Ballooning in Sri Lanka
Taking off on a Hot Air Balloon is a calm and quiet way of exploring the surroundings in a remarkable way. The most special and important feature of this activity is that the person on the hot air balloon will hardly feel the movement, since it moves along with the wind.
Sri Lanka takes pride in offering this unique experience and it is known to be one of the best ways to see and feel the country's natural beauty. This activity even provides the chance to follow the elephants and discover their natural habitat. The experience is simply enchanting since flying on a hot air balloon is a great way to view the beautiful lakes, rivers and reservoirs that captivate the country. Most travelers to Sri Lanka prefer to use a balloon ride in order to get a first hand view of the magnificent Sigiriya Rock and many other historically acclaimed works of art available in this splendid country. Therefore, from soaring heights travelers can explore the Sri Lanka's proud history of 2500 years.
Not only is a hot air balloon ride an environmental friendly way of exploring wild life but it is a safe one, since travelers can witness animals in their natural habitats without even setting a foot on the ground. Since no disturbance is done to the privacy of the species, this initiative is known as "Soft Tourism".
Major ballooning tour operators such as Red Dot Tours, offers maximum safety for travelers who wish to take rides. A team of skilled professionals mainly carries out balloon rides and a majority of hot air balloon rides starts from the cultural triangle close to Dambulla.
The best time of year for hot air ballooning is between October and April. However, a ride on a balloon hugely depends on weather conditions. Tour packages offered by tour operators are reasonably priced and above all, these packages cover some of the most breathtaking areas of the island including Sigiriya, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Yala National Park, the south coast, Udawalawe National Park, the hill capital and much more. Furthermore, these packages also come with a time period of 3 to 4 hours of fun and excitement.
Banana Boating in Sri Lanka
Banana Boating is an up-and-coming water sport around the world. With the use of a boat, which in shape resembles a banana that is in turn attached to a motorboat, a group of 6 people can enjoy these rides. This type of water sport is carried out in the open sea and is strongly associated with fun and excitement as the ride plummets passengers into the waiting sea.
As the boat crashes against the water, banana boating closely resembles rafting without the pull of the white water currents, as the boat is pulled by force the force of a motorboat. In many cases, the passengers will be thrown off the boat into the sea and thus all passengers are required to wear a lifejacket. Mostly popular amongst the young and adventurous crowd the ride provides an exhilarating experience as you get flung out of the boat and the process of getting back onto the boat is as much fun as is riding it. Much like water skiing, the boat skis the water in a similar manner.
For those who wish to indulge in banana boating, make your way to Bentota, which provides this uniquely adventurous water sport. One ride will cost around USD 7.00 per person and allows guests to ride around 1 to 2 kilometers off Bentota Beach.
Visit Sri Lanka and take part in this exhilarating ride of a lifetime
Camping in Sri Lanka
In order to experience camping at its best, head to the centre of Sri Lanka!
A majority of campsites in the country are operated by experienced tour guides. These sites are tested and selected by skilled and qualified personnel. Some campsites are owned by the wildlife and forest department of Sri Lanka.
Generally campsites are provided with all the essential amenities. Facilities consist of copra torches, oil, make shift al fresco restaurants that offer a range of mouth watering world-class cuisine and much more. Sri Lanka's campsites are segregated as Super-Luxury camping, Luxury camping and Participatory camping. Marco Polo once described Sri Lanka as the most beautiful island in the world that offers a broad range of sights and terrain. The country offers hill country plantation estates, rainforests, rapid rivers and jungles with awe inspiring wild life; and therefore camping in this part of the world is truly remarkable.
Travelers can enjoy an elephant trek of 3 days with a team of camping and wild life specialists. Furthermore, nature lovers can explore the footpath of elephants and other animals.
The island provides camping safaris in all nature reserves and national parks. Campers can choose from a variety of tours that range from just one day to a few days of camping safari tours. An extensive array of activities connected to camping is also offered. These activities include studying and observing fauna or flora in different environmental conditions, butterfly and bird watching and even mingle with the native People of Sri Lanka better known as the Veddhas.
