15 Things to Do in Sri Lanka That Indian Travelers Often Overlook

Sri Lanka is a gem for explorers, offering a perfect blend of pristine beaches, rich culture, and scenic beauty. While most people explore popular attractions like Sigiriya Rock or Yala National Park, there are numerous hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path experiences that often go unnoticed.

If you're an Indian traveler looking for a unique Sri Lankan adventure, here are 15 amazing things to do that you might just be overlooking!

Hidden Gems of Sri Lanka: 15 Must-Do Experiences Indian Travelers Miss!

1. Explore Jaffna’s cultural heritage

Indian tourists often overlook the northern city of Jaffna, which boasts a unique Tamil culture. This culturally rich area offers Hindu temples, colonial-era forts, the Jaffna archaeological museum and traditional Jaffna cuisine.

Insider tip: Visit the Nallur Kandaswamy Temple for a spiritual experience.

Cultural highlight: Jaffna’s cuisine includes signature dishes like "Jaffna Crab Curry," which has unique Tamil flavors you won’t find elsewhere in Sri Lanka.

2. Visit Delft Island

Image Credit: Amila Tennakoon | Flickr

A short ferry ride from Jaffna takes you to Delft Island, one of the most remote islands of the country, where wild horses roam freely, and remnants of Dutch colonial history stand tall.

Don’t miss: The famous Baobab tree, believed to be around 1,000 years old.

Unique feature: Delft Island is home to coral fences, a rare sight where coral stones are used as building materials for boundary walls.

3. Hike to the Knuckles Mountain Range

While many tourists head to the famous Adam’s Peak, Indian travelers often overlook the Knuckles Mountain Range, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This area is perfect for hiking, offering stunning landscapes and biodiversity.

Why it’s special: Fewer crowds and mesmerizing views of tea plantations and dense forests. You can even hike to Corbet's Gap, one of the most scenic view points in Sri Lanka.

Cultural highlight: The region is known for ancient village settlements where indigenous agricultural practices are still in use in tea plantations today.

Also read: Top 15 Tourist Places in Sri Lanka You Must Visit in 2023

4. Discover the ancient Kingdom of Polonnaruwa

Although Anuradhapura gets much of the attention, Polonnaruwa, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, is just as impressive. The well-preserved ruins of temples, palaces, and statues will transport you back in time.

Insider tip: Rent a bike from one of the numerous facilities nearby to explore the vast area efficiently.

Unique feature: The Gal Viharaya rock temple showcases giant Buddha statues, each carved from a single granite slab—an incredible feat of ancient engineering.

5. Experience the Ritigala Forest Monastery

This ancient monastery, nestled in a dense jungle, offers an eerie and magical atmosphere. Unlike the more touristy temples, Ritigala remains serene and uncrowded.

Fun fact: The monastery’s ruins are believed to be over 2,300 years old.

Cultural highlight: Local legends associate Ritigala with the Ramayana, where it is said Hanuman once sought medicinal herbs from these forests.

6. Go whale watching in Trincomalee

Whale watching is often associated with Mirissa, but Trincomalee offers an equally exciting experience with fewer tourists. You can spot blue whales, sperm whales, and even dolphins.

Best time to visit: April to September, when whales in the region are most active and likely to be spotted.

Unique feature: Trincomalee boasts one of the world’s largest natural deep-water harbors, which has attracted naval fleets for centuries.

Also read: 10 Food Items That You Must Try While In Sri Lanka

7. Relax at Arugam Bay

Located on the southeastern coast of Sri Lanka, Arugam Bay is a surfer's paradise, but Indian travelers often miss out on its laid-back beach vibes and vibrant local scene.

Don’t miss: Pottuvil Lagoon, where you can spot wildlife like crocodiles and elephants.

Cultural highlight: Nearby villages host traditional fishing communities where visitors can witness old fishing techniques being practiced at dawn.

8. Take a train ride through Ella

The train journey from Kandy to Ella is often touted as one of the most scenic train rides in the world and many Indian tourists look forward to it. This slow train weaves through lush tea plantations, mountains, and waterfalls.

