Things to do in Sri Lanka
Whale Watching
Sri Lanka is Asia's Whale Watching destination number one. Actually, Mirissa is one of the most exciting Whale Watching hotspots in the entire world, as it's one of the very few places where often both blue whales and sperm whales can be observed in large numbers on the same boat expedition.
Mirissa Whale Watching season: December to April, peak in April
Tricomalee Whale Watching season: February to August/September
Kalpitiya Peninsula Dolphin Watching: January to September
Mirissa Whale Watching season: December to April, peak in April
Tricomalee Whale Watching season: February to August/September
Kalpitiya Peninsula Dolphin Watching: January to September
Ayurvada Treatments
Sri Lanka earned a reputation of being one of the two top destintations for Ayurveda treatments and relaxations, including herbal treatments ans various kinds of massage. Ayurveda Farms and Resorts can be found in several parts of the island. The most recommended locations are:
Bentota/Beruwela and Wadduwa at the southwestern coast offer all price categories
Unawatuna for a large choice of small farms and Weligama and Tangalla for the higher end at the south coast
Dambulla and Ulpotha for high quality in the Cultural Triangle
Kandy and Koggale for cures in the cooler climate of the hill country
Bentota/Beruwela and Wadduwa at the southwestern coast offer all price categories
Unawatuna for a large choice of small farms and Weligama and Tangalla for the higher end at the south coast
Dambulla and Ulpotha for high quality in the Cultural Triangle
Kandy and Koggale for cures in the cooler climate of the hill country
Heritage Excursions
Sri Lanka is famous for her rich vultural heritage and an immense number of historical sites. The number one region for heritage tours, of course, in the Cultural Triangle (North Central Province), but the Southern Province is another focal point of archaeological research and the Eastern Province can be called the insider's tip for heritage excursions.
Dambulla, Sigiriya, Habarana, and Kandalama are in the centre of the Cultural Triangle, with most of the famous places within day-trip distance
Mihintale near Anuradhapura is the best starting point for excursions to a large number of places of interest off the beaten path
Tissamaharama, Kataragama, Kirinda and Hambantota are perfect locations for exploration the ancient sites in the Deep South
Arugam Bay in the southeast, too, has several heritage sites in its hinterlands
Dambulla, Sigiriya, Habarana, and Kandalama are in the centre of the Cultural Triangle, with most of the famous places within day-trip distance
Mihintale near Anuradhapura is the best starting point for excursions to a large number of places of interest off the beaten path
Tissamaharama, Kataragama, Kirinda and Hambantota are perfect locations for exploration the ancient sites in the Deep South
Arugam Bay in the southeast, too, has several heritage sites in its hinterlands
Leopard Safaris
Sri Lanka is home to about 1,000 leopards inhabiting various parts of the island. Chances to observe this amazing big cat are higher in Sri Lanka than anywhere else in the world.
Yala National Park has the highest density of leopard population on earth and rocks and open grasslands where they can be easily spotted
Wilpattu National Park between Anuradhapura and Kalpitiya Peninsula has even more leopards than Yala, but observation chances are lower
Yala National Park has the highest density of leopard population on earth and rocks and open grasslands where they can be easily spotted
Wilpattu National Park between Anuradhapura and Kalpitiya Peninsula has even more leopards than Yala, but observation chances are lower
Tea Plantations and Tea Factory Visits
Ceylon Tea is renowned all over the world, the green tea regions in the highlands are of astonishing beauty. Some tea factories are open to the public and provide guided tours allowing you to study the stages of tea production.
