6 Best Water-Sport Activities in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka resonates to the sound of drumming, and with the help of Red Dot, a teacher from a long line of professional drummers can reveal the basics of how to play as well as understand the history and importance of drums in Sri Lanka.

Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site originally built by the Portuguese before it was further developed by the Dutch and British, covers nearly 4sqkm and houses a range of old colonial buildings.

Stemming from various ancient dance rituals, Kandyan dancing became widespread across the island and is now a core part of Sri Lankan culture. It is a highly-theatrical, thrilling show to see.

The favourite viewing point of Sir Thomas Lipton, Lipton’s Seat offers one of the most spectacular views of Sri Lanka’s Hill Country. Drive to the top, or walk up through the surrounding plantations.

Ritigala is nestled deep inside a jungle-covered nature reserve, the ruins of an extensive Buddhist monasty which was abandoned during the invasions of the 10th and 11th centuries.

Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most majestic, awe-inspiring and stunning historical locations in the world, built in the 5th century AD by ‘mad’ King Kasyapa.

Hop into a bullock cart and explore the village life of the island. Walk through lush paddy fields, take a boat ride along Hiriwaduna Wewa and finally, savour a traditional Sri Lankan meal to wrap up your sojourn in the village.

Sensationally flavoursome rice and curry is a staple in Sri Lanka. A plate of rice and curry is comprised of various curries, cooked vegetables, sambols and steamed rice.

Adam’s Peak is sacred to all four religious groups in Sri Lanka. Attempt the enthralling and challenging climb at night to reach the top in time to witness one of the most stunning sunrises in Asia.

See Colombo as the locals do – from the back seat of a tuk tuk, the three-wheelers which rove the island’s capital. Visit the city’s main attractions, lesser-known spots and enjoy the cool breeze.

It was cricket that brought Red Dot to Sri Lanka and no one is better equipped to arrange cricket tours of this beautiful island.

Spend a morning walking through the picturesque rural countryside in the foothills surrounding Kandy. Great for birdwatching.

Explore the rural villages around Galle, first by boat as you sail down the Kapu Ela, then by a scenic 9km bike ride through the surrounding paddy fields. Finish with hoppers and tea in a mud hut.

Cycle through Galle’s beautiful countryside, passing paddy fields dotted with iconic white egrets and water buffalo, quiet villages, tea and rice fields. Choose from a range of routes.

The Knuckles Mountain Range is perfect for hiking – a land of mystical peaks, chattering waterfalls and hidden hillside villages, with breathtaking visas and a remoteness that will appeal to experienced and novice hikers alike.

Praised as one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world, the train ride winds out of Kandy and up through the Hill Country, providing panoramic views of the spectacular tea-covered hills.

The best place to go kitesurfing in Sri Lanka is along the north-west coast, in Negombo and Kalpitiya, both of which are laidback beach towns that are also home to a vast lagoon.

Trek through the Knuckles Mountain Range, named thus because of its resemblance to a clenched fist, five mountain peaks spanning 155sqkm which host a wide range of rare endemic flora and fauna.

Although this climb is relatively easy, the views from the top of Little Adam’s Peak are sensational. Begin the climb with a gentle stroll through a sloping tea field, passing endless neat rows of terraced tea plants. 

Go on a guided night cycling tour around Colombo, using quiet roads and appropriate safety equipment, and see how this lively city changes after dark. 

Whilst building Sigiriya Rock Fortress in the 5th century AD, King Kasyapa moved the monks who lived around Sigiriya to Pidurangala Rock, and an ancient cave temple still remains here.

Go snorkelling at Pigeon Island, one of Sri Lanka’s two marine national parks, and see intricate corals, small colourful fish and black-tip reef sharks, as well as endangered marine turtles.

Set out from the shores of Trinco or Pasikudah in a catamaran and explore the splendour of Sri Lanka’s eastern coastline. Go to beautiful private coves and snorkel off colourful reefs.

Sri Lanka’s eastern coastal belt is a wonderful place for scuba diving. The reefs, colourful corals and an array of exotic marine life, have attracted many sea farers for centuries.

Moist, murky and mysterious, an experience of Sinharaja is like nothing else in Sri Lanka. Trek through this magnificent landscape, the last surviving stretch of virgin rainforest on the island.

Canoe down the Mahaweli River from Kitulgala to Polonnaruwa with a guide, and spend three nights camping under the stars. This is a magical expedition which takes you through some of Sri Lanka’s most remote areas.

