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The beautiful island country in South Asia is renowned for its pristine beaches, lush rainforests and emerald tea plantations. But a trip to Sri Lanka doesn’t need to be slow and leisurely!
The adventure sports scene in Sri Lanka is electrifying! Packed with everything an adventure enthusiast could wish for – think of snorkelling amidst vibrant coral reefs, diving into the depths of the Indian Ocean, exhilarating jet skiing, heart-pounding white water rafting, challenging trekking, adventure places in Sri Lanka have so much to offer. Most importantly, it's a place where you can have a blast without emptying your wallet!
Whether you're after stunning locations or thrilling adventure sports in Sri Lanka, this quick guide will help you find the perfect fit
Kitulgala
Just 2 hours and 15 mins drive from the Colombo International Airport lies Kitulgala, heaven for an adventure enthusiast. Iif you're seeking the best adventure places in Sri Lanka, it's totally worth visiting. You'd probably fall in love with this place if you’re a water baby – think epic white water rafting down the Kelani River, here you'll be offered grade 2 and 3 rapids making it suitable for everyone whether you're a beginner or a pro rafter.
You can also try your hand at canyoning down waterfalls or just chilling in natural pools. Love trekking? How about trekking in a lush rainforest? Spot colourful birds! Also, you can pay a visit to the prehistoric cave, Belilena cave. And don't forget to swing by the famous, The Bridge On The River Kwai filming locations.
Hikkaduwa
Your next must-do? Hikkaduwa! A perfect combo of chill and thrill. Just 2 hours drive from Colombo International Airport, this comes among the most popular adventure places in Sri Lanka.
Especially if you're a beach lover, it's a must-visit for you. Imagine kicking back in golden sands, hoping for turquoise water to snorkel with colourful fishes and majestic sea turtles. Jet skiing, snorkelling and diving are must-try activities to get your adrenaline pumping – the most popular adventure activities in Sri Lanka.
Not very enthusiastic about being in the water on your own? You can hop on a glass bottom boat and enjoy some captivating coral views. When you're ready to move on from the shore, take a stroll along the local market gazing at some local crafts, jewellery and souvenirs. Also, don't forget to sample some killer seafood!
Midigama
Love surfing? It is one of the most recommended adventure sports in Sri Lanka. If you're chasing that perfect wave and good times, Midigama is where you need to be. This is a premier surfer's destination that offers a variety of breaks catering to surfers of all skill levels. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just a newbie, you'll surely find a perfect break for you.
Not into surfing? Just soak in the laid-back atmosphere which is rare to find at other adventure places in Sri Lanka. Chill on the beach or hop to Marissa, a perfect spot for whale watching. If you're a history buff, checking out Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site is a must-do.
Corbet's Gap
Corbet's Gap ain't a hop and a skip, unlike Kitulgala and Hikkaduwa, but you won't regret the wait. This place is totally worth it. So, if you're someone who's dying for a tranquil escape or seeking some of the best adventure places to visit in Sri Lanka for trekking and hiking, it's a must-visit.
As you're diving into a UNESCO hotspot, expect crazy biodiversity, cloud forests and maybe even some rare critters. The trails are plenty from those easy leisurely strolls to more challenging ones. Hike to Gap viewpoint – the key attraction – think jaw-dropping panoramas that blow your mind. What's more? You can also chase hidden waterfalls for an exhilarating experience. You can also take strolls to nearby villages to get a taste of traditional Sri Lankan life.
Kalpitiya
Kalpitiya is one of the best adventure places in Sri Lanka. Why? It's a world-class kite surfing destination. Whether you're an adventure junkie or simply seeking some exciting adventure activities in Sri Lanka, Kite Surfing is your ideal option.
You'll experience an intense adrenaline rush as you harness the power of the wind to glide across the water and perform jumps, it's super exciting! Dolphin and whale watching, kayaking, diving and snorkelling are some other must-try adventure activities in Sri Lanka and visiting Kalpitiya offers you all. You can also pay a visit to nearby Wilpattu National Park, the largest and oldest national park in Sri Lanka, a must-visit spot for wildlife lovers and wildlife photographers alike.
Ella
Ella, it's an amazing blend of laid-back atmosphere, stunning landscape and those daredevil adventures. Ella offers a myriad of exciting activities like hiking, exploring tea plantations, waterfalls and more. The prime attraction? Flying Ravana Adventure Park, it's among the most recommended adventure parks in Sri Lanka.
First, you can try Mega Zip Line, it's Sri Lanka's first and it's insane – soaring over those lush hills with epic views is a total rush. If you're craving some high-octane action, hop on an ATV and tear through the trails, churning up dust and living it up. Thinking about an adrenaline kick? Try abseiling down a rock face. They have also got archery and air rifles, if you want to test your aim. Can you leave Ella off your list of best adventure places in Sri Lanka?