In my opinion this is by far the best way to view the ruins. Bike rentals are easy to organise in the area and the roads to the ruins are relatively quiet, though watch out for cows. Exploring them by bikes means that you can go at your own pace and you feel like you are out exploring them on your own. The ancient ruins are fascinating so you can easily spend a few hours cycling between them all.<\/p>\n
Take in the views from the top of Sigiriya Rock<\/strong><\/h4>\nWhen you first arrive at Sigiriya Rock it looks like quite a daunting climb. Once you get started you realise it is neither a long hike, or too strenuous. On a visit to Sri Lanka, go to Sigiriya Rock as early as possible in the day to try and avoid the hoards of tourists on day trips. The views from the top are truly breathtaking and just the idea that people lived at the top is quite impressive. Don\u2019t miss the Sigiriya Frescoes paintings that are over 1600 years old too!<\/p>\n
![\"Sigiriya,](\"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/lions-rock.jpg\" "\\"lions")
<\/p>\n
Take a hike in some of the country\u2019s rural scenery<\/strong><\/h4>\nSri Lanka has hikes and walking trails for all abilities. For a nice simple hike try Little Adam\u2019s Peak, in Ella, which is around an hour and a half round trip, but with fantastic views. Also in Ella is a hike along the railtrack to Rawana Falls which is not too demanding. Other longer walks in hill country include Adam\u2019s Peak and the World\u2019s End. Make sure to get an early start if you want to do these hikes as the mornings are the clearest and have the best views, with the mist coming down later in the day. Don\u2019t forget to take enough water along with you too, as hiking in Sri Lanka\u2019s heat is thirsty work.<\/p>\n
Tour a local tea plantation and taste the local wares<\/strong><\/h4>\nTea production is a huge part of Sri Lanka\u2019s history and the development and processing of this industry is very interesting. Many of the tea plantations throughout the country offer tours and also tastings. These are great places to grab souvenirs and samples to take back home too!<\/p>\n
![\"Tea](\"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/green-tea-plantation.jpg\" "\\"Tea")
<\/p>\n
Explore the many historical and religious temples<\/strong><\/h4>\nSri Lanka has a host of temples that you can visit; deserted temples in remote rural locations, temples filled to bursting with local worshippers, temples beautifully lit up at night, temples with beautifully decorated giant statues or temples with huge sacred trees in them. Be prepared to remove your shoes before entry and dress modestly. You don’t want\u00a0to offend any of the locals.<\/p>\n
![\"dambulla](\"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/dambulla-gold-buddha-temple.jpg\" "\\"dambulla")
<\/p>\n
Take the train<\/strong><\/h4>\nSri Lanka is an easy country to travel around with a private driver or in a group. A visit to Sri Lanka would not be the same without hopping on one of their famous trains through hill country. I personally wouldn\u2019t recommend going in 1st class on this route as they can have on very cold air- conditioning and have tv\u2019s playing throughout the journey. Go 2nd class and spend the journey with your head out of the window breathing in the fresh air and admiring the incredible scenery that you pass!<\/p>\n
Eat local<\/strong><\/h4>\nSri Lankan cuisine is truly delicious. You will find that most restaurants and guesthouses will not make food as spicy for tourists. If you like you food fiery make sure to let them know. If you are by the coast make sure to try some seafood. It will be really fresh out of the ocean. Grab a coconut on the side of the road on a long journey. A friendly local will happily crack one open with a machete for you to have fresh. If you are on a budget head to the local cafeteria\u2019s for a roti and dahl or curry. This is where you will find the locals eating. If you have time try and take a cooking course to take some of the flavours of the Teardrop Isle home with you!<\/p>\n
Enjoy the coast on a visit to Sri Lanka<\/strong><\/h4>\nSri Lanka has some beautiful beaches that are perfect to relax and unwind for a few days. With white sand, palm trees and sometimes the odd cow these beaches will offer sunsets and gentle strolls that will stay with you long after you have gone home. Along the coast at certain times of year you can go whale watching and dolphin watching too, where you get up close to these fantastic animals.<\/p>\n
![\"Sri](\"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Sri-Lanka-beaches.jpg\" "\\"Sri")
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nSri Lanka has hikes and walking trails for all abilities. For a nice simple hike try Little Adam\u2019s Peak, in Ella, which is around an hour and a half round trip, but with fantastic views. Also in Ella is a hike along the railtrack to Rawana Falls which is not too demanding. Other longer walks in hill country include Adam\u2019s Peak and the World\u2019s End. Make sure to get an early start if you want to do these hikes as the mornings are the clearest and have the best views, with the mist coming down later in the day. Don\u2019t forget to take enough water along with you too, as hiking in Sri Lanka\u2019s heat is thirsty work.<\/p>\n
