded. At the end there was option to buy some spices, teas etc but without pressure that we have to buy something... Recommended place!
3. Elephant Freedom Project
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 521 reviews
Visit us and experience a special elephant encounter which is suitable for young and old, families, couples and single travelers. This is your chance to get a memorable impression of a day in the life of a Sri Lankan captive elephant who is not being used for working nor riding. The small family run Elephant Freedom Project offers refuge, freedom from work and hardship to the elephant Kumari. At the project she is free from working in the riding industry and the wood logging. The Elephant Freedom Project aims to give Kumari a good and safe home, which is made possible thanks to your visit! Booking in advance required.
Reviewed By lucyc832 - Auckland, New Zealand
The Elephant Freedom Project was the first stop in my 10 days in Sri Lanka, and it was the best thing I could have started with! Everything, from the lovely driver who collected me from Negombo - and stopped along the way to get fresh coconuts, to the incredible hosting family and amazing experience with Kumari the elephant, exceeded expectations. Everyone involved in the project is so respectful of the welfare of Kumari and it was beautiful to be able to spend time with an elephant whilst her keeper (the lovely Kumar) was taking her through her daily cleaning, walking and feeding - rather than seeing an elephant be forced to take rides and be in chains. The coordinator Kasun was also so helpful and informative (plus a great photographer) and I learned so much about Kumari along the way. As a solo traveler, I felt so welcomed as part of the family and highly recommend staying the night - even just for the AMAZING food prepared & lovely company of Ananda, Mali and Shashini. Absolute highlight of my trip to Sri Lanka!!
4. Nandana Tea Factory
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 205 reviews
Reviewed By malakag2016 - Kurunegala, Sri Lanka
Experienced orthodox tea manufacturing, a refreshing cup of tea with home made evening snacks and welcoming hosts that really take care of you. There's a huge garden of rare spices and medicinal plants in the back yard where you can walk around freely. It feels like walking inside a huge jungle. Totally awesome place to relax and experience culture.
5. Sinharaja Forest Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 593 reviews
SINHARAJA RAIN FOREST is a world heritage and bio diversity hotspot which is also a major eco tourism destination in Sri Lanka. It is one of the few virgin forests left in the world. This evergreen rain forest, a UNESCO World heritage site, is one of the few virgin rain forests left to date. Damp mysterious and teeming with life, the Sinharaja forest reserve situated 120 KM South East of Colombo, is the last expensive stretch of virgin rainforest on the island. At just over 11000 hectares, line across the wet zone the Southern edge of the hill country, Sinharaja is an ecological treasure trove. It is staggering array of flora and fauna place it among the top bio diversity hotspot in the world. Sinharaja Forest Reserve - A UNESCO world heritage site - encompasses the largest single swath of remaining low land tropical rain forest in the country. Over 130 birds, species are found here including many of the 33 species endemic to the Sri Lanka. There also rich reptile population and myriads of insects species, many yet to be classified. Mammals scenes here including the purple faced langur monkey and the giant squirrel. Sinharaja is also home to the elusive leopard. It is preferable to explore Sinharaja on foot, which makes for the truly authentic jungle experience. Best starting point for visits are Deniyaya Mederipitiya to the East or Kudawa to the North.
Reviewed By malwana - Colombo, Sri Lanka
This is a very big rain forest and in a single tour we can see only a very small area. We stayed in Rainforest Eco Lodge and took the tour from there. There were many leaches but hotel provided us leach socks. Even the small kids around 4 -8 years old joined with us and they too enjoyed the tour.
6. Buduruwagala
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 230 reviews
Buduruwagala is located 5km south of Wellawaya. Literally it means images of Buddha. The complex consists of seven statues and belongs to the Mahayana school of thought. The statues date back to 10 century AD. The gigantic Buddha statue still bears traces of its original stuccoed robe and a long streak of orange suggests it was once brightly painted. The central of the three figures to the Buddha's right is thought to be the Buddhist mythological figure-the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara. To the left of this white painted figure is a female figure in the thrice-bent posture, which is thought to be his consort-Tara.
Reviewed By ajaycmistry
Very well maintained, clean, peaceful. Good place for meditation. Well worth a visit. Really big carvings.
7. Ritigala Forest Monastery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 305 reviews
Reviewed By Sambomb - Colombo, Sri Lanka
it has the largest man made pond, build exclusively for buddhist monk, exceptional architectural design, view from the library was amazing, the rationale to build the library at such a location was outstanding, the toilets, ruins of loo, the technology used back in the day is amazing to learn, it has some of the rarest / tallest trees in the country, the hike was amazing, much better than a usual botanical garden walk, Tip: Take a guide who is from that area, it will be rather boring experience without the guide, it's interesting to learn the history as you explore this monastery.
8. Kandy Garrison Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 557 reviews
Reviewed By LordRay - Kristianstad, Sweden
Very interesting visit. Takes about 5 min to walk from the temple. The cemetery is being handled by a non-profit organization. When we visited there were two older gentleman that gave us a little tour. All is free - but please give em a little contribution for their effort!
9. Mulgirigala Raja Maha Vihara
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 714 reviews
Mulgirigala Is call as small sigiriya . it is situated just 15 KM far from tangalle . one of king was control the big rock long time ago . now its call mulgirigala Rajamaha viharaya.
Reviewed By DTGalle_1 - Sri Lanka, null
It's almost 16km away from Tangalle main city and only half an hour drive to the temple. you can park your vehicle next to the temple and need to climb around 500 steps to the top of the rock where you reach beautiful place you can see morning sunrise and evening sunset both. The temple is more than 150 years old and still it maintaining with good condition. It you're a foreigner you can always hire a guide who will well explain every valuable points. If you are passing by Tangalle this place is must visit
10. Mihintale
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,383 reviews
Reviewed By malithadissa - Negombo, Sri Lanka
According to legend, it was at Mihintale – literally “Mahinda’s Hill” – that the Indian missionary Mahinda, met and converted King Devanampiyatissa in 247 BC, establishing Buddhism as the island’s state religion. Mahinda was the son of the great Mauryan emperor Asoka, sent by his father to bring word of the Buddha’s teachings to Sri Lanka. Buddhism was immediately embraced with fervour by the Sinhalese people and soon became firmly established in the island – unlike in India, its birthplace, where it would subsequently fall into terminal decline. Mihintale, on a higher plane All over the world, high places are given religious significance, with the result that devotees are always climbing steps. Sometimes on their knees. Mihintale is one such place, its various shrines connected by a total of some 1,840 steps that ultimately lead to the summit – steep enough to require deep breaths and a meditative pace. They were built in the reign of Bhathika Abhaya (22 BC–AD 7), although a later paved road provides a short cut up to the first level.there have so many histrionically place in here
