Travel 2024: Top 7 Things to Do in Sri Lanka

The resplendent island nestled in the Indian Ocean; Sri Lanka is a kaleidoscope of experiences waiting to be explored. Whatever the purpose of your trip, Sri Lanka has something for every traveler. Let's discover the treasures of this charming island nation suggested by Mario Stubbs, CEO of The Serendipity Collection.

1. Gartmore FallsDiscover the magnificent beauty of Gartmore Falls, a hidden gem amidst lush green landscapes. The falls showcase the raw beauty of Sri Lanka's natural landscape and provide a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Feel free to take a refreshing dip in the pristine pools below the falls, or simply relax and soak in the serenity of the surroundings. Gartmore Falls offers a wonderful retreat due to its secluded location and allows nature lovers and adventure seekers to reconnect with nature and relax.
2. Feast on Sri Lankan delicaciesIt's time to delight your palate with Sri Lankan cuisine with a harmonious combination of flavors influenced by centuries of trade and cultural exchange. Local delicacies like Kottu Roti, a tasty stir-fry made with chopped roti, vegetables and meat or seafood, succulent Sri Lankan crabs, cooked with aromatic spices and served with chilli chutney and traditional sweets like Watalappam and Kokis, made with coconut. Milk, jaggery and rice flour are worth trying.
3. Wildlife safari in Yala National ParkYala National Park has one of the highest densities of leopards in the world and is home to several species of elephants and exotic birds, among others. Keep your camera ready at all times to capture sightings of leopards resting in the trees, and also of the park's diverse ecosystems, which range from dense forests to open plains. Your Yala National Park safari tour promises to be an immersive and exciting wildlife experience that will leave you spellbound.
4. Panoramic view from Kandy to EllaHop on a train from Kandy to Ella and look out the window to find lush tea plantations, misty mountains and waterfalls along your journey. Sit back, relax and soak in the nostalgic charm of Sri Lanka's colonial past. Don't forget to hang out outside the train doors to feel the cool mountain breeze and capture perfect photos of the landscape before you.
5. Visit the Pinnawala Elephant OrphanageGet up close and personal with majestic elephants at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, a sanctuary dedicated to the conservation and rehabilitation of these gentle giants. Unlike traditional zoos or wildlife parks, the orphanage focuses on rehabilitation and conservation, allowing the elephants to roam freely and socialize with members of their herd. At the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, you will have the opportunity to observe the bond between elephants and their caretakers, and understand the social dynamics involved.
6. Drink tea in Nuwara EliyaKnown as 'Little England' for its cool climate, colonial architecture and lush tea plantations, Nuwara Eliya offers a quintessential Sri Lankan experience. So, delight in the aroma and taste of freshly brewed Ceylon tea while surrounded by stunning scenery. Take a guided tour of a tea plantation to learn about the tea production process, and don't forget to buy some locally grown tea as a souvenir of your visit to Nuwara Eliya.
7. Visit a turtle farmSupport conservation efforts and learn about marine life at a turtle hatchery along the coast of Sri Lanka. Participate in guided tours to learn about the life cycle of sea turtles, from nesting and hatching to migration and conservation, and about the challenges sea turtles face, including habitat loss, pollution and hunting furtive A visit to a turtle farm is not only educational but also a meaningful way to contribute to marine conservation efforts.

Sri Lanka is therefore a testament to the wonders of the natural world and the richness of human culture. The country welcomes you with open arms, ready to give you adventure, relaxation, cultural immersion, anything. Sri Lanka will truly leave a lasting imprint on your heart and soul.