ACTIVITIES
SURFING
With options year round, surfs up in Sri Lanka. Choose from numerous surf breaks offering lessons for beginners and video analysis for more advanced, or head to a secret spot for an uncrowded lineup. South shore peaks November to March, while Arugam bay is pumping May to September.
BIRD WATCHING
Bird enthusiasts and amateurs flock to Sri Lanka. Over 400 species, with 23 endemics, and over 200 migratory species, these feathery friends take flight in bird sanctuaries, wetland reserves, and parks around the country.
HIKING AND TREKKING
There is no shortage of hiking trails in Sri Lanka. Novice to advanced can choose from national parks, lush forests, fertile mountains, green paddy fields, or rural villages, just to name a few
OFF ROAD 4WD ADVENTURES
Want to go for an expedition on wheels? That’s exactly what you’ll find in these 4-wheel drive adventures, be it on the beach embracing the sea breeze, crossing the streams in forest or climbing up or downhill on a mountain. Strictly for the adventurer at heart.
SNORKELING AND SCUBA DIVING
Although Sri Lanka is surrounded by water, underwater exploration is most popular in the western, southern, and eastern coasts. There you will see tropical fish, coral gardens, shipwrecks, and dolphins. Stop by Hikkaduwa for the countries only marine sanctuary.
KITE SURFING
Kalpitiya peninsula and lagoon, with its flat water and constant wind, is one of the best kitesurfing destinations in Asia. The season is best May to October when winds are 18-20 knots, but there are also surfable afternoon winds December to March
TURTLE WATCHING
Visit hatcheries on the west coast to see the endangered loggerhead, green, leatherback, hawksbill, and olive ridley turtle species. There, you can learn about their life cycle, threats, and conservation. At hatching times you can even assist in releasing them back into the wild on the beach.
WHITE WATER RAFTING
Thrill seekers will love navigating the rapids while white water rafting. Kelani River in Kitulgala, best from May to December, is suited for all types of rafters, while Sitawaka, Kotmale, and Mahaweli Rivers are popular with experienced rafters.
CAMPING
Sleep under the stars in rainforests and parks, on plantations and beaches. Choose your level of accommodation, from tents, cabins, huts, to tree houses, camping is a true way to get back to nature
DOLPHIN AND WHALE WATCHING
Mirissa, Trincomalee, and Kalpitiya are known for whale watching tours, and typically guarantee sightings November through April or your trip is free. 26 species including including sperm, fin, pilot, and blue whales can be seen, but you will most likely spot turtles, dolphins, and flying fish as well.
DEEP SEA FISHING
With over 1,800 kilometers of shoreline and 25,000 square kilometers of continental shelf, there are plenty of opportunities catch a big one. Western and south shores are best November to April, while the east is best May to September.
JET SKIING
Enjoy a thrilling adventure while you explore the west and south shores on a fast-moving jet ski. See marine life up close and personal, discover less visited shorelines, or whiz through crystal clear waters for pure thrills.
KAYAKING AND CANOEING
Enjoy a leisurely paddle through the countless lakes, rivers, lagoons, wetlands, oceans, bays, and canals on a kayak or canoe. Take in the beauty of surrounding landscapes and wildlife in this relaxing activity.
GOLFING
Sri Lanka’s golf courses have a relaxed and informal atmosphere with plenty of tee times. Courses in Colombo, Kandy, and Nuwara Eliya, with beautiful backdrops of mountains, city, and sea offer 18 holes for you to perfect your swing.
CYCLING
Cycle through rice paddies, tea plantations, mountain ranges, cultural heritage sites, or small villages. Whether beginner or extremist, Sri Lanka’s trails cater to all. Take in the unforgettable views on 2 wheels.
GEMS AND JEWELRY
Known for unique and rare gems, the Sri Lankan gem industry has been in existence for over 2,500 years. Purchase uncut gems and set jewelry, or design your own unique pieces to bring home.
JEEP SAFARI
What better way to get up close and personal with over 85 species of mammals, birds, and reptiles than through a jeep safari? Leopards, elephants, monkeys, and loris are just few to Spock on this off-road excursion.
WINDSURFING
Whether novice or advanced, you can find windsurfing any time of the year. Bentota, great for learning, is best between November and April. Head to Trincomalee in the months May through October for the best conditions.
SAILING
No matter your taste, from catamarans to yachts to dinghies, set sail in Sri Lanka. October to March is best in Mirissa and Beruwela, while May to September in Pasikuda and Trincomalee. Choose Bolgoda lake in Colombo if you do not want to be in open waters.
WATER SKIING
Experience the thrill of gliding on top of crystal clear water with destinations along the west coast including Bentota, Negombo, Mirissa, and Hikkaduwa. Choose from skis, wakeboards, and inflatables with lessons for beginning skiers, and courses for more advanced.
ROCK CLIMBING
Scale natural rock formations and waterfalls for a real extreme experience. Try aide climbing, free climbing, bouldering, solo or lead climbing. Ella, Horton Plains, Habarana, Sigiriya, Knuckles, Polonnaruwa, and Buttala will not leave you hanging.
CANYONING
An extreme activity, canyoning can involve rock climbing, waterfall jumping, swimming, and rafting all in one excursion. Feel the ultimate rush in the gorges carved from the Kelani River in Kitulgala jungle, and Sandun waterfalls in Ella.
CITY TOUR
Colombo, where east meets west. No trip is complete without visiting a countries bustling capital city. Explore landmarks, museums, shopping markets, and the taste local cuisine. To taking in the uniqueness of the city is truly a sensory experience.
CAVING
Cave exploring in Sri Lanka is no dark secret. Explore Sudu Gala, famous due to the discovery of early human skeletal remains, Beilena, known for its bat population, and Ritigalas mountains, dotted with caves,
HOT AIR BALLOONING
2000 feet above ground offer a unique perspective of pristine nature, cultural sites, and historic landmarks on this high- flying activity. Take flight on a sunrise trip to create unforgettable memories.
SCENIC FLIGHTS & HELICOPTER RIDES
Helicopter tours and scenic flights can be privately chartered, allowing freedom in your adventure. Enjoy a birds eye view of heritage sites, national parks, rugged mountain ranges, and vast coastline with a unique flight experience.
PHOTOGRAPHY AND FILMING
Sri Lanka’s striking beauty has made it a popular filming and photography destination. Government permits and regulations have made it easy, and film location service companies keep state of the art equipment and trained staff for a smooth production.
NIGHTLIFE
Once the sun goes down, Sri Lanka comes alive. Cocktail lounges, restaurants, nightclubs, karaoke bars, casinos, drag racing, bazaars, and live entertainment can keep you amused until first light.
HORSEBACK RIDING
A carefree and relaxing way to explore Sri Lanka is by horseback. Canter through beaches, forests, plains, rural villages and rice paddies with nothing more to do than lead your horse and take in the views.
CRICKET MATCH
No trip is complete without attending a match of cricket, Sri Lanka’s beloved sport.The Hambantota International Stadium, R. Premadasa Stadium, and the Colombo Cricket Club Ground, the most famous, are host international competitions.
CASINOS AND GAMBLING
Popular with locals and visitors alike, gambling in Sri Lanka is a luxury experience. Open 24 hours with free transport to and from major hotels, guests spend time at a variety of gaming areas while enjoying complimentary cocktails and food.
ABORIGINAL TRIBE
The indigenous people of Sri Lanka, also known as the ‘Vedhdhas’ line in their own village in Dabana. Going back in time where civilization as we know it didn’t exist is an amazing experience one can enter to by spending time with these natives.