Things to Do When Visiting Sri Lanka for the England Tour of Sri Lanka 2026

Cricket fans, mark your calendars! The England tour of Sri Lanka 2026 kicks off with three ODIs in Colombo starting January 22nd, followed by three T20Is in Pallekele (Kandy) from January 30th to February 3rd. This is the perfect opportunity to combine your love of cricket with an unforgettable Sri Lankan adventure.

Whether you're following the Barmy Army for the first time or returning to this beautiful island, here's your complete guide to making the most of your cricket tour to Sri Lanka.

Things to Do in Colombo (ODI Matches)

Colombo, Sri Lanka's vibrant capital, hosts the ODI matches at the iconic R. Premadasa Stadium. Between match days, there's plenty to explore in this bustling city.

Galle Face Green is Colombo's most famous oceanfront promenade, perfect for evening strolls with views of the Indian Ocean. Street food vendors line the area selling delicious local snacks like isso wade (prawn fritters) and fresh coconut water. It's particularly magical at sunset when locals gather to fly kites and families picnic on the grass.

The Gangaramaya Temple offers a fascinating glimpse into Buddhist culture. This ornate temple complex combines Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese architecture, featuring a museum with an eclectic collection of artifacts ranging from vintage cars to ancient religious relics.

For history buffs, the National Museum of Colombo houses an impressive collection showcasing Sri Lanka's rich heritage, from ancient kingdoms to colonial times. The Dutch Hospital Quarter, a beautifully restored colonial complex, is now a trendy shopping and dining precinct with boutique stores and cafes.

Don't miss the Pettah Market for an authentic local experience. This chaotic, colorful bazaar sells everything from spices to electronics, offering a sensory overload that epitomizes Colombo's energy. The spice section is particularly captivating with vendors selling cinnamon, cardamom, and curry powders in vibrant displays.

Galle Fort, about 90 minutes south of Colombo, makes an excellent day trip between matches. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features Dutch colonial architecture, charming cafes, art galleries, and rampart walls offering stunning ocean views.

Must-Try Restaurants in Colombo

Ministry of Crab tops every foodie list in Colombo. Co-founded by cricket legends Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara, this restaurant has earned its place on Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list. Their jumbo crabs cooked in garlic chili or butter sauce are legendary. Located in the Old Dutch Hospital, the colonial setting adds to the experience. Book well in advance—reservations are essential, especially during the cricket season.

For authentic Sri Lankan rice and curry, Upali's by Nawaloka is a local institution. Their extensive buffet features traditional curries served in earthenware pots with coconut shell spoons, creating an authentically Sri Lankan dining experience. The mutton varuwal and game batu moju are standout dishes, and the generous spread allows you to sample multiple curries in one sitting.

Nuga Gama at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel recreates a traditional village setting right in the heart of Colombo. Best visited in the evening, this outdoor restaurant offers an immersive cultural experience alongside delicious traditional cuisine. Dine in rustic huts while watching traditional demonstrations and enjoying live music.

For contemporary Sri Lankan fusion, Kaema Sutra at the Shangri-La Hotel reimagines traditional flavors with modern techniques. Their innovative menu showcases the best of Sri Lankan ingredients with international influences, perfect for those wanting a refined take on local cuisine.

Palmyrah specializes in Jaffna cuisine from Sri Lanka's northern region. Their milk hoppers and crab curry are exceptional, offering flavors you won't easily find elsewhere in Colombo. The ambul thiyal (sour fish curry) is a must-try for adventurous eaters.

Things to Do in Kandy/Pallekele (T20I Matches)

Kandy, Sri Lanka's cultural capital, hosts the T20I matches at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. This UNESCO World Heritage city offers a completely different atmosphere from Colombo, surrounded by lush hills and tea plantations.

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is Kandy's most sacred Buddhist site, believed to house a tooth of the Buddha. Evening puja (prayer) ceremonies are particularly atmospheric with traditional drumming and offerings. The temple complex also features beautiful architecture and several smaller shrines worth exploring.

Kandy Lake, created in 1807, provides a peaceful escape in the city center. A walk around the lake offers beautiful views and a chance to observe local life. The surrounding hills create a stunning backdrop, especially at sunset when the light reflects off the water.

The Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, just outside Kandy, span 147 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. Highlights include the orchid house with over 300 varieties, a giant bamboo collection, the iconic avenue of royal palms, and the historic Cannon Ball Tree. It's a perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon between matches.

For adventure seekers, Udawatta Kele Sanctuary is a forest reserve right in Kandy offering scenic hiking trails and opportunities to spot wildlife including monkeys, various bird species, and if you're lucky, even porcupines.

The Ceylon Tea Museum, located in a historic tea factory, provides insight into Sri Lanka's famous tea industry. Learn about the production process from leaf to cup, see vintage machinery, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding plantations while sipping freshly brewed Ceylon tea.

Must-Try Restaurants in Kandy

Mandiya is Kandy's hidden gem—a cozy spot with just four tables serving exceptional rice and curry. Owner Rajan creates a daily changing menu featuring traditional dishes like fish ambul thiyal and spicy chicken curries. Arrive early as the food sells out quickly. Many travelers rate this as the best meal they had in Sri Lanka, and it's easy to see why with the authentic home-cooked flavors.

Kandyan Muslim Hotel (not actually a hotel!) is a beloved local institution serving authentic Sri Lankan Muslim cuisine near the Temple of the Tooth. Their beef masala, chicken Kabul, and kottu roti are outstanding. The generous portions and affordable prices make it popular with locals and tourists alike. Don't be put off by the basic setting—the food is exceptional.

Balaji Dosai is Kandy's most famous vegetarian restaurant with multiple locations across the city. Their specialty is dosai—crispy rice and lentil crepes served with coconut chutney and sambar. The masala dosa and channa masala are particularly delicious. Perfect for breakfast or a lighter meal, and incredibly wallet-friendly.

Theva Cuisine, located in a hillside hotel, offers fine dining with spectacular views overlooking Kandy. Their menu blends Sri Lankan, European, and fusion cuisine with sophisticated presentation. The cashew curry and seafood platter are highly recommended. Book a table for sunset to enjoy the breathtaking views.

Hela Bojun Hala is a unique government-run food court concept showcasing traditional Sri Lankan cuisine prepared by local women from different villages. It's budget-friendly and supports the local economy while offering authentic home-cooked flavors. A great opportunity to try regional specialties you won't find in regular restaurants.

The Top Things to Do When Not Watching Cricket

Between matches, Sri Lanka's compact size means you can experience incredible diversity in short distances. Whether you're looking for ancient history, natural beauty, or cultural immersion, there's something for everyone.

Cultural & Historical Sites

Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is often called the eighth wonder of the world. This 5th-century fortress built atop a massive 200-meter rock features ancient frescoes, sophisticated water gardens, and breathtaking summit views. The climb takes about 90 minutes, and while challenging, it's absolutely worth the effort for the views and historical significance. It's Sri Lanka's most iconic archaeological site and feasible as a day trip from either Colombo or Kandy.

The ancient city of Polonnaruwa, another UNESCO site, features remarkably preserved ruins including temples, palaces, and the stunning Gal Vihara rock sculptures. Often compared to Cambodia's Angkor Wat, it's one of Asia's most impressive archaeological sites. You can explore by bicycle or tuk-tuk, making it easy to cover the sprawling complex.

Dambulla Cave Temple, yet another UNESCO site, consists of five cave temples adorned with ancient Buddhist murals and over 150 Buddha statues. The golden temple at the entrance is a relatively modern addition, but the caves themselves date back over 2,000 years.

Hill Country Adventures

Ella, a charming hill country town, offers some of Sri Lanka's most scenic train journeys from Kandy. The journey through tea plantations and misty mountains is considered one of the world's most beautiful train rides. In Ella itself, hike to Little Adam's Peak for panoramic views, visit the famous Nine Arch Bridge (an Instagram favorite where trains pass through a colonial-era viaduct surrounded by jungle), or trek to Diyaluma Falls, Sri Lanka's second-highest waterfall. The laid-back atmosphere makes it perfect for unwinding between matches.

Many travelers choose to extend their cricket tour to include Ella, spending a few days exploring the hill country's dramatic landscapes. The slower pace offers a perfect contrast to the excitement of the cricket matches.

Horton Plains National Park offers spectacular hiking to World's End, a dramatic cliff with a 1,200-meter drop and stunning views across the southern plains. The early morning hike through cloud forest is unforgettable, with opportunities to spot sambar deer and endemic bird species. Start early to beat the clouds that typically roll in mid-morning.