The most interesting part of camping in Sri Lanka is the fact that the traveler will be involved in the expedition in a full 24-hour cycle. The most fascinating experience is that the voyager becomes a part of wild life during the camping safari.
Canoeing & Kayaking in Sri Lanka
The action of paddling a canoe with the intention of recreation, sport or even transportation is called 'Canoeing' while 'Kayaking' is the use of a kayak for travelling across water. The main feature that differentiates kayaking from canoeing is by the amount of blades on the paddle and the sitting position of the paddler.
With over 103 rivers, lagoons, interconnected canals and reservoirs, Sri Lanka provides its visitors a remarkable setting for canoeing or kayaking. Sri Lanka's famed Kalu Ganga also known as the Black River provides a more relaxing setting for a canoeing experience. Since it is a river that flows comparatively slowly, there is no need of any sort of expert canoeing skills. However, along the way travelers will get the one of a kind opportunity to view and marvel the changing landscapes and breathtaking array of flora and fauna. While passing the much colonized town area of Ratnapura, the river bank ambience gets even more calm and picturesque.
The Samanalawewa reservoir is an alternative to river canoeing in Sri Lanka. This calm reservoir is set in Sri Lanka's Sabaragamuwa province and is conveniently accessible from Belihuloya. The Samanalawewa reservoir offers a perfect setting for a slow-paced canoeing experience. Most hotels in this part of the country provide canoes and kayaks as well as guides on request.
Usually a kayak ride on a reservoir, sea, river or lagoon is rather calm and relaxing. In total contrast, white water kayaking or rafting is a more fast paced, action packed experience. This comparatively new sport tops the list in world adventure sports. White water kayaking mainly involves sliding down a stream as it crashes over waterfalls. Sri Lanka offers this enthralling experience in some waterfalls that are nearly 700 feet high. As tall as can be, these waterfalls also offer some of the most awe-inspiring scenery. White water rafting in Sri Lanka originated from Kithulgala, which is positioned about 80 kilometres from Colombo.
Diving in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a charming paradise island with an endless number of magnificent dive sites. Explorers can witness a whole new facet of Sri Lanka under water with its renowned ship wrecks that dates back to the colonial era, coral reefs, caves and rock formations.
Adventure sports like scuba diving is connected with underwater photography and exploring the diverse ocean species.
The rays of the sun creating a magical look light up the coral reef that can be found in the south and east coast of Sri Lanka. The vibrant tropical fish and shipwrecks provide photographers, underwater archaeologists and adventure seekers the opportunity to experience the best of underwater life.
Eels, Moorish Angel, Moorish Idol, Rays, Clown Fish, Unicorn and Porcupine fish are among the gorgeous species that have inhabited the coral world. The quite regular range of species comes from families such as Donnie Corals, Ster Corals, Staghorn Corals, Brain Corals and Flower Corals.
Ambalangoda, Dodndra, Hikkaduwa and Tangalle are among the many exciting and stunning dive sites found in the south and south-east coast. Divers will also find an exotic diving site that is situated off the shore of Unawatuna. It can be found south of Galle and is 125 kilometres away from Colombo.
In the west coast, diving hot spots include Beruwala, Bentota and Negombo and Nilaveli, while in the east coast the best places for diving expeditions are Kattankudy, Kalmunai, Batticaloa and Passekudah.
Skilled divers will find that seabed's and the reefs off the coast are also a unique attraction. It is also an intriguing site for the underwater archaeologists. For instance, there are shipwrecks that reveal a history of more than twenty centuries of maritime trade in Sri Lanka. Some of these historical treasures have been retrieved and are put on display at the maritime museums of the country.
Elephant Safaris in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is world renowned as a Nature Lover's paradise mainly due to its diversity of landscapes. A traveler to this beautiful island destination would not want to miss a lifetime experience of a ride on the biggest animal in the country.
