Activities in Sri Lanka

Surfing Sri Lanka

The escapist beach settlement of Arugam Bay on the south-east coast is listed as one of ten top surf spots in the world and is especially popular during the season between July / August when surfers come in search of the thrilling wave breaks. The small bays and beaches of the south coast, especially between Hikkaduwa and Mirrisa, are also popular for surfers from November to April.

Cycling

Cycling is one of the best ways to explore Sri Lanka’s varied landscapes, cultural heritage and experience rural village life. Cycle through rice fields and rural villages; through tea covered hill country or along beautiful palm fringed beaches; explore the ruins of ancient kingdoms dating back to the 3rd century B.C. or jungle tracks in the north central province. A truly rewarding experience.

Air ballooning

Soar high above Kandalama, the ancient Dambulla rock temple and the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Enjoy the beautiful sunrise and spot wild elephants and water buffalo as you fly over untouched wilderness.

Horse Riding

Explore Sri Lanka’s myriad of landscapes including sun kissed beaches, rural villages, tea estates and the tropical wilderness on horseback. Red Dot’s horse riding holidays are the latest exciting itineraries to emerge from Sri Lanka’s most in-form holiday stable. The Marwari, Sindi, and Kathwiari horses, famed for their agility and endurance in challenging climates, have been specially imported from Rajastan in Northern India. The stable consists of more than 30 horses – Marwari thoroughbreds and half-breeds – stationed at different locations in Sri Lanka.

Rafting & Canoeing

Experience a exciting rafting adventure in a jungle paradise. Sri Lanka’s tropical climate and central highlands combine to offer plenty of rafting adventures. Low-country lakes, lagoons and rivers also offer opportunities for canoeing and kayaking.

Caving

Sri Lanka’s history dates back to Stone Age settlements and has a range of ancient caves scattered across the country that can be explored by amateurs as well as experts. Red Dot Tours offers adventurous caving excursions in association with a specialist adventure company and cavers are accompanied by an experienced local guide. All necessary caving gear is provided.

Scuba Diving

Sri Lanka’s western, southern and eastern coastal belts are ideal for snorkelling and scuba diving. The turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, reefs, colourful corals and an array of exotic marine life, have attracted many sea farers for centuries.

Sailing

Sri Lanka’s tranquil and picturesque coastline is studded with magnificent bays that provide ideal waters for sailing. The North East coast is ideal for sailing from June to September and sailing in the south is possible from December to April. Sailing inland on Bolgoda Lake close to the capital city of Colombo is also popular.

Windsurfing

Sri Lanka’s surrounding Indian Ocean waters are ideal for windsurfing and the monsoon weather patterns are such that one half of the island’s coastal waters are always in season for watersports.

River Cruising

Sri Lanka is an island with many rivers, lagoons and old canals that meander past a myriad of landscapes before gently flowing out to the Indian Ocean. Cruise by remote rural villages, pristine white Buddhist temples, centuries old churches, lush green paddy fields, and mangrove marshes rich in birdlife.

Marine Life

With over 1700 kms of coastline, Sri Lanka is blessed with a variety of marine habitats including coral reefs, submarine canyons that provide feeding grounds for whales and turtle nesting beaches. Go on a night safari to Rekuwa beach and silently watch as the endangered marine turtles come ashore to nest or go out into the deep seas and marvel at the mighty blue whales and the playful dolphins.

Kitesurfing

Kitesurf over the turquoise seas that surrounds this paradise island or skimthe waters of a tranquil lagoon. Sri Lanka has excellent kite surfing spots for beginners as well as the more experienced. The best season for kitesurfing on the North West coast is from May to December.

Whale & Dolphin Watching

The south of Sri Lanka beyond Dondra Head is considered one of the best locations in the world for spotting Blue Whales, Sperm Whales and Spinner Dolphins. They can be spotted in the deep seas off the southern coastal towns of Galle, Mirissa and Kirinda. The North West coast off Kalpitiya is also ideal for spotting pods of Spinner Dolphins, Dugongs, sting rays and the endangered marine turtles. Boat excursions into the deep seas are possible only from December to April when the seas are calm along the south and west coasts.

Walking

s Turn your thoughts to Sri Lanka and it may often conjure up a beautiful tropical island and steamy hot days spent searching for the cool of a palm tree or a gentle ocean breeze. It is an image more likely to stir you into a cool swim than a long walk. But there is another Sri Lanka: a land of tea-laden hillsides, gurgling waterfalls, stirring mountains and clear hill-country air. Here, in temperatures akin to a beautiful English summer’s day, is wonderful walking country, a chance to experience Sri Lankan scenery at its finest and when the day is over to be sure, satisfied and weary, of a typically hospitable Sri Lankan welcome.