Things to Do in Sri Lanka: 13 Sights with Costs

Quick answer

The best things to do in Sri Lanka are climbing Sigiriya Rock, the Dambulla cave temples, the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, the Kandy–Ella train, Nine Arches Bridge, a safari in Yala or Udawalawe, and a walk around Galle Fort. Indian travellers often add the Ramayana trail near Nuwara Eliya. Major sites cost about ₹2,600–3,200; temples a few hundred rupees.

13 things worth your time in Sri Lanka

01
Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Landmark
A 5th-century palace on top of a 200 m rock, with frescoes and the Lion's Paw gate on the way up. About 1,200 steps, and the view over the forest is a highlight of most trips.
3 hoursAbout ₹2,600–3,200 (USD 30–36) for foreign adults
Start at 7 am to beat the heat and the crowds. Nearby Pidurangala Rock gives the classic view of Sigiriya itself for a small fee.
02
Dambulla Cave Temple
Landmark
Five caves holding more than 150 Buddha images under painted ceilings — a UNESCO site and an easy stop between Sigiriya and Kandy.
1–1.5 hoursAbout ₹580 (LKR 2,000)
Cover shoulders and knees and carry socks — the stone is hot underfoot by noon.
03
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy
Landmark
Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist shrine, said to hold a tooth of the Buddha. The evening puja with drummers is the best time to go.
1.5–2 hoursAbout ₹580–870 (LKR 2,000–3,000)
White or light clothing is customary, and the evening puja starts around 6:30 pm.
04
Kandy–Ella train
Experience
One of the world's most scenic rail journeys, past tea estates, tunnels and waterfalls. Open doors in second and third class make it a photographer's favourite.
6–7 hoursReserved seats about ₹290–1,000 (LKR 1,000–3,500)
Reserved seats sell out weeks ahead in season — book as soon as your dates are fixed.
05
Nine Arches Bridge and Little Adam's Peak, Ella
Nature
A colonial-era stone viaduct in the tea hills and an easy 45-minute walk to a ridge-top viewpoint.
Half dayFree
Ask at the cafés near the bridge for the next train time and arrive 15 minutes early.
06
Ramayana trail near Nuwara Eliya
Landmark
Seetha Amman Temple at Seetha Eliya is believed to mark Ashok Vatika, where Sita was held. Hakgala Botanical Garden and Ravana Falls near Ella are on the same trail.
Half dayFree; small donations
Ask your driver to add Munneswaram and Divurumpola temples if Ramayana sites are the focus.
07
Yala or Udawalawe safari
Nature
Yala has one of the highest leopard densities anywhere; Udawalawe all but guarantees elephants and is less crowded. Jeeps leave at dawn and mid-afternoon.
Half dayAbout ₹5,000–9,000 per person, sharing a jeep
Yala's main block usually closes for part of September and October; Udawalawe stays open.
08
Galle Fort
Landmark
A Dutch-fortified 17th-century town and UNESCO site, with ramparts, a lighthouse, churches, cafés and boutiques. Walk the walls at sunset.
Half dayFree
Avoid the midday heat; cafés inside the fort serve good vegetarian food.
09
Whale watching, Mirissa
Nature
Blue whales, sperm whales and spinner dolphins are seen off the south coast from about November to April.
4–5 hoursAbout ₹3,500–6,200 (USD 40–70)
Seas can be rough, so take seasickness tablets and choose an operator that respects distance rules.
10
Polonnaruwa ancient city
Landmark
The 11th–12th-century royal capital, best explored by bicycle. Gal Vihara's Buddha figures carved from a single granite face are the highlight.
3–4 hoursAbout ₹2,600–3,100 (USD 30–35)
Buy the ticket at the museum near the entrance before cycling in.
11
Minneriya or Kaudulla elephant safari
Nature
From about July to October, large herds gather to graze around shrinking reservoirs. An easy afternoon add-on from Sigiriya.
3 hoursAbout ₹3,500–6,000 per person, sharing a jeep
Let your driver choose the park — herds move between Minneriya and Kaudulla week to week.
12
Colombo: Gangaramaya Temple and Galle Face Green
Landmark
An eclectic temple-museum near Beira Lake, then evening street food on the seafront Galle Face Green.
Half dayGangaramaya about ₹150–300; Galle Face free
Colombo works best as a last evening before your flight, not a full sightseeing day.
13
Tea factory visit
Experience
Estates around Nuwara Eliya and Ella show the plucking-to-packing process and serve a cup of fresh Ceylon tea.
1 hourFree or a small fee
Buy tea at the factory rather than in airport shops.

How to plan your Sri Lanka sightseeing

Sri Lanka packs a lot into a small island, but roads are slow: 100 km can take three hours. Most first trips follow a loop — the airport at Negombo or Colombo, the Cultural Triangle (Sigiriya, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa), Kandy, the hill country (Nuwara Eliya, Ella), a safari and the south coast. A private car with driver is the norm for Indian families and costs far less than in Europe or Southeast Asia.

What do entry fees cost?

The big archaeological sites charge foreigners in US dollars — about USD 30–36 for Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa. SAARC nationals have at times been offered a lower rate at some Cultural Triangle sites, so carry your passport and ask at the counter. Temples charge LKR 1,000–3,000 or ask for a donation.

Which experiences suit which travellers?

Families with parents: the Kandy temple, Dambulla, tea estates and an Udawalawe safari, which involves a shorter drive than Yala.
Honeymooners: the Ella train, Galle Fort at sunset and a south-coast beach stay.
Pilgrims: the Ramayana trail around Nuwara Eliya, plus Munneswaram and Koneswaram temples.

The Ella train is the experience people most often fail to book. Reserved seats sell out in season, so fix your train date first and build the route around it.

Plan the rest of your trip

Pick the right side of the island for your month with the best time to visit Sri Lanka. Our 7-day Sri Lanka itinerary joins these sights into a realistic loop, the Sri Lanka trip cost guide covers drivers and fees, and the Sri Lanka food guide helps vegetarians eat well.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need to see Sri Lanka?

Seven days covers Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya or Ella, and one beach or safari stop at a comfortable pace. Ten days lets you add both Yala and the south coast. Five days is enough for Kandy and the Cultural Triangle only — drop the south coast rather than rush.

Is the Sigiriya climb difficult?

It is about 1,200 steps, some on narrow metal staircases fixed to the rock, and takes 1.5–2 hours up and down. Fit seniors manage it slowly in the cool morning. Anyone with vertigo or knee problems can stop at the Lion's Paw terrace or enjoy the view from the gardens below.

Are there Ramayana sites in Sri Lanka?

Yes. Indian travellers visit Seetha Amman Temple near Nuwara Eliya, linked to Ashok Vatika, along with Hakgala Botanical Garden, Ravana Falls near Ella, Divurumpola temple and Munneswaram near Chilaw. Most can be woven into a standard Kandy–Nuwara Eliya–Ella route with a private driver.

How we checked this page

Last reviewed 28 October 2026

Written and fact-checked by the Elitech Travels editorial desk in New Delhi, drawing on our consultants' day-to-day booking work and the official sources below. Rules, fares and fees change — always confirm anything critical with the issuing authority before you travel. Our editorial policy.