Water Sports Activities are very popular leisure pursuits on the coastal areas of the country especially on shallow waters of the Sea, Lakes, Rivers, Lagoons and some Estuaries.
Surfing, Scuba diving, Snorkeling, Windsurfing, Banana Boating, Kitesurfing, Diving, Swimming, Canoeing, Kayaking, Rafting, Boating with Oars, Water Skating & Paddling Catamarans are popular exercises which are popularly enjoyed by visitors to the coastal areas of the Island.

Water Parks with programmed fun activities set up in the water, located further inland have been set up for those who don’t like to play in the natural environment

This teardrop of India is an exceptional island for bird watching, for its location in
close proximity to India in the Indian Ocean which attracts ‘foreign’ birds to visit
on their long voyages across continents in their natural migration during certain
seasons of the year. It is fascinating to watch large flocks of birds flying together
‘turn’ altogether simultaneously spontaneously all together at once as if everyone
knows that they’re all turning together. This synchronization happens under the
ocean in the case of a group of fish as they swim and turn in unison quite
spontaneously simultaneously in sync.
One can observe plenty of flocks of birds migrating between Europe & Asia
through ‘bird paths’ to Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia & Africa & back through this Island of plenty. Within the country there are numerous local birds : high
above the air are the Eagles patrolling a given area to watch the vulnerable prey
on the ground, others on the trees are hummingbirds, Myna, Parrots, Parakeet,
Robin, Nightingales, ones with long tails, beaks and wings only paleontologists
know how to name them with a certain amount of accuracy, trial & error. Every
National Park, Estuary, Lake, River, Lagoon, Rain Forest, Sanctuary, Backyard & the
coastal perimeter is frequented with these ‘flying machines’ , yes the birds
chirping ‘long stories’ & singing pretty tunes. The atmosphere is full of these
adorable two legged creatures getting aerodynamic, aeronautical, flying, diving,
taking off & landing to look for something to peck at. Sri Lanka has plenty of
them in every color one can imagine, yes plenty of birds to watch.

Although images of Abseiling appears to be like ‘Rock Climbing’ & that it can be
extremely difficult, it is certainly far less strenuous, as the participant is only
expected to descend down the cliff or precipice with plenty of staff support while
the ropes are well knotted to a very stable foundation pole at the top of the hill.
Nevertheless, it is certainly an adventurous & challenging sport to indulge in as
the body pumps the adrenaline when coming down a deep descent which feels
like a never ending exercise with trembling feet & a quivering stomach.
It is certainly challenging, adventurous, strenuous but all the more exciting as one
slips over moist & slippery surfaces especially when the descent is over or beside a
Waterfall or a Cascade with lots of heavy water as it gushes around the feet, rope,
head, shoulders and the chest when holding the tightrope while gravitating down.
Abseiling is conducted at some destinations including Kithulgala & Ella, while
other new places are being tested for safety and the general possibility around the
country. There are numerous such places which will be available in the near
future such as Kurulaangala (where Prehistoric Rock Art awaits the discerning to
‘sightsee’, & which appears like Australian Aboriginal Paintings ), Ella Rock,
Happytale, Table Mountain, Pidurangala & Danigala – a circular rock believed to
have been sculpted by Aliens spacecrafts.

For a tropical island located north of the Equator Sri Lanka has a unique Geological
formation of hilly terrain in the central regions of the country to enable the
adventurer to hike, trek or simply walk. In this landscape a comfortable
temperate zone enables those who indulge in outdoor activities such as farming
and construction work to hiking to exercise with the least of perspiration. So you
are fortunate as you can tread with no sweat in these regions. These
mountainous areas are full of beautiful fragrant nature trails where locals and travelers hike to peak tops through challenging expeditions of the topography to
take panoramic views. These central hills are situated approximately 50 Km from
the coastline. Ella, Badulla, Horton Plains, Haputale, Bandarawela, Hatton,
Ginigathhena, Nuwara Eliya, Kandy. Matale, and every place where one finds Tea,
Rubber & Spice Plantations are included in these recommended areas for hiking
with no sweat. All other areas are available for those who want to sweat it out
and let go.

