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The Atlas Obscura Guide To Sri Lanka

39 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Sri Lanka

Updated June 30, 2022

Cities

Unusual Attractions in Sri Lanka

Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

Sigiriya

An ancient stone fortress considered by many to be the eighth wonder of the world.

Udawalawa, Sri Lanka

Udawalawe National Park

Huge herds of Asian elephants can be seen walking, bathing, and just chilling at this Sri Lankan park.

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Jami Ul-Alfar Masjid (Red Mosque)

This mesmerizing architectural wonder will take your breath away with its unusual color patterns.

Rochor, Sri Lanka

Adam's Peak

Once thought to be the Garden of Eden it holds a holy footprint claimed to belong to Adam, Buddha and Shiva.

Sri Lanka

Shark Point Reef

One of the few places where inexperienced snorkelers can spot a shark.

Kandy, Sri Lanka

Helga's Folly

A Bohemian "anti-hotel" offers off-kilter stays in Sri Lanka.

Kirantidiya, Sri Lanka

Brief Garden

This luscious masterpiece created by landscape designer Bevis Bawa inspired the work of his brother, a famous Sri Lankan architect.

Sri Lanka

Saint Anthony’s Church and Cemetery

The ruins of this old church are slowing sinking into the sand.

See All 39 Things To Do in Sri Lanka

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Sri Lanka

Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

Mackwoods Tea Plantation Sign

A Sri Lankan tea factory's ironic take on the Los Angeles landmark.

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Sacred Spaces 6

Places To Stay 2

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Recent Sri Lanka Activity

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wants to go to Koneswaram Temple
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wants to go to Brief Garden
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wants to go to Borella Kanatte General Cemetery
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wants to go to Dambulla Royal Cave Temple
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wants to go to Old Kachcheri

Stories About Sri Lanka

What It Takes to Clean Up a Massive Nurdle Spill

Following a maritime disaster, Sri Lankans are cleaning their beaches, nurdle by nurdle.

by Zinara Rathnayake

Capturing Sri Lanka’s Ancient, Almost Lost Martial Art

Photographer Reza Akram spent seven years documenting angampora, an indigenous fighting style banned by British colonizers.

by Zinara Rathnayake

How Elephant Poop Becomes Fancy Paper in Sri Lanka

An elephant can defecate 16 times in one day—and its 200 pounds of dung can double as paper pulp.

by Zinara Rathnayake

November 8, 2019

Eurasia's Oldest Tiny Tools Were Essential for Living in the Rain Forest

And perfectly sized for small, Sri Lankan jungle prey.

by Isaac Schultz

October 4, 2019

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