Sri Lanka offers unforgettable underwater experiences. You can snorkel at Pigeon Island National Park amongst vividly coloured tropical fish in a unique coral reef. The best diving spots can be found in the capital city of Colombo itself (discover an old shipwreck in the process!), along the beautiful south-west coastline including Kalpitiya, Negombo, Beruwela, Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna, Mirissa and Weligama, and even Trincomalee bay.
We will provide you with all the equipment you need along with experienced and qualified instructors to guide you on your adventures. If you are new to the world of diving, never fear: a brief but thorough course will be conducted before you enter deep waters and you will be awarded a certificate at the end!
Kalipitiya and Mirissa are your to-go places in Sri Lanka if hopping on a boat and embarking on a journey of a few hours to watch dolphins and whales frolicking in pristine blue waters in a magical display reminiscent of a Disney movie from your childhood is on your agenda.
Best seasons in Kalpitiya
For Dolphin Watching: Mid-October to May
For Whale Watching: February to April (You’re likely to see whales during dolphin season too though!)
Best seasons in Mirissa
For Dolphin & Whale Watching: November to April (when the ocean is calm and these magnificent creatures migrate from the southern to the northern hemisphere)
Fun Facts
Did you know that the blue whale is the biggest animal on our planet?
Did you know that one of the best places in the world to observe blue whales is Mirissa in Sri Lanka?
Did you know that blue whales migrate from October to April from the south cold polar waters of Antarctica to the warm tropical north waters of Sri Lanka for breeding while from May to September they migrate from the warmer waters to colder waters for feeding?
Did you know that blue whales and sperm whales are the loudest animals in the world? They can produce whistling calls that reach up to 230 decibels – nearly the volume of an atomic bomb!
Are you after a unique souvenir? Then look no further! Historically, Sri Lanka has drawn international interest for its precious gems, handcrafted wood, aromatic spices, vivid fabrics and world-class tea, particularly from the Portuguese, Dutch and British. These items remain at the top of the shopping lists of many a travelers even today.
Did you know?
The famous blue sapphire at the heart of the engagement ring worn by the Duchess of Cambridge came from Sri Lanka 35 years ago?
Prince William presented this ring to Kate Middleton in remembrance of his mother, Princess Diana who wore it as her engagement ring too.
With its serene atmosphere and 5 major-4 minor rapids, Kithulgala is the whitewater rafting hotspot in Sri Lanka from November to April. A few important things to keep in mind when engaging in this sport: avoid the drought season (your raft can face an obstacle course due to low water levels) and build up your physical fitness (paddling takes some muscle). But not to worry, our experienced guide will take the helm and ensure you find the right rhythm!
Experience Sri Lanka’s natural wonders by making your way through the country’s jungles, rainforests, and mountains… halting every now and then to take a refreshing dip in a waterfall.
The hill country is home to some of the best hiking and trekking destinations: Horton Plains, Ella, Knuckles, Adam’s Peak and many more. Kitulgala, the Cultural Triangle (i.e. Anuradhapura, Dambulla, and Polonnaruwa), the North-West coast and the Galle coast also provide some great routes and sights.
All hiking and trekking tours and routes will be matched with your interest and level of experience.
Get a spectacular view of Sri Lanka’s nature, wild life, lakes and ancient ruins, particularly in the Dambulla, Sigiriya, Kandalama areas, while floating 500-2000 feet above the ground. A hot air balloon journey will take approximately 4 hours in total: beginning with your arrival, preparation and inflation of the balloon, pre-flight briefing, take-off, the flight, landing and retrieval, and return to your hotel after a breakfast with champagne. Keep in mind that the weather forecast and season will determine the time at which your adventure begins. Your journey will be confirmed the night before and you will receive a wake-up call an hour before the starting time. Typically, flights are scheduled between 6.30 a.m. and 7.00 a.m. in order to witness all that Sri Lanka has to offer in the light of day.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka trains all pilots and the balloons are manufactured in the UK. The ground crew also maintains constant communication to ensure a smooth flight.
Take the longest zip-line ride in South Asia through the scenic Ella mountains for an adrenaline rush like no other. The 2-wire zip-line stretches across nearly a kilometer and flies you in between majestic trees and over luscious tea estates at a speed of 80 kmph
Your safety is our priority so rest assured that the zip-lines and instructors at Flying Ravana Adventure Park are certified by the European Rope Course Association (ERCA) for maximum passenger safety involving exclusive design cables, top of the line equipment and more.
Sri Lanka is a surfer’s haven with 2 seasons:
Simply choose the coast which is not being lashed by the monsoon rains and you won’t be disappointed – sun and surf await!
Colombo is a city that is dazzling by day and glamorous by night. If sleep is not on your agenda, an intriguing variety of pubs and nightclubs await you in the commercial capital. Prepare to be mesmerized by live performances featuring local artists or groove to a DJ’s unique beats: whichever genre of music you’re into, we’ve got it. And not to worry, we won’t let the tropical heat get to you: whatever your drink is, we can hunt it down for you. One martini, shaken not stirred, coming right up!
If you want to test your luck during your vacation, we’ve got you covered: several casinos committed to offering the highest level of service to customers from all over the world anticipate your arrival.
