Activities & Special Interests
Kitulgala
Although widely diverse, Sri Lanka has a fairly pleasant climate and much depends upon the visitor’s intended destinations within the country. The spectacular scenery found throughout the Island can be explored on foot, bicycle, bus, train or even by air. Boat tours, Hot-Air Balloon rides and Whitewater rafting are available at the guest’s discretion. Sea water temperature can vary from 25°C to 28°C, so the coastal regions are great for a wide variety of water sports, including Surfing, Diving and Snorkeling. Beautiful valleys, hills and mountains provides perfect terrain for adventure activities such as trekking and mountain biking. There is no doubt that Sri Lanka also boasts an extraordinary variety of wildlife.
Wildlife Watching
Sri Lanka is home to over 20 National Parks encompassing a variety of terrains, from the tropical rainforest in Singharaja Forest Reserve to the Highland Grasslands in Hortons Plains, so the Island offers great opportunities for wildlife spotting. All that is apart from the wild parks which shelter elephants, leopards, deer, monkeys and all kinds of bird, reptile and insect life. Any drive along any road will reveal an astonishing variety of creatures. Mongooses scuttering into the undergrowth, lizards sunning themselves on tree stumps, snakes sidling away and peacocks strutting about. While most parts of the coast are richly endowed with marine life, from brightly coloured tropical fish to sea turtles, you can take time to explore the coral gardens and spot shellfish.
Trekking and Hiking
With picturesque scenery, temperature climate and the misty mountains, Sri Lanka offers fabulous opportunities for trekkers and hikers. Horton Plains is quite popular for trekking, there are many places to stop and appreciate the excellent panoramic views. The walk leads through grassy meadows, a stretch of woodland and to a view known as Little World’s End. This is best seen from the side of a small hill rising beside the signpost. World’s End itself is a mile or so down a narrow path through the woods. In places the earth here is almost pink striped from iron deposits in the soil. From the very edge of the World’s End (1200m sheer drop) it commands a breath-taking view. Knuckles Mountain Range is also a popular trekking destination. The walk begins through the lowlands, which are dotted with small villages, before winding through montane forest and past waterfalls, there are excellent vistas from the many viewpoints or from any of the peaks. Those who are seeking a more challenging hike can attempt The Adam’s Peak, the 5th highest peak in Sri Lanka. Buddhists believe that the sacred footprint of Buddha is situated in the centre of the level space. Pilgrims arrive by variety of routes; it normally takes about 4 hours to make the ascent on the easiest route. Ella Rock is a famous cliff too, located high above Ella town. It is a tiring hike but is definitely worth it for the diversity seen on the way up.
Bird Watching
Sri Lanka is truly an Ornithologist’s paradise. There are about 460 species that have been recorded (including breeding, non-breeding residence and endemic birds) 34 of them are endemic to Sri Lanka. For the birdwatchers who are keen on spotting the endemics, montane wetland and lowland wetland would be ideal, especially at Singharaja Rainforest, where 23 endemic birds can be seen, and the sightings are possible throughout the year. For the birders who want to tick the most off their lists, December to March is the best time as they can observe the migrant birds too.
Cycling
Is one of the holiday types fast gaining popularity in Sri Lanka, there are canal paths, backroads, and tracks to explore, travelling at a more leisurely pace enabling visitors to meet the locals and experience day to day life in Sri Lanka. Cycling through the tea estates in the Hill Country is particularly enjoyable, not just for the spectacular scenery but also because it is cooler than the hot and humid lowlands. Cycling Tours can always be combined with any other activity or cultural tours that we conduct, in some Culture tours there is a leisure cycle ride through the rural villages.
Whitewater Rafting
Kithulgala is a beautiful small town in the tea country, surrounded by lush green mountains covered by rainforest type vegetations. “Kelani River” comes off the steps of the Central Hills makes beautiful rapids in Kithulgala before entering the Indian Ocean, this offers the best Whitewater rafting on the Island. Grade III rapids here are suitable for beginners and intermediate rafters. In Kithulgala the rafting stretch is approximately 6km in length and it will take 45 min to an hour to completed. For the more experience rafters, we can arrange trips on the “Sithawaka River” at Avissawella, where the rapids are grade IV.
Surfing, Windsurfing & Kitesurfing
Visitors from all around the world head to Sri Lanka every year to ride the waves that wash ashore on the East and West coasts. The best season for the West falls from November to April, and in the East it’s May to October. Arugam Bay is one of the best surfing areas in the east coast. Negombo and Bentota are very popular for Windsurfing on the West. Best time for kitesurfing on the West coast is from May to October, when the wind conditions are suitable.
Canoeing and Kayaking
With 103 rivers and a wealth of swamps, lagoons and interconnected old canals, Sri Lanka provides no end of opportunities to try out this different and relaxing mode of transportation. During a leisurely canoe trip down these beautiful rivers, canoeists can marvel at ever changing landscapes and a fascinating variety of flora and fauna. Calm waters of beautiful reservoirs in lowland, highland and valleys provides an ideal setting for this activity, taking in the area’s prolific birdlife and breath-taking views.
Whale and Dolphin Watching
Mirissa, Kalpitiya and Trincomalee are the most famous places for observing the Whales and Dolphins in Sri Lanka. The season starts in Mirissa at the end of October goes till April where the water around Mirissa relatively is calm. The most common Whale that you are like to spot during this time here are Blue Whales, as the migration path is just off Dondra Point, there are chances of spotting Sperm Whales and Fin Whales as well. Spinner Dolphins are also quite common, while Humpback and Bridal Whales also have been recorded too. During November to March is the season for Kalpitiya and June to September off the Eastern shores such as Trincomalee.
Yoga and Meditation
Several resorts and hotels across Sri Lanka offer yoga sessions. Normally programmes are presided over by International Yoga teachers and complemented by a largely vegan and wheat free menu. Some resorts offer Yoga and guided Meditation as part of their treatment plans based on the various therapies available. If any guests are interested, there are some Monasteries conducting Meditation programmes which open to the public.