Riding on an elephants back is an extraordinary way of exploring wildlife. It is a fantastic way to view the charming natural beauty of this unique island. The experience with this enormous animal will be truly memorable if travelers choose to spend a day interacting with them. Explorers will have the opportunity to picnic with them, feed and even swim with them.
Elephant safaris in Sri Lanka are known as one of the latest and exhilarating safari experiences. Travelers will get to ride through wilderness regions and attractive riverside scenery.
An elephant back ride in Sri Lanka is not just about getting familiar with this enormous yet intelligent mammal. It is also an astonishing way of exploring the beauty of the country and interacts with the herd.
The elephant is known as the leading light of Sri Lanka's wildlife. The country which is home to two kinds of African elephants and Indian elephants, also treasure these marvelous creatures in light of religious beliefs and cultural denotations.
Due to poaching, the number of elephants has reduced drastically down to nearly 2000 from the 36000 elephants that were calculated with the start of this century.
Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage is home for approximately 60 elephants. A majority of elephants here are baby elephants orphaned or deserted in the wild. Pinnawela Elephant orphanage is devoted to help these endangered species, where as National parks such as Udawalawe and Lahugala are also primarily set aside for wild elephants. Yala National Park that is situated in the southern-east corner of the country is home to a large number of elephants, which live in their natural habitat of wilderness. Take time to partake in an Elephant Safari, and traverse the country in search of the many species of elephant who call Sri Lanka their home.
Hiking & Trekking in Sri Lanka
With diverse climates and stunning natural beauty, there is no better way of exploring Sri Lanka than an exciting hiking trip. Trekking refers to multi-day hiking excursions through rural and often rugged terrain. It is an ideal manner to discover a country, its people, beliefs and traditions.
Campsites and trails in Sri Lanka have been well planned out in order to provide the nature lover and explorer a memory that will last a lifetime. Necessary measures have been taken in order to ensure the benefit of the local commune and the maximum protection of nature.
There are different forms of hiking opportunities provided. Travelers will have the choice of hiking or trekking in cities and towns that lies within easy reach to the business capital of the country, which is Colombo. For instance, areas like Gampaha are perfect for an easy hiking experience. Such places provide the opportunity to explore the little villages and farms. On the other hand, the Knuckles range which is a staggering 1,863 meters above the Dumbara Valley is a dream come true for the more challenging hiker.
Travelers will also have the opportunity to visit the Wasgamuwa National Park or meet up with the Veddahs who are Sri Lanka's native folk. The Veddah lives in a territory called Dambana in Mahiyangana. The Knuckles range features a number of allocated trails like the Alugallena Montane Forest Nature Trail. The latter is 5 to 6 hour trail with a distance of 8 kilometers. It begins at Thangappuwa and ends at Alugallena cave. Other allocated trails include Dekinda Stream nature trail. This trail is nearly a 2-kilometre walk via the hill slope of Naela. The trail ends at Dekinda stream. Prior permission is required from the Forest Department in order to enter the forest since the Knuckles range is considered a protected area.
Yet another exciting trek is from Belihul-Oya to the Horton Plains. This is regarded as one of the most picturesque hiking trails complete with wild life, waterfalls, fauna and flora. The list goes on and on as Sri Lanka is renowned for offering its visitors adventure at its very best!
Mountain Biking in Sri Lanka
Mountain Biking is the activity of riding bicycles off-road, over rough territory. With Sri Lanka's mountainous grounds being are recognized among the world's finest sites for biking, the country's valleys, slopes and tea plantations are trails that allure any mountain biker.
Bikers can ride through the tracks and trails that fall along rain forests, tea estates, caves, reservoirs and ancient temples. A majority of tour operators and hotels in Sri Lanka provide mountain biking vacations. The traveler will have the option to get in touch with a smaller 'adventure' based operation in order to select a personal trip.
