We sent our in-house influencer, Zeeba Shaikh, to Sri Lanka on a travel research mission. Her firsthand experience brings you the most authentic tips and recommendations straight from the field.

In Sri Lanka, a head nod can actually mean “no,” while a side-to-side head shake means “yes”. Quirky? Yes. But unusual? No—infact, it’s just the first of many quirks you’re likely to encounter when exploring this tropical island.

Think about it—what comes to mind when you hear the term “Sri Lanka”? Likely golden beaches, tea plantations, and tuk-tuks zooming past. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find a side of Sri Lanka that’s anything but ordinary—think elephant traffic jams, and temples that make Dante’s Inferno look tame.

In this guide, we’ll take you through the hidden gems and quirky experiences you’re unlikely to find in the glossy travel brochures. So leave the mainstream itinerary behind and get ready to explore the wild, wonderful, and downright strange side of Sri Lanka.

1. Spend a Night in Kandy’s Wackiest Haunted Hotel—Helga’s Folly

Tucked away in Kandy’s misty hills, Helga’s Folly is part hotel and part art project. It’s basically a a haunted house on an artsy acid trip, decked out with wild murals, vintage oddities, and candles—gothic novel style. Perfect for curling up with a creepy book or wandering the halls like you’re in a retro horror movie. If you’re craving a stay that’s far from ordinary, you’ll find it here.

Guests (and anyone just here for the vibes) are welcome to explore its themed spaces, where surrealist art meets faded portraits and gothic candelabras. It’s over the top but that’s part of the appeal.

How to Get There

• By Tuk-Tuk: It’s only 10 minutes from central Kandy, and the ride costs around LKR 200.

• By Car: A quick 10-minute drive from Kandy Railway Station, with ample parking on-site.

What to Watch Out For

• Dusty antiques are aplenty, so if you’ve got allergies, pack the antihistamines.

• This place is not for the minimalists – it’s quirky, cluttered, and unapologetically weird.

Pro Tip: Even if you’re not staying, pop in for afternoon tea. It’s the perfect way to soak up the vibes and snap some pics without committing to a night here (unless you’re feeling brave).

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So you can skip the frustration and focus on exploring all that Sri Lanka has to offer.

2. Go Whale-Watching at Sunrise in Mirissa’s Deep Blue Waters

Mirissa’s where the world’s largest mammals hang out! From November to April, you can hop on a boat at sunrise, set off into the deep blue, and rub elbows (well, almost) with blue whales, sperm whales, and a few playful dolphins tagging along for good measure.

Before the sun’s even up, you’ll be gliding through the mist, miles off the coast, eyes peeled for that first epic spray of a whale blowhole. The guides keep things interesting with whale facts and some wild tales from their experiences in the sea.

How to Get There

• By Tuk-Tuk: A quick 150 LKR ride from central Mirissa to the harbor, and you’re on your way.

• By Train: Take the coastal train from Colombo to Weligama (3 hours, around LKR 500) and grab a tuk-tuk for the last leg to Mirissa.

• By Bus: Hop on a bus from Colombo to Matara – it’s easy and costs around LKR 400.

What to Watch Out For

• The waves can get wild, so if you’re prone to seasickness, don’t forget those motion sickness meds!

Pro Tip: Bring a camera with a solid zoom – those whales are quick, and you’ll want to snag some brag-worthy shots before they’re gone.

3. Go Uncharted on Tuk-Tuks with a Local Guide

Granted—doesn’t sound like the most unusual or unique experience as its the most common way to get around in Sri Lanka. But you’ll be surprised how much of an experience it can be when you set aside your rigid itinerary and let loose.

With a local guide behind the handlebars, you’re in for the real deal. They can not only guide you to the hidden gems but also help you converse the tuk tuk drivers and get a taste of what life is like for a local Sri Lankan. Tuk-tuk drivers know all the stories, local legends, and hidden nooks that make Colombo tick.

Tuk-tuks here are basically a way of life.

How to Get There

• Booking Online: Tons of operators offer tuk-tuk tours, with prices usually around LKR 2,000-5,000. (These may however, be touristy.)

• Flagging One Down: Grab a tuk-tuk on the street and negotiate your route and price.

• Hotel Concierge: Most hotels can hook you up with a local guide who’s ready to show you all the best spots.

What to Watch Out For

• Get ready for some bumps! Tuk-tuks are an adventure all on their own.

• Always agree on the price before you start rolling – both for the tuk tuk ride and the local guide.

Pro Tip: Tell your guide/driver to swing by their favorite street food joint for a snack that’ll blow your mind (and probably cost less than your coffee back home).

4. Check Out Kandy’s Cultural (But Controversial) Animal Street Shows

As you stroll down the lively streets near Kandy Lake or the Temple of the Tooth, you’re highly likely to find a guy coaxing cobras out of a basket, or getting a monkey to do mini stunts in a costume. While these shows are deep-rooted in tradition, the questionable training methods and treatment of these animals put these shows in controversy.

We believe in giving you a comprehensive guide to Sri Lanka’s culture, but this one’s more of a cultural snapshot than a “tourist attraction”. You have the choice to observe, without endorsing. So, if you’re curious, check it out from a distance, soak up the atmosphere, and maybe chat with some locals to know more about the history of these shows.

How to Get There

• By Tuk-Tuk: It’s a quick ride from the city center for around LKR 200-300.

• By Foot: If you’re already near attractions like Kandy Lake or the Temple of the Tooth, you can just take a stroll till you find it.

