Amazing things you MUST add to your bucket in Sri Lanka - Something for everyone!

Wildlife lovers will find Sri Lanka to be a paradise as the country is teeming with a wide, rich variety of wild animals. Embark on exciting safaris and look for leopards, elephants, sloth bears and more! Parks such as Yala National Park, Minneriya National Park and Kumana National Park are some of the most popular for animal sightings. Yala National Park is known to be home to the largest populations of wild leopards, which gives you a great opportunity to spot these elusive beasts. “The Gathering”, the iconic meeting of wild elephants takes places at Minneriya National Park. Kumana National Park is less popular compared to the aforementioned, but is a great location for spotting wildlife. Other species also common to these parks include peacocks, deer, crocodile wild boars and more! Jetwing Yala and Wild Coast Tented Lodge, located in close proximity to Yala National Park are great options for those interested in looking for leopards. Jetwing Yala’s sister property; Jetwing Vil Uyana for safari tours to Minneriya National Park.

Did you know that Sri Lanka is the only country in the world where you can witness the largest mammal on land and in the sea? Once you’re done marvelling at the gentle giants at Minneriya National Park, head over to Mirissa for a whale and dolphin watching safari, where you can look out for the glorious blue whale, amongst other whale types and dolphins, which includes sperm whale, pilot whale, spinner dolphin, bottlenose dolphin and more. The peak season for whale and dolphin watching in Mirissa is between November to April.

The island has a number of sacred temples from the Sri Dalada Maligawa to the historic Dambulla Cave Temple. Sri Dalada Maligawa, commonly referred to as The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is believed by Buddhists to hold the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha.

Stretches of pristine shores kissed by blue waters of the Indian Ocean and lined by swaying palm trees are one of the main reasons to visit Sri Lanka. It’s hard to list down one spectacular beach in the country, as this island is basically bordered with beautiful beaches, whether you’re in the north, south, east or west!

Sri Lanka has become a surfing paradise, with many surfing enthusiasts heading to the coastal towns of Mirissa, Arugam Bay, Hikkaduwa and Trincomalee to test and ride the ginormous waves of the Indian Ocean. Although the aforementioned are mostly ideal for amateurs and professionals, beginners who wish to learn this adrenaline pumping water sport can try out the waves at Weligama Bay; a popular beach for surfing beginners, as the waves are soft and gentle. There are numerous surf schools located on the golden sands offering board rentals and instructors by the hour. Do note that the best season for surfing in the east of the island (which includes Trincomalee and Arugam Bay) are between the months of April to October, while surfing in the southern beaches of Mirissa and Hikkaduwa are ideal from end September until May. Cape Weligama is a hop, skip and a jump away from the sea. As a plus point, watch the sunrise and sunset from their pool!

Prepare yourself for views of green mountains of tea, cascading waterfalls and cold weather! The most popular mountains to hike to are; World’s End, Adam’s Peak (although this is mostly a pilgrimage site), Little Adam’s Peak, Knuckles Mountain Range, Ella Rock, World’s End is located inside Horton Plains National Park; home to a wide range of wildlife! Ella Rock and Little Adam’s Peak is located in Ella. The view from both mountains are spectacular and is considered to be a fairly easy hike compared to a hike up the Knuckles Mountain Range.

Head to the misty mountains of tea in Nuwara Eliya, Hatton, Ella (to name a few!) and chase waterfalls while hiking past endless tea estates. Some of the most popular waterfalls to look out for are Diyaluma Falls, Dunhinda Falls and Bambarankanda Falls; these are however the more popular falls. Ceylon Tea Trails offers a unique experience of staying inside a tea planter’s bungalow while also offering tea tours!