The cycle routes are marked for the convenience of the biker. Tour operators like Sri Lankan Expeditions offer custom-made mountain biking tours. Most biking tours are carried out on the Knuckles range mainly due to its lush green hills and tough trails. One of the most appealing mountain trails fall along Kital Ella close to Bandarawela overlooking the magnificent 'Namunukula' mountain range. This mountainous area with an altitude of 1230 meters boasts of a pleasing climate.
For extensive biking tours, a supporting vehicle is provided to transport luggage. However, for the adventurous bikers who favour a private ride can do so with just a map as the only assistance. Although it is possible to carry mountain bikes in buses and trains the bikes need to be dismantled and put in carryon bags. In case the rider is not with a support vehicle or a group of riders it is best to carry a tool kit as well as a pump.
Cycling is probably the best way to see the country, meet the locals, try out the tempting food and visit the main cultural sites such as the rock fortress at Sigiriya, the tenth century capital Polonnaruwa and Kandy's Temple of the Tooth.
National Cycle Trail of Sri Lanka
The National Cycle Trail of Sri Lanka is separated to four districts which are diverse in geography. These districts cater to the needs and requirements of even the most discerning bikers in the world.
Cycling is regarded as one of the most physically challenging adventure sports in the world. It is recognized as one of the finest ways to discover the beauty of Sri Lanka and its unique way of life. On their way, cyclist will certainly come across stunning paddy fields, ancient villages and some of the country's most outstanding temples. The four main cycling routes in Sri Lanka are the coastal route, ancient city route, Sabaragamuwa Province route and hill country route.
The cycling route in the southern coastal belt runs from Wadduwa to Koggala and this trail features some of the country's most beautiful beaches, tea, rubber and coconut estates and a diverse range of fauna and flora. The ancient city route is a relatively dry zone which is 150 kilometers long. This route covers the cultural triangle and various masterpieces of art, temples, national parks and ancient irrigation systems.
The Sabaragamuwa province route is a 200 kilometer trail that features gemstone pits and mining techniques that dates back to the era of King Solomon. Other attractions that pass by include waterfalls, rivers and tea estates. However the most significant place along this route is a rain forest that is called Sinharaja.
One of the best routes is the hill country route which is 300 kilometers long. It is a route with cool climate, mountains and stunning tea estates. Simply ideal for the mountain biker the Hill Country Cycle Trail is beautified with the tea pluckers and the scenic locations of tea estates that pass by. Each National Cycle Trails is separated and developed to cater to a broad spectrum of tourists and at the same time prioritizes the beauty of nature and availability of lodgings.
Paragliding in Sri Lanka
Known to be an energetic flying sport, Paragliding is one of the newest recreational activities in the world. This enthralling sport originated during the 1940's. Many people and countries across the world have recognized this sport as full of fun, convenient and a safe way of soaring in the open air.
Although the sport became a favourite among the adventure sport enthusiast since the 1940's it made its mark in Sri Lanka only during recent times. This was done to cater to the needs and demands of the international traveler. Since then, the sport has become ever so popular in this island destination. The progress of Paragliding in Sri Lanka bears testimony to the fact that foreign travelers and adventurists find it exciting and convenient to venture out in this sport here.
Conducive climate conditions and physical features of Sri Lanka have made it an ideal destination for paragliding throughout the year. This sport has become an important tourist attraction to the country. A midway glide for any normal pilot will take about 25 minutes.
This adventurous sport can be experienced in places such as the Ella Adventure Park. It is a renowned hotel located in the wilderness of Ella city, which is approximately 202 kilometers from Colombo. Ella lies in the central mountainous region and is in the south of Nuwara Eliya. It also lies close to Bandarawela. Currently this hotel is the only provider of paragliding in the country.
Paragliding expeditions are at present carried out above the Makaldeniya ridge. This offers the paraglider the opportunity to indulge in the charming panoramic views of the surrounding areas. Paragliding in Sri Lanka has increased in popularity whereby one of the main reasons for its attractiveness is the safety measures that have been taken. The favourable environmental conditions are also considered to be another reason.
