Activities
From colossal dagobas to mysterious forest monasteries, ruined cities, staggeringly elaborate irrigation networks, waterways, and huge reservoirs, explore a treasure trove of historical places and ancient sites from the Sacred City of Anuradhapura to the Serene Ruins of Polonnaruwa, the Rock Fortress of Sigiriya and the beautifully preserved Dutch Fort in Galle.
From ancient relics housed in the Colombo National Museum halls and grand colonial buildings to vibrant contemporary local art in hidden studios and galleries, uncover hidden stories relic by relic, painting by painting and sculpture by sculpture.
From festivals rooted in Buddhist practices to the grandeur of the Kandy Esala Perahera, the joyful customs of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, and the lantern-lit beauty of Vesak, the true spirit of the island is reflected in its time-honoured traditional events and cultural festivals that unite its people in celebration of the island’s heritage.
Experience local life from the cultural heart of Kandy to the coastal beauty of Galle and Negombo, the ever-changing skyline of the commercial capital, Colombo, and serene villages surrounded by rice fields, along with the warm hospitality that defines local life.
From dawn treks to Adam’s Peak, hikes in the rugged peaks of the Knuckles Range, and walks in the rolling hills of Ella, Sri Lanka, promise hiking experiences beyond the ordinary.
Immerse yourself in the island’s wild beauty for encounters with elephants, leopards, sloth bears, crocodiles, exotic birds, and even blue whales and dolphins.
From Nilaveli and Pigeon Island on the eastern shores to bustling Hikkaduwa beach in the South, the warm tropical shallow waters around Sri Lanka are a hidden tropical paradise of colourful reef fish and a living coral reef just waiting to be explored.
Roll off a boat, sink into the warm blue ocean, and uncover an underwater world of soft coral, graceful manta rays and shy turtles in habitats ranging from wrecks to healthy reef systems and dramatic offshore sites, submerged ruins and caves.
Drift effortlessly 2000 feet above the ground and savour an unmatched sense of tranquillity alongside stunning 360-degree views of a landscape adorned in hues of emerald and gold at dawn. Marvel at iconic landmarks, including the Golden Buddha, which sits majestically at one end, and at the opposite side, Sigiriya, Pidurangala Mountain, and massive stupas in the distance.
Adrenaline junkies and thrill-seekers can battle roaring rapids, paddle furiously through breathtaking landscapes, and emerge drenched, victorious, and buzzing with excitement on the stunning Kelaniya Ganga that offers excellent, Class 2/3 rapids that gets a lot gentler downstream as the river passes through amazing landscape to end close to the spot where David Lean filmed the Oscar-winning Bridge on the River Kwai in 1957.
From its humble beginnings as a means of survival, fishing—one of the oldest human activities—has evolved into a popular recreational pursuit. The island’s rivers, lakes, and extensive coastline provide numerous opportunities for offshore game fishing in the seas around Hikkaduwa, Mirissa, and Unawatuna, renowned for their abundance of tuna, marlin, barracuda, and other game fish, as well as freshwater fishing for trout, catfish, and carp in the Victoria Reservoir, Kala Wewa, and Kotmale Reservoir.
Located alongside one of the world’s great cetacean migratory routes, the vibrant shores from Mirissa, Galle, and Weligama in the South to the eastern shores of Trincomalee, and the western coastlines of Kalpitiya and Alankuda have gained popularity as prime destinations to spot the colossal blue whale breaching the ocean surface, or a playful pod or sometimes a super pod of dolphins dancing in the waves.
From fiery clay pot curries and coastal seafood feasts to coconut sambol and traditional sweets made to age-old recipes, discover the island’s rich culinary heritage from market visits and spice garden tours with home cooks and local chefs, one dish at a time.
Take a front-row seat and discover the island’s artistic heritage, culture, and creativity in hands-on workshops in batik making, pottery, weaving, and mask painting under the tutelage of local artists on a journey into the soul of Sri Lanka.
Discover inner peace, connect with nature, and engage in traditional yoga and meditation practices influenced by ancient Buddhist traditions and Ayurveda in the tranquil settings of the island’s temples and forests.
Beyond palm trees and sunsets, Sri Lanka’s beaches are canvases of golden sands, turquoise waters, blissful relaxation, sun-bathing and sea-bathing all year round under the tropical sun.
Set sail and experience Sri Lanka at its most magical, and embrace the sea at sunset when the sun dips below the horizon and paints the sky in gold, pink and purple hues as the shoreline comes alive with the glow of lights.