The most visited tea plantations and factories are those in the Nuwara Eliya tea region, mainly near Ramboda at the scenic mountain road A5
Devon Tea near Devon Falls and Dickoya Tea near Hatton are situated in Sri Lanka's largest tea region, which is called Dimbula
Easy to reach are Geragama and Embilmeegama Factories near Pilimatatalawa in the Kandy tea region, Kandy's tea museum is in a former factory
The southeastern tea region of Uva, birthplace of Lipton Tea, has Dambatenne Tea Factory near Haputale and Halpewatta and Green Tea near Ella
The most visited tea plantations and factories are those in the Nuwara Eliya tea region, mainly near Ramboda at the scenic mountain road A5
Devon Tea near Devon Falls and Dickoya Tea near Hatton are situated in Sri Lanka's largest tea region, which is called Dimbula
Easy to reach are Geragama and Embilmeegama Factories near Pilimatatalawa in the Kandy tea region, Kandy's tea museum is in a former factory
The southeastern tea region of Uva, birthplace of Lipton Tea, has Dambatenne Tea Factory near Haputale and Halpewatta and Green Tea near Ella
Elephant Safaris
Elephants can be observed in all dry one regions of the island, in the north-central and south-eastern dry zone areas in particular. Throughout the year, chances to spot small groups of female and baby elephants are best in the Deep South. However, the most spectacular elephant safaris are those at the seasonal elephant gatherings at the large lakes in the north-central dry zone, which are the largest herds of wild elephants in Asia. Insiders's tips are the less-frequented national parks further east.
Elephant Gathering is in the northern summer months are in Minneriya National Park and afterwards, till November, in Kaudulla National Park
The best chances to observe small groups of female elephants with babies and lonesome males is in Udawalawe National Park
Large numberrs of elephants can seasonally be seen in Wasgamuwa and Maduru Oya National Parks
Elephant Gathering is in the northern summer months are in Minneriya National Park and afterwards, till November, in Kaudulla National Park
The best chances to observe small groups of female elephants with babies and lonesome males is in Udawalawe National Park
Large numberrs of elephants can seasonally be seen in Wasgamuwa and Maduru Oya National Parks
Beach Relaxation
Sri Lanka's most traditional beach resorts are between Colombo and Galle of the tropical south-west, which is sunny throughout the year, even during the off-season (Monsonn period from June to September) there are many hours of blue sky, particularly in the morning. The southern beaches, partly situated in the dry zone, are known for more stylish and boutique-like accomadations, including some smaller and more protected beaches. After 2009 the East Coast has become a new focus of beach holiday tourism. The western coast is prefered by both all-inclusive holiday-makers and watersports enthusiasts such as kitesurfers.
At the southwest coast Beruwela/Bentota is the largest resort, Hikkaduwa is for the young and surfers, Mount Lavinia is closest to Colombo
In the south, Unawatuna is a protected beach, Weligama has most sand, Tangalle has small beaches, Kirinda Beach is best for wildlife expeditions
In the Eastern Province, Arugam is popular with the young, Pasikuda is perfect for families with children, Nilaveli is the longest sandy beach at all
Marawila in the west is popular with club holidays, Kalpitiya is for dolphin watching and kitesurfing, Negombo is closest to the airport
At the southwest coast Beruwela/Bentota is the largest resort, Hikkaduwa is for the young and surfers, Mount Lavinia is closest to Colombo
In the south, Unawatuna is a protected beach, Weligama has most sand, Tangalle has small beaches, Kirinda Beach is best for wildlife expeditions
In the Eastern Province, Arugam is popular with the young, Pasikuda is perfect for families with children, Nilaveli is the longest sandy beach at all
Marawila in the west is popular with club holidays, Kalpitiya is for dolphin watching and kitesurfing, Negombo is closest to the airport
Hiking & Trekking
Not many people know that Sri Lanka is one of the few southern countries where hiking is popular with the local youth. This is why there are much more trails available than in other tropical regions of the same size. The most popular hiking destinations are the northeastern and southern edges of the central highlands and neighbouring ranges.
