While travelling, there’s no better way to learn more about the culture and lives of locals than by immersing yourself in more experiences distinct to the country you’re in. Apart from tourist attractions, these are places where you can engage first-hand by trying things out for yourself or simply communicating with the locals. Here are some authentic Sri Lankan experiences you should not miss once you get here!
Join a Tea and Herb Tour
If you happen to only be in Colombo and are not able to visit the tea plantations in the countryside, fret not! There are plenty of companies that will bring you for a tour near the capital. Some offer a private tour or if you prefer otherwise, you can check this out! Find out more about the different flavours of Ceylon tea before ending the tour with a high-tea where you’ll get to enjoy some delicious food and desserts.
Apart from that, you’ll also get the chance to visit a family-owned workshop to learn more about the common local grown herbs, spices and teas as well as the process of tea production from gathering to grading and refining tea leaves. Before leaving with your very own tea mix, there will be a little blind tea test where you can put your newly gained knowledge on the various Ceylon teas to the test!
Stroll through Galle City
The city of Galle is littered with ancient mosques, churches and grand mansions - the peak of historical architecture. Take a walk around and be sure to check out the cafés, boutiques and restored hotels. When in Galle, here are some things worth paying a visit!
The first is Galle Fort, otherwise known as Dutch Fort, which was first constructed by the Portuguese in the 16th century before being revived by the Dutch in the 17th century. Apart from the shops and cafes at the fort, do check out the lighthouse and Historical Mansion Museum to learn more about Galle’s history.
The Galle National Museum displays artefacts depicting the eras of civilization. It provides you with more information and knowledge about Sri Lanka’s history such as the Anuradhapura Kingdom which dates back to the 4th century B.C.
The museum is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm and the entrance fee is RS35 for adults!
Another must-see attraction is the Japanese Peace Pagoda, located on Rumassala Hills with amazing views of the ocean. This massive white structure, constructed just in 2004, is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Galle. We’d recommend visiting during sunset as its magnificent views are one you cannot miss.
The Japanese Peace Pagoda is open daily from 7 am to 9 pm!
Next, the Dutch Reformed Church is one of the most popular places in Sri Lanka. The church is also known as Groot Church and it’s architecture dates back to centuries ago. Feel free to hire a guide or otherwise, roam the holy ground on your own.
The church is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm and the entrance fee is INR120 for adults!
Bathe in the Keerimalai Hot Springs
This natural wonder is a spring next to the sea of Palaly with its surrounding walls separating it from the ocean. Though next to the sea, the water here is fresh, coming in from an underground water spring in Tellippalai, Maviddapuram. Located in Jaffna, the hot spring is popular among Hindus as they believe it holds inexplicable miraculous powers as written in local folklore. If you’d like some quiet time to yourself, you might have to reach the springs early in the morning to beat the crowd.
Pop by a casino in Colombo
The nightlife in Colombo is up and coming and if you want to find out more about the bars and clubs in Colombo, check out our other article here! Otherwise, there are many casinos in Colombo where you can try your luck at common games such as Blackjack or Poker. Bellagio Casino is popular among both locals and tourists as it mostly caters towards middle-class visitors. It is also named the leading gaming joint in Colombo.
Bally’s casino, the biggest casino in Colombo, has been around for an extremely long time. It has also earned a well-respected name for itself amongst the various other casinos in the city. On the other hand, Continental Club is popular among tourists. The casino has been running for 18 years and has a more chilled out atmosphere as compared to the rest of the casinos. This casino serves an array of international cuisine due to its’ international guests.
Visit the Royal Palace of Kandy
The Royal Palace of Kandy was the royal residence of the Sinhalese monarchy of the Kingdom of Kandy. The last king to reside there was King Sri Vikrama Rajasiha until the British colonisation in 1815. It was the last royal palace built in the country with massive grounds that include the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and the Magul Maduwa, the royal conference hall.
Today, only a part of the palace remains, now being called the National Museum of Kandy instead. By visiting the museum, you can learn about the history of Kandy before and after the British invasion.
Get a tattoo
Lastly, art is a rising scene in Sri Lanka. If you’re feeling a little daring or just finding a way to mark your incredible trip, you can get a tattoo by some of the country’s best tattoo artists. Here are our top 3 highly recommended parlours with the first being Tattoo Paradise, also known as the best tattoo studio in South Asia. The parlour is owned by Nirmal and his former apprentice Ashan, who both focus on stylish, modern tattoos.
Tattoo Paradise is open from Mondays to Saturdays from 10 am to 7 pm!
Breaking from his brother’s shop, Tattoo Ceylon is owned by Yasheera. He specialises in old school, new school, Maori, tribal, shading, biomechanical style of tattooing, and more - the list is endless!
Tattoo Ceylon is open from Tuesdays to Sundays from 10 am to 7 pm!
And lastly, Dimmu Fernando Tattoos is an immensely popular studio so getting an appointment here might be harder. The studio is well known for work that is clean and precise.
This tattoo parlour is open from Mondays to Sundays from 10 am to 7 pm!