Rock Climbing in Sri Lanka
Rock climbing is both a mentally and physically challenging sport, which tests the climber's balance, strength and endurance. Known to be challenging yet dangerous, rock climbing requires knowledge of correct climbing techniques and use of climbing equipment; features that are vital for safely reaching the summit of a formation or the end of a pre-defined route. Mountaineering which works hand in hand with this adventure sport is also about skill and levels of fitness.
Certain mountain ranges in Sri Lanka offer the daring types with some exhilarating climbing routes. Climbing expeditions in the country is a perfect way to discover nature and at times is offered to sport enthusiasts with rafting and sailing expeditions.
A majority of mountaineering expeditions are executed in places such as the Knuckles Mountain Range. Well known for its eco tourism and breathtaking natural ambience, Belihul-Oya is a hamlet, positioned in the Sabaragamuwa province. It is about 160 kilometres from the business capital Colombo and includes hotels and tour operators that offer have planned out tours for those who are keen on rock climbing.
Other places that provide rock climbers a unique sense of excitement are The Ella Adventure Park, Habarana, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Horton Plains and Buttala.
Rock climbing is a comparatively new activity in Sri Lanka. This reason alone makes it an interesting place for climbing with new routes. Rock climbing in the country is not limited for the ardent climbers alone. Amateur climbers have great opportunities here as well. With the likes of Excel World, which offers indoor rock climbing practice, amateurs have the ability to practice on the rock climbing abilities.
Apart from practice climbing, the country offers some interesting routes that have been developed especially for amateur climbers. For instance, the rock face of Babarkanda, which is Sri Lanka's tallest waterfall, is an exciting place for rock climbing. At the Babarkanda waterfall, there are two climbing paths. One path is made for the professional climber while the other is made for beginners.
Professional rock climbers will have the opportunity to become a part of the discovery missions by working as a team and discovering the magnificence of nature together. Indulge in this adventure sport and take part in the discovery of Sri Lanka's beautiful terrain.
Whale Watching in Sri Lanka
With marine life being an awe-inspiring gift from nature, Sri Lanka is blessed by the likes of whales, dolphins, amazing coral reefs and aquatic creatures. With the ever increasing concern for nature and its inhabitants the world has become more intrigued by these creatures and their way of life.
With Sri Lanka being visited by wonderful marine mammals such as whales and dolphins, sea voyages have become immensely popular. Visits by these magnificent creatures of the sea are seasonal and mainly occur in the west coast of this paradise island.
With one of the popular locations being Kalpitiya, visitors are not only gifted with the sightings of these wondrous marine animals but also are able to take in the sandy beaches along the stretch of land. The best time to view these marvelous creatures is November to March. Furthermore, Kalpitiya is home to a beautiful Dutch fort, an archipelago of tiny islands that surround the coast and lagoon, and the beautiful St. Peters' Kirk Church.
Apart from the breathtaking views of the land, visitors can also take in the delight of the seafood that is on offer at many of the dining outlets around Kalpitiya. Apart from Kalpitiya, other destinations to view these marvels can be found along the North-East Coast and the south coast of Sri Lanka in the likes of Trincomalee, Batticaloa Kirinda, Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Alutgama, Mirissa and Ambalangoda. Dolphins and Whale watching on the northeast coast is said to be at its height between June and September, whereas the south coast is more popular during the months between January and April. Many of the hotels, which are located in these destinations, provide essential facilities for a pleasant dolphin and whale watching experience.
This paradise island located in the Indian Ocean is within the protected zone of the International Whaling Commission, and is home to 26 species out of the 80 species of cetaceans found in the world. These types of whales, which are viewable from the coasts of Sri Lanka, include the Common Blue Whales, Sperm Whales, Bryde's Whales, Killer Whales, Melon Headed Whales, Dwarf, False Killer and Cuvier's Beaked Whales.