• By Car: Park nearby and wander in – Kandy’s main tourist spots are super walkable.

What to Watch Out For

• If you’d rather not support animal performances, feel free to skip it. If you’re still watching to learn about the culture, feel free to skip tipping if you’re averse to endorsing these performances.

5. Witness the “Stilt Fishermen” of Koggala

If you haven’t seen Sri Lanka’s stilt fishermen on your trip, have you even really been there? These guys are a staple of Sri Lanka’s southern coast and you’ll find them casually perched on poles, balancing above the waves, fishing rods at the ready. It’s a tradition that’s been passed down through generations. While some might be here for the tourist tips these days, it’s still a straight-up cultural gem.

How to Get There

• By Tuk-Tuk: From Galle, hop in for a quick 30-minute ride; expect to shell out around LKR 1,000.

• By Train: Take the coastal train from Colombo to Ahangama, then a quick tuk-tuk to Koggala; total about 2 hours and LKR 300.

• By Car: A breezy 30-minute drive from Galle, and there’s street parking nearby.

What to Watch Out For

• Just know that some fishermen might ask for a tip if you’re snapping photos, so if you’re planning to snag some, keep your distance or agree on a price for a close-up shot before you click.

Pro Tip: Sunrise and sunset are the best times to witness this magic.

6. Experience The Elephant Traffic Jam on Habarana Road

This one isn’t really a touristy safari show – it’s just a regular commute. It’s not a guarantee, but you’ll more than likely to have your bus stopped by these gentle giants on this road. The drivers here know the drill – just chill and let the elephants make their way across. Sometimes they’ll come right up to the your window, begging for bananas or snacking on leaves, taking their sweet time.

How to Get There

• By Car: Habarana Road connects Sigiriya to Minneriya, and if you’re starting from Colombo, it’s about a 5-hour drive.

• By Tuk-Tuk: If you’re already near Sigiriya, it’s a quick 30-minute ride in a tuk-tuk, costing about LKR 1,500.

• By Bus: Buses to Minneriya will drop you off on Habarana Road, and it’ll only set you back around LKR 200.

What to Watch Out For

• Don’t feed the elephants! They’re wild, and your snacks aren’t on their diet.

• Keep your distance, and stay in the car for a safe experience.

• While the elephants usually don’t mean harm, let experts handle the situation if it gets out of control. Follow their instructions and do not make rash moves.

7. Wander Through The “Tunnel of Hell” at Wewurukannala Vihara

Not all temples are peaceful getaways – Wewurukannala Vihara, for example, is home to a “Tunnel of Hell” that’s designed to jolt you right out of your zen. Here, you’ll walk past life-sized statues that show the unfiltered consequences of bad karma.

Every corner has a new (and often graphic) display, with dioramas that depict various punishments.

It’s a brutal reminder of the spiritual “fine print” – an ancient shock tactic that contrasts sharply with the peaceful Buddha statue at the entrance. If you’re after an experience that’s equal parts strange and thought-provoking, you’ll find it here.

How to Get There

• By Tuk-Tuk: From Matara, it’s a 20-minute ride costing around LKR 300-500.

• By Bus: Hop on a bus from Matara to Dikwella – about 20 minutes and roughly LKR 50.

• By Car: A 1.5-hour drive from Galle along the A2 highway, with on-site parking.

What to Watch Out For

• This isn’t ideal for kids or anyone who’s easily spooked by intense visuals.

• Remember, you’re still in a temple, so keep it respectful.

Pro Tip: After braving the Tunnel of Hell, explore the rest of the temple for a calm and serene change of pace. You might just need it.

8. Kayak Among Crocodiles in Bentota

The Bentota rivers are home to Sri Lankan crocodiles that sometimes pop up on the banks for a little sunbathing or sneak around just below the surface. You’ll get the thrill of cruising near some of the island’s most fascinating wildlife, all while keeping a safe (but thrillingly close!) distance. 

Local guides are there to clue you into the river’s secrets, and some tours even stop at hidden islands so you can stretch your legs (on croc-free land). You might even get to hold a baby crocodile!

How to Get There

• By Tuk-Tuk: It’s a quick and bumpy ride from Bentota town to the river for around LKR 200.

• By Car: Just a 2-hour drive down from Colombo, with tour centers offering parking.

• By Train: Catch the coastal train to Bentota and hop in a tuk-tuk from there; it’ll run you about LKR 300 in total.

What to Watch Out For

• Mosquitoes love the mangroves, so hit yourself with some bug spray.

Pro Tip: Less of a pro tip and more of a warning — keep those hands and feet in the kayak—if not, mosquitoes might just be the least of your problems.

Embrace the Unexpected in Sri Lanka

So, you’ve kayaked with crocs, witnessed stilt fishermen defy gravity, encountered elephants on the highway, and wandered through a Buddhist “Tunnel of Hell.” Sri Lanka’s offbeat adventures are as diverse as the landscapes themselves—they’ll give you stories that you’ll be telling for years.

And when you’re back at your hotel, try watching Machan, a Sri Lankan comedy film that humorously explores the country’s quirks, or The Forsaken Land, a hauntingly beautiful film that captures the rhythm of life in rural Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka is a place that rewards curiosity. Follow that narrow alley you didn’t plan on, let a local take you to their favorite beachside spot, and leave room for the island’s spontaneity to surprise you. So loosen up, pack light, and get ready to let Sri Lanka work its magic.