Knuckles Range is Sri Lanka's No.1 destination for 2- or 3-day trekking, also perfect for hiking. Meemure and Riverston are good starting points
Ella and Haputale and Deanston are best for short hikes
Sinharaja Rain Forest is a perfect hiking area, but only from October till June
Horton Plains is popular with hikers, whereas the neighbouring Peak Wilderness is a rarely frequented trekking area
Uva Province has many less-known hiking opportunities, for example Namunukula mountain and the Rathugala Wedda Village close to Gal Oya
Knuckles Range is Sri Lanka's No.1 destination for 2- or 3-day trekking, also perfect for hiking. Meemure and Riverston are good starting points
Ella and Haputale and Deanston are best for short hikes
Sinharaja Rain Forest is a perfect hiking area, but only from October till June
Horton Plains is popular with hikers, whereas the neighbouring Peak Wilderness is a rarely frequented trekking area
Uva Province has many less-known hiking opportunities, for example Namunukula mountain and the Rathugala Wedda Village close to Gal Oya
White Water River-Rafting
Many travellers on round tours or on 1-day excursions from the coast visit the Kelani River valley for an unforgettable white water experience.
The must-destination for river rafting is definitely Kitulagala, which also offers other activities such as hiking, waterfall abseiling, canyoning
The must-destination for river rafting is definitely Kitulagala, which also offers other activities such as hiking, waterfall abseiling, canyoning
Gemstone Mines & Exhibitions
Sabaragamuwa Province at the foot of Adam's Peak has been famous for the high quality and large variety of gems since antiquity, for blue sapphires and Pusparagas (yellow sapphires) in particular. The area is spotted with gem mines, some allow visitors to come closer.
Ratnapura, the "gem city", has a national gem museum and several private exhibitions of gem traders
Ratnapura, the "gem city", has a national gem museum and several private exhibitions of gem traders
Perahera Feasts & Pageants
Sri Lanka's Buddhist Peraheras and several Hindu festivals are not touristic folclore, but authentic big events in the lives of communities. Foreigners are allowed to join and watch the spectacles, which often include dances and acrobatics and elephant processions
The most famous pageant is the Kandy Perahera in July or August (Buddhist month Esala. Observation seats are available, access to the streets is free
Not many know, that there is another large Esala Perahera in Ratnapura, namely the Maha Saman Devale Perahera
Fire-walking and body-piercing can be seen one month earlier at the Kataragama Festival joined by Buddhist and Hindu and Muslim pilgrims alike
Sri Lanka's largest annual Hindu Festival is Mahostavam (Thiruvizha) on the tiny Nainativu islands in June/July, attracting up to 100.000 devotees
The Colombo area has several large festivals throughout the year, Duruthu Perahera in Kelaniya in January being the largest one
The most famous pageant is the Kandy Perahera in July or August (Buddhist month Esala. Observation seats are available, access to the streets is free
Not many know, that there is another large Esala Perahera in Ratnapura, namely the Maha Saman Devale Perahera
Fire-walking and body-piercing can be seen one month earlier at the Kataragama Festival joined by Buddhist and Hindu and Muslim pilgrims alike
Sri Lanka's largest annual Hindu Festival is Mahostavam (Thiruvizha) on the tiny Nainativu islands in June/July, attracting up to 100.000 devotees
The Colombo area has several large festivals throughout the year, Duruthu Perahera in Kelaniya in January being the largest one
Boat Safaris
Lokk on a map of Sri Lanka and you will be impressed by the enormously large number of water surfaces, many of them being natural lagoons or artificial lakes from historical times. Several off them invite to explore their flora and fauna and culture on boat rides.
The most beloved boat rides are those in the Madhu Ganga wetlands, seeing mangroves, cinnamon peeling, shrimo farms, fish massage and more
The most recommendable boat safari for those interested in wildlife and avifauna is on the island's largest lake in Gal Oya National Park
Water monitors and lots of bird species can be observed close to Colombo and Negombo in the Muthurajawela swamps
The most beloved boat rides are those in the Madhu Ganga wetlands, seeing mangroves, cinnamon peeling, shrimo farms, fish massage and more
The most recommendable boat safari for those interested in wildlife and avifauna is on the island's largest lake in Gal Oya National Park
Water monitors and lots of bird species can be observed close to Colombo and Negombo in the Muthurajawela swamps
Village Life Tours
Village Walks have become increaingly popular in recent years. They allow coming into contact with locals and their everyday agricultural work and local meals, often including cooking classes or oxcart rides or canoeing.
