Surfing in Sri Lanka

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.

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.

Discover the 6 best water-sport activities in Sri Lanka, from athletic surfing, kite-surfing and windsurfing to laidback snorkelling and sailing trips.

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.

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.

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.