Sri Lanka provides boat and air based voyages. Motorized boats and trawlers allow travelers to journey far out to the deep and reach the natural habitats of the dolphins and whales. Helicopters and sea planes offer air based expeditions with an awesome aerial view of the island.
When visiting Sri Lanka guests can indulge themselves in the peaceful and relaxing activity that is whale and dolphin watching which is sure to please animal lovers.
White Water Rafting in Sri Lanka
A challenging recreational activity, White Water Rafting is usually executed on white-water or various degrees of forceful water. This is done mainly to give raft passengers an enthralling experience.
This unique leisure sport is popular in the many rivers that flow through Sri Lanka. Some of the country's rivers that flow through tropical jungles provide the perfect setting for white water rafting. This activity is a must do for both amateurs and experts.
Kitulgala is where white water rafting originated in Sri Lanka. It is about 80 kilometers from Colombo on the A7 road that leads to Nuwara Eliya via Avissawella. Kitulgala was chosen as the main location in David Lean's 1957 film 'Bridge on the River Kwai.'
One of the major rivers in the country, the Kelani River flows passing the rock-strewn area of Kitulgala and the fast moving water provides plenty of fun and pleasure for adventure sports like white water rafting.
Tours generally start at Kitulgala and most tours go pass the site of the filming. These tours are planned for a minimum of just an hour and a maximum of half a day.
The run takes nearly 90 minutes while bumping in to grade 2 and 3 rapids which come with unique names like Killer Falls, Butter Crunch, Virgin's Breast and Head Chopper.
The perfect time for white water rafting in Kitulgala is between May and December.
For a more exhilarating experience, there is the Sitawaka River located off Avissawella. An actual run at this river will take nearly 2 hours and there are grade 3 and 4 rapids. White Water Rafting in Sitawaka River requires a superior degree of skill and experience.
Yet another exciting run is the Kotmale River close to the Hatton Nuwara- Eliya Road. This too suits the well experienced rafter. The run at the Kotmale River takes place on an elevated position offering magnificent views of the nearby mountains.
Those who prefer the extraordinary can feel the excitement of Black Rafting, which is rafting by the night before or following the full moon Poya day.
Wind Surfing in Sri Lanka
Windsurfing is a surface water sport that is done with the use of a surf board. The sailboard is generally 2 to 5 meters long and is powered by wind. The rig is attached to the board by a turning flexible joint which is known as the Universal Joint or U-Joint.Windsurfing is a surface water sport that is done with the use of a surf board. The sailboard is generally 2 to 5 meters long and is powered by wind. The rig is attached to the board by a turning flexible joint which is known as the Universal Joint or U-Joint.
The best place for a surfing experience in Sri Lanka is Bentota, which is positioned on the south west coast. The surfer will get to cruise over stunning blue waters overlooking the striking sandy beaches. Sri Lanka is a great place for the amateurs of windsurfing. Some of the best waters to learn the sport are the Bentota River, the country's numerous tanks and lakes. These locations are considered to be perfect training location for surfers prior to heading to the demanding ocean waves.
Towards the north of Trincomalee, in the country's west coast, the ocean off Nilaveli Beach offers a superb east coast option for windsurfing in a much more adventurous level. Especially when the Yala monsoon brings about sturdy winds, windsurfers can experience the rough seas and a unique surfing tour. The windsurfing opportunities offered in Sri Lanka will not disappoint even the most professional windsurfer.
The Negombo Lagoon is an ideal place to learn this exciting sport all year round. Windsurfers will find the wind blowing across the lagoon constantly. On some days the wind can get rough but waves will not reach heights of more than just 15 meters.
For those who wish to go surfing on the south west coastline, it is best to grab the board before the monsoon; and this means the best time would be between November and April. To experience the best of water conditions and wind on the east coast, the ideal time of the year would be from May to October.
At present, Arugambay is the surfers paradise in Sri Lanka.