Walking Tours in Sri Lanka

Explore the rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant cities of Sri Lanka on foot! Here’s a guide to some unmissable walking tours across the Pearl of the Indian Ocean.

Galle Fort (Southern Province)

• Highlights: Colonial architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, lighthouse, and the Dutch Reformed Church.
• Recommended Route: Start at the Clock Tower, explore the fort’s ramparts, visit the National Maritime Museum, and wander through the shops and galleries along Hospital Street.

Sigiriya (Central Province)

• Highlights: Ancient Rock Fortress, Frescoes, Mirror Wall, and the Lion Staircase.
• Recommended Route: Begin your tour at the Museum at the foot of the rock, climb up to explore the fortress, take a detour to see the frescoes and mirror wall, and finish with the lion staircase for panoramic views.

Kandy (Central Province)

• Highlights: Temple of the Tooth, Royal Botanical Gardens, Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue, and the Kandy City Market.
• Recommended Route: Visit the Temple of the Tooth in the morning, spend the afternoon at the Royal Botanical Gardens, climb up to Bahiravokanda Vihara in the early evening, and explore the bustling city market before dusk.

Polonnaruwa (North Central Province)

• Highlights: Ancient Ruins, Gal Vihara, Lankathilaka Temple, and the Royal Palace.
• Recommended Route: Start at the Museum, explore the ancient ruins, marvel at the intricate stone carvings at Gal Vihara, visit the Lankathilaka and Rankot Vatadage temples, and finish at the Royal Palace.

Nuwara Eliya (Central Province)

• Highlights: Tea Plantations, Gregory Lake, Victoria Park, and the Sita Temple.
• Recommended Route: Take a walk through the tea plantations, visit the Hakgala Botanical Gardens, rent a boat on Gregory Lake, explore Victorian-era architecture in town, and end your tour at the picturesque Sita Temple.

Jaffna (Northern Province)

• Highlights: Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, Dambakola Patuna Prehistoric Site, Jaffna Fort, and the Dutch Fort.
• Recommended Route: Begin at the bustling Jaffna market, visit the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, explore the ancient Dambakola Patuna site, walk around the Jaffna Fort, and finish at the Dutch Fort for sunset.

Tips:

• Wear comfortable walking shoes.
• Carry water and snacks.
• Respect local customs and dress modestly in religious sites.
• Always ask permission before taking photos of locals.
• Hire a licensed guide for a more enriching experience.