Rare places in the world rival Sri lanka for its spirit of adventure. Gifted with a mosaic of rich and beautiful landscapes, this sun-soaked country delivers the ideal settings for thrilling outdoor adventures on land and sea.
Did you know that Sri Lanka is one of the best countries in South Asia to dive shipwrecks? Well, now you know!
We have over 50 exciting wrecks all around the island. We have a dozen wrecks on the west shore, including two World War 1 age steamships sunk by the German trade raider SMS Wolf in 1917. On the east coast, we have a slew of World War II wrecks, including the world-famous HMS Hermes (1942), identified as one of the top 100 wreck dives in the world, along with HMS Hollyhock (1942), SS British Sergeant (1942), and RMS Athelstane (1942).
The wrecks in Sri Lanka provide thrilling diving opportunities to divers at all levels. They are in depths from 0m to over 65m. Also, Sri Lanka has some great reefs too.
Sri Lanka's surf set not only warm waters, adorable beach huts, local curry places, and palm-fringed shores but waves for every skill level and surfable swells year-round. The most suitable waves are found on the southern and eastern coasts. In the south, the exceptional surfing season is from October to the start of April; then, in May, everyone heads east to Arugam Bay on the east coast, where the dry season lasts through September.
While foreigners found the epic surf in Sri Lanka as extended as the 1960s, the country's current appeal as a wave-riding destination has been increasing since the end of its civil war in 2009. Despite a pandemic-induced drop in travel, Sri Lanka's beaches are envisioned to draw avid surfers again.
Grab a challenging trek high in the peak rainforest of the Knuckles Range, witness the incalculable spice – cardamom - rising in the woods, see the sight of rare orchids and birds, and enjoy the delight of exploring places where few have been earlier. Then, traverse an almost novel country in the southeast, past the well-known Yala National Park where leopards prowl and elephants trek, beyond the bird-rich Kumana wetlands and into a territory where hundreds of ruined temples and maybe even cities lie awaiting find in the groves.
Encounter the joys of crumbling rocks beneath the feet, charge-turning heights and the earth expanding downward, overpowering the mountains of Sri Lanka. The mountains standing guard almost the highlands of Sri Lanka, including the Knuckles range, Ella, Habarana, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Horton Plains and Buttala, deliver challenging climbs to armature as well as professional climbers. The most recent experience in mountaineering is waterfall climbing with exhilarating climbs like the rock of Bambarakanda falls, the tallest in the country.
Kalpitiya is the finest kite destination in Asia in winter and summer. Kalpitiya delivers a variety of substantial flat spots with firm and invariant wind. The prominent place is perfect for learning with flat, shallow water and safety boats ensuring the best conditions to become an independent rider. As kitesurfing is new in Kalpitiya, the area is not spoiled with big resorts and tourists, and it's the perfect gateway for kiters who love peace and nature, with some wild parties occasionally happening.
Summertime from May to October delivers strong southwest winds ranging from 18 to 30 knots every day. During this season, the wind blows almost 24h a day.
Winter season from mid-December to the end of February, with lighter north-west winds from 12 to 20+ knots. Both seasons are very sunny, and the changing wind direction offers different zones making it another riding place each time.
White Water Rafting is a formidable recreational sport and thrilling water adventure. So naturally, an intermediate level of physical fitness and a strong spirit would do. Nevertheless, white Water Rafting, generally enjoyed in turbulent waters bring about an enthralling experience for water sports fans.
Some of the rivers of Sri Lanka entitle recreational activists and water sports enthusiasts to relish White Water Rafting. The little city of Kitulgala in the hill country is the most prominent location in Sri Lanka.
Cycle ride via tea plantations, fishing towns, and swathes of the lush green wilderness is one best adventures in Sri lanka. Sri Lanka is achieving traction as one of Asia’s most thrilling new destinations for adventure travel, and it’s not challenging to witness why. With a pristine coastline, ancient ruins, wild peaks and wildlife-filled national parks, it’s a dream for tourists who like to get engaged. So in between cycle treks, laze on the beach, explore the country’s exclusive Hindu and Buddhist places, and taste the flavours of the tempting night markets.