Habarana and Sigiriya in the Cultural Triangle are the best-known Village Life Tours destinations
Guided Village Walks are also possible near Kandy, namely in Pilimattalawa
Habarana and Sigiriya in the Cultural Triangle are the best-known Village Life Tours destinations
Guided Village Walks are also possible near Kandy, namely in Pilimattalawa
Highland and Coastal Train Rides
Train rides are the perfect way of sightseeing in the Sri Lanka's tea region. Observation coaches are available on prior booking, second class is perfect for contacts with locals.
The most scenic part of Sri Lanka's highland railroad is between Hatton and Nanu Oya, whereas most tunnels are between Nanu Oya and Ella
The coastal line between Colombo and Matara is worth considering, too
The most scenic part of Sri Lanka's highland railroad is between Hatton and Nanu Oya, whereas most tunnels are between Nanu Oya and Ella
The coastal line between Colombo and Matara is worth considering, too
Arts & Crafts
Popular handicrafts of Sri Lanka include wooden masks and wooscarvings, gold or silver jewellery set with gems, drums, handloom and batiks, lacquerwork, and ceramics.
Ambalangoda just south of the Madhu Ganga wetlands has the reputation of being Sri Lanka's mask carving centre
Handloom is often weaved in private homes, for example in the village of Thalagune in the Mahaweli river valley and for sale in Kandy
So-called Beeralu Lace of Potuguese origin is made in households mainly in Weligama, but also in outher south coast towns
Traditional drums are still made by experienced cratsmen in Alavala and surrounding villages near Kegalle
Sri Lankan Lacquer making has its origin in the northern hillcountry of Kandy
One of the most famous areas for clay pottery is Molagoda just south of Pinnawela at the Colombo-Kandy main road A1
Batik manufacturers in Marawila allow visitors to study each stage of the production process
Embekke has a reputation of having been a centre of Sri Lankan woodcarving for centuries
Jaffna is famous for wickerwork such as baskets, mats, baskets, storage boxes, handbags made of palmyrah leafs
Best arts and handicrafts shopping opportunities are in Kandy and Colombo
Ambalangoda just south of the Madhu Ganga wetlands has the reputation of being Sri Lanka's mask carving centre
Handloom is often weaved in private homes, for example in the village of Thalagune in the Mahaweli river valley and for sale in Kandy
So-called Beeralu Lace of Potuguese origin is made in households mainly in Weligama, but also in outher south coast towns
Traditional drums are still made by experienced cratsmen in Alavala and surrounding villages near Kegalle
Sri Lankan Lacquer making has its origin in the northern hillcountry of Kandy
One of the most famous areas for clay pottery is Molagoda just south of Pinnawela at the Colombo-Kandy main road A1
Batik manufacturers in Marawila allow visitors to study each stage of the production process
Embekke has a reputation of having been a centre of Sri Lankan woodcarving for centuries
Jaffna is famous for wickerwork such as baskets, mats, baskets, storage boxes, handbags made of palmyrah leafs
Best arts and handicrafts shopping opportunities are in Kandy and Colombo
Water Sports
Jetski, Water ski, Wake board, Kneeboard, Bodyboarding, and just for fun Fly fish and banana boat rides suitable for the kids are the highligths of Sri Lanka's watersport destination number one, which is Bentota beach and lagoon.
