Lanka On Your Mind? Check These 9 Off-The-Beaten Track Experiences In Sri Lanka Beyond The Usual Touristy Things

When talking about Sri Lanka, there are just too many gorgeous mental pictures one conjures up about it. And, Sri Lanka’s beauty is simply unmatched and hard to put in definitive words. Adorned with many monikers, the Pearl of the Indian Ocean tempts travellers with its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and the warm locals. But beyond the popular tourist trails lie a world of adventure, serenity, and cultural immersion, offering a truly authentic Sri Lankan experience. We spoke to Mario Stubbs, Managing Director of The Serendipity Collection, and uncovered these off-the-beaten-track experiences in Sri Lanka for you.

Best off-the-beaten-track experiences in Sri Lanka

1. Visit the Riverston Peak

A haven for nature lovers seeking solitude, the Riverston Peak is one of the peaks in Knuckles range in the central province of Sri Lanks. Settled in between misty mountains and rolling hills, the peak at 1,424 meters elevation offers a serene and tranquil atmosphere from the hustle and bustle of city life. Explore pristine wilderness, cascading waterfalls, and scenic landscapes that will leave you in awe. To reach there you have to embark on a winding road often called the Mini World’s End.

Distance from Colombo: 178 km

2. Get charmed by Goyambokka and Silent Beach

Escape to the secluded paradise of Goyambokka and Silent Beach, where sun-kissed sands and crystal-clear waters await. Located in Mataur, Hambantota, these beaches boast of pristine beauty. Away from crowds, these immaculate shores offer a setting for relaxation and rejuvenation. Delight in the natural beauty of the southern coast and unwind within the soft lull of the waves.

Distance from Colombo: 205 km 

3. Go on a safari at Wilpattu National Park

Go on a thrilling safari adventure at Wilpattu National Park, located in North Sri Lanka near Anuradhapura. Home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including the majestic Sri Lankan leopard, Wilpattu promises to showcase wildlife in its natural habitat. Explore the largest (and the oldest) national park of the country and witness the beauty of nature unfold before your eyes. Here you will also find Willus, natural, sand-rimmed lakes. 

Distance from Colombo: 185 km

4. Summit the Adam’s Peak

Make this your next stopover, Sri Lanka’s revered sacred site. According to a few Christian and Islamic traditions, Adam is said to have left his footprint here when he first set foot on Earth after being cast out of paradise. Hence the name “Adam’s Peak”. It is also Sri Pada. Rise early and trek to the summit of Rochor, the country’s highest peak, to witness magnificent views at sunrise for a truly off-the-beaten-track experience in Sri Lanka.

Distance from Colombo: 152 km

5. Witness the Gartmore Falls and Moray Falls

Another hidden gem of the country, behold the beauty of Gartmore Falls (Sri Pada Falls), a stunning two-tiered waterfall surrounded by lush greenery in the Nuwara Eliya district near Adam’s Peak. A little off the beaten track, this secret spot offers an undisturbed escape into mother nature’s embrace. Sit by to watch the magnanimous waterfall and leave the place feeling refreshed. Just 100 metres from this lies Moray Falls, which is almost at the same height and often mistaken to be Sri Pada Falls. Both these waterfalls are unique and gaining popularity amongst tourists. Go before they become commercialised.

Distance from Colombo: 160 km

6. Get up close and personal with elephants at Elephant Transit Home

While many know of the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, you should visit the Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe for a heartwarming experience with these gentle and friendly giants. Located inside Udawalawe National Park, here orphaned elephants are rehabilitated and prepared for release back into the wild. Get a chance to learn and educate yourself about conservation efforts aimed at protecting Sri Lanka’s iconic wildlife and support initiatives that promote coexistence between humans and elephants.

Distance from Colombo: 252 km

7. Go snorkelling at Shark Point Reef

Very close to Galle, discover the aquatic world at Shark Point Reef in Sri Lanka’s Pigeon Island National Park, and get close with marine life. From colourful coral gardens, exotic sea creatures and more, explore the beauty of the underwater landscape while snorkelling. Eels, lionfish, snappers, triggerfish, pufferfish can be spotted here and if you’re lucky enough, you might even encounter whale sharks, blue whales and stingrays too! The Nillaveli beach (from where you would take a boat to Pigeon Island) is also a lovely spot for lounging on the beach in case you are not much up for water sports.

Distance from Colombo: 287 km

Also Read: Top 10 Tourist Traps In Sri Lanka And Here’s How To Avoid Them

8. Explore the Pettah Floating Market in Colombo

Floating on Beira Lake, Pettah Floating Marke in Colombo, boasts of 92 trade stalls on boats. It is a bustling hub in Colombo. Check out an array of local produce, handicrafts, and spices and indulge your taste buds with authentic Sri Lankan cuisine!

9. Visit the Japanese Peace Pagoda

Find inner peace at the Japanese Peace Pagoda, a symbol of harmony and unity. Built against the backdrop of scenic vistas, this architectural masterpiece in Unawatuna inspires visitors to review and rejuvenate their spirits amidst serene surroundings. It is very close to Galle and you should add it to the list of things to do!

Distance from Colombo: 145 km

Savour Traditional Food In Sri Lanka

Of course, when you are in Sri Lanka, you have to indulge in local delicacies. Foodies, here are some gastronomical local delights that you cannot miss. Apart from spicy sour fish curry and sweet appam pancakes, do try out Kirbath, Parippu or Daal Curry, Achcharu, Aluwa, Pol Sambol or Coconut Relish, etc. Make sure to hydrate yourself with king coconut water, a refreshing thirst-quencher that’s a staple in Lanka.

Also Read: From Mumbai To Sri Lanka, Singham Again Has Been Filmed In These Picturesque Locations

Sri Lanka is so vast that it is almost impossible to cover it in just one trip with the sheer amount of things to do. We love the Resplendent Isle and definitely can’t help but keep going back! Do let you know if you have tried any of these off-the-beaten experiences in Sri Lanka in the comments section below.