This Pearl of the Indian Ocean is an uncanny destination for Diving where the Sea
temperature is always approximately 27 degrees Centigrade, which is ideal for
diving. Prior to the introduction of scuba diving & snorkeling there were divers of
seafood & corals around the 1600 km of the coastlines. They dived in the early
hours into the cold water & emerged with Lobsters, Prawns, & a variety of seafood
to meet a very limited but growing demand. Scuba Diving as a leisure activity
began with the arrival of foreign visitors to this country. Scuba Diving, Snorkeling
& other diving is conducted at every seaside hotel, resort or guest house alongside
the coast with trained instructors & the necessary equipment. There is a place
at Galle Dutch Fort besides the Mosque on the ramparts which has immense
potential to make it an unreal destination for Diving from the precipice to the
ocean. A similar place in Acapulco had turned Acapulco to a fascinating
destination for Americans looking to Dive. Diving from high places as a sport
happens in places like Hikkaduwa, Aluthgama, Galle, Trincomalee & Dickwella
(Long Beach}

Habarana, Minneriya, Sigiriya, Uda Walawe, Yala & Ella are the best known
destinations in order to get an Elephant Safari in this emerging tourism dependent
economy. The gentle giants can take two or four passengers at a time through
‘elephant paths’ in the woods, bush & the countryside. Bookings can be made in
order to reserve seats on the back of the tamed giants in order to go on a ride.
Other places will also come up with this fun activity as they will need the space &
techniques necessary in order to enable that to happen. Jeep Safaris are available in almost all the National Parks including Yala, Wilpattu & Uda Walawe, where the Jeep with its grills, bars & crash bars serve to protect the passengers from any attacks by animals especially Elephants and Leopards.

An Adventure that has not been exploited entirely, despite the numerous places,
hideaway space & the extent of space available for camping. Certainly some
camping grounds have been discovered in places like Kithulgala, Matale, Yala,
Belihuloya, Sigiriya & Ella. It is an activity that has not been entirely explored
as people believe that the mosquitoes aren’t going to enable campers to sleep
properly, however Sri Lanka has the appropriate mosquito repellent to protect one
from being bothered as there is the magical ‘Citronella’ when applied keeps them
away. Citronella is a miracle repellent as it is very resilient. It is not a chemical
but an oil made of the bark of the Citronella tree but incredibly potent. For if
one while using the oil to apply on the limbs, accidentally scratches the eyes, it’s
certainly going to hurt real bad, until the eyes are washed with soap and water
several times. It’s an environmentally friendly product to carry for adventurous
camping beside the waterway and flat tent surface. Go for it !

Visit a Gem Mining Pit in the Ratnapura (Land of Gems in Sinhalese) area & the vicinity to explore how precious stones are mined, cleaned, washed, cut & polished to determine the Color, Clarity, Luster, Mass, Size & Value of the Stones mined so that they can be marketed. We’ve chosen the Ratnapura area as the probability of striking a handful of precious stones in this popular area for gems is greater than the competing regions of the country.

Descend down into the abysses of the earth where mysterious and valuable precious stones are hidden in numerous rock structures camouflaged with sand, chalk, soil & other material. Return back to the surface perhaps with valuable heavy stones with numerous distinct colors & shapes. Every safety precaution is taken in these mining pits to conform to acceptable international standards which prevent mining accidents and make them safe, sound and accessible.

One of the world’s most unique, entertaining & enjoyable performances of movement, of art, style & elegance in the form of dance, balance, rhythm & tune to the numerous cultural beats of the resplendent Isle.

Scheduled & held at 5 pm every evening without any excuse enables every new visitor to Kandy to be entirely entertained and be fun. Both Up Country Kandyan and the Low Country dances with the matching costumes and colors are performed beautifully balancing all desires. Some of the performances can be funny & hilarious, making the little one’s to laugh while holding their stomachs.