Providers of water sports equipment and facilities are mainly found in the Aluthgama neighbourhood of Beruwela, just opposite of Bentota
Providers of water sports equipment and facilities are mainly found in the Aluthgama neighbourhood of Beruwela, just opposite of Bentota
Buddhist Meditation
Sri Lanka is the island of Buddhism, known as Dhammadipa in ancient chronicles. Forest monasteries have a long tradition as abodes of reclusives practicing mediation. In the 19th centuries, meditation practices were revived in the monasteries and in the 20th century increasingly tought to laypeople as well. Most meditations centres are frequent by Buddhists only. But Sri Lanka has some meditation centres welcoming other foreigners, too.
One meditation centre of international reputation is located in Nilambe near Kandy
Another one can be found in Kalaththewa at the Anuradhapura-Kandy road
One meditation centre of international reputation is located in Nilambe near Kandy
Another one can be found in Kalaththewa at the Anuradhapura-Kandy road
Turtle Watching
Five of the world's seven sea turtle species can be found nesting at the beaches of Sri Lanka. Turtle watching near Tangalle is available throughoout the year round, high season is from April to July. Apart from nestling beaches, there are turtle hatcheries for conservation purposes. Be aware, that they are part of the tourism industry as well.
Rekawa east of Tangalle is the beach with best chances of observing nesting sea, on guided moonshine tours of the Turtle Conservation Project
Galbokka Sea Turtle Hatchery in Kosgoda is the most frequented turtle farm, but there are may more further north between Hikkaduwa and Bentota
Galbokka Sea Turtle Hatchery in Kosgoda is the most frequented turtle farm, but there are may more further north between Hikkaduwa and Bentota
Cooking Classes
Sri Lanka's cuisine is extraordinarily rich in vegetable meals. Cooking classes of different categories - private or professional - are avalaible at many places in beach areas and also in some holiday hotspots in the highlands.
Not surprisngly, the high-end cooking classes can be found in Colombo and Kandy in particular.
Among the beach resorts, an extraordinary large number of cooking class opportunities can be found in Unawatuna
Ella can be considered to be the best place for cooking classes in the cool highland climate
Our special recommendation, of course, is First House in Mihintale
Not surprisngly, the high-end cooking classes can be found in Colombo and Kandy in particular.
Among the beach resorts, an extraordinary large number of cooking class opportunities can be found in Unawatuna
Ella can be considered to be the best place for cooking classes in the cool highland climate
Our special recommendation, of course, is First House in Mihintale
Waterfall Excursions
Though large river waterfalls are missing, since the Victoria dam was constructed, Sri Lanka is the country which has the highest waterfall density in the world, more than a hundred definitely, some count up to 200. Most waterfalls are off-the-beaten track and therefore very rewarding hiking destinations. Only few allow safe swimming in the natural pools below the waterfall.
The best places to see as many waterfalls as possible in short distance of each other are Sinharaja Rain Forest and Kitulgala river valley
For waterfall hunting, a special kind of full-day hiking excursions, Knuckles Range is most recommendable
On sightseeing tours, several waterfalls in close proximity or farer distance can be seen along the scenic mountain road A5 in the Ramboda area
The best places to see as many waterfalls as possible in short distance of each other are Sinharaja Rain Forest and Kitulgala river valley
For waterfall hunting, a special kind of full-day hiking excursions, Knuckles Range is most recommendable
On sightseeing tours, several waterfalls in close proximity or farer distance can be seen along the scenic mountain road A5 in the Ramboda area
Tuktuk Rides
A special way of exploring a city and its immediate surroundings is to take a threewheeler, it's fun and also relaxing, using the airflow as a natural alternative to AC. Three persons is the maximum passenger capaxity of such a Tuktuk. For comfortable rides, only two guests should share one Tuktuk with a driver.