Tea plantation tours in the hill country offer insight into Sri Lanka's most famous export. Visit estates around Nuwara Eliya or near Kandy to learn about tea production from plucking to processing, and sample Ceylon tea at its source. Many plantations offer factory tours showing the withering, rolling, oxidation, and drying processes.

Wildlife & Nature

National park safaris provide opportunities to spot elephants, leopards, sloth bears, and diverse wildlife. Rather than visiting captive animal facilities, experiencing wildlife in their natural habitat offers a far more authentic and ethical encounter.

Yala National Park, famous for having one of the highest leopard densities in the world, is worth the journey to the south coast. Early morning and late afternoon safaris offer the best chances for wildlife spotting.

Closer to Kandy, Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks are renowned for "The Gathering"—seasonal congregations where hundreds of elephants assemble around the reservoir during dry months (typically May to September). It's one of the largest gatherings of Asian elephants anywhere in the world.

Udawalawe National Park offers excellent elephant viewing year-round, with herds regularly spotted grazing and bathing. The park also features the Elephant Transit Home where orphaned elephant calves are rehabilitated.

Wilpattu National Park, the largest in Sri Lanka, offers a more remote safari experience with diverse landscapes of lakes, scrubland, and forest. It's less crowded than Yala and offers good chances to spot leopards, elephants, and sloth bears.

Coastal Experiences

For beach relaxation, the southern coast offers everything from surf towns like Weligama and Mirissa to the colonial charm of Galle Fort. Mirissa is also the departure point for whale watching excursions, where blue whales and sperm whales can be spotted from December to April.

Unawatuna offers a beautiful crescent bay perfect for swimming and snorkeling, while Hikkaduwa is known for its coral reefs and vibrant beach scene.

For those looking to extend their trip beyond Sri Lanka, the Maldives is just a short flight away and offers the perfect post-cricket wind-down. With overwater villas, pristine beaches, and world-class diving and snorkeling, it's an idyllic way to conclude your tour.

Things That May Be Different Since You Last Visited

Sri Lanka has undergone significant changes in recent years, especially if you visited before or during the pandemic.

Tourism infrastructure improvements are underway as part of the National Productivity Master Plan (2024-2029). The government is targeting 3 million visitors in 2025, up from 2.1 million in 2024, with major investments in transportation and digital services.

New air connectivity has expanded dramatically. Multiple new airlines now serve Sri Lanka including Edelweiss from Europe and improved connections from Russia, Poland, and other markets. The Colombo airport has been upgraded with better facilities and faster immigration processing.

E-visa system introduced in early 2025 makes entry easier. Most nationalities can now obtain a 30-day tourist visa online, streamlining the arrival process. Check the latest visa requirements for your nationality before traveling as requirements and fees can vary.

Tourism recovery and pricing has been strong following the economic challenges of 2022-2023. While prices have stabilized, Sri Lanka remains excellent value compared to other Asian destinations. The average tourist spends around $181 per day, covering accommodation, meals, transport, and activities.

New hotel developments have emerged, particularly in Colombo and Kandy. The CinemaLife complex in Colombo offers integrated resort facilities, while boutique properties have expanded in cultural triangle areas. Many hotels have upgraded their facilities and services to meet international standards.

Jaffna's emergence as a tourism destination has been significant. Lonely Planet named Jaffna one of the best cities to visit in 2026, highlighting the northern region's increasing accessibility and appeal. The unique Tamil culture, distinctive cuisine, and historical sites offer a different perspective on Sri Lanka.

Enhanced infrastructure includes the completion of expressway projects reducing travel times between major cities. The Colombo-Kandy route is now faster, making multi-city itineraries more manageable. The Southern Expressway cuts travel time to Galle and the south coast significantly.

Increased focus on sustainable tourism means more eco-friendly accommodations and responsible travel options. Many operators now emphasize conservation and community benefits, with homestays and community-based tourism gaining popularity.

Practical Travel Tips for Cricket Tourists

Getting around: Hiring a private driver with vehicle offers maximum flexibility—daily rates are reasonable (typically $50-80 per day) and drivers often serve as informal guides, sharing local knowledge and suggesting stops along the way. Trains offer scenic journeys but book advance reservations for popular routes, especially the Colombo-Kandy and Kandy-Ella lines. Tuk-tuks are perfect for short distances in cities and can be hired for half or full days.

