Sri Lanka is the perfect year round destination for activities and adventure with the best topography and climate.
Hiking/Trekking and Nature Exploring
Sri Lanka is topographically very diverse due to the rapid fall in altitude from the Central Highlands down to the sea in relatively short distance. The Central Highlands lie in the heart of the country and run in roughly a north – south orientation fro about 65km. The highlands stretch east to west for around 50km creating a heart to the middle of the country all above 2000m from the sea level. To either side of this main ridge there are further two low areas, to the west the Hatton Plateau and to the east an area centered on the city of Badulla, with gentle grassy hills crisscrossed by deep gorges. Horton Plains at an altitude of 2134 m, is a refreshing land of vegetation with much to see as you trek Baker’s Falls and the World’s End.
To the north lie the Knuckles, given the name from the shape they make against the sky line, like a set of knuckles in a clenched fist. The knuckles range is appealing for adventurous travelers, providing many great treks and hikes over the lush green mountaintops. As well as being beautiful, the area is important ecologically, the numerous micro-climates that they are created by the altitude and topography have allowed species to thrive here and nowhere else. Locally the area is known as ‘Dumbara Mitiyawatha’ meaning ‘misty valley’.
South of the central region are the Rakwana hills and are famed for Sri Padha or the famous hike Adam’s Peak standing to the north at 2243 m high from the sea level.
There are in the region of 150 rivers in the country originating in the central highland area. Needless to say in a country with dramatic drops in elevation, monsoon seasons, and deep gorges, waterfalls are common in Sri Lanka. There are 109 waterfalls in Rathnapura region and another 75 around the city of Nuwaraeliya. Water is the life blood of the island and has helped sculpt the amazing landscapes you see.
Bambarakanda,Dunhinda, Diyaluma, Bopath, Devon, St Claire, Bakers, Ramboda and Rawana waterfalls can be visited easily on a tour in Sri lanka.
The Sinharaja Forest Reserve in the southwest of the country a UNESCO World Heritage site is the country’s last viable area of primary lowland tropical rainforest. Which records the highest biodiversity and endemism in the region.
Sinharaja rain forest host many nature trails and a paradise for birds watching. Responsible tourism can make much positive influences on the conservation of these world natural heritages.
Jungle safaris and Whale watching
Sri Lanka is one of the most biologically diverse countries in Asia, an asset reflected in her national parks and reserves, home to 92 types of mammals whose 16 are endemic to Sri Lanka such as the elephant, leopard, sloth bear, sambur, spotted deer, mouse and barking deer, porcupine, ant-eater, civet cat, giant squirrel, macaque, purple faced leaf monkey and gray langur. Yala National Park is believed to have the world’s highest density of leopards, Udawalawa National Park and Minneriya National Park are famous for elephants with latter boasting of the famed ‘great gathering’ by the water during dry season. A jeep safari will afford you the unforgettable opportunity to see some of the Island’s most celebrated living beings.
Sri Lanka is also one of the best places in the world to see whales in their natural habitat. Particularly blue whales, sperm whales, killer whales, pilot whales and dolphins, often spotted in Mirissa along the Suthern coast while five of seven turtle species frequent the Nothern and Western coast.
Beaches/ Surfing/ Snorkeling/ Diving
Sri lanka is encircled in clean, golden sands, with warm, azure blue seas. Pristine beaches totaling 1340 km are found all around the island providing year round choices of destinations waiting to welcome you to its warm sands.
If water thrilling is your passion, the gentle swell of the Indian Ocean provides excellent opportunities for surfing and kite surfing. Arugambe on East coast and Weligama on south coast are generally the best waves to catch.
If you are a underwater explorer, Sri Lanka is a proud bearer of wide coral reef and vibrant aquamarine life in Southern Coastal areas, for rewarding glimpse of the other side of the life. Diving and snorkeling are popular in many Southern coastal areas and Pegion Island in Nilaveli on the East coast offers some of the best.
Exploring the Culture and Heritage
Sri Lanka contains astonishing six cultural UNESCO World Heritage Sites are testament to a civilization with over 2000 years of recorded history. From the colossal ancient monuments and serene rock carvings in sprawling ruined cities, to a 5t century AD king’s palaces in the clouds showcase the Island’s rich history and contribution to civilization.
Experiencing Sri Lanka’s heritage sites takes you on a spiritual journey that will uplift and amaze, inspire and refresh. The Island’s compact dimensions mean that it is possible to combine a visit to several of these marvels in the Cultural Triangle during even the briefest of visits.
Ayurveda, Yoga and Meditation
Hailing from ancient rituals and secrets are modern day luxuries for the mind, body and soul. Sri Lanka is blissful paradise with the oldest and most holistic medical system in the world- Ayurveda. You can experience the indulgence of natural herbs and healing hands of the local people in terms of Spa, Foodie and Yoga.