Sri Lanka, the splendid island nation of the Indian Ocean is simply the magical paradise that fulfills all your dreams. Safari rides to observe leopards and elephants, surfing and diving, hiking mountains and waterfalls for breathtaking views, and exploring historic attractions are all fascinations that would delight you during your trip. However, all these activities prove that there are ample opportunities for adventure sports on this island. Hence, you should surely be wondering about the adventure places in Sri Lanka. Take it easy, because this article is going to enlighten you with regard.
Adventure Places in Sri Lanka
You can find below some of such famous adventure spots on this beautiful island.
- Kitulgala
- Sinharaja Forest
- Nuwara Eliya
- Horton Plains
- Ella
- National Parks in Sri Lanka
Need to know more about these places? Continue reading!
1. Kitulgala
Kitulgala, which is a popular Hill Country destination, is located between Colombo and Kandy. The Kelani river flows across this region, and the tea and rubber plantations and sections of forest, make it one of Sri Lanka’s most scenic destinations.
Besides, Kitulgala is a wonderful place that offers visitors the chance to partake in a variety of exhilarating adventure sports. You can find below some of the exciting activities that you can indulge yourself in when you visit Kitulgala.
- White Water rafting (there are a variety of rapids ideal for beginners and experienced rafters)
- Canyoning
- Nature Walks
- Cave Exploration
- Trekking
You should consider staying a night or two at Borderlands to get the most out of the Kitulgala area, especially if you are energetic and looking for adventure activities in Sri Lanka. All in all, if you are an adventure seeker, Kitulgala is one of the best adventure places in Sri Lanka for you to visit!
2. Sinharaja Rainforest
The Sinharaja Rain Forest, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located within the Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces of the southwest lowland wet zone of Sri Lanka. It spans over an area of 18900 acres and shelters a wide array of endemic flora and fauna. Three rivers surround this wonderful land of greenery. In fact, it is bordered to the north by the Napola Dola and the Koskulana Ganga. The rivers Maha Dola and Gin Ganga are located to the south and southwest of the premises. The rivers Kalukandawa Ela and Kudawa Ganga are located to the west. An old trail near Beverley Tea Estate and Denuwa Kanda is located to the east of Sinharaja.
Things to Do in Sinharaja Forest
- Visiting Maduwanwela Walawwa
- Trekking the World Heritage- Sinharaja Rain Forest
- Visiting the Neluwa Duwili Ella Falls
- Visiting the Sathmala Ella
You can reach the Sinharaja Rainforest via Ratnapura, Kiriella, Kalawana, and Weddala, or from Deniya in the south. Also, you can reach it from the Rakwana side if you’re coming from Hambantota or Udawalawe.
After all, the area of 18,900 acres (7,648 hectares) that these forest covers is surely going to offer you an experience like no other. Hence, paying a visit to Sinharaja Rainforest, one of the best adventure places in Sri Lanka will certainly make your Sri Lankan trip more memorable than ever.
3. Adventure Places at Nuwara Eliya, in Central Sri Lanka
Nuwara Eliya is the main and the tallest city of Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands, and it is approximately 150 kilometers away from Colombo. It is accessible from Colombo via Kandy, and despite the fact that Nuwara Eliya does not have a railway station, the highland railway line that runs through Nanu Oya makes train travel one of the most magnificent and immersive experiences.
The pleasant weather out there transforms Nuwara Eliya into a resort, attracting both Sri Lankan and foreign visitors. However, the time period between February to April is the best time to visit this wonderful mountain town. During this season, there are many events that attract visitors, and some of the major events include golf competitions, horse racing, Motocross, clay pigeon shooting, and carnival rides.
Still, the season’s drawback is that hotel prices skyrocket. Thousands of local tourists travel to Nuwara Eliya during the season, filling up hotels and guest homes that provide inexpensive accommodation and restricting the accommodations.
However, there are many exciting things and places to visit when you stay at beautiful Nuwara Eliya. Some of them are as follows.