Perfect places for Tuktuk rides are the most important cities, such as Colombo, Kandy, Galle, and Jaffna
Negombo and Beruwela are perfect for full-day Tuktuk excursions exploring both the town and the hinterlands
Perfect places for Tuktuk rides are the most important cities, such as Colombo, Kandy, Galle, and Jaffna
Negombo and Beruwela are perfect for full-day Tuktuk excursions exploring both the town and the hinterlands
Kitesurfing
Kitesurfing destinations should provide steady winds throughout the year. Such weather conditions can be found along the northwestern coast of Sri Lanka, as it is the only coastline of the island that has two monsoon seasons. Strong winds of more than 20 knots occur throughtour the summer monsoon season from June to September, the anti-monsoon season from December to February, with winds of 10 to 20 knots, is perfect for beginners.
Kalpitiya Peninsula and surrounding islands such as Ippantivu and Vella Island are definitely Sri Lanka's best destination for kitesurfing
Kiteboarding is also on offer in the water sport paradise Bentota
Only during the summer month, kitesurfing can be done in Matara as well
Kalpitiya Peninsula and surrounding islands such as Ippantivu and Vella Island are definitely Sri Lanka's best destination for kitesurfing
Kiteboarding is also on offer in the water sport paradise Bentota
Only during the summer month, kitesurfing can be done in Matara as well
City Tours
Combinations of sightseeing and shopping are popular one-day excursions in or to the island's largest towns situated close to holiday destinations
The capital Colombo can easily be reached from most coastal resorts along the southwestern coastline such as Kalmunai and Beruwela
The cozy "hill-capital" Kandy is a must-see on heritage round tours and, besides having the Sacred City World Heritages, is a handicraft centre
The harbour town of Galle can be explored best by walking to the old town and driving to the shopping area and plantations in the hinterland
The capital Colombo can easily be reached from most coastal resorts along the southwestern coastline such as Kalmunai and Beruwela
The cozy "hill-capital" Kandy is a must-see on heritage round tours and, besides having the Sacred City World Heritages, is a handicraft centre
The harbour town of Galle can be explored best by walking to the old town and driving to the shopping area and plantations in the hinterland
Surfing
The beaches along the southern half of Sri Lanka's coastline are well-known for surf classes for beginners in particular. The southwestern coast will be working during the northern hemisphere winter season, whereas the East coast (Arugam) main surf season is from April to October.
Undoubtedly, Sri Lanka's best surfing destination is Arugam Bay, with about a dozen surf breaks of different levels in the immediate surroundings
At the southwestern coast between Colombo and Galle, Hikkaduwa is best known for surf schools
The south coast's most beloved surf beach for beginners is Weligama
Neighbouring Mirissa is for mediates, as the breaks are more dangerous due to coral reefs
Although the sea is not as clean, the safest 100 m rides for young beginners are at Clossenburg Beach in the suburb of Dewata in Galle
Undoubtedly, Sri Lanka's best surfing destination is Arugam Bay, with about a dozen surf breaks of different levels in the immediate surroundings
At the southwestern coast between Colombo and Galle, Hikkaduwa is best known for surf schools
The south coast's most beloved surf beach for beginners is Weligama
Neighbouring Mirissa is for mediates, as the breaks are more dangerous due to coral reefs
Although the sea is not as clean, the safest 100 m rides for young beginners are at Clossenburg Beach in the suburb of Dewata in Galle
Crocodile Observations
Two species of crocodiles occur in Sri Lanka, the world's largest crocodiles are the salties in the coastal areas, whereas mugger crocodiles, that have the broadest snouts of all crocodiles, inhabit the freshwater swamps and lakes and some rivers further inland.