They don’t let just anyone walk in, so you’ll have the opportunity to meet and mingle with a like-minded crowd. Our close working relationships with these establishments will ensure that your experience is a memorable one, whether you prefer high or low stakes. And if you’re a high roller, they’re likely to appreciate your patronization by providing free food and beverages.
Explore the world famous Sri Lankan tea industry situated in the hill country with spectacular mountain views no matter which way you turn.
Visit a tea plantation where you will have the unique opportunity of joining the expert tea pluckers as they engage in the fine art of picking the signature ‘two leaves and a bud’ with precision and speed.
Then, make your way to the tea factory where you can observe the process that transforms the raw green leaves into the familiar black/brown finished product.
Once you’ve experienced the entire process, participate in a tea tasting session where you can sample both familiar and exotic blends.
The trip from Kandy to Ella is considered one of – if not the most – scenic train journeys in the world. We ensure our clients experience it from the best vantage point by booking an observation deck in a luxury air-conditioned 1st-class compartment (or a 2nd-class non-AC compartment, depending on your preference and availability, of course).
The journey begins from the Fort Railway Station in Colombo. You have the option of making the entire journey to Ella by train and meeting your chauffeur there or we can add only the most scenic part of the ride to your customized tour, where you’ll be dropped off at the Nanu Oya Railway Station by your chauffeur and picked up once again from the Ella Railway Station.
Witness the traditional style of fishing practiced by Sri Lankan fishermen, especially along the southern coast, during your tailor-made tour. Showcasing perfect balance and tremendous patience, these fishermen perch on cross-shaped beams and wait for the catch of the day!
You can even put your own skills to the test. Pick a stilt to perch and even if you don’t catch your dinner, it’ll provide a great photo opportunity and story to take back home.
The southern coast also gives you the chance to visit one of the sea turtle hatcheries, all of which work tirelessly to ensure the survival of those wondrous creatures for generations to come.
Sri Lanka is home to 5 distinct varieties of sea turtles namely the Olive Ridley Turtle, Loggerhead Turtle, Green Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle and Leatherhead Turtle. All of their key nesting habitats are located in the Galle and Hambantota districts.
The Esala Perahera is a historical procession held annually during July/August to pay homage to Lord Buddha’s Sacred Tooth Relic housed at the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy.
Today, it has evolved into a grand festival and unique symbol of Sri Lanka, featuring lavish costumes, dancers, jugglers, musicians, fire-breathers, and even elephants.
The festival concludes with the traditional “diya-kepeema” or water-cutting ceremony held at the Mahaweli River in Kandy.
Visit a spice garden, inhale the exotic aromas, and gain insight into the process of creating Sri Lanka’s world-renowned spices. These spices were one of the key reasons the Portuguese, Dutch and English chose to settle down in the paradise isle during colonial times. You can also learn how they are used in Ayurveda, the traditional system of medicine.
No visit to Sri Lanka is complete without experiencing a range of carefully curated Ayurvedic treatments designed to give you a holistic wellness experience.
Over a period of 3,000 years, Sri Lanka developed its very own Ayurveda practice based on prescriptions handed down from generation to generation. The kings of old, who also tended to be prominent physicians, ensured its survival and longevity, going so far as to write comprehensive manuscripts referenced by local medical practitioners to this day. Ayurvedic physicians themselves appear to have held noble positions with royal patronage, giving rise to the popular Sri Lankan saying: “If you cannot be a king, become a healer.” Also, ancient rock inscriptions and ruins, particularly in Mihintale, reveal that Sri Lanka may have been the 1st country in the world to have established hospitals.
During your tailor-made tour, we encourage you to make some room for an Ayurvedic treatment or two; rejuvenating your mind, body, and soul.
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is an orphanage, nursery and captive breeding ground for wild Asian elephants located at Pinnawala village in Sabaragamuwa Province of Sri Lanka. Pinnawala is notable for having the largest herd of captive elephants in the world. In 2011, there were 88 elephants, including 37 males and 51 females from 3 generations, living in Pinnawala.
The orphanage was originally founded in order to afford care and protection to many of the orphaned unweaned wild elephants found wandering in and near the forests of Sri Lanka. It was established in 1975 by the Sri Lanka Department of Wildlife Conservation.
For a small country, Sri Lanka is rich in nature and wildlife. There are plenty of jungles, rivers and rain forests where wildlife can roam freely and tourists can come up close to the beauty. If you are looking for an adventurous holiday or either looking to experience the beauty of nature and wildlife, there are plenty of opportunities.
There are about ten major National Parks where wildlife safaris are operated from. Amongst them, Yala, Sinharaja Forest, Wilpattu, Uda Walawe, Hotron Plains and Bundala are probably the most famous. Sri Lanka is one of the best places to explore elephants and leopards. At times you may explore 50-60 elephants in one herd. Other predatory animals which can be found in Sri Lanka are the sloth bear, golden jackal and mongooses. Primates such as common langurs and a wide variety of monkeys (the endemic macaque, purple faced leaf monkey and shaggy bear monkey) demonstrate their remarkable agility by swinging from branch to branch, often in huge troops.
The opportunities are also endless for the photo enthusiast. We can organise expert wildlife safaris or bird watching tours with our well known ground operator