5 of Sri Lanka's Best Water Sports: Enjoy Sun Sand and Surf

All you adrenaline junkies whether beginner or professional will love the thrill of white water rafting along the Kelani River, in the town of Kitulgala. Open to adults and daredevil children as well the course 6.5kms in length meanders around grade II and grade III rapids. The journey which starts in the midlands of Kitulgala takes duration of one hour. As the thrill of riding the choppy rapids eases up you are given a chance to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery lining the banks. Take in the lush foliage, distant hills and occasional wildlife spotted along the banks. May to December is the best season for experiencing white water.

Arugam Bay is a gorgeous coastal village located along the eastern borders of Sri Lanka. Listed amongst the top ten world surfing spots this rustic village is loved for its relaxing ambiance and stunning scenery. If you are a beginner head over to 'Surf Point' with mild breaks that hit the headlands facing Arugam Bay. More experienced surfers can tackle the likes of 'Pottuvil Point' this is a break found close to a deserted beach skirting the northern edge. If you relish a challenge then check out the daredevil breaks at 'Crocodile Rock' which sits around the southern border of Arugam Bay Beach. If you head over to the southern coast there are good breaks along the popular touristy resorts of Hikkaduwa, Mirissa and Weligama. July to August is ideal for surfing in Arugam Bay while the southern coast is best tackled between May to October.

Negombo Town situated along the western coast of the country was the pioneer resort to introduce wind surfing to the island. As such it is still the main hub for the sport although Bentota on the South Coast has taken over as the 'best spot' for windsurfing. There are strong winds around the town between December to April which makes the sport highly conducive along the Bentota beach and lagoon. Other windsurfing spots include Trincomalee along the Eastern Coast; ideal during the period of May to October.

Sri Lanka is an excellent scuba diving spot; the eastern, western and southern coast are most popular; the south coast is the most rewarding. On the south coast the bay of Unawatuna is most popular; there you can dive amongst tropical fish, beautiful black coral and even shipwrecks. Unawatuna is just 5kms from the UNESCO heritage town of Galle home to Era Beach by Jetwing. Look for Galle villas at top boutique hotels for relaxing accommodation and easy access to the best dive spots around the southern belt; which is also home to the crescent shaped bay of Weligama where you can dive amongst coral fish and beautiful rock formations. Further from Galle is Kirinda and Kumana home to more shipwrecks, caves, pillars and sandstone reefs. Diving is recommended all year round.

The Kalpitiya Lagoon on the western coast is ideal for kite surfing whether you are a beginner or professional. Home to sand banks, remote little islets and reef, Kalpitiya offers loads of sunny fun on the surf. May to December is the best season.