Sri Lanka’s diversity of topography and climate results in the island being the perfect year-round location for activity and adventure. And there’s a host of experienced operators offering a plethora of services ranging from white water rafting and hot air ballooning to trekking, cycling and surfing.
White Water Rafting
There is no better or more exhilarating way to discover Sri Lanka’s spectacular scenery than white water rafting down a majestic river. For instance, join the boulder-strewn and picturesque Kelani Ganga (river) above Kitulgala and navigate name-chilling rapids such as Killer Falls and Head Chopper. The higher-grade rapids of the Sitawaka Ganga and the icy depths of the elevated Kotmale Ganga between Hatton and Nuwara-Eliya provide experienced rafters with more of a challenge while both black water rafting – carried out in the night three days prior to or after a full moon (poya) day – and white water kayaking, led an even more thrilling angle to the sport!
Canoeing & Kayaking
With 103 rivers and wealth of lagoon, reservoir, swamps and ancient canals, opportunities to explore the island’s aquatic treasure by canoe and kayak are endless. Such trips also afford interaction with nature as spectacular scenery filled with wildlife dominates the horizon. Furthermore, you can gain a privileged insight into rural Sri Lankan life by observing villagers going about their daily activities. From leisurely trips of a few hours to more breathtaking journeys of a few days, both canoeing and kayaking opportunities are available for every skill level. The Kalu Ganga, which flows from the hill country to the west coast, offers one of the most enthralling journeys. The scenery changes spectacularly from upland tea, jungle and rubber plantations to serene palms, plains and paddy before finally reaching the famous gangatilaka Vihara (temple) in Kalutara.
Rock-climbing & caving
Rock-climbing is a relatively new activity in Sri Lanka. The rugged terrain of the Knuckless Mountain Range offers some advantageous locations for this sport, and scaling the rock-face of Bambarakanda waterfall, Sri Lanka’s highest, is exhilarating. Sri Lanka has many caves, which has given rise to the activity of caving. Some if the island’s caves date back 500 million years, so this activity provides a trip into the past!
Trekking & Hiking
Trekking & Hiking are excellent ways to not only explore a country but also gain an insight into her people, their traitions and beliefs. The hill country offers some of the best terrain and scenery as trails wind through dense forests, up steep mountains, past flowing waterfalls, between fields of tea and through clear rivers that offer a cooling dip. In addition, the paths within the Cultural Triangle offer hikers a chance to abandon the beaten track and discover little-known temples, uninhabited jungle and archaeological remains.
Horton Plains, at an altitude of 2,134m, has a refreshing climate and a variety of walks through unusual high-altitude vegetation. The trek past Baker’s Fall to the dizzying 880m escarpment of World’s End is memorable, and scaling the holy mountain of Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada) is physical and spiritual experience. The Knuckles Mountain Range is a delight as scenic trails wind through five major forest formations offering hikers the unique opportunity to see a variety of rare and endemic flora and fauna. Nature lovers will also enjoy the Sinharaja Forest Reserve whose biodiversity makes it one of Sri Lanka’s seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Hot Air Ballooning
Gain an aerial perspective of some of the island’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites and national parks by hot air balloon. Most flights take off from the Cultural Triangle. Marvel as you floating high above the monumental rock of Sigiriya, look down upon elephants undisturbed in the wild, see your reflection in the placid water to tanks and paddy fields, and admire the varied patchwork beauty of this unbelievable island.
Jeep safaris
Sri Lanka is one of the most biologically diverse countries in Asia, an asset best reflected in her national parks and reserves, home to thousands of different species from are butterflies, bringhtly colored birds and iridescent tree frogs, to lumbering elephants, slothful bears and elusive leopards. A jeep safari will afford you the unforgettable opportunity to see some of the island’s most celebrated creatures.
Golfing
Who would know that Sri Lanka has three of the finest 18-hole golf courses in Asia, One of which was designed by the renowned gold architect Donald Steel? Well-kept greens, charming caddies, immaculate club-houses and spectacular views of winding hills and large reservoirs characterize Sri Lankan golf courses, each of which is enhanced by an abundance of tropical birds and wildlife. The Royal Colombo Golf Club, the historic hill country golf course at Nuwara-Eliya and the Victoria Golf Course near Kandy offer varying challenges since their locations represent distinctive terrain and boast unique climatic conditions.
Sri Lanka’s 1340km of sandy coastine washed by aquamarine 270C water lends itself to the pursuit of water sports. Thanks to two well-defined monsoons occurring at alternating times on opposite sides of the island, these activities can be enjoyed year-round. The south-west monsoon (affecting the southern and deep south coast) is from May to October, while the north-east (affecting the east coast) is from May to October.
Surfing
The gentle swell of the Indian Ocean waves offer many opportunities for surfing. Arugam Bay on the east coast is the island’s top surfing location. For its spectacular scenery and challenging breaks it’s well worth the long journey. The South coast has many secluded spots sited fairly close together allowing you to base yourself in one place and be able to try them all. Other top spots for surfing along the coast include Mirissa, Matara and Pottuvil Point. The beast waves are generally around October to May.
Wind Surfing
Wind surfing can be carried out at many places along the coastline from Negombo to Tangalle. Bentota is the unofficial water-sports capital of the island because aside from its gentle rolling surf and beautiful sandy beaches, it also has a river where beginners can gain valuable experience before heading into the ocean.
Waterskiing, Banana boating and Jet skiing
Waterskiing, Banana boating and Jet skiing can also be enjoyed in the calm water of the Bentota River and these fun activities offer excitement for all ages and any skill level. Trincomalee on the east coast offers a fantastic alternative for windsurfers when the south-west monsoon brings strong winds and rough seas.
Wake boarding and Kite surfing
In Negombo and Hikkaduwa, the increasingly popular thrill-seeking sports of wake boarding and kite surfing are beginning to take off.
Sports Fishing
Despite Sports Fishing being relatively undeveloped in Sri Lanka there are numerous opportunities to explore the open ocean, river or freshwater lagoon. Choosing to go with a professional and well-equipped guide in a powerboat or traditional outrigger canoe will reward you with a catch that might include barracuda, marlin, sail fish, Spanish mackerel and tuna. Freshwater fish include rainbow trout, which were introduced by the British.
Diving & Snorkelling
A wide coral reef largely surrounds Sri Lanka’s coastline making it ideal for diving. An underwater journey into the aquamarine waters of the Indian Ocean rewards you with glimpses of a totally different world, full of astounding color and life. Home to a magical variety of tropical fish and coral reefs, the calm ocean waters also lay claim to some historic wrecks that offer unusual exploration opportunities. The more laid-back activity of Snorkeling is a popular past-time in many southern coastal area while Pigeon Island in Nilaveli on the east coast offers some of the best.
Whale watching
Sri Lanka is one of the best places in the world to see Blue whales in their natural habitat. Sperm whales, Killer whales, pilot whales and dolphins are also regularly sported on whale watching trips organized from Mirissa on the south coast. Since the continental shelf is at its narrowest close to Dondra Head, Sri Lanka’s southern most point, the deep water provides ideal feeding ground for migrating whales from November to April.