THINGS TO DO IN SRI LANKA
HOT AIR BALLOONING
Imagine yourself floating gracefully over the spectacular lands of Sri Lanka with beautiful rivers, magical forests, green mountains and ancient historical sites. Hot air ballooning is a relatively new activity, but it’s gaining more popularity each year. It’s a unique way to see the country and there are no two routes alike so you are guaranteed to have a unique experience. All the balloons are manufactured in Great Britain and the pilots also train there. During the flight a special ground crew follows the air balloon in jeep and makes sure that everything is alright.
Hot Air Ballooning – Kandalama, Down South
Adventure takes flight with some of the best sightseeing Sri Lanka has to offer, featuring unparalleled panoramic views of this island paradise. Taking place in areas such as Kandalama in the Cultural Triangle and Down South coastal region; in Kandalama one has the chance to enjoy unique vistas of the iconic Sigiriya rock fortress, while Down South excursions let you take in stunning views of the sun drenched coast.
DOLPHIN AND WHALE WATCHING
BLUE WHALES – the largest creatures on Earth – as well as fin whales, sei whales, sperm whales, orcas (killer whales), dolphins, flying fish, turtles, manta rays and whale sharks can all be seen a few miles off the South Coast of Sri Lanka.
From the majestic beauty of Blue Whales and Sperm Whales to the playful antics of Spinner, Humpback and Bottlenose dolphins, dolphin & whale watching in Sri Lanka takes you on an unforgettable voyage. The country has become one of the premier destinations in the world for this activity providing you a unique chance to spot these fascinating marine mammals swimming freely in their natural habitat.
KITE SURFING
Kitesurfing Lanka goes back to its roots and will now take over the birth place of the Kitesurfing on the Kappalady Lagoon : Kite Kuda. The camp will get a new name Kappalady Kite Camp and with that bring in a new era of sustainable tourism to the area. Kappalady Kite Camp will work closely with the local community and look at developing tomorrows Kiting generation in Sri Lanka. The camp will focus on advance clinics and aims to attract groups of kitesurfing from all over the world.
Kite Surfing - Kalpitiya
Kalpitiya situated in the North West Coast experiences strong breezes of around 18-20 knots and this enchanting coastal locale is the perfect place to enjoy an array of things to do in Sri Lanka including kite surfing. Skim along the waves as you harness the power of the wind that will take you on a ride you will not soon forget!
TRAIN RIDES
One of the must-try activities in Sri Lanka is hopping on a cross-country train. With the island’s well connected railway lines, train rides provide the ideal mode of transport for those looking to truly soak up the enchanting atmosphere of Sri Lanka. From train rides along the sun kissed shores of the island’s South Coast to the hill country amidst mountains blanketed in emerald tea bushes, these journeys are just as captivating as the destinations they take you to.
BOAT SAFARI
Offering a fascinating voyage along some truly scenic waterways, boat safaris in Sri Lanka also provide a fun day out amidst stunning natural backdrops. On your excursions you may come across everything from ancient mangrove forests to small remote islands and colourful birdlife to local fishermen going about their day to day activities.
Madu River Safari
Boat safari along the Madu River is a relaxing trip with plenty of interesting stops. You pass dozens of islets forested with mangroves and can appreciate the timeless natural rhythms of rural life. You cruise in a canopied, outboard motor powered boat. You can see prawn farming and traditional fishing techniques in action & abundance of wildlife including water monitors, wild monkeys, lizards and many birds such as Kingfisher, Hawk Eagle and Comarans.
BIRD WATCHING
For a small island Sri Lanka has a rich bird fauna, and many passionate bird lovers rank Sri Lanka among their favorite destinations. 426 bird species have been seen in Sri Lanka, and 33 of these are endemic to Sri Lanka, that is, found nowhere else (this number may soon be revised upwards based on a new taxonomic study). Between October and April, many migrants visit the isle, traveling as far away as Siberia . Another noteworthy feature of Sri Lanka 's avifauna is the presence of mixed-species flocks, which makes watching birds both easy and interesting, since one can study carefully the interactions between different species.
WILD SAFARIES
Considering a Sri Lankan wildlife safari adventure tour? Consult our team of travel experts who will help you plan your trip on a budget, or take you on a luxury safari if so required. You'll certainly get to see all the wildlife and tropical birds you've never dreamed of seeing - including of course the famous but elusive Leopard, while at the same time taking in our natural brilliance of Sri Lanka, fauna and flora under clear skies.
SURFING
Surf’s up in Sri Lanka! The east coast’s Arugam Bay is the best –kept secret among serious surfers, through gaining popularity worldwide not only for its waves but also for the pristine and beautiful beaches that surround it. Sri Lanka is a surfer’s paradise anytime of the year. Once the season ends at Arugam Bay, at another surfing hotspot especially for recreational surfers the season begins, along the southern coast in Hikkaduwa, Wewala and Narigama.
HIKING
For the keen hiker, there is a plethora of opportunities awaiting in Sri Lanka 's diverse and luscious hill country. The beautiful area of Haputale and Diyatalawa, located in the hill country of Sri Lanka , provides a base from which to try out a wide variety of hiking and trekking tours through jungle, across tea estates and up mountains. The river and numerous waterfalls in Sri Lanka are another key attraction that allows hikers and trekkers to enjoy a refreshing dip en-route!