Snorkelling is an entertaining aquatic sport; not just straightforward but also lets people of all age groups participate. There are rarer activities you can join as a family, i.e., children to adults. Snorkelling is one of them. It allows you to have fun; so quickly with no risk. Assume you have already packed your suitcases to Sri Lanka; no matter whether you are a solo tourist or a honeymooner, it’s required that you snorkel there. Snorkelling in Sri Lanka delivers a uniquely relaxing experience utterly different from the beauty of life on land. Moreover, the cost of snorkelling is relatively not high. The best snorkelling places are Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna, Pigeon Island, Passikudah Mirissa Kirinda Bentota, Negombo, Kalpitiya, Weligama, Nilaveli, Colombo, Polhena Reef and Koggala.
Besieged from all flanks by the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka's oceans are wealthy in aquatic life and exotic sea beasts. Deep sea fishing is one of visitors' and locals' favourite respite activities. In addition, this stunning island is one of the best spots for game fishing in Asia. From those just skimming to get their first taste of sport fishing to keen anglers, Sri Lanka has plenty of opportunities for everyone!
Hikkaduwa, Negombo, Mirissa, Arugam Bay, and Trincomalee are the most excellent places where you can go deep sea fishing in Sri Lanka.
The adventure takes on a new meaning as the multi-coloured hot-air balloon drifts silently above the forest.
Terrified by the noise of a sudden burst of gas keeping the balloon aloft, a pair of peacocks take flight directly below the balloon's basket, their outrageously long pearlescent blue and emerald tail feathers streaming behind like a psychedelic jet stream. Several deer dart nervously across a clearing below, but the little herd of elephants continues feeding, utterly unfazed by this aerial intruder.
Balloons that travel with the wind make for one of the flight's most surreal and tranquil feelings. Following the initial adrenaline rush of the takeoff, one could settle down to absorb the wonder of the colourful earth below.
The weather in Dambulla – Kandalama is exceptional for flying balloons due to its extraordinarily calm and predictable nature.
Sri Lanka Balloon Rides generally occur in the early morning, and the average distance we cover, by the wind speed and direction, is anywhere from one to ten miles.
The gorgeous Sri lanka is not endowed with extensive bodies of water such as lakes. Nevertheless, the country is spotted with many artificial reservoirs and a vast network of river systems. These rivers and their arms let you journey along them through boats or kayaks. These extensive riverine systems give varying difficulty levels, from smooth still water kayaking in the Kalaoya situated northwest of the country to the white-water rapids of the Kelani river in Kithulgala. Being surrounded by sea, you can also sea kayak during specific times of the year when the blue waters of the Indian Ocean are always like a mirror. It is a great day excursion paddling via the rainforest streams, exploring mangroves along the Kalaoya or multiday adventures such as travelling the Mahaweli via Wasgamuwa National park, exploring the Kalu gaga river in the south or braving the rapids of the Kelani River in Kithulgala.
Jet skiing is potential in several parts of the island, including east, west and south coast shores, artificial lakes and lagoons around the country.
Water sports lover is sure to relish drenching themselves on a jet ski while dealing with the water movements and accomplishing air-water jumps. Further, explore deep into the ocean if you are confident enough on a jet ski and make swift moves around giant swells.
Bentota on the southwest coast has a water sports hub that offers jet skiing. Also, Kalpitiya beach, Unawatuna beach, Negombo beach, Negombo lagoon, Passikudah beach and Gregory Lake in Nuwara Eliya are a few spots in Sri Lanka where jet skiing is famous.
Discover Sri Lankan shores in class on a sailing voyage. You could select the west, east, south or north coast to explore, depending on the period of the year you visit. With a sailing holiday, you can access stunning terrains and immaculate beaches. Sailing as an activity is also functional in Sri Lanka in spots like Bolgoda Lake, the North-East coast and the Southern coast.