Some of the largest Tea Plantations in the Island are in the vicinity of Nuwara Eliya, where the most suitable climate exists for the growth of this finest of beverages, one of them is located beside the adjacent hills of the city limits of Nuwara Eliya known as Labookele.

When we take you there, an orientation of the numerous processes of ‘tea making’ from the green leaves to the dried broken orange pekoes can be observed with precise explanations of the processes, taste the flavor of the day’s pluck seated on European furniture in the Colonial factory building and take a stroll of the vast fields of the picturesque tea estate fields.

This range of mountains appear to resemble the knuckles of the human fist, the rationale for the fitting label. Located north of the hill capital Kandy, where an immense quantity of precipitation is absorbed from the high atmosphere in order to distribute the much needed water to the northern plains of the country, through the largest & longest river ‘Mahaweli’.

An exceptionally attractive range for trekking, camping, bird watching & capturing fauna and flora of the temperate zone of the Island. Since it is a vast expanse of the wilderness and demands strenuous adventurous expeditions to trudge the numerous climbs and downhill passes, it is essentially a non-touristic destination. This attracts the more discerning visitors who are more comfortable with the natural environment, to being away from crowded attractions to have sufficient stamina & pumped with spare adrenaline.

One of the premier but modest attractions of the magical isle, Cookery Classes enables participants to dish out some of the remarkably delicious food on the table using traditional methods and recipes using wholesome ingredients.

Usually conducted in the evenings to enable the numerous sightseers to make it on time to be able to get ‘hands on’ experience learning the traditional art of local cookery. Rice , Flat bread, Dhal, Pumpkin, Potato, Meat, Coconut Sambol & a dessert is usually prepared to align with seasonal vegetables with spices & coconut oil.
Appointments need to be made well in advance at the numerous places that they are generally conducted in & around major tourist destinations.

There are some retreats in the hill & coastal country where Meditation & Yoga are practiced. They are usually kept discreet & only revealed to those who are genuinely interested in practicing Stillness, Silence, Emptiness, & Nothingness in order to reach the heights of Presence, the Source, the Self, Absolute & the Ultimate Reality .
Yoga – Stretching exercises of the limbs & abdomen are generally done under the supervision of certified therapists, the silence that you’ve ever learned earlier in life is practiced here in order to ‘reconnect’ the mind, body & soul together to help integrate into a sync, that is Union, that is Yoga.

Meditation into Emptiness or Nothingness – that is without any perceptions or thoughts is practiced at every Meditation Center. Having left behind the name, identity, person, ego & all other thoughts etc. at the door, one is welcomed into the session to walk-in empty of any thoughts or other perceptions. Then sit Still in Silence. And Listen to nothing whatsoever. Just Being there in the Now is the best practice at the beginning. It is undoubtedly difficult to do it, however, over time & sufficient practice one can emerge to be light, love, free & Content being with the Source.

Sri Lanka is known for its vast number of tuk tuks which roam on every street in every township. Unlike four wheeled vehicles, tuk-tuks are three wheeled small types of vehicle which can carry a maximum of three passengers and a driver. Tuk tuks are often used for short journeys to run errands as well as for joy rides. Rides on these handy cabs gives an experience like no other through the sheer pleasure of an open view of the road with fresh air blowing to the faces of the passengers as well as the driver. Overall, this brings out a totally different vibe to a person who arrives from a country where people use vehicles such as cars & limos as taxis instead of tuk tuks.