Victoria Park
Victoria Park is located in the heart of this mountain town, to the south of the market, to be specific. It spans over an area of 27-acres and is rich with shrubs and trees that enhance the greenery out there. A prominent feature is a clump of extremely tall eucalyptuses. Also, Victoria Park is an ornithological hotspot where bird watchers can spend hours observing a wide array of birds as well. The endemic birds of Sri Lanka, as well as migrant birds from neighboring nations and regions, visit this park during the respective seasons, making it a birder’s paradise.
Race Course and Golf Course
The Racecourse is located to the south of Victoria Park. The best golf course in Nuwara Eliya is right across the street from Victoria Park. The Nuwara Eliya Golf Club maintains this 18-hole golf course, which was built in 1891 by British colonialists in Sri Lanka. The club provides golf equipment for rent and charges a fee to play on its course.
Single Tree Mountain
A walkway leading from the race track to Single Tree Mountain provides a bird’s eye perspective of the surrounding hills. This is a wonderful place to visit since the breathtaking scenery it offers is simply amazing. In fact, you can observe Nuwara Eliya’s entire town, including the Pidurutalagala Mountain, Hakgala Mountain, Lake Gregory, and the Northern half of the Horton Plains, when you reach this mountain peak. Hence, a visit to the Single Tree Mountain will surely enhance the delight of your adventure trip in Nuwara Eliya.
Pedro and Labookellie Tea Estates
The tea estates of Pedro and Labookelle provide an opportunity to go on a fine trek, as well as to learn about the Sri Lankan tea industry firsthand. The Pedro Tea Estate is located 3 kilometers east of Nuwara Eliya, beneath a ridge of Mount Pedro. The estate’s resident guide educates and clarifies the production and manufacture of Ceylon Tea. Labookellie Tea Estate is situated at an elevation of 2000 meters, 20 kilometers north of Nuwara Eliya. The vast estate is properly equipped to welcome tourists and provide them with a tour of the entire property. The café is a great place to grab a cup of Ceylon tea and a tasty slice of cake.
Soft Adventure at Nuwara Eliya
The picturesque mountainous environment of Nuwara Eliya offers several trekking opportunities. Although the peak of Mount Pedro or Pidurutalagala, which rises to a height of 2555 meters above sea level, is not open to the public, it is an excellent destination for hikers.
Waterfalls in the Nuwara Eliya area make hiking and trekking even more enjoyable: To name a few, the Ramboda Falls, Devon Falls, and Lakshapana Falls are among the highlights for anyone who hunts for waterfalls.
The Turf Club, which is also in the city, offers visitors horseback riding and pony back riding. The boathouse in Lake Gregory provides opportunities for boating. So, all these activities together assure you an exciting adventurous journey at beautiful Nuwara Eliya.
4. Horton Plains
The Horton Plains National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site) is situated on the top of the Central Highlands, halfway between Nuwara Eliya and Haputale. It is one of the favorites of nature lovers, and it is home to Sri Lanka’s highest plateau at 2000 feet. Also, Horton Plains shelters a wide array of wildlife species, endemic birds, and migrant birds, making it a haven for bird watchers, and hikers. Besides, the World’s End precipice, which drops abruptly for over 1050 meters in the park at the southern tip of the highlands to the lowlands below, is an excursion that holidaymakers should not miss. So, never forget that your adventurous trip on this splendid island won’t ever be complete without a visit to this land of greenery.
5. Adventure Places at Ella, Sri Lanka
Ella is a quiet, laid-back town in Sri Lanka surrounded by lush tea plantations and fantastic scenery. Besides, this city offers a diverse range of activities.
From Nuwara Eliya to Ella, you can witness one of the most magnificent train rides in the world and fall in love with the scenery. Simply, you’ll almost certainly wind up staying longer than you intended.
Also, Ella has a pleasant climate, with cold evenings where the temperatures lie about 28 degrees throughout the day. Besides, Ella has its own historical significance, as well as a connection to the Ravana legends.
So, while you’re there, you can visit all of them. Ella is undoubtedly a place with a plethora of activities to keep you occupied and entertained. If you’re searching for a spot to escape from your busy life and enjoy some peaceful, relaxing time with nature, this is the place to go, and you’ll leave Ella with some life-long memories!
The Best Places to Visit in Ella
Among many and more things for you to do in Ella, we thought that the following activities would be the best!
