Adventure excursions

For a small island, Sri Lanka packs a surprisingly large number of big adventures from surfing the waves in Arugambay and Weligama to scaling the heights of waterfalls and majestic mountains in Central Sri Lanka. Whether you have a passion for ocean, heights or landscape Sri Lanka has the right mix of danger, excitements and breathtaking view to suit every adventure junkie.

The deep oceans that surround the country is a treasure trove for scuba divers containing naturally challenging dives among rock plateaus and boulders as well as sunken ships that have become the habitat of marine animals. Galle and Trincomalee are the best places to head if you are a wreck diver looking for a challenge while Arugambay is the place for hardcore surfers.

With many unexplored paths falling through highlands and central plains of Sri Lanka, hiking and trekking in Sri Lanka can be as challenging as it is enjoyable. Whether you choose to explore Horton Plains, Ella, Okanda or Sigiriya or camp atop the majestic mountain of Wadinagala, Sri Lanka has a unique experience waiting to be explored.

As a country with many waterways, Sri Lanka offers a range of water sports from whitewater rafting in Kitulgala to canoeing on Kalu Ganga while mountains of Sri Lanka is the best place to try mountain climbing, paragliding and waterfall climbing to test your metal and nerve.

Through Our Winners’ Eyes

St. Andrews Hotel, Nuwara Eliya

Seeing and experiencing Sri Lanka’s diversity is actually believing it. Nuwara Eliya is a picturesque town resembling an English village, high in the mountains, thousands of feet above sea level. How pristine, cool and refreshing it was!

We were fortunate to stay at St. Andrews Hotel, a charming, cozy place with an architecture and design reminiscent of a bygone era.

The hotel is surrounded by tall pines and green lawns, and the service was warm, personalized and truly special. Watching my dad, he seemed content and quite at home in this beautiful place.

Warwick Gardens Nuwara Eliya

We were also hosted for high tea at the Warwick Gardens Hotel, an old Scottish style bungalow that had been converted into one of the most beautiful and cozy hotels I have ever seen. Dad who studied music, made a bee line for the piano in the living room while I took in the breathtaking interiors.

I was amazed at how luxurious yet homely the hotel was. We were treated to colonial style hospitality and delicious, fresh food.

While this country is synonymous with beaches and sunshine, I think the mountains and forests play an important role offering diversity and choice to discerning travelers.