Activities
Discover the wonders of scuba diving in Sri Lanka, a country with warm clear waters which are home to vibrant coral reefs, a diverse marine existence and historical shipwrecks. The excellent diving situation on the East Coast is from May to September and on the Southwest Coast is from November to April. The places for splendid underwater experiences are Weligama, Hikkaduwa, Trincomalee and Batticaloa.
Savour the joys of free diving in Sri Lanka’s pristine waters which are home to breathtaking coral reefs, a diverse array of marine life, and serene underwater ecosystems. The best seasons to explore are November through April on the southwest coast and May through September on the east coast. Weligama, Batticaloa Hikkaduwa, and Trincomalee are famous places that provide pleasant diving experiences.
Kayaking through Sri Lanka’s shimmering lakes, tranquil lagoons and winding rivers offers a one-of-a-kind adventure. Glide on calm waters surrounded by lush forests and examine the natural world to set up a peaceful but exhilarating nature. While Koggala Lake, Madu River, Negombo Lagoon, and Kalpitiya, are all extremely good all-year locations, the kayaking conditions are determined in the course of the dry seasons.
Popular locations like Hikkaduwa Weligama and Arugam Bay which have splendid waves and lively surf cultures are among Sri Lanka’s top surfing destinations for surfers of all skill levels. The best surfing seasons are from May to September on the east coast and November to April on the southwest coast. The surf spots of Batticaloa and Trincomalee are also noteworthy.
The first licensed large zip-line in Sri Lanka is located in the Ella, offers spectacular views of the island’s stunning slopes and is known to bring an exhilarating experience. With a high speed that can go over 80 mph, this almost 500-meter zip-line provides an unforgettable experience. Ella and Kitulgala are two of the best year-round zip-lining destinations.
A special chance to experience Sri Lankan cuisine and cultural influences is provided by our culinary tours. Enjoy meals with locals in their homes, outdoors with jungle farmers, and gourmet cuisines, and eat outside beneath the stars. In addition to learning how to make Sri Lankan pickles and sample the island’s many spices and curries, foodies can also learn how to make traditional sambols. Top culinary destinations that are open all year round include Jaffna for local flavours from northern Sri Lanka, Negombo for fresh catch tours, Galle for experiences centred around seafood, Kandy for traditional Kandyan cuisine and Colombo for street food tours.
Discover locations that provide an insight into traditional craftsmanship and distinctive lifestyles each with a compelling backstory. Explore the vibrant world of batik art in Matale, learn the intricate craft of wood carving in Kandy, and learn how to make wooden masks in Ambalangoda. These hands-on learning opportunities and craft-focused experiences offer a chance to learn about different artistic traditions. Enriching cultural experiences that connect you with Sri Lanka’s rich heritage are promised at these year-round destinations.
Learning Sinhala and Tamil will allow you to immerse yourself in Sri Lanka’s rich linguistic legacy and understand the friendly greeting of Ayubowan everywhere you go. We provide a range of settings for you to become fully immersed in the culture including language study centers in Kandy and Colombo. Available year-round, these experiences provide a deeper connection to the island’s traditions and craftsmanship.
Volunteers can experience meaningful opportunities to make a real difference while taking in the natural beauty of Sri Lanka in its rural areas. Those with the necessary training and expertise can help with a variety of projects, like teaching English and IT to enthusiastic students, aiding in the dengue outbreak, or advocating for sustainable forest management techniques. Volunteering in these areas can not only help local communities but also truly transform your trip. All year long, there are volunteer opportunities in rural villages like Anuradhapura or Sigiriya.
You can enjoy authentic Sri Lankan hospitality and a rare chance to fully immerse yourself in island life by staying in a homestay with a local family. Savor traditional meals in a wattle and daub mud hut or relax under a tree and listen to the sounds of nature. You can establish a connection with the culture through these unforgettable experiences. Homestays are offered throughout the year in places like Colombo that offer a sincere and rewarding cultural exchange.
With its vast collection of books, manuscripts, folk art, visual artwork and historical documents, Sri Lanka provides visitors with a rich cultural experience. The island’s art galleries and museums offer an enthralling look into different historical eras and their cultural relevance. The Lionel Wendt Art Centre in Colombo, the Galle National Museum, the Jaffna Archaeological Museum, the Ceylon Tea Museum in Kandy, the National Museum and Air Force Museum, in Colombo are important locations. All year long these cultural sites provide interesting and captivating chances to learn about Sri Lanka’s past.
