Elephants bathing in the river in Pinnawala

Things to Do

Things to do

Experiences not to miss in Sri Lanka — from whale watching to tea tasting.

Cultural Triangle

Climb Sigiriya Rock

1,270 steps, 1,500 years of history and one of Asia's most spectacular views.

Sigiriya Rock rises 200 m from Sri Lanka's central plain. King Kashyapa built his fortress here in the 5th century — complete with water gardens, frescoes and an entrance shaped like giant lion paws. We start the climb very early to beat the heat and the queues. If you prefer it quieter, Pidurangala offers the same view without the entry fee.

Duration: 3 hours including transfer
Best time to travel: Year-round — best between 6:00 and 8:30

Woman on a train looking out over a green mountain landscape

Hill Country

The train to Ella

Seven hours through tea hills and cloud forests — one of the world's most beautiful train rides.

The Kandy–Ella route is iconic. Blue carriages, open doors, vendors with peanuts and sunrises over Nuwara Eliya. We reserve first-class observation seats for you and make sure you're on the right side (always the right side, facing the direction of travel).

Duration: 7 hours

South

Yala safari for leopards

Block 1 has the world's highest leopard density — and a reward for early risers.

We enter the park with the first jeep at 5:30, when animals are still active and the light is soft. With our long-time naturalists you have a genuine chance of a leopard sighting — alongside elephants, water buffalo and 200 bird species.

Duration: Half-day safari, 5–6 hours
Best time to travel: February to September (peak sighting season)

South

Whale watching off Mirissa

Blue whales year-round, ethical operators and an early sunrise on the water.

Mirissa is one of the world's best spots for blue whale sightings — and an ethical choice if you pick the right operator. We only work with boats that respect minimum distances and don't pursue animals.

Duration: 5 hours, from 6:30
Best time to travel: December to April

South

Wander Galle Fort

A tiny Portuguese-Dutch-British town on the sea — UNESCO World Heritage.

Galle is a curious blend: Dutch townhouses, British administrative buildings, third-generation Muslim families, sourdough cafés. Best in the late afternoon — when the heat drops and the rampart walls glow gold.

Duration: Half-day, 4 hours

Green tea fields in the mountains of Sri Lanka

Hill Country

Visit a working tea factory

From green leaf to finished cup — followed by a tasting of eight grades.

We don't take you to the tourist factory with the souvenir shop. We take you to a small family-run factory in the mountains that has been operating for three generations. You see every step, ask anything, and leave with a 250 g pack of your favourite tea.

Duration: 2 hours