It’s a known fact that Sri Lanka is among the popular tourist destinations in Asia. That is why; many different travellers are drawn to this amazing island with the hope of enjoying the perfect holiday experience. An important ingredient such travellers seek is the opportunity to have bucket loads of fun. And of course, this island is not one to disappoint and neither are its people. Providing ample amounts of opportunities to enjoy awesome adventures, you are guaranteed to have nothing short of a fun filled vacation. Here are some of our favourite outdoor sports that will satisfy your thirst for thrilling experiences.
- White Water Rafting
White water rafting is one of the most adrenaline pumping adventure sports you can enjoy in Sri Lanka. Kitulgala is a small town that has gained much fame for being a perfect location to enjoy this adventure sport. Located in the wet zone of the country, the mighty Kelani River flows through the town and offers several major and minor rapids that are perfect for rafters to face the raging waters of the river. Apart from rafting you can enjoy a host of other fun activities like hiking through the jungle, mountain biking and confidence jumps. Owing to the popularity there are a number of tour operators in the vicinity where you can rent out equipment and get a trained guide to help you engage in these activities in a safe manner.
- Surfing
If you are one to test your limits, then surfing is one of the top activities not to be missed. Don’t let the calm blue waters of the beautiful beaches fool you; the sandy breaks and reefs lying beneath create powerful waves that manage attract professional surfers to enjoy the optimum surfing conditions. Even if you are a beginner, you can get some basic surfing lessons (especially in Weligama!), and who knows, you might even end up becoming a pro-surfer in no time. Check out some of the best and affordable accommodation options we feature in top surfing spots like Pasikudah, Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna, Mirissa and many more that are great places to stay during your adventure holidays.
- Diving
A key highlight of this tropical island is its beautiful beaches, therefore it comes to no surprise that these picturesque sites are some of the best places you can enjoy super-fun adventure sports as well. The beauty of the amazing ocean only get better underwater, so you should immerse yourself in the depths of the ocean and enjoy the beauty of marine life. Unlike other parts of the world, Sri Lankan beaches are not packed with divers so you can enjoy great visibility and the opportunity to witness colourful marine landscapes and rare oceanic species undisturbed by human activity. Some of the best diving sites to lookout for are Barracuda Reef, Staghorn Coral Reef and Shark Point Reef. You can also push your boundaries and go deep sea diving where you might even get a chance to witness the eerie remains of a shipwreck.
- Hiking and trekking
If you are looking for an adventure that will let you enjoy a rejuvenating experience while you find your way through beautiful natural landscapes, then you should consider exploring the highlands of Sri Lanka. Surrounded by majestic mountain ranges complemented by waterfalls, untouched rain forests from one side and lush cultivations on the other, you would occasionally be greeted by a sleepy little town where you can enjoy a warm cuppa tea or coffee to give you the added boost to continue on your adventure. During the day you could roam around and catch a glimpse of rare and endemic species of fauna and flora. If you are looking for a place to rest between your adventures you might want to check out the cosy and comfortable accommodation options we feature in top hiking locations like Hatton, Nuwara Eliya and Ella.
- Hot Air Ballooning
Want to witness the breath-taking beauty of this land from a whole new perspective? Then hot air ballooning is an activity you should not miss out on. Feel the thrill as you are carried above the clouds, and as you look down, you can enjoy the unobstructed view of the amazing wonders beneath you. Beautiful beaches, forest ranges, wildlife sanctuaries and historic sites are just some of the attractions you can see from an aerial view.
What are your top outdoor sports to do while in Sri Lanka?
