Things You Must Do in Sri Lanka – Serendipity

Surfers usually flock to Arugam Bay from April to October. If you are not a fan of maddening crowds, you can look for inbound tour operators in Sri Lanka to find a few lesser-known surf destinations on your behalf. If whisky point is Arugam Bay’s famous surf point, just 6 kilometres away in Pottuvil offers a pretty great south swell. In the sandy village of Weligama, you can find slightly lethargic, low power waves. In crescent-shaped Mirissa, you can find both right hand and left-hand breaks. Apart from surfing, you’ll find plenty of opportunities at these beaches for leisurely strolls, sunbathing and frolicking in the salty depths. Check out tour operators such as Tangerine Tours to plan your ideal coastal sojourn.

Hidden between pleasantly green tea estates and nature trails, the Nine Arch Bridge is a place of interest of the Ella village. Built during the British colonial era, the bridge is 30 meters high. It is positioned between Ella station and Demodara station. The fastest route to reach the bridge is to walk along the tracks until you reach a tunnel. The bridge is located right after the tunnel. For a more pleasant walk, walk the road leading to little Adam’s peak and go left at the vibrantly coloured temple. Alternately, you can reach the bridge through the jungle and walk into a spot with a stunning view of the bridge. If you are not up for a walk, take a Tuk Tuk for just under 2 USD (Rs 300) and get the driver to drop you near the tunnel.

Galle’s iconic Dutch Fort offers expansive and sublime views of the Indian Ocean. The cobblestoned paths and tiled rooftops of the narrow street inside the fort provide access to trendy cafés, restaurants serving inspired cuisine, art galleries and curio shops. Even a simple walk along these streets will be an evocative experience. You’ll also get to witness well-preserved example of Dutch architecture. The fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Maritime Museum at the Dutch Fort houses a collection that traces Sri Lanka’s past ties with trade from ancient days.

Another UNESCO World Heritage site, Sigiriya is an arresting sight in itself. The frescoes of attractive damsels depicted on its inner walls and the vast mirror wall evoke a sense of the fortress’s ancient glory. There are ponds with working (sometimes) fountains at the top of the rock. Caverns, gardens and pathways surround the outer area. The original inhabitants of the rock fortress, King Kashyapa and his entourage seem to have been led by a creative vision to design a luxurious, well-protected palace adorned with artistic beauty. It takes about 45 minutes to climb the top of the rock. But, exploring the surrounding area is likely to take about 2 hours. If you are planning to climb the rock, leave early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid sun’s harshest rays.