Sri Lanka is well known for its colorful culture, stunning scenery and exciting festivals that exquisitely display the nation’s customs and religious beliefs. Both residents and tourists can enjoy a singular and enthralling experience during these celebrations thanks to their magnificent processions and customary ceremonies. The main celebrations are the May Vesak Festival, the August Nallur Festival in Jaffna, the April Sinhala and Tamil New Year, the October/November Deepavali Festival (primarily in Jaffna and Colombo), the July/August Kandy Esala Perahera, and the January Duruthu Perahera at Kelaniya Temple.
Explore fascinating ancient city ruins that once held some of Sri Lanka’s most famous archaeological discoveries. These towns which include Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura are home to astounding engineering feats, as well as magnificent Buddhist architectural and sculptural masterpieces. Tourists can take city tours in Colombo, Kandy, Galle, Jaffna and Nuwara Eliya to experience these historical wonders or they can go on village tours to Meemure, Dambana Indigenous Village and Hiriwadunna near Sigiriya. These tours which are offered all year round provide an enlightening exploration of Sri Lanka’s architectural and cultural legacy.
Enroll in cooking classes there to learn how to prepare real Sri Lankan food. In addition to enhancing your culinary skills, this hands-on experience will deepen your appreciation for Sri Lankan cuisine and its renowned hospitality. These classes are available all year round in energetic cities like Galle, Kandy, and Colombo and they provide a rich and flavorful cultural experience.
Sri Lanka is well known for its outstanding architecture which was influenced by Asian architects who are internationally acclaimed. Beautiful architectural landmarks such as the Bawa Trail can be found on the island. The Seema Malakaya Temple and Independence Memorial Hall in Colombo, the Jetavanaramaya Stupa in Anuradhapura, the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil in Jaffna, the Lunuganga Estate in Bentota by Geoffrey Bawa and the Dutch Hospital Precincts in Galle and Colombo, are important architectural landmarks. Year-round access to these sites provides an enthralling look into Sri Lanka’s rich architectural past.
A unique and soothing experience is offered by Sri Lanka’s natural water streams where guests can take advantage of natural fish spa treatments. It is calming and revitalizing to feel toothless fish gently rubbing against your skin in these calm waters. The top destinations for this all-year-round natural spa treatment are Bentota, Galle, and Mount Lavinia Beach, each of which provides a calm setting for rest and renewal.
Situated amidst picturesque hills Sri Lanka is home to the calming natural hot springs called ‘kanniya’ in Sinhala which provide a distinctive fusion of rest, renewal and cultural immersion. You will learn fascinating details about the historical and medicinal significance of about ten hot springs spread throughout the island. Throughout the year the ‘Maha Oya’ Hot Springs in the Eastern Province are a noteworthy place to experience this natural wellness. Here you can enjoy the therapeutic effects of the warm mineral-rich waters.
To balance your body, mind and soul, embark on a life-altering journey in Sri Lanka where yoga and meditation coexist peacefully. Learn how the calming asanas (poses) and energizing pranayama (breathing techniques) of meditation can foster inner peace and stability. The atmosphere on this serene island is perfect for well-being and personal growth. Throughout the year Arugam Bay, Ella, Sigiriya and Hikkaduwa are popular locations for yoga and meditation retreats that offer a tranquil haven.
Combining the finest aspects of Ayurvedic and Western medicine with natural remedies, Sri Lanka provides a wide range of wellness therapies. These all-natural therapies aim to revitalize and bring the body and mind back into harmony. All year-long wellness retreats are offered in serene areas like Galle, Bentota, Colombo and Ella where contemporary spa treatments and traditional Ayurvedic methods combine to create a genuinely restorative experience.
Sri Lanka is known for its gorgeous beaches, golden sands and sunny weather and it boasts an 830-mile stretch of clean coastline. This island provides the ideal beach retreat whether your dream is to enjoy the cool sea breeze or rest under a big umbrella on peaceful beaches. November through April on the southwest coast, and May through September on the east coast, are the ideal travel seasons. Popular beach locations that provide a calm and beautiful beach experience are Mirissa, Unawatuna, Tangalle, Arugam Bay and Nilaveli.