Tour a local tea plantation and taste the local wares<\/strong><\/h4>\nTea production is a huge part of Sri Lanka\u2019s history and the development and processing of this industry is very interesting. Many of the tea plantations throughout the country offer tours and also tastings. These are great places to grab souvenirs and samples to take back home too!<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Explore the many historical and religious temples<\/strong><\/h4>\nSri Lanka has a host of temples that you can visit; deserted temples in remote rural locations, temples filled to bursting with local worshippers, temples beautifully lit up at night, temples with beautifully decorated giant statues or temples with huge sacred trees in them. Be prepared to remove your shoes before entry and dress modestly. You don’t want\u00a0to offend any of the locals.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Take the train<\/strong><\/h4>\nSri Lanka is an easy country to travel around with a private driver or in a group. A visit to Sri Lanka would not be the same without hopping on one of their famous trains through hill country. I personally wouldn\u2019t recommend going in 1st class on this route as they can have on very cold air- conditioning and have tv\u2019s playing throughout the journey. Go 2nd class and spend the journey with your head out of the window breathing in the fresh air and admiring the incredible scenery that you pass!<\/p>\n
Eat local<\/strong><\/h4>\nSri Lankan cuisine is truly delicious. You will find that most restaurants and guesthouses will not make food as spicy for tourists. If you like you food fiery make sure to let them know. If you are by the coast make sure to try some seafood. It will be really fresh out of the ocean. Grab a coconut on the side of the road on a long journey. A friendly local will happily crack one open with a machete for you to have fresh. If you are on a budget head to the local cafeteria\u2019s for a roti and dahl or curry. This is where you will find the locals eating. If you have time try and take a cooking course to take some of the flavours of the Teardrop Isle home with you!<\/p>\n
Enjoy the coast on a visit to Sri Lanka<\/strong><\/h4>\nSri Lanka has some beautiful beaches that are perfect to relax and unwind for a few days. With white sand, palm trees and sometimes the odd cow these beaches will offer sunsets and gentle strolls that will stay with you long after you have gone home. Along the coast at certain times of year you can go whale watching and dolphin watching too, where you get up close to these fantastic animals.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nSri Lanka has a host of temples that you can visit; deserted temples in remote rural locations, temples filled to bursting with local worshippers, temples beautifully lit up at night, temples with beautifully decorated giant statues or temples with huge sacred trees in them. Be prepared to remove your shoes before entry and dress modestly. You don’t want\u00a0to offend any of the locals.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Take the train<\/strong><\/h4>\nSri Lanka is an easy country to travel around with a private driver or in a group. A visit to Sri Lanka would not be the same without hopping on one of their famous trains through hill country. I personally wouldn\u2019t recommend going in 1st class on this route as they can have on very cold air- conditioning and have tv\u2019s playing throughout the journey. Go 2nd class and spend the journey with your head out of the window breathing in the fresh air and admiring the incredible scenery that you pass!<\/p>\n
Eat local<\/strong><\/h4>\nSri Lankan cuisine is truly delicious. You will find that most restaurants and guesthouses will not make food as spicy for tourists. If you like you food fiery make sure to let them know. If you are by the coast make sure to try some seafood. It will be really fresh out of the ocean. Grab a coconut on the side of the road on a long journey. A friendly local will happily crack one open with a machete for you to have fresh. If you are on a budget head to the local cafeteria\u2019s for a roti and dahl or curry. This is where you will find the locals eating. If you have time try and take a cooking course to take some of the flavours of the Teardrop Isle home with you!<\/p>\n
Enjoy the coast on a visit to Sri Lanka<\/strong><\/h4>\nSri Lanka has some beautiful beaches that are perfect to relax and unwind for a few days. With white sand, palm trees and sometimes the odd cow these beaches will offer sunsets and gentle strolls that will stay with you long after you have gone home. Along the coast at certain times of year you can go whale watching and dolphin watching too, where you get up close to these fantastic animals.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Sri Lankan cuisine is truly delicious. You will find that most restaurants and guesthouses will not make food as spicy for tourists. If you like you food fiery make sure to let them know. If you are by the coast make sure to try some seafood. It will be really fresh out of the ocean. Grab a coconut on the side of the road on a long journey. A friendly local will happily crack one open with a machete for you to have fresh. If you are on a budget head to the local cafeteria\u2019s for a roti and dahl or curry. This is where you will find the locals eating. If you have time try and take a cooking course to take some of the flavours of the Teardrop Isle home with you!<\/p>\n
Enjoy the coast on a visit to Sri Lanka<\/strong><\/h4>\nSri Lanka has some beautiful beaches that are perfect to relax and unwind for a few days. With white sand, palm trees and sometimes the odd cow these beaches will offer sunsets and gentle strolls that will stay with you long after you have gone home. Along the coast at certain times of year you can go whale watching and dolphin watching too, where you get up close to these fantastic animals.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n