Tuk Tuks are handy since the beach is usually located not too far from the main coastal road or highway & most attractions aren’t accessible only through trains or busses from most townships

Unlike Grand Rapids, Kithulgala located on the road to Ella / Badulla is smaller in size but huge in heart, as the service is extraordinary. Kithulgala has lots of water, over 9 rapids, passing gaps and the rocks to make it an adventure worth the exertion. Kayaking, Rafting or Canoeing downstream amidst the green foliage through the trees of the rain forest into the flushing river, while one can see hikers treading upstream on the banks. Plenty of camping grounds to kick back & chill out. It’s possible to rent out rafters, canoes, kayaks, rigifoam helmets, life jackets & other necessities such as Tents, Gas, Stoves etc. & other camping gear available in the vicinity, so one doesn’t have to bring them from far. The water is nice & warm unlike Grand Rapids, so one can’t get cold or sick. The only caution one needs to take is to clean the ears after the expedition, as the ‘tropical ear’ germs can get into the body through the ears. It’s a challenging ride downstream to the Kelani River through a dense green forest.

Have fun !

Also known as Game Fishing or OffShore Fishing, this is a novel enterprise emerging in recent times to add to the ancient art of fishing in Sri Lanka from Stilt fishing, Oar fishing in the rivers & lakes and the standard small boat fishing off the coasts, quite apart from the traditional methods.

It involves the launch of Larger fishing vessels such as Trawlers with a length of at least 30 feet to be able to sail into the deeper ends of the Ocean, spread out large nets in order to sweep into the depths of the selected area of ‘calm’ in order to ‘catch’ large fish with massive mass. The types of fish thus caught are typically Tuna, Shark, Wahoo, Sailfish, Sword fish & blue Marlin.

Although deep sea fishing is considered to be a leisure activity, it actually demands a lot of observation & tests of Ocean ‘patches’, plenty of strategy, strength to handle cables to lift huge weights of large creatures, common fishing skills, common sense and tons of experience. This is certainly an exciting exercise to watch as the vessel rocks over the water.

Sigiriya, Dambulla, & Habarana are the areas where Hot Air Ballooning is conducted as the winds are good enough in the area of the plains of the island. This is to be able to enable the balloon to stay up in the air and move sufficiently with the wind. It’s an enjoyable ride, to ‘oversee’ the forest plains, rocky hills, pretty lakes & estuaries with an amazing real time panoramic view in motion. However, the only drawback is Hot Air Ballooning depends on the winds and its direction. So it is essentially seasonal and depends heavily on the moods of the Supernatural, Solar Flares, Global Weather & Neutrinos passing through the planet. The adventurers who do this exercise are testing places like Ella, Tissa & Hambantota as potential locations in order to enable this ‘bird’s eye’ sightseeing in the future. It’s far more economical than boarding into a helicopter, which is an alternative if the winds aren’t going to materialize in other attractive destinations. Go for it !.

Spotting Blue Whales of the Ocean is a happening activity that shouldn’t be missed while touring in the pearl of the Indian Ocean. Season for watching these blue giants in Mirissa & Kalpitiya is between October & March in the South East & West of the Island in the Indian Ocean and between March & July in Trincomalee in the North East of the Isle in the Bay of Bengal.

Wherever the Blue Whales swim in the deeper recesses of the Ocean, the dolphins hang out near the surface of the water jumping out of the water and playing at the top edges of the sea and the atmosphere only to dive back into the water giving so much excitement to the discerning traveler enticing one to interact with them whistling, jumping & diving back in.

These are the three popular destinations out of numerous places from where Whales & Dolphins can be spotted & watched in this pearl of the Indian Ocean. Mirissa, on the south coast, Trincomalee on the east coast and Kalpitiya, on the west coast. From any of these places, one can hop into a boat & take a cruise beyond the horizon with others including lifeguards. While waiting for the apparitions to appear, one can perhaps read a book or something or begin a conversation with other travelers, as the Whales could be pretty busy down under, but be prepared with your camera to capture some unreal images. Then suddenly at the spur of the moment, the apparitions materialize & the gentle giants are all over the area, swimming, excited & also fearful that the boat may perhaps ‘attack’ them. Usually there are the white Whales, one should be extremely fortunate to spot a blue one. On the way back be on the lookout for Dolphins if you hadn’t waved at them on the way out looking for the Whales.

Good luck !