Joanna James
Sri Lanka is a vibrant island of many allures; history, art, traditions, culture and loads of adventure all wrapped up in one. The wildlife is exotic while the landscape is varied; where else can you go from chilling on a tropical beach to warming yourself in front of a fire in a matter of 4 hours!
Hikers and nature lovers are in for a treat, the island offers a diverse range of environmental backgrounds for you to explore. Head down south towards the coast and you can walk across rustic fisher villages, cross green paddy fields and pick lotus flowers from a pond. The hill country is gorgeous, offering misty mountain trails to explore, as you wander across tea bushes, seek out lush waterfalls and enjoy 360 degree views. The trails are fresh, green and unspoilt, often meandering through charming villages, rain forests, tropical parks and ancient temples.
Cycle tours are very popular, especially when staying at a coastal resort. One of the favoured things to do in Kalutara, a lovely coastal town on the south-west edge of the island, would be to take a cycling tour that helps you explore the rustic coastal areas. Guests at local resorts the likes of AVANI Kalutara Resort can book sightseeing tours via cycle to some of the popular local attractions. Make sure you follow a guide in order to stay safe. Bicycle tours are relatively cheap and excellent for exploring, especially landmarks around Kalutara, such as Richmond Castel, Thudugala Falls, Kalutara Bodhiya and serene fishing villages.
Sri Lanka has some excellent diving spots to explore. If you are based at hotels in Kalutara, it is easy to access the southern belt, where towns such as Bentota, Galle, Hikkaduwa and Unawatuna offer excellent diving locations. There are dive schools located along the western coast and southern coasts in case you want to take up the adventure sport while in Sri Lanka. Look forward to exploring ancient shipwrecks, verdant coral reefs and hidden bays.
There are a few sites around Avissawella and Kandy popular for rock climbing. You can book a tour with a tour company or hire yourself a reputed guide. Rock climbing is available for climbers of varying skill levels, while the experienced guides provide all necessary equipment and route maps to explore. Some of the most popular sites are the knuckles range, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla, Buttala, Horton Plains and the Ella range. The Bambarakanda waterfall, the tallest in the country, is ideal for the experienced rock climber to take on.
Boasting over 1,000 miles of shoreline and a continental shelf which stretches for over 10,000 square miles, the island is a paradise for the avid fisherman or woman. A deep sea fishing tour rewards you with a chance to fish for tuna, groupers, barracuda, jack, white and red snappers etc. If you manage to book a tour through a seasoned fisherman on the island, chances are the tour will last a rewarding 4 to 5 hours.
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