Sri Lanka is a beautiful tropical island in the Indian Ocean, blessed with an abundance of natural and man-made wonders. This diverse landscape, consisting of beaches, mountains, and forests, makes it a must-visit for those seeking adventure and adrenaline-pumping activities. The natural environment of Sri Lanka offers travellers and adventure seekers a plethora of action-packed excursions, all made possible by the diversity of its landscape and the abundance of natural waterways, rolling hills, and majestic mountains. This guide will help you uncover some of the best experiences that you should not miss while visiting Sri Lanka.
For trekking and hiking enthusiasts, Sri Lanka offers some of the best places to hike. The trails can vary in difficulty from beginner to expert. Some of the best trails are the Ella hiking trails, hiking trails in the Kithulgala and Hanthana mountain ranges, and Adams Peak. Horton Plains offers a hike to witness many aspects of Sri Lanka’s natural wonders. Visit numerous waterfalls and peek over the edge of World’s End, a sheer precipice that is 880 metres tall and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains, forests, lakes, and tea plantations. On a clear day, you can even see the Indian Ocean in the distance.
The newest hiking adventure in Sri Lanka is The Pekoe Trail. The Pekoe Trail is a 300-kilometre hiking trail that has been segmented into 22 stages. Visitors have the option of experiencing part of the trail or going on a multi-day hike to enjoy it in its entirety. Stages 1 & 2 of the trail are already open for visitors, with stages 3,4,5,9,10,11,15 and 16 scheduled to open by March 2024. The most prominent features of The Pekoe Trail are the tea plantations that the trail passes through, but the communities, historical points of interest, and dense forests are also give hikers a unique view into the hill country of Sri Lanka. The word Pekoe comes from the high-grade Ceylon black tea made using young leaves, and the trail offers stunning views of some of the most beautiful tea estates in the highlands. There are several factories along the way that you can visit for a tea experience. The Ceylon Tea Museum, right at the start of the trail, is one of the few places along the trail that you can delve into the rich history of tea in Sri Lanka.
With its pristine beaches and abundance of mountains, rivers, and waterfalls, Sri Lanka offers a host of amazing opportunities to engage in high adrenaline sports such as surfing, water-skiing, abseiling, ziplining, and whitewater rafting.
Kithulagala is the most notable place to experience rapids for beginner and expert rafters. The waterfalls around Kithulgala are highly favourable for cliff diving and abseiling too.
Mirissa, along the southern coast and Arugam Bay, along the eastern coast alternately offer surfing enthusiasts opportunities to surf at any time of the year, according to the prevalent monsoon. Pro-tip: Main Point, Whiskey Point, Pottuvil Point and Peanut Farm are well known surf spots in Arugam Bay.
Visit Kalpitiya, where you can partake in more adrenaline filled kitesurfing activities. There’s also dolphin watching you can try out, if you’re looking for a more relaxing activity after you’ve got your kitesurfing adrenaline fix.
If you are looking for things to do in Ella as an adventure sports enthusiast, you will not be disappointed. Besides the amazing hiking opportunity at Ella Rock, the Flying Ravana Adventure Park offers a host of activities such as zip-lining, ATV riding, mountain biking, abseiling, archery, and air rifling.
Sri Lanka is famous for its wildlife safaris, which offer an authentic Sri Lankan adventure. You can enjoy incredible close encounters with the Asian elephant, the leopard, and the Sri Lankan sloth bear. Some of the best safari locations are
Yala National Park: You can witness elusive leopards, graceful Asian elephants, and an assortment of birdlife.
Gal Oya National Park: Nestled in the southeast of Sri Lanka, Gal Oya National Park is a haven for one of the country’s largest elephant herds. It embraces the landscape, housing the vast Senanayake Samudraya, Sri Lanka’s biggest reservoir, and providing a peaceful home for the local indigenous community.
Udawalawe National Park: Here you will find the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home for orphaned elephants, where you can witness their playful antics and gentle nature. Observe the heart-warming bonds between these magnificent creatures.
Kumana National Park: Seek the elusive sloth bear, a shy creature rarely seen in the wild. The park has many diverse habitats and a variety of wildlife, including leopards, elephants, and a collection of various birds.
The best time to go on safari is during the dry season, from December to April. You will be able to see more animals, as they tend to congregate around the water sources scattered around the park. It is possible to visit the park during the wet season as well, from May to November, but some of the areas may be inaccessible due to heavy rain.
Plan your next excursion to Sri Lanka to enjoy the exciting adventures in this diverse country, and you can even engage in a thrilling experience of a lifetime by hiking The Pekoe Trail. There is no limit to the variety of adventures you can have. Many of these activities are nature-based giving you the chance to experience different facets of this beautiful island. The rivers, seas, and waterfalls are constantly changing and will offer something unique each time, ensuring you always have a diverse and memorable experience.