Both species not too far away from each other can be found at only few places, namely in Kumana National Park and at some river mouths
In Udawala National Park chances to observe mugger crocodiles are more than 90% during the local dry season (June/July to August/September)
Muggers are also often seen in the Villus of Wilpattu National Park, nesting season is in September/October
Yala, though most famous for leopards, is another national park where crocodiles can often be seen on half-day safaris
Outside national parks, the Crocodile Rock just south of Arugam Bay is famous for large numbers of the reptiles. But one tourist came to death here
Both species not too far away from each other can be found at only few places, namely in Kumana National Park and at some river mouths
In Udawala National Park chances to observe mugger crocodiles are more than 90% during the local dry season (June/July to August/September)
Muggers are also often seen in the Villus of Wilpattu National Park, nesting season is in September/October
Yala, though most famous for leopards, is another national park where crocodiles can often be seen on half-day safaris
Outside national parks, the Crocodile Rock just south of Arugam Bay is famous for large numbers of the reptiles. But one tourist came to death here
Catamaran Tours
Sri Lanka's traditional fishing boats are usually called catamarans, although they are in fact outriggers. The Sinhalese term is "oru".
Some fishermen in Negombo make avalable their catamarans to travellers for a ride on the ocean or in the lagoon.
Some fishermen in Negombo make avalable their catamarans to travellers for a ride on the ocean or in the lagoon.
Elephant Care
Elephant rides were once a popular tourist attraction. However, due to animal protection concerns they have been reduced and replaced by other elephant activities in recent years.
The state-run Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage is the place for bottle feeding of baby elephants
The nearby private elephant camps facilitate visitors to take part in bathing elephants and also walk around with them along jungle pathes.
The Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home is a place to support care for abandoned juvenile elephant and their return to the wild
The state-run Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage is the place for bottle feeding of baby elephants
The nearby private elephant camps facilitate visitors to take part in bathing elephants and also walk around with them along jungle pathes.
The Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home is a place to support care for abandoned juvenile elephant and their return to the wild
Motorbike Tours
Well-maintained winding roads in the tea highlands are a highlight of motorbike tours in Sri Lanka. Some tiny country lanes dirt roads will also be on the way. Due to the risky mode of driving of many local car and truck drivers, Sri Lanka bike tours are only suitable for experienced bikers.
Starting points of guided motorbike round tours is Negombo or Colombo
Starting points of guided motorbike round tours is Negombo or Colombo
Scuba Diving
For experienced scuba divers there is a rewarding destination, the Basses reefs in some distance from the coast of Yala. As the reefs are dangerous for shipping, there are several historical shipwrecks in this region. Chances that the sea is calm enough for exploring the Basses Reefs are below 20%.
Starting point for scuba diving expeditions to the Basses Reefs is Kirinda Beach near Tissamaharama
Starting point for scuba diving expeditions to the Basses Reefs is Kirinda Beach near Tissamaharama
Bird Watching
Bird watching is very popular with young Sri Lankan photographers. Foreign birdlife enthusiasts also will find lots of opportunities to observe very different kinds of avifauna in the wetlands, the rain forests, the highlands and the dry zone.
The biosphere with most bird species in Sri Lanka (more than 200) is Kumana National Park
Bundala National Park is best known for aquatic birds
The largest number of endemic birds, including the Red-feaced Malkoha, occurs in the Sinharaja Rain Forest.
Wilpattu National Park is the best place for observing the dry-zone avifauna.
Hakgala Botanical Gardens close to a strict nature reserve and Horton Plains are birdwatching favourites in the highlands.
Lots of smaller lake and swamp areas are Ramsar Sites such as Madhu Ganga or bird sanctuaries such as Anamilundawa
The Wirawila Tissa sanctuary near Tissamaharama and Kalametiya Lagoon are free of charge
The biosphere with most bird species in Sri Lanka (more than 200) is Kumana National Park
Bundala National Park is best known for aquatic birds
The largest number of endemic birds, including the Red-feaced Malkoha, occurs in the Sinharaja Rain Forest.
Wilpattu National Park is the best place for observing the dry-zone avifauna.
Hakgala Botanical Gardens close to a strict nature reserve and Horton Plains are birdwatching favourites in the highlands.
Lots of smaller lake and swamp areas are Ramsar Sites such as Madhu Ganga or bird sanctuaries such as Anamilundawa
The Wirawila Tissa sanctuary near Tissamaharama and Kalametiya Lagoon are free of charge
Hot Air Ballooning
The most amazing way to see the ancient rock citadell of the World Heritage Site Sigiriya like an eagle's nest on the inselberg is from the air. This is why the most beloved hot air balloon rides in Sri Lanka are in the Dambulla-Sigiriya area
Sigiriya Balloon Rides usually take place in the early morning, as the weather is less stable in the afternoon
Sigiriya Balloon Rides usually take place in the early morning, as the weather is less stable in the afternoon
Cycling Tours
There are twovery different ways of cycling experiences in Sri Lanka. Since the road quality ist very good and the area is flat, exploring the Eastern Province or Northern Province of Sri Lanka by riding a footbike is very easy and comfortable. In contrast solo or guided round tours in the wonderful scenery of the central highlands requires a good physical condition.
The most common starting point for cycling tours are Negombo, Galle, and Kandy. Colombo is less recommendable due to traffic conditions
For exploring the north or east on multi-day bike tours, Anuradhapura resp. Polonnaruwa are the best starting points
The most common starting point for cycling tours are Negombo, Galle, and Kandy. Colombo is less recommendable due to traffic conditions
For exploring the north or east on multi-day bike tours, Anuradhapura resp. Polonnaruwa are the best starting points
Vegetable & Diary farm
Though the major part of Sri Lanka's domestic agricultural production is family-run private paddy cultivation, there is one area that is perfect for growing vegetables that are otherwise cultivated in moderate or even cool climates and where even two large diary farms can be visited. This area is the valley of Nuwara Eliya and Gregory Lake in the very centre of the highlands.
New Zeeland Farm actually is part of the Ambewela Farm near the village of the same name, which is surronded by Sri Lanka's largest grass lands
New Zeeland Farm actually is part of the Ambewela Farm near the village of the same name, which is surronded by Sri Lanka's largest grass lands
Caving
Dripstone caves are rare in Sri Lanka. Show caves in limestone areas do not exist on the island. Don't be mislead: What is called "caves" in Sri Lanka is usually a large rock shelter or semi-cave under an overhanging rock and not a deep tunnel running below the surface. However, there are at least two rarely visited dripstone caves in the eastern foothils of the Sinharaja Range that are worth considering as an extraordinary adventure.
Speleological equipment provided, explorations of the so-called Bat's Cave Wawul Panne are an amazing caving experience in an untouched labyrinth
Pannila Calcarious Cave near Rakwana is a series of dripstone cave located close to a waterfall
Not a dripstone cave, but surprisingly large and deep are the Andirilena Caves near Udagama
Speleological equipment provided, explorations of the so-called Bat's Cave Wawul Panne are an amazing caving experience in an untouched labyrinth
Pannila Calcarious Cave near Rakwana is a series of dripstone cave located close to a waterfall
Not a dripstone cave, but surprisingly large and deep are the Andirilena Caves near Udagama
Snorkeling
To be honest, Sri Lanka is not one of the most amazing places in the world for snorkeling in colourful coral reefs. But on a round tour including some beach relaxation you could nonethess consider snorkeling, just for a change.
The best-known coral reef for snorkeling in Sri Lanka is in Hikkaduwa at the southwestern edge of the island
Most recommendable are the snorkeling sites of Mirissa at the southern coast, Kogalle has snorkeling opportunities, too
Pidgeon Island near Nilaveli is on the largest coral bank of the east coast. However it's often crowded and the coral reef is in a poor condition
The best-known coral reef for snorkeling in Sri Lanka is in Hikkaduwa at the southwestern edge of the island
Most recommendable are the snorkeling sites of Mirissa at the southern coast, Kogalle has snorkeling opportunities, too
Pidgeon Island near Nilaveli is on the largest coral bank of the east coast. However it's often crowded and the coral reef is in a poor condition
Volunteering Teachers
Volunteers can work as teachers in Sri Lanka. Further information on this activity can be given on request.