Rise at dawn and soar above the wide plains and clusters of jungle which cover the Cultural Triangle, an area of Sri Lanka which is littered with dramatic ancient ruins dating back over 2,000 years.

Sri Lanka is a fantastic choice for a surfing holiday, and has been a popular surf destination since the 1970s.

Learn to surf the waves at Weligama Bay on Sri Lanka's blissful south coast with the extra assurance of your own instructor to guide you every step of the way. For beginners and those seeking to improve their style.

Ella is one of the most beautiful spots in the hills for walking, offering trails of varying levels of difficulty – make the short climb up Little Adam’s Peak or hike to the summit of Ella Rock.

Enjoy an exciting rafting adventure in a jungle paradise. The Kelani River is famous for its white-water rafting and boasts rapids suitable for beginners and those with more experience.

Windsurfing in Sri Lanka was first started in Negombo, which continues to be a popular spot for windsurfing during the season from December to April, as is Kalpitiya, another north-west coastal town.

Trek through this forest area which lies just 35km from Galle. Accompanied by an experienced wildlife tracker, absorb the tranquil atmosphere whilst looking out for tropical birds and other animals.

The Kelani Valley Forest Reserve in Kitulgala offers breath-taking scenery. Sail down the river, or journey through the jungle-clad hills and tea and rubber plantations on foot or by mountain bike.

Of the seven species of marine turtles, five come ashore to nest in Sri Lanka and the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery which primary operates as a hatchery, is a great place to observe collected and rescued eggs hatch.

Learn about the key role elephants play in Sri Lankan culture and issues which arise from this. Accompanied by an expert, walk with, bathe and feed the elephants that are looked after here.

Minneriya National Park is a small but popular wildlife park home to a wide range of Sri Lanka’s wildlife. It is also the site of the world-renowned wildlife event ‘The Elephant Gathering’.

Five of the seven species of marine turtle come ashore at Rekawa to lay their eggs. Join the night watch to observe these fascinating creatures up close.

Quite apart from the incredible ruins of this medieval city, Polonnaruwa is home to a large monkey population who were famously featured in Disney’s engaging documentary film ‘Monkey Kingdom’.

Visit the Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe National Park, a rehabilitation centre for orphaned elephant calves.

Udawalawe National Park is one of the best places to see elephants in Sri Lanka – up to 500 elephants, along with other wildlife, are found here.

Wasgamuwa National Park is comprised of dry evergreen forests, grasslands and wetlands, and is known for the elephants which frequent the Mahaweli River which runs along a boundary of the park.

This modern catamaran complete with professional crew sets out from Mirissa Harbour at 6:30am, beating the other boats in order to have the best dolphin and whale sightings.

Wilpattu National Park is arguably Sri Lanka’s most beautiful park. Its varying natural habitats – coastal belt, natural lakes, scrublands, open grasslands and dense forest – house numerous animals.

Yala National Park, situated in the south-east corner of the island, is home to the greatest variety of Sri Lanka’s wildlife including the island’s big game – elephants, leopards and sloth bears.

A hands-on workshop which introduces you to the use of masks in Sri Lankan culture and demonstrates the stages of traditional mask carving from start to finish as you attempt to make one yourself.

The National Museum of Colombo is the largest in the country. Opened in 1877 by Sir William Gregory, it houses many precious relics including the throne and crown of the last Kandyan monarchs.

Take a 30-minute boat ride to Nainativu, one of the smallest inhabited islands in the Gulf of Mannar. The name of the island alludes to the folklore inhabitants, the Naga people, considered one of the first tribes in Sri Lanka.

Slow down and travel silently by tiny boat up a Sri Lanka river to get a real sense of the beauty of this tropical land.

More than a hundred waterfalls are scattered across Sri Lanka’s verdant central hills, and whilst some are fairly small or inaccessible, many are worth hiking to. We've highlighted our top five.

Experience tea, glorious treks and total tranquillity during this four-night stay at Amba Estate, an organic farm on the outskirts of Ella in Sri Lanka’s hills. One of our Extended Activities.

A three-night action-packed adventure of white-water rafting, canyoning and hiking in remote Kitulgala on the western fringes of Sri Lanka’s hills. This activity is run by Borderlands, a reputable company committed to providing high-quality guiding and safety equipment.

A two-night hiking adventure through the remote Knuckles Mountain Range with stays in a rural village and in the middle of the jungle.

Traverse some of Sri Lanka’s most historic and scenic tea estates on this two-day trek around Deltota in the picturesque Kandyan foothills.