In the same area the Horton Plains National Park offers some excellent hikes in an unusual environment, characterised by forest patches, grasslands and some high-altitude vegetation. Highlights include the dramatic 880 metre drop at World's End and the beautiful Baker's Falls
YOGA RETREAT
Sri Lanka is a great place for all those yogis who are feeling a little bit adventurous. It’s always great to change the location of your practice from time to time, get new experience in a truly fantastic setting of misty mountains, tropical forests and white beaches with azure waters. Nurture your spirituality as you venture into a mesmerizing yoga trip that will take you deep inside your mind and soul. There are numerous yoga retreats in Sri Lanka that offer gorgeous beaches and loads of healthy activities that will help you keep fit and enjoy your stay in the country to the fullest.
PARAMOTORING – KOGGALA
Soar to the heights above as you take to the sunny skies in Sri Lanka and enjoy the latest adventure sport to hit the country, paramotoring. Taking place in Koggala, paramotoring gives you the chance to witness breathtaking vistas of the coast and surrounding landscapes from heights ranging from 500 to 1000 feet, as a skilled pilot guides you along this journey in the wide blue expanse above.
SHOPPING
Enjoy some fun retail therapy in an island paradise! Sri Lanka provides a unique shopping experience that gives you a chance to purchase a wide range of international brands be it Nike, Adidas, Mango, Charles & Keith or Levi’s as well as local fashion at shopping centres such as Odel, House of Fashion & Glitz. Gems, spices, handicrafts, batiks and Ceylon tea provide shopping with a local flavour.
WHITE WATER RAFTING
Promising a thrilling ride on the rapids, white water rafting is an adrenaline pumping activity that offers plenty of fun thrills and spills for young and old alike. Kitulgala is the premier spot for such activities and the major and minor rapids in this area provide an action packed ride on the water amidst breathtaking natural scenery.
NATURE TREKKING
Discover a land like no other, while embarking on a nature trek in Sri Lanka, from ancient forests seemingly lost in time to nature reserves that are home to endemic flora & fauna. The mist shrouded Knuckles Mountain Range, the lush tea estates of Nuwara Eliya and the diverse Horton Plains National Park are just some of the sites one can plan trekking excursions to.
CAMPING
Experience the breathtaking beauty and secluded serenity of Sri Lanka’s natural splendour when on camping trips in the island. A perfect way to get close with nature, such things to do in Sri Lanka also give you the chance to enjoy trekking and hiking adventures that provide plenty of opportunities to witness the rich biodiversity of local flora & fauna.
DIVING
Descend to a breathtaking underwater world and uncover the mysteries of the deep with diving excursions in Sri Lanka. Home to colourful corals and a vivid array of marine life, the clear waters that surround the island are perfect for divers looking for adventure beneath the waves. One can also explore the many shipwrecks that lie off the coasts, some of which date back to colonial times.
SNORKELLING
Explore the wonders of a vibrant underwater world on a thrilling snorkelling excursion that provides a glimpse into life under the waves. Snorkelling in Sri Lanka can be enjoyed by the entire family and is a popular activity that can be engaged in around the island, letting you see colourful coral and a vivid array of marine life that call these waters home.
WALKING CITY TOUR
The best way to explore a destination sometimes is by foot and a walking city tour accompanied by a guide is an ideal way to see local attractions and places of interest. Such tours give you a chance to not only get a real feel of city life, but also go off the beaten track and enjoy experiences and encounters that one may otherwise miss when sightseeing.
TURTLE WATCHING
The shores of Sri Lanka provide an ideal place in which to engage in some turtle watching, giving you the chance to see these endangered creatures be it during nesting or when baby hatchlings make their way to sea. The Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery and the Rekawa Turtle Sanctuary are amongst the best places to visit in Sri Lanka if you want to spend the day turtle watching and get to know more about their conservation too.
CANOEING / KAYAKING
Offering a laidback sightseeing adventure, canoeing or kayaking takes you on a fun journey along the island’s waterways. From lagoons to swamps, these areas are perfect for such activities and let you explore the rich natural landscapes that can be found bordering them, which are home to a fascinating range of flora and fauna.
AYURVEDA TREATMENTS
Based on ancient healing rituals and traditions, our Sri Lankan Ayurveda treatments provide holistic healing that help bring about peace for mind, body and soul. Utilising all natural herbs and ointments, such treatments which include head and body massages and herbal baths, help you unwind and restore that inner peace.
ELEPHANT BACK SAFARI SRI LANKA
Get up close with Sri Lanka’s iconic elephant as you set off on an exciting safari into the wild. Elephant back safari gives you a chance to really get a feel for nature, while discovering the island’s flora and fauna.
CYCLING
Go off the beaten track using good old fashioned pedal power and discover the cultural, historical and natural richness of Sri Lanka. Cycling amidst lively town streets, traditional villages, cultural sites and lush green escapes is an ideal way to experience the island’s diversity which provides fun activities that the whole family can enjoy as well.