Pro tip: Absolutely do not forget to book a window seat for unbeatable views.

Unique feature: The Nine Arch Bridge in Ella, along the railway, is a masterpiece of colonial-era construction, built entirely without steel.

9. Climb Little Adam’s Peak

While Adam’s Peak is more famous, Little Adam’s Peak in Ella offers a less strenuous hike with equally breathtaking views. The trail is much quieter and offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding countryside.

Why it’s great: Perfect for travelers looking for a quick but rewarding hike.

Cultural highlight: The surrounding area is filled with stories of ancient Sri Lankan kings, adding historical intrigue to the hike.

10. Explore the tea plantations in Haputale

Most Indian travelers stick to Nuwara Eliya for tea plantation tours, but Haputale offers a more tranquil and authentic experience. Visit the famous Lipton’s Seat, where Sir Thomas Lipton used to sit and admire his tea empire.

Insider tip: Stop by Dambatenne Tea Factory, the largest and oldest tea factory in Sri Lanka, for a guided tour on tea processing.

Unique feature: Haputale is home to rare cloud forests, creating an otherworldly misty atmosphere that blankets the hills in the early morning.

Also read: 10 Must Visit Beaches in Srilanka - 2024

11. Take a tuk-tuk ride Around Galle Fort

While many tourists explore Galle Fort by foot, renting a tuk-tuk allows Indian travelers to navigate the charming cobbled streets more efficiently and discover hidden spots.

Insider tip: Visit the Maritime Museum for fascinating exhibits on Sri Lanka’s maritime history.

Cultural highlight: Galle Fort houses remnants of Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial rule, blending architecture from three different empires.

12. Safari at Wilpattu National Park

While Yala National Park is more famous, Wilpattu offers a quieter and more intimate safari experience. It’s home to Sri Lanka’s elusive leopards, sloth bears, and an array of bird species.

Why visit: Wilpattu has a more remote and wilderness feel, making it ideal for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.

Unique feature: The park’s namesake, "Willus," are natural lakes that support a diverse range of wildlife, adding to its tranquil beauty.

13. Visit the Independence Memorial Hall in Colombo

This often-overlooked site commemorates Sri Lanka’s independence from British rule in 1948. The architecture is impressive, and the park surrounding the hall is a peaceful spot to relax or have a picnic.

Why visit: An immersive way to learn more about Sri Lanka’s modern history through guided tours of the museum or watching cultural events like traditional dance performances etc. held there.

Cultural highlight: The building’s design is inspired by ancient royal audience halls from the Kingdom of Kandy, symbolizing national pride.

14. Explore Kalpitiya’s Lagoon

Kalpitiya is a hidden gem for water sports enthusiasts. The area is ideal for kitesurfing, snorkeling, and dolphin watching, yet remains under the radar for most Indian tourists.

Insider tip: Plan your visit during the dolphin-watching season from November to March.

Unique feature: Kalpitiya is known for its flourishing bar reef, one of Sri Lanka's largest and most pristine coral reef systems.

15. Relax at Tangalle’s secluded beaches

For weary travelers seeking a quiet escape, Tangalle offers some of the most beautiful and unspoiled beaches in Sri Lanka. Unlike the busy beaches of the west coast, Tangalle’s coastline is pristine and peaceful.

Why visit: Ideal for relaxation, sunbathing, and picturesque views.

Cultural highlight: Tangalle's beachfront is dotted with local fishing communities that have maintained traditional techniques for centuries. Interact with them to get a more personal insight into their communities.

Also read: 7 days itinerary for Sri Lanka: Planning Budget and More!

Sri Lanka is more than just its popular, touristy attractions; it’s a country full of hidden gems and lesser-known experiences that Indian travelers often overlook. From the tranquil tea plantations of Haputale to the wild landscapes of Wilpattu National Park, this island offers countless opportunities to create unique and unforgettable memories. So, the next time you visit Sri Lanka, go beyond the usual tourist spots and discover the hidden treasures that await you!