Best time to visit: January-February is perfect timing for the England vs Sri Lanka 2026 series, falling in Sri Lanka's dry season with pleasant temperatures (25-30°C) and minimal rain on the west coast and hill country. The humidity is lower than monsoon months, making sightseeing more comfortable.

Match tickets: Book through official channels or reputable tour operators well in advance. Stadium atmospheres in Sri Lanka are fantastic, with passionate local fans creating electric environments. Arrive early to soak up the pre-match buzz and sample street food outside the stadium.

Accommodation: Book hotels near stadiums or in city centers early, as accommodation fills up during international cricket series. Properties offering good value include boutique hotels in Colombo's Colombo 7 neighborhood and heritage hotels in Kandy's city center. Many cricket tour packages offer accommodation ranging from comfortable 4-5 star hotels to premium boutique properties, with guaranteed match tickets included, taking the stress out of planning.

Health and safety: Sri Lanka is generally very safe for tourists. Drink bottled water, use reputable restaurants, and take normal precautions with food hygiene. Travel insurance is recommended. Bring sun protection, insect repellent, and any prescription medications as these can be expensive or hard to find.

Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) is the local currency. ATMs are widely available in cities and accept international cards. Many tourist establishments accept US dollars and cards, but always carry some local currency for smaller vendors, tuk-tuks, and markets. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels and upscale restaurants.

Cultural sensitivity: Dress modestly when visiting temples—cover shoulders and knees, and avoid tight-fitting clothes. Remove shoes and hats before entering religious sites. Be respectful during religious ceremonies and always ask permission before photographing monks or worshippers. Public displays of affection should be minimal as Sri Lanka is a conservative country.

Language: Sinhala and Tamil are official languages, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and by tour operators. Learning a few basic phrases in Sinhala like "Ayubowan" (hello) and "Bohoma sthuthi" (thank you) is appreciated by locals.

Connectivity: SIM cards with data plans are inexpensive and readily available at the airport and in cities. Dialog and Mobitel are the most reliable networks. Most hotels and restaurants offer WiFi, though speeds can vary in rural areas.

Tipping: Tipping isn't mandatory but is appreciated. 10% is standard in restaurants if service charge isn't included. Tip tour guides around $10-15 per day and drivers around $5-10 per day depending on service quality.

Planning your itinerary: Whether you're organizing independently or booking a complete tour package, flexibility is key. All good itineraries can be customized to your preferences—from accommodation choices and excursion selections to pacing and travel style. The goal is a personalized journey that balances cricket excitement with cultural exploration and relaxation. Many operators specialize in tailor-made cricket holidays that combine match attendance with safaris, beach time, and cultural experiences.

Make It Memorable

The England tour of Sri Lanka 2026 offers more than just brilliant cricket—it's a gateway to experiencing one of Asia's most captivating destinations. From the bustling streets of Colombo to the serene hills of Kandy, from ancient kingdoms to pristine beaches, Sri Lanka packs incredible diversity into a small island.

Whether you're there to follow England, cheer for Sri Lanka, or simply enjoy world-class cricket in a beautiful setting, combining the matches with Sri Lanka's cultural treasures, culinary delights, and natural wonders creates a truly unforgettable experience.

As one cricket tour organizer noted: "The welcoming we had from everyone in Sri Lanka has been fantastic. The attention to detail has been really impressive—everything we've asked for, we've got."

Start planning now—book your flights, secure match tickets, and prepare for cricket and adventure in equal measure. Consider the logistics carefully: dedicated transport between cities makes the journey comfortable, guided excursions add context and depth to your sightseeing, and having guaranteed tickets to all matches means you can relax and enjoy without stress.

For those wanting to extend beyond the cricket, destinations like Ella in the hill country offer breathtaking scenery and iconic landmarks like the Nine Arch Bridge, while the Maldives provides the ultimate tropical retreat just a short flight away.

Sri Lanka is ready to welcome you with open arms, incredible cricket, and experiences that will stay with you long after the final ball is bowled.

For more travel inspiration and to explore our England tour of Sri Lanka 2026 packages, visit inspiretravels.com