Sri Lanka isn’t necessarily the first country that you think of when you want to plan an adventure packed holiday, but don’t let that dissuade you as there are plenty of thrilling experiences for adrenaline junkies on this beautiful island.
Here’s a list of the top 5 adventure activities in Sri Lanka:
1. White Water Rafting
What could be more thrilling than succumbing to the power of a mighty river and going along with its flow? The small town of Kitulgala, just south of Kandy, is the gateway to the rapids of the Kelaniya Ganga, where adrenaline junkies can ride the waves of this fierce river. White water rafting here is great for both beginners and the experienced rafter alike. However if rafting is not for you, there are also some lovely jungle hikes and bird watching excursions in this lush area as well.
2. Surfing
Sri Lanka is renowned for having some fabulous surf beaches, and the best one is Midigama, located past Galle in the south of the Island. With sandy beaches that stretch out for miles, you can lie back and watch others try their hand at the waves or get out there and ride a few yourself. With several reefs that make the waves jump high, the water here is for experienced surfers only. Try your hand at navigating The Lazy Left, a local wave that angles to the left as it glides past some rocks.
Photo Credit: Tiago J. G. Fernandes/Flickr
3. Sea Plane Tour
As an island nation, Sri Lanka has some incredible seaside scenery as well as lush inland jungles. A great way to see the breadth of the magnificent landscape is to take a Sea Plane Tour. These “flying boats” land on lagoons, reservoirs and lakes giving you a unique adrenaline rush on water. Some of the best Sea Plane tours take you from west to east and back again, viewing magnificent landmarks such as Sigiriya from air, and touching the sea on both sides. Fly Sri Lanka has several scenic Sea Plane tours starting at Kelaniya, just near Colombo.
4. Diving
Nothing takes you into the depths of another world better than deep sea diving. It is here that you can explore the secret life of the marine world or weave through the mysteries contained in a shipwreck that has sunk to the ocean floor. One of the best places for diving is off the coast of Hikkaduwa, a popular coastal town on the South East Coast. Here you can learn to dive, get your PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) certification or go on advanced dives if you already have plenty of experience.
Photo Credit: Official U.S. Navy Page/Flickr
5. Hot Air Balloon Ride
The exhilarating feeling of riding high above the clouds in a hot air balloon is certainly on the bucket list of all adrenaline junkies. From this unique vantage point you can watch wildlife from afar, have an unfettered view of the lush flora and jungles, and glide above Sri Lanka’s sweeping coastlines. Fly Sri Lanka also offers tours that take you above some of the famous Buddhist and cultural sites, so you can see some of the ancient cities from a unique viewpoint.
Photo Credit: Don Richards/Flickr
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