Climb up Little Adam’s Peak
Adam’s Peak‘s sibling is Little Adam’s Peak. If one hikes Little Adam’s Peak, he might get the opportunity of enjoying the view of the valley from the top, while relaxing a bit. It takes around 45 minutes to get from Ella Town to the foot of the mountain, and 15 minutes to reach the top. During the first part of the hike, the visitors will pass through a local community and tea plantations that fall through a pleasant surrounding. However, there is no physical path, but with a little hiking, you can reach there. Yet, the experiences it offers you are second to none!
Walk Along the Rails on the Nine Arch Bridge
Nine Arch Bridge is one of the most highlighted attractions in the beautiful town of Ella. It is a piece of exquisite architecture nestled between lush green tea fields, offering a marvelous view along with the railways. The visitors can reach it after a short 30-minute trek through the woods. This walkthrough the greenery amidst the pleasant surroundings is indeed one of the most wonderful adventures that you can ever think of. In fact, this is one of the must-do activities in Sri Lanka!
Swim at Diyaluma Falls
If you are willing to trek waterfalls, this is indeed something interesting for you! Yes, trekking Diyaluma falls would be an amazing experience. Of course, you can observe its majesty from far away as well. Still, if you wish to see the Diyaluma Falls from the top, you’ll need a full day.
The foot of Sri Lanka’s second-highest waterfall is located about an hour outside of Ella. You will have to drive another 30 minutes to the peak after exploring on foot. After a 45-minute hike, you’ll arrive at a waterfall with several natural pools at various levels. Still remember that trekking Diyaluma is not for everyone. Still, if you are fit for a hike, and enjoy trekking, this is simply a must!
Get a Fresh Shower at the Ravana Falls
Are you ready to take a break from the afternoon heat? Then, the Ravana Falls, which is within a 10-minute drive from town, is a perfect stop for you. Besides, if you are longing for some adventures, you can surely choose to swim in it. It’s close to the main road, and it is a lot less difficult than Diyaluma Falls. Hence, Ravana Falls has become a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, who come to enjoy the scenery and cool off in the water.
Hike up to the Ella Rock’s Top
Are you up for a big challenge? If so, hiking to the summit of Ella Rock is simply a perfect option for you. When compared to this, Little Adam’s peak is just nothing!
From the bottom to the summit, the Ella Rock hike takes 2 hours, yet every bit of it promises you a fantastic experience. You can go on this hike without a guide, but make sure you get instructions from someone you can trust. Doubts apart, hiking Ella rock, is one of the best adventures that you can try on, while you are in this magical paradise.
National Parks in Sri Lanka
If you are a nature lover, and fond of observing the wildlife up close and personal, visiting the national parks is something that you should surely add to your to-do list in Sri Lanka. This activity is sure to offer you some thrilling experiences. However, a safari ride would be the best to explore the wild. The excitement that you feel as the majestic tuskers approach the safari jeeps, the sight of the rare wildlife species chasing one another amidst the greenery are sure to delight your eyes.
There are several National Parks in Sri Lanka for you to explore, and all of them offer opportunities for safari rides. Some of the most significant national parks in Sri Lanka are as follows.
- Yala National Park
- Minneriya National Park
- Horton Plains National Park
- Bundala National Park
- Kitulgala Forest Reserve
- Kumana National Park
- Wilpattu National Park
- Adam’s Bridge Marine National Park
- Angammedilla National Park
- Delft National Park
- Flood Plains National Park
- Horagolla National Park
- Horowpathana National Park
- Galway’s National Park
- Maduru Oya National Park
- Kaudulla National Park
- Madhu Road National Park
- Gal Oya National Park
- Lahugala Kitulana National Park
Looking forward to knowing more about the national parks in Sri Lanka. Read our article on the ‘Wonderful National Parks in Sri Lanka’.
The Bottom Line
Above all, it is a must mention that there are several wonderful adventure places in Sri Lanka, for you to visit and enjoy yourself. However, it is important to note that the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority takes no responsibility in regulating the service providers of adventure sports. Hence, it is up to you to choose the best service providers that offer professional services, and your tour guides are sure to help you with it. However, the adventures in Sri Lanka are never to be missed, and thus, we are inviting you to experience these delights yourself